During our trip to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park this summer we decided to make a quick stop at a quirky little tourist spot called Moqui Cave. Moqui Cave is actually three small rooms made into a natural history museum about life in southern Utah and houses all sorts of interesting things such as Native American artifacts, rocks and fossils, fluorescent minerals and rocks from around the world, and even a large display of dinosaur tracks! Thinking that it might be a cheesy tourist trap, we were surprised to find it quite fascinating.
We were glad we made the stop to Moqui Cave in Utahi Cave in UtahWe loved this quirky little place called Moqui Cave in Utah.
Ancient Native American Artifacts
Also on display is a surprisingly large collection of pre-Columbian artifacts from Mexico and more than 1,000 arrowheads. The museum houses a collection of Native American artifacts found in Southern Utah and the surrounding areas. These remnants are from the ancient civilizations that inhabited the southwest around 1,200 years ago. There are centuries-old ceremonial pots, jugs, bowls, and working tools that provide some anthropological clues into the early lives of the Anasazi and Navajo Indians. There are Moqui artifacts, wood carvings, neon paintings, and even Steelers memorabilia. Not sure what the Steelers have to do with Indians though.
Over 1,000 arrowheads are on display in Moqui Cave.
Dinosaur Tracks
Inside there are over 180 dinosaur tracks, most of which were found within a 10-15 mile radius of Moqui Cave. All have been classified by world-renowned Paleontologist, Jim Jenson.
Dinosaur Tracks in Moqui Cave
Flourescent Minerals
200 feet inside the cave there is one of the largest fluorescent mineral displays in the United States. They have the display under an ultraviolet light, which makes the minerals glow in astonishingly bright colors.
History of Moqui Cave
We also learned of more recent history from the collection of records relating to the original United Order and the early day communal system proposed by the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
The word Moqui is an ancient term, and is now commonly used to refer to the Hopi tribe of Native Americans that inhabited the region which now includes parts of Arizona and Utah.
Thomas Chamberlain and his daughters in Moqui Cave
Originally a Saloon
The late Garth and Laura Chamberlain purchased the cave in 1951 and turned it into Southern Utah’s first dance hall and bar. During the week, patrons could grab a bite to eat and something cool to drink at their fully functional bar, and people enjoyed a live band on Friday and Saturday nights. Evidently, many early western movie stars frequented the establishment, and lots of movies were filmed in and around the place.
Moqui Cave was originally a bar and dance hall.
A museum was always in the back of their minds, as Garth studied Geology, Archaeology, and Paleontology. The exhibits on display are his personal findings after years of his studies and collecting. Most of the dinosaur tracks and fossils were found in the surrounding area, and their fluorescent mineral displays is one of the largest in the U.S.
Gift Shop
Moqui Cave also has a gift/rock shop where visitors can purchase items such as Native American arts and crafts, rugs, pottery, and turquoise. The rock shop has a wide variety of fossils, rocks, and minerals found locally and throughout the world. Both the museum and the gift shop are open during the summer season from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday – Saturday.
Gems on display in Moqui Cave
Snack Shop
There was also a cool little eatery at the entrance with good looking food (we didn’t try any of the food, so I can’t tell you what it tasted like). You can sit outside at picnic tables in the shade and enjoy the weather.
Guided Tours
Owned and operated by the Chamberlain family for over 50 years, the late Lex Chamberlain currently served as a tour guide for the cave. He told stories and shared historical accounts designed to familiarize visitors with the experience of the inhabitants of southern Utah. His granddaughter runs it now, and as you can see from my video of her giving the tour she is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Location & Admission Fee
Moqui Cave is located on scenic Highway 89, just 5.5 miles north of Kanab, and less than one mile from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. There is a large parking area that can easily accommodate RVs or buses. At the time we went (July 2020) the admission fee was $7 per adult.
My husband and I recently visited Zion National Park and had an awesome time. Since I didn’t know much at all about this park before our trip, I thought I’d share some answers to commonly asked questions. Hopefully, this will help you in your planning if you ever decide to visit yourself.
Zion National Park has a wide variety of beautiful scenery.
