City-life can be stressful. Living in concrete boxes can harm you. Surrounded by tall buildings, with hardly any sunlight creeping through, your commute each day is marred by constant honking and polluted air that is stifling to breathe through. Top it with a hectic work life and you have no time for yourself. Days will go by before you see greenery and plants or interact with animals other than a cat or a dog.
Humans are not meant to live this way. Just like any other creature, we need the rich outdoors. You just feel better there. So, if you think you’ve had enough, here is a list of green places you can visit to break the monotony and stimulate your senses.
When we talk about interacting with nature, plants and trees are always included, but the animals hardly ever make in to our plans. So, for this list we’ve picked locations where you get to interact with both. Here goes!
Outer Banks, North Carolina
There’s a wild horse in all of us. We all have a streak of rebellion, a want for freedom which a horse quite succinctly personifies. To watch these creatures roam wild and free, head to the scenic beaches of Outer Banks. These barrier islands located off the coast of the US state offer a great escape. If you go to the right spot, you’ll find herds of these beautiful creatures running around with their manes flowing. A stunning picture to look at. Just ask some locals for directions and you’ll find them in no time.
Denali National Park, Alaska
The freezing Alaskan tundra is the place to be. Take a helicopter or a seaplane and you’ll be there in no time and once there, get your hiking books on. As you walk the through fresh air and lush greenery you’ll feel revitalized. The main attraction though is sharing proximity with the antlered caribous. More commonly known as reindeers, these magnificent creatures graze on the grasslands at the park. If you go before mid-September you can catch them before they move away.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
There is so much beauty in Yellow National Park to experience, it is a must visit. The flora and fauna are amazing. You can stay in a hotel or a cabin as well as set up camp or park a RV. Wake up to the sunrise, hike the landscape, and eat some s’mores before you settle in for the night. You must out the geysers and hot springs that it’s known for. What you absolutely can’t miss are the bison. An estimated 3,000 of these mammoth creatures roam the land and what a sight they are!
North Padre Island, Texas
If it’s the sea where you feel at home, we’d recommend you take a trip to the North Padre Island. Located along the coast of Texas, its beautiful sandy beaches, clear waters and cool weather make this a great spot to relax. It is also the home of endangered Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle. Efforts are underway to protect them from going extinct and if you happened to visit the island between July and August, you can see them up close when the hatchlings are being released into the ocean.
Big Island, Hawaii
Speaking of the sea, another great place on our list is the Big Island. Located in Hawaii, it is great tropical experience. The land and culture are impressive, but nothing beats swimming with manta rays. Sign up for snorkeling and you’ll be surrounded by these slimy beings of the sea. You’ll be close enough to see their tails whipping and appreciate their wingspans. They are harmless creatures really, but such an experience is sure to bring you closer to nature.
Crystal River, Florida
If you’re feeling even more adventurous, consider swimming with manatees. These 1,500 pounds of blubbery creatures are a sight to see. Just head to the Crystal River in November where they take refuge in winters. You can find them in sanctuaries. While they are off-limits to tourists, if you go on swimming or snorkeling tours, you might get a good enough close up.
Somerset, Wisconsin
If you’re looking for even for exotic creatures, Somerset in Wisconsin is the place. You get to see the Eurasian bittern, large blue butterfly, Great white egrets, magical murmurating Starlings and along with Red deer, along with greater horseshoe bats. Of course, we don’t recommend you go anywhere close to the bats. You also get to see round-leaved sundew, a rare find. Don’t get to close to them either, they’re carnivorous plants.
Great Smokey Mountains National Park
This park has a lot to offer. The beautiful landscape boasts of at least a dozen picturesque waterfalls, and great trails to hike. You can see turkeys, peregrine falcons, white-tailed deer, elk, salamanders, bobcats as well as river otters. Their biggest attraction though are the black bears. These giant beasts roam around freely and while they are great to look upon, it is not advisable to engage them.
Lake Mead, Nevada
A great water body to camp by is the perfect vacation. What you’ll find here is more than a clear lake and tall trees. Here is the home of Desert Bighorn Sheep. It doesn’t get more outdoor than that. These graceful creatures roaming the land can be found grazing the fields. You’ll also get to see mountain lions and bats, though when you do you’ll probably want to run in the opposite direction.
Take time to reconnect with oneself
Nothing has more regenerative properties than spending time in the arms of nature. It’s soothing to say the least. While you’re there, look within and explore yourself. We’re sure at least one of these places are close by to where you already are. Use your Spectrum connection or Mediacom internet to book yourself a vacation right away. Browse a little and you’re sure to come across a good deal. So, what are you waiting for?
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