The very definition of rugged beauty - Glacier National Park, Montana

When I was young, my family went on these great driving vacations. You know the kind. Driving for days, all to get to one special place.

Now, just to be clear, this isn’t a complaint. As a bookworm, forcing me to sit still and quiet for hours at a time was hardly a punishment. Not only that, but the first time I saw Glacier National Park was on one of these journeys. This is one of those places that was well worth the trip - and that was before everyone had a tablet or smartphone to play on.

The primary route through the park is the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It seems to be designed from the start with the view in mind. Stop at one of the many scenic lookouts, point your camera, and take home a postcard. Or, even better, just take a minute to stand there and soak it in.

After exploring the park, make sure to stop by nearby Kalispell and Whitefish. In the latter I found the best Alfredo pasta I have ever eaten.

And then, after getting a good night’s rest, go back to the park the next day. It deserves a second look.