Planning a trip now? Make sure to scroll down to the bottom for some easy steps and recommendations for planning your travel.
Where is Zion National Park?
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Zion National Park is in the southwestern section of Utah on the very edge of the Colorado Plateau. The park is actually a large nature preserve known for Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive cuts through the park’s main section, leading to lots of winding forest trails along the Virgin River. If you have never been, it is worth adding to your must-see list.
Part of what makes Zion National Park so beautiful is the contrast of the lush, green high country, and the dry desert below. It is a part of the so-called “Grand Circle Tour”, a series of three spectacular national parks: Bryce Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park. The tapestry of vast desert views, tree-covered valleys, and colorful canyons makes viewing this park a very unique experience. Eighty-four percent of Zion’s 124,000 acres of extraordinary landscapes are still preserved as untouched wilderness.
What is so special about Zion National Park?
Zion is Utah’s first national park. This is where you can walk along the same paths as ancient native people and pioneers traveled. The main highlight of Zion National Park is an enormous canyon. It is amazing to look up at massive red and pink sandstone cliffs all around you with a backdrop of a beautiful deep blue sky.
The view from our hike to the Emerald Pools
Averaging 2,000 feet deep, Zion Canyon offers lots of opportunities for hiking along its floor. One of the most famous hikes is in the 20 to 30-foot wide area known as The Narrows, where hikers have to walk in the water to pass through the “narrow” opening between two huge cliffs.
The Virgin River flows to what is called the Emerald Pools, which have small waterfalls and a pretty hanging garden. Other beautiful features of Zion include the many natural rock arches.
The Trail to Emerald Pools in Zion National Park
Filled with a plethora of geological works of art, soaring rock pinnacles, magnificent arches, and beautiful rainbow-colored rocks, Zion National Park is one of the best places in the world for sightseeing. The natural wonders of deep orange and red-colored sandstone formations, crystal-clear streams, and canyons will blow you away. There is even a canyon wall that is called the Weeping Canyon because the constant dripping water makes it look like it is crying.
Zion is known throughout the world as one of the best places for canyoneering, the extreme sport of descending slender canyons. Some of the most famous canyons in Zion include Subway, Zion Narrows, Mystery Canyon, Pine Creek, Orderville Canyon, and Keyhole Canyon. Needless to say, I did not participate in canyoneering. The uphill hikes were extreme enough for me.
Why is Zion Called Zion?
The first Anglo-European settlers, Mormon pioneers, arrived in this southwestern area of Utah in the late 1800s. They named the area Zion, which is ancient Hebrew for sanctuary or refuge. In 1918 Munkutuweap National Monument becameZion National Monument and in 1919 thename changed again to Zion National Park. Now you know.
When is the Best Time to Visit Zion?
We went in July, and it was ridiculously hot. Spring and fall might be better times to visit since the weather is more moderate during these seasons. April and May and September and October are usually warm and sunny with highs between 60 and 90 degrees on average. However, it can also get pretty cool and rainy at times during these months.
Zion National Park is open all year, but the majority of visitors come in summer and early fall. In spring (March-May), the spring thaw creates magnificent seasonal waterfalls in the main canyon, but some of the most popular attractions are closed due to the Virgin River’s spring runoff. From June on, all sections of the park should be open, but due to the summer tourist season, from mid-May to mid-September, you could end up in large crowds. Make sure you check the park website regularly for COVID-19 updates as well.
Many say that the best time to go to Zion National Park is the second half of September. The weather is still hot, the days are typically clear, and the rivers are warm. Also, the leaves begin to change some in September, creating some spectacular views. Early November is not bad either. In October and November, the temperatures are said to be the most pleasant, and if you are particularly lucky, you may even witness the first snow in Zion. That would be cool – literally!
The cool water in the streams at Zion feel great on a hot day!
Is it Free to Visit Zion National Park?
There is a fee of $35 per car to enter the park. This will buy you a pass for a week (7 consecutive days). Just keep it in the glove compartment of your car and show it to the person at the gate when you return. Note: parking is very limited, so arriving early is recommended. The park can get crowded.
How Does the Park Shuttle Work?
