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Best National Park Lodges in America

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Mesa Verde National Park


The National Park System manages 423 individual units, spanning more than 85 million acres across all 50 states. These sites include everything from national preserves and parkways to scenic riverways and battlefields. Of these, only 63 units have the elite designation of being recognized as a national park. Each year, these natural wonders attract a mind-boggling number of tourists. In 2019 (the most recent “normal” year), national park visitation topped 327 million, shattering multiple records along the way.

 

 

While some people want to rough it when exploring America’s national parks, others prefer a more comfortable getaway. Luckily, there’s no shortage of incredible national park lodges scattered throughout the park system. Whether you’re looking for a rustic respite or an over-the-top lodge, these properties flawlessly complement their stupefying surroundings. Here, five jaw-dropping national park lodges to add to your list.

Book a Jaw-Dropping Stay at the Most Epic National Park Lodges in America


Mesa Verde National Park
Courtesy of Aramark

1. Far View Lodge

Where to find it: Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park is a masterpiece 700 years in the making. For centuries, Ancestral Puebloans built thriving civilizations up in the cliffs and along the expansive mesas of the present-day park—making it the largest archaeological preserve in the country. More than 600 of these ancient dwellings still exist, but the colossal Cliff Palace is the most popular draw. The park was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

For truly spectacular vistas, book a stay at the Far View Lodge. It’s the only property located inside the park, sitting 8,250 feet above sea level and offering outlooks up to 100 feet in every direction (not to mention across four different states). Designed in the spirt of Mesa Verde, the 150-room retreat features authentic Kiva-inspired décor and locally sourced furniture and fixtures throughout.

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Oasis at Death Valley

Oasis at Death Valley
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2. Oasis at Death Valley

Where to find it: California

Straddling the California-Nevada border and covering more than 3.4 million acres, Death Valley National Park is a land of harsh extremes. Not only is it the largest national park in the contiguous U.S., but it also holds the record for being the hottest, driest, and lowest of all its fellow national parks. But despite its hellish name, Death Valley is actually bursting with life, marked by palm tree-shaded oases and providing refuge to plenty of native wildlife species.

The Oasis at Death Valley is home to two distinct hotel experiences: the lavish Four Diamond Inn at Death ValleyWhile some people want to rough it when exploring America’s national parks, others prefer a more comfortable getaway. Luckily, there’s no shortage of incredible national park lodges scattered throughout the park system. Whether you’re looking for a rustic respite or an over-the-top lodge, these properties flawlessly complement their stupefying surroundings. Here, five jaw-dropping escapes to add to your list. and the adventure-focused Ranch at Death Valley. Both properties recently underwent an extensive $100 million renovation and offer unforgettable experiences surrounded by the park’s soaring, jagged peaks. On-site experiences range from pampered spa treatments to the world’s lowest-elevation golf course, but the real fun can be found on their horseback tours, hiking excursions, and off-road Jeep adventures through Death Valley.

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Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa
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3. Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa

Where to find it: Tennessee

There are plenty of reasons why Great Smoky National Park is America’s most-visited national park. This International Biosphere Reserve is world renowned for its diverse ecology, cascading waterfalls, sprawling spruce-fir forests, towering mountains, and winding trails—including a portion of the Appalachian Trail, which bisects the park.

The Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa is the only resort located within the national park’s borders. The rustic property boasts spacious villas with private balconies so guests can watch the sun sink below the Great Smokies each night. It’s also a perfect outpost for families, thanks to amenities like a mini golf course, zipline, and indoor waterpark. Plus, it’s just minutes from other popular area attractions, such as Dollywood and bustling downtown Gatlinburg.

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Lake Quinault Lodge

Lake Quinault Lodge
Courtesy of Aramark

4. Lake Quinault Lodge

Where to find it: Washington

Covering nearly a million acres, Olympic National Park is often referred to as “three parks in one” because it encompasses three distinct ecosystems: glacier-capped peaks, old-growth temperate rain forests, and more than 70 miles of wild Pacific coastline. The Quinault Valley is tucked away in the southwestern region of the park, teeming with alpine meadows, icy mountains, and crystal-clear lakes. It’s also home to the legendary Lake Quinault Lodge.

Built in 1926, the luxury five-star hotel was the vision of famed American architect Robert Reamer, who also designed Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful Inn. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the lodge offers the only accommodations within the Quinault Rainforest. The rustic retreat sits on the shores of sparkling Lake Quinault, surrounded by imposing mountains. It’s purposefully void of modern distractions, like televisions and Wi-Fi, so guests can spend their days on one-of-a-kind guided nature tours or exploring the glacier-carved lake by canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon boat.

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Courtesy of Sheldon Chalet

5. Sheldon Chalet

Where to find it: Alaska

When it comes to epic bucket list experiences, an authentic Alaskan adventure ranks pretty high up there. The Last Frontier is bursting at the seams with natural wonders, but Denali National Park and Preserve stands out as the crown jewel. A thrill-seeker’s dream destination, it includes more than six million acres comprising astounding landscapes that culminate at North America’s highest mountain peak. Those in search of the park’s most spectacular stay will find it at Sheldon Chalet—but it won’t come cheap.

The lavish eco-conscious chalet is situated on a private glacier outcropping, known as a nunatak, perched 6,000 feet above the Don Sheldon Amphitheater. Due to its remote location, the exclusive escape is only accessible by helicopter from Anchorage or Talkeetna. In addition to serving the most dramatic views in the Alaska Range, guests get access to curated activities including aurora borealis gazing, ice cavern explorations, powsurfing, back-country skiing, gourmet glacier picnics, heli geography tours, and more. Truly the trip of a lifetime, a visit will cost a pretty penny, starting at $47,000 per couple for a three-night minimum.

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10 Best Porters to Drink Right Now

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A bottle of Deschutes Black Butte Porter




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Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

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Barbell Back Squat


The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.

“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.

If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.

Directions

Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.

Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

Circuit 1

Marius Bugge

A. Barbell Back Squat

Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts renegade row
Marius Bugge

B. Renegade Row

Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side

Circuit 2

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing renegade row Dumbbell Bentover Row in gym
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bentover Row

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 
Marius Bugge

B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 

Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 3

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat

Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Marius Bugge

B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift

Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Circuit 4

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing pullup
Marius Bugge

A. Pullup

Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Marius Bugge

B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press

Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 5

A. Dumbbell Pushup

Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps

B. Biceps Curl

Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps


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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout

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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout




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