There’s no time like the present to squeeze in an epic escape. While you’re at it, might as well kick things up a notch with some action-packed animal encounters. Luckily, there’s no shortage of awesome wildlife-centric trips waiting to be discovered throughout the U.S.
These adventures range from mild to wild—and no, we don’t mean heading to the closest zoo. So whether you’re trying to get away before the leaves start to change, or planning further out into the future, these animal encounters are sure to impress. From high-octane excursions to educational experiences, there’s something for every type of traveler.
The Best Animal Encounters for Wildlife Enthusiasts
Visit Estes Park
1. Become an Elk Expert in the Rockies
One of the best times to visit Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is from late August through October. Not only does the 265,000-acre park burst to life in a dazzling display of autumnal foliage, but it also coincides with mating season for the region’s massive elk population. Formally known as “the rut,” visitors can get front-row access to an Elk Rut Safari with Yellow Wood Guiding. Spend an epic evening with a personal naturalist guide learning how to interpret subtle body language cues and getting a play-by-play commentary on the rut activity. Binoculars and spotting scopes are also available to bring everything into view, and Estes Park provides the perfect basecamp to experience it all.
Humpback whale breaching out of water in CaliforniaMike Doherty/Unsplash
2. Go Whale Watching off Avila Beach
When it comes to whale watching, California is the ultimate splash zone. The Golden State offers plenty of places to spot migrating whale pods, but for a guaranteed sighting, head to San Luis Obispo County and book an intimate experience with Avila Beach Whale Watching. Group tours are limited to six people to ensure unobstructed views during the two-hour excursion. Expect to see these playful creatures tail slapping and breaching in between snacking on local anchovies. Here, the top times for a humpback while sighting is May through November.
3. Experience the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
Want to go where the buffalo roam? Then head over to South Dakota. Custer State Park is the perfect place to spread out and reconnect with Mother Nature. Explore the park’s 71,000 acres of wilderness, punctuated by jagged granite peaks, rolling plains, and clear mountain waters. The park is also home to one of the world’s largest publicly owned bison herds, numbering more than 1,400. The best time to see these magnificent beasts is during the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, held the last Friday of September. Visitors will experience the Earth rumble as teams of cowboys and park crews saddle up to bring in the thunderous herd.
Orlando’s expansive theme parks draw throngs of tourists from all across the globe, but those in search of unforgettable animal encounters away from the crowds should plan a visit to Discovery Cove. The all-inclusive day park (which caps attendance to about 1,300 visitors per day) provides a tropical getaway fit for the whole family. Guests can interact with dolphins, flamingos, stingrays, exotic birds, and more. But the most thrilling adventure is the Shark Swim Experience. During the program, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the various shark species (including nurse, zebra, bonnethead, and blacktip reef sharks) before suiting up and swimming with more than 20 sharks. Even better, a portion of all proceeds supports the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, which conducts scientific research and develops educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment.
From March to October, the largest bat colony in the world meets at Bracken Cave. The cave was purchased by Bat Conservation International in 1992 and established as the Bracken Cave Preserve—encompassing nearly 1,500 acres. Located 20 miles east of San Antonio, Texas, it’s estimated that 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cave. Every evening, the colony takes to the skies and forms a swirling, ominous cloud. The gathering is a wonder to behold and marks the largest known concentration of mammals on Earth. Those interested in marveling at the magic of the night can visit the preserve and partake in the Bracken Bat Flight experience.
There’s a reason Yellowstone National Park is known as “America’s Serengeti.” The 3,500-square-foot park is home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states—but none are as elusive as the wolf. Those looking to find these apex predators on the hunt in their snowy natural habitat can join one of the winter Wildlife Expeditions organized by Teton Science Schools. Participants will ride in specially designed Mercedes-Benz snow coaches while expert guides explain the park’s unique geothermal features. Wolf tracking in the region is most fruitful through the winter months and peaks in February during breeding season across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
Northern Maine boasts the highest moose population in the contiguous United States (it’s also the official state animal). The best way to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures is during a Moose Safari with Northwoods Outfitters. Adventurers can choose between a hiking safari tour or a water-based experience in a kayak or canoe. Trace through the dense forests and towering mountains of the Moosehead Lake region while learning from their team of experienced local guides.
If you’ve ever envisioned mushing through the frozen, isolated landscapes of Alaska, then you’re in luck. Live out your dog-sledding dreams with Black Tomato and its customizable Alaska: Experience the Iditarod itinerary. Get to know the pack of racing huskies while learning the ropes of becoming a musher. Along the way, participants will assist the race by manning crucial road crossings on the official trail and get the unique opportunity to harness up and race their own dog team. Other adrenaline-fueled Alaskan adventures on the trip include ice climbing, rafting, heli-skiing, and snowmobiling.
Birdwatchers are in for a treat at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary located in Gibbon, Nebraska. Each spring, an estimated 80 percent of the world’s sandhill crane population converges on Nebraska’s Platte River valley. The pit-stop is used to rest and refuel during their once-per-year migration from Mexico, Texas, and New Mexico to breeding grounds in Canada, Alaska, and Siberia. During a Guided Crane Viewing Tour, people can witness the birds perform their elaborate courting ritual, which includes wing-stretching, head-pumping, and other carefully executed dance moves. They also offer an Overnight Photography Experience for shutterbugs looking to capture images of this time-honored tradition.
Sea Island is an idyllic escape tucked away along the southeastern coast of Georgia. Home to the Forbes Five-Star Sea Island Resort, guests can join the nature team on a Sea Turtle Dawn Patrol. Explore the full length of Sea Island’s pristine beach at sunrise while patrolling for nesting sea turtles and hatchlings making their way out to the Sargasso Sea. Not an early riser? No worries—they also offer Sea Turtle Education and Night Walks that kick off later in the evening. Learn all about the fascinating life cycle of the threatened and endangered sea turtle species that nest along this charming region of the Atlantic coast.
There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
Courtesy image
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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