Driving through Zion National Park can be beautiful, but if it is your first time to visit you will probably get the most out of your trip by taking the free shuttle bus, which is located in the town of Springdale. During the tourist season, large sections of the park are closed off for private vehicles. The shuttle will take you on a Zion scenic drive up the main canyon, accompanied by an audio introduction pointing out what to see in Zion National Park.
There are actually two shuttle lines. In addition to the free shuttle bus outside of the park, the other one is inside the park. You have to purchase a ticket in advance from recreation.gov in order to ride this shuttle (because of COVID-19). It runs from the Visitor Center up the Scenic Drive to places like the Zion Lodge and to different trailheads, including Emerald Pools, Scout’s Lookout, and Temple of Sinawava where hikers depart for the Narrows. The shuttle makes multiple designated stops at trailheads and scenic viewpoints. You can get a Zion National Park Information Sheet from the Visitor Center and take it with you. Then you can get off the bus often to take in the scenery or hike. It is very convenient.
Make sure to check the park website for COVID-19 updates. When we went in July there was limited seating on the shuttles, and the tickets sold out fast. The tickets are for certain time periods only. The first day we did not arrive in time to catch our shuttle at the designated time, so we could only hike outside of the park. The second day we were so glad we had made the smart decision to book a 6:00 am time slot for our ticket. As mentioned earlier it was crazy hot in July, so we were able to beat the crowds and beat the heat. We got all of our hiking in during the cooler morning hours and were so glad we did!
Parking is limited, and you can only park in a designated area. Riding the free shuttle in from town will keep you from having to worry about finding a legal parking place.
Can I Drive Through Zion National Park?
You can only drive through Zion Canyon in your own car a few months out of the year, but you can drive the Mount Carmel Highway at any time. Mount Carmel Highway is a 12-mile highway that connects the south and east entrances of Zion National Park, and driving it is an amazing experience! It eventually meets up with US 89. We came in this way through the east entrance, and it was a beautiful way to introduce us to this unique national park. The road goes through a super long tunnel built right into the cliffs. Pretty cool!
How Far is the Drive to Zion From Las Vegas?
Zion National Park is located 160 miles (2.5-hour-drive) from Las Vegas. Most of the drive to the park is along Interstate 15, which has some interesting sights and attractions along the way. Take your time and enjoy the drive!
How Far is Zion From the Grand Canyon?
Zion National Park is located just two hours north of the Grand Canyon North Rim. The park is 30 miles in length and fifteen miles across at its widest point.
Where Should I Stop Between Zion and Las Vegas?
We did not make it there on our trip, but I suggest Snow Canyon State Park if you have some extra time. The park is about 128 miles from Las Vegas and is filled with beautiful geographical features, interesting plants, and a rich history like petroglyphs, which is a form of rock art.
How Many Days Do You Need in Zion?
It has been suggested that you plan at least 5-7 days for your trip to Zion National Park, but you can still enjoy the highlights in much less time. One day was plenty for us. If you’re an avid hiker, you might want to take your time visiting popular (and strenuous) day hikes such as Angels Landing, Zion Narrows Day Hike, and Observation Point Trail. But make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks before you set out. There is really no convenient place to get food inside the park once you are on the trails.
Best Ways to Spend One Day in Zion National Park
What if you only have one day to visit Zion National Park? That is all that we had. No worries!
Here is a Perfect One Day Itinerary for Zion National Park:
You can start your day off at the Zion National Park Visitor Center to see which attractions are open and safe to explore. Sometimes certain areas are closed or considered too dangerous because of things like rockfalls or flash floods. Unfortunately for us, the visitor center was closed when we were there. Make sure you read all of the COVID-19 updates on the park website before you go.
Another option if you are there super early is to begin with the sunrise at Canyon Overlook.
There are hiking trails all along the streams in Zion National Park.
The Visitor Center has a handy information sheet with a detailed hiking guide describing each hike and letting you know how strenuous each activity is. Once you get all the information you need, it will be easier to decide what to do in Zion National Park. Even though the visitor center was closed for us, park rangers were always available to help.
