NATIONAL PARK WEEK: Top ten reasons to visit a National Park this year

With “National Park Week” right around the corner (April 19 - 27, 2008), I thought you might want to share with your readers some top reasons to make a trip to a national park this year.

1. Get up close and personal with wildlife and the wonders of Mother Nature. Whether you are whale watching, flight-seeing or hiking, Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska delivers stunning scenery and wildlife. The snow-capped mountains, coastal beaches, tidewater glaciers and freshwater lakes of Glacier Bay are homes to whales, sea lions, rare birds, coastal bears, eagles and much more. (www.visitglacierbay.com)

2. Breathe fresh air. National parks are set aside by the government and protected from human development and pollution.

3. Witness historical sites that have been preserved. Established in 1906, Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado was the first ever national park designated to preserve the works of man. A World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde houses the world-renowned cliff dwellings of the Anasazi. (www.visitmesaverde.com)

4. Devour the delicious food specific to each national park region. Award-winning chefs at national parks are changing the way consumers perceive park food. The lodges of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia pride themselves on their sustainable recipes—traditional Southern cuisine with a twist. Examples of menu items include: aged cheddar cheese and ale soup, pan fried sweet potato pierogi, smoked Virginia trout rillette and Rockingham turkey and truffle pot pie. Also available are locally produced wines from one of Virginia’s finest wineries and vintners, Horton Vineyards. (www.visitshenandoah.com)

5. Spend quality time with those you love. National parks are ideal destinations for bonding time with your friends and family without distractions. Take time to hike together, relax together and appreciate each other’s company without cell phones, blackberries or laptops.

6. Experience a diverse ecosystem like no other in the world. In Washington, you can explore an emerald green rainforest, go clam digging at the beach and soak in a pure mineral pool all in one trip! The diverse ecosystem of the Olympic National Park provides a full spectrum of climates and activities. (www.visitwashingtonparks.com)

7. Enjoy endless outdoor recreational activities. This year promises to be the best houseboating season at America’s favorite houseboating destination, Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreational Area, on the border of Utah and Arizona. With the Castle Rock Cut opening to create a shortcut passage, boaters can save miles of travel and maximize their experience on the lake. Other outdoor activities include waterskiing, whitewater rafting and kayaking, just to name a few. (www.lakepowell.com)

8. Save money by traveling within the United States. With the slowdown of the economy, Americans are looking closer to home for their next getaway. A trip to a national park in your backyard allows for a relaxing getaway without making a dent in your wallet.

9. Create memories that last a lifetime. At Denali National Park in Alaska, you can revisit your trip at anytime with the new personalized “Tundra Wilderness Tour” DVD, sponsored by the Doyon/ARAMARK Joint Venture. With new video technology, the DVD incorporates professional footage of the wildlife and plants from each tour, allowing guests to remember their unique journey for years to come. (www.denaliparkresorts.com)

10. Escape from reality. With the hustle and bustle of everyday chaos, we all need a break. The tranquility of national parks lets us unwind and forget about the stresses of the real world.

Please consider highlighting these fun reasons to get your readers out to a national park this year! And if you’re interested in visiting any of these inspiring national park destinations, please let me know and I’ll be happy to coordinate a press trip for you.

For more information or photos of any of the above-mentioned national park properties, please feel free to contact me.