Next, you can visit the Zion Human History Museum which is one of the first stops on the shuttle route through Zion National Park. It is mainly a cultural museum with exhibits focusing on the history of the American Indians, early settlers and pioneers, as well as initial conservation efforts which led to the establishment of Zion National Park in 1919. This museum used to be the visitor center before the 1990s. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the Bridge Mountain Arch and the Altar of Sacrifice as well.
After visiting the museum, make a short stop at the Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint, which is a group of three adjacent, similar cliffs named after the biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The path to reach the viewpoint is super short, so you won’t lose a lot of time making this stop and the view is worth it. There is also a path that leads to the Sand Bench Trail across the road, but you might want to save that for a unique Zion horseback riding experience.
You can take a lunch break at Zion Lodge if you want, or you can bring your own lunch in a backpack as we did. Zion Lodge, built in the 1920s, is a rustic, medium-sized hotel. It is a member of Historic Hotels of America, as part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Keep in mind that Zion Lodge is one of the major stops for the shuttle, so there will be lots of people getting on and off.
You can choose one of several on-site restaurants for lunch. You can also visit the gift shop then sit down and rest under the enormous cottonwood tree in the middle of the grand lawn. If you brought your lunch this might be a good picnic spot.
If I ever go back, I’d like to go horseback riding on the trails in Zion. Across the road from Zion Lodge, you will find the horse stables maintained by Canyon Trail Rides for Zion horseback riding on the Sand Bench Trail. This is actually a commercial horse trail, open between March and October.
From what I have read, this trail runs across the middle of an awe-inspiring landslide under The Sentinel peak, one of the most prominent features of Zion National Park. The landslide is actually a huge section of The Sentinel that broke off and slid down thousands of years ago.
I wish I had known about this when we were there because several have said this is one of the best things to do in Zion National Park, this trail is not as popular as some of Zion’s other attractions, so it is less crowded. Instead of practically killing ourselves hiking uphill in unbearable heat, we could have had an unforgettable experience on horseback in the middle of Zion’s most unique scenery. Aren’t you glad I told you about this? You can check out their official website for more information.
After your horseback ride, get back on the shuttle and head for Weeping Rock. This stop brings you to the starting point for several hikes including Deertrap Mountain, Hidden Canyon, Cable Mountain, East Rim Trail, and Observation Point. Weeping Rock is a famous landmark, because the constant springs dripping from above make it look as if the rock is crying.The phenomenon happens because the lower layers of sandstone have eroded away, and the water going down gets pushed out the side after reaching a solid rock layer. A short, but steep hike will get you there in ten minutes or less.
Now for hiking! There is no way to see everything in one day, so you will have to choose one of the three very strenuous hikes. Some of Zion’s most famous attractions take hours of hiking to reach, so if you’re only spending one day there you want to make sure you don’t miss your shuttle back by trying to do too much. You definitely don’t want to get caught there after dark! Also, if you go in July as we did you can flip your day around and do your hiking in the cooler morning hours. Consider your physical fitness and the information in your visitor center packet, and choose the one attraction that is best suited for you.
In the summer in Zion do longer hikes in the morning when it is cooler.
First Hiking Option: The Narrows
The Zion Narrows is one of the most famous day hikes in the park. We saw parts of it but did not do the hike. The Temple of Sinawava is the last shuttle stop, after which you will notice the walls of the canyon start closing in around the Virgin River. The river water cuts its way through the narrow, deep sandstone labyrinth. We saw the entrance where people were entering the very narrow passageway and saw how the smart ones were wearing water shoes with their hiking shoes tied to their backpacks. The trail actually goes through the river! A walking stick is a good idea to help you stay steady walking through the current. You can even swim in some places!
Waterfall on the way to the Narrows
Second Hiking Option: Observation Point
Observation Point is said to be one of the most famous viewpoints in Zion. However, in order to get to this spectacular view you will have a very challenging 4-mile hike from the Weeping Rock Trailhead. Completing the trail can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, but they say that when you finally get to the top, you will be glad you did it.
Third Hiking Option: Angel’s Landing
This is the option we chose, although I think if we had known how difficult it was going to be we might have chickened out. We just naively dove right in, and by the time we realized we might have bitten off more than we could chew we were already halfway there. We figured, “We’ve come this far it would be a shame to turn around now!” We also did a less strenuous hike to the Emerald Pools.
The switchbacks were brutal on the Angels Landing Hike in Zion National Park.
Angel’s Landing is one of the classic landmarks in Zion National Park. Just about any travel guide you read will name a hike to the top as one of the most memorable things to do in the park. Let me tell you, if you are afraid of heights I would not attempt this hike. The path of steep rocky switchbacks is bordered by long drop-offs, and only a steep narrow ridge leads to the summit.
The Angels Landing Hike in Zion National Park is very steep!
To get to the very top a chain was recently installed for people to hold on to for balance (Since 2004, ten people have died from falling while hiking this trail). However, when we were there that section was closed. The chain was too much of a high touch area, so because of COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, this section was closed.
The view at the top was spectacular, along with the sense of pride and accomplishment (and disbelief) that we felt for dragging our 50-something-year-old bodies up two and a half miles of a 1,500 feet elevation uphill climb all the way. I kept thinking, “This better be making me skinny!”
The Angels Landing hike in Zion National Park is a long steep uphill climb.
There are guided hiking tours by experts if you’d prefer not to try to navigate the trails on your own. The Zion Adventure Company is one well-known group that provides several options for tours.
As you’re leaving the park, take the time to stop and explore Springdale, a small tourist town named one of the 20 prettiest towns in the U.S. by Forbes magazine. Originally a Mormon farming community, Springdale is now filled with art galleries, quaint little hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants.
We had an awesome breakfast on the patio the day we left Zion at Me Me’s Cafe.
EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING ZION
Make sure to park legally during your stay in Zion National Park. The parking space is limited and parking is only allowed in designated stalls. If you break the rules, your vehicle may get towed. In case all of the designated stalls in Zion are full, you can park in Springdale and take the free shuttle to Zion National Park.
If you are staying at one of the campgrounds, make sure to make reservations at least three months in advance.
There have been accidents involving casualties in Angels Landing, The Narrows, and The Tunnel. Always be careful and prepared.
Bring a pair of really good shoes. The soles should be hard and grippy.We wished we had hiking boots because our running shoes did not have great support for walking on rocks.
For longer hikes, bring some food and waterwith you.
Leave no trace. When hiking, you should stay on the trail, and don’t remove anything from the park. Carry out what you carry in. Don’t leave any trash behind!
The View From the Top of Angels Landing in Zion National Park
Are There Dangerous Animals in Zion National Park?
Bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes are the most dangerous inhabitants of Zion National Park, but they are rarely seen. There are no bison or wolves roaming around, but there is a large amount of wildlife that calls the landscape home. Common to the park is the ringtail cat, though most park visitors are not familiar with it. I had never even heard of it.
Believe it or not, the most dangerous animal in Utah is the moose. Moose have only inhabited Utah for about 100 years, but they’ve multiplied rapidly. The Shiras moose (also called the Wyoming moose) might look kind of clumsy and goofy, but you shouldn’t underestimate him.
My husband really scolded me for getting so close to the moose in the park, but a car kept trying to drive in the parking lot. I was in the way and could only get out of their way by stepping closer to the moose. So do what I say not what I did. Stay far away from the moose!
Where Should I Stay When Visiting Zion National Park?
Here are some resources that will help you plan your trip. If you click through my links you will be able to access the best and most current prices and deals. These are companies that I trust and I think will be the most helpful to you as you plan.
Book a Flight
If you are not within close driving distance to your destination you will need to book a flight. I don’t know if you have heard of this company yet, but with Skyscanner you can find cheap flights anywhere in the world. The website is super easy to use, and if you use my link above you will be able to compare flights and prices and have a seat booked without all the hassle of multiple website searches. Skyscanner is awesome!
Book a Room
Hotels.com has great deals on National Park lodging. They are very reliable. If you want to see tons of reviews on places to stay, TripAdvisor has over 150 million reviews and opinions of hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more by travelers like you and me.
Book a Car
You could go through individual rental car companies if you want, but if you check out TripAdvisor they have great comparisons. Also, if you book hotel and rental car together it is oftentimes cheaper.
Luggage
If you are needing new luggage for your trip check out some really awesome deals on good quality luggage at Chester Travels.
Travel Insurance
One of the worst things is to be out of town and have something bad happen. Accidents, unexpected mishaps, and other troubles can and do happen. But if you are prepared you can have peace of mind. That’s why getting travel insurance is a great idea. And it does not cost that much. Travel insurance can help you deal with theft, health issues, and other troubles. I recommend World Nomads. The people at World Nomads are passionate travelers themselves, so they know what can happen. The link above will take you to their very best deals.
Most of all, have fun!
Please leave a comment below. What was your favorite National Park to visit?
Where I live school starts back tomorrow – whether all in person, all virtual, or a hybrid of both versions. It will be a different year for sure, but one thing should not change. Great after school snacks! One of my favorite kinds of homemade cookies is oatmeal raisin cookies with chopped pecans. These are my dad’s most favorite, and I just made him some for his 80th birthday last week. I wish I could take credit for this recipe, but it actually comes straight off the inside of the lid to the package of Quaker Oats. The only thing I changed is that I added chopped pecans.
So if you have children or are a teacher like me try some delicious oatmeal raisin cookies for that mid-afternoon snack. And if you just turned 80 what better way to celebrate!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies With Pecans
I like to put them in a plastic bag and freeze them then just take a few out at a time. After about 5 seconds in the microwave, they are soft, warm, and chewy. I find that they stay fresher that way. I hope you enjoy this fun recipe. Here is all you need to know:
Ingredients
1 stick plus 6 Tbsp. butter softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 cup raisins
3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
3 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
Instructions
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy.
Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.
Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; mix well.
Add oats, raisins, and nuts; mix well.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 8 – 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered. Can be frozen.
Keyword: cookies, dessert recipes, oatmeal, oatmeal raisin cookies
Servings: 4dozen
Ingredients
1stick plus 6 Tbsp.buttersoftened
3/4cupfirmly packed brown sugar
1/2cupgranulated sugar
2eggs
1teaspoonvanilla
1 1/2cupsall-purpose flour
1teaspoonbaking soda
1teaspooncinnamon
1/2teaspoonsalt(optional)
1cupraisins
3/4cupchopped pecans(optional)
3cupsQuaker Oats(quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
Instructions
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy.
Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.
Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well.
Add oats, raisins, and nuts; mix well.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 8 – 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered. Can be frozen.
Time management is important when working from home. Photo by Unsplash
Working from home is a huge thing now. It was a “thing” before, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, those who were fortunate enough to have kept their jobs most likely had to learn how to adapt to a new (but familiar) work environment. For some people working from home has been an easy transition. For others, it has been surprisingly tough.
Competing demands of other people in your home and the sudden lack of structure and schedule can feel overwhelming. But there are huge benefits to working at home. You can end up having a better work-life balance and get into a workflow or rhythm that matches your style and allows you to be even more productive.
There are several things that can contribute to you becoming a successful work-at-home employee. More and more companies across almost every industry accommodate an increasing number of employees who no longer wish to deal with the commute and office. Remote work has become an increasingly viable option for many. If you are in this category I hope this post will give you some valuable tips for how to best manage your time and be the most productive working from home.
Although becoming a successful remote employee depends on many factors including your work ethic and attitude, here are some basic tips for success that I and others have learned along the way.
1. Get Dressed For Work
Get Dressed For Work Even at Home Photo by Unsplash
When I first started blogging I would sometimes get up, get a cup of coffee and bring it back to my bed, then sit propped up in my bed with my pajamas on staring at the blue screen of my computer and smart phone for hours. This is not a good idea. Leave your phone across the room if you have to, but set your alarm and get out of bed on time every day. Then prepare for your day just like you would if you were going into the office. Get up and excercise (if you are a morning excersiser) then take a shower and get dressed.
Although you can get away with dressing more causally at home, you will want to dress as though you will be interacting with colleagues or customers in person. You never know when you will need to jump on a video call, and you don’t want to be caught with no pants on! A little makeup can’t hurt either.
Getting dressed gives your workday a specific starting point and energizes you for work. Being dressed for work makes it less tempting to crawl back into bed for a mid-day nap. Although sometimes short “power naps” can sometimes increase concentration and focus, no one is paying you to sleep.
Don’t Sleep Where You Work
Sort of like the “Get dressed for Work” idea, set up your workspace someplace away from your bedroom. Psychologically, you need to not be thinking about sleep while working. Get a good night’s sleep the night before, then be ready to work.
You need to set up an area that is just for work. My work area is my favorite room in the house. It is a beautiful little round room with 10 floor to ceiling windows. I have bird feeders and can watch the hummingbirds and other birds while I work. I have a desk, a printer, and a place for files. There is no TV or other distractions in my home office. In fact, we do not even have it fully furnished yet.
Make sure you have a comfortable chair. I am very short, so when my back and shoulders began to hurt I realized that my chair was not tall enough for me to properly position my hands on the computer. A simple cushion in my seat did the trick!
Don’t sleep in the same place you work, unless you are my dog Banjo.
Make Sure You Are Set Up Well With Technology
Having a good workspace that allows you to concentrate is extremely important. But you will also need to check with your company’s IT department or your manager to make sure you are equipped with the software programs and applications you need to work well remotely.
If your company has its own Virtual Private Network (VPN) that you use to connect to your e-mail or other internal systems, make sure you have tested it and that it functions well from your home office. It is also always a good idea to have a backup plan in the event that your connection experiences disruptions.
An uncluttered workspace will help with concentration when working at home. Photo by Unsplash
The same thing applies to your internet. If the wireless internet in your home office fails, make sure that you can still seamlessly connect through your smartphone, set up as a WiFi hot spot. Hopefully, your wireless plan is set up to handle large files. Otherwise, you could get hit with some enormous overage fees on your cell phone bill. You don’t want that! In addition, some worker’s companies will pay for phone and internet service and provide certain equipment.
Maintain Security at Home
Take security measures when accessing your organization’s data and systems remotely. Only use a secure WiFi network that requires a password for access. Better yet, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) if your company has one.
When you back up your data, don’t save sensitive materials to removable media, such as flash drives. These can transfer malware and viruses, and they can also be easily lost.
Lock your computer when it is unattended, even if just for a few moments. None one else (not even family members) should see confidential data. Also, a few random keystrokes by your child or your pet could wreak havoc on whatever you were working on.
After work hours store your devices in a safe place, out of sight of anyone who might be passing by your window.
Keep Up Communication
Communicate often when you work from home. Photo by Unsplash
To succeed as a remote employee you must be able to communicate quickly and reliably. Update your manager or boss frequently, return phone calls and e-mails in a timely manner and reach out to customers often. Always be available and ready for group chats or video calls. Make sure the software you need is installed, and keep it updated. Make sure you know how to use all of the features before your big meeting as well. No one wants to see your lips moving but you forgot to unmute yourself.
Keep your calendar updated, and ensure that your status updates are accurate so that co-workers know when you are available. Avoid unnecessary online meetings, and make yourself as available as possible. Good communication builds trust in your work ethic and productivity and keeps managers from feeling like they need to micromanage.
Communication is important to assure your boss that you are really working and to keep remote workers connected to a team and maintain a sense of belonging. Find out which platforms are the most convenient for the people you frequently communicate with.
If you’re taking a lunch break, don’t ignore messages. Go ahead and respond even if it’s just to say, “I’m away from my desk, but I’ll check on that as soon as I get back and will let you know.” Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Your manager may not always know when you are struggling, so let them know earlier rather than later and head off problems before they occur.
Set Goals
Set goals to be productive working at home. Photo by Unsplash
A lot has been written about setting goals and productivity. But goals are especially important when you are working from home. Make a list of things that need to be done today, this week, and so on. Then prioritize them. Go ahead and tackle the hard thing first, as it will take your full energy and will be easy to put off doing. You will never “feel” like doing it, so you might as well go ahead and get it out of the way.
Your goals should follow the S.M.A.R.T. goal approach. Plan tasks that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. You are already probably very familiar with this format. There are lots of productivity apps that can help as well.
Try staying hyper-focused on one thing for 20 – 25 minutes intervals then take a 5-minute break in between. If you finish one task in that 25 minutes move on to another one during the next interval. As a teacher, I have often used a timer in my classes to signify when it is time to move to the next task. Set a timer for 25 minutes and see how productive you can be!
Procrastination can be tempting when there are no co-workers around to see if you are wasting time. So these transitions into and out of work mode are so important. To be successful working from home you have to be productive. And to be productive, you have to be motivated.
The main thing is that you need to be very strict with yourself about having a consistent schedule, so that you have clear boundaries between work, household chores, and play. Balance is key. Have a routine that includes clear start and stop times for work, time to eat, time to exercise, and time to relax.
Set Up Self-Motivation Strategies
It takes self-motivation to be successful working from home. Photo by Unsplash
Working from home may not give you the immediate gratification of verbal praise or recognition you might get in person. So it is important to use self-motivation strategies to boost your self-esteem, stay positive, and keep yourself motivated to keep going.
Give yourself little “rewards” now and then. For example, you tell yourself that as soon as you finish a particular boring or routine task you can get up and go get a coffee out of the kitchen. This may sound silly, but little mental tricks like this do work.
If you are a list person, there is a certain satisfaction in crossing off things on your To-Do List and recording completed tasks, not just things still unfinished.
Have you ever heard of the “Imposter Syndrome?” It’s when you start to doubt yourself and worry that you will eventually be “found out.” You think that others will realize just how incompetent you are. That may be weird sounding, but when people are physically isolated they need to know that their success is noticed. Otherwise, self-doubt creeps in. How do you address this at home? You celebrate your successes!
Make sure to celebrate the successes of your team members as well and let them know what you have accomplished. Publicly thank team members when they go out of their way to help you. An online “shout out” can go a long way.
Plan Against Distractions
To work effectively from home (or from anywhere for that matter), you will need to block out disturbances as best you can. It takes too long to get back on task after an interruption. Set and enforce boundaries by explaining to family members that your work area is off-limits and that they should avoid interrupting you during work hours unless it is super important. You can set aside breaks to spend time with them (such as lunch). That way they are less likely to try to get your attention while you are working.
Sometimes family members can be a distraction when working from home. Photo by Unsplash
But often people are not the biggest distractions. How much time do we waste looking at our phones? We hear a notification or see a message pop up. Then what we intended to be one glance turns into 20 minutes of scrolling Facebook and watching funny animal videos. You can use apps that switch off your social media periodically, but I have found that I can be productive and focused when I just turn off computer and phone notifications then check messages in between your work intervals.
As I mentioned before, your workspace is important. Is there enough light to see your computer screen but not so much that there is a reflective glare? And what about the noise? If it is not possible to shut out noise consider using headphones. Is the temperature comfortable? Arrange your desk so that distractions are not in your line of view. My husband’s home office is in another room of the house. Sometimes I can hear his video conference calls, but because it is two rooms over it is easy enough to tune it out.
People and electronics are not the only sources of distraction. A messy desk can also be a distraction. Make it a point to clear off the clutter and create a clean and organized work environment. Tame the paper tiger by sorting papers into piles to be filed, thrown way, shredded, or those that you need to take action on. Have the supplies you use regularly well within reach and only have what you are currently using on your desk. I have really loved using the Neat System for scanning all my piles of papers and storing them on the cloud.
Take Breaks Outside When Possible
Sometimes when working from home it is good to get outside.
Physical movement is crucial not only for your health but also for your mental focus and productivity. Go outside periodically and take a short walk to help unfog your brain and inspire creativity. The weather where I live in Memphis is hot and humid during the summer, so walks only work early in the morning or late in the evening. But for quick breaks, I still go outside and water the plants or throw the ball for the dog in the yard. Don’t let working from home be an excuse for lapsing into unhealthy behavior. Establish good routines, and get up out of your chair often.
Regular short breaks will keep you energized and focused. Besides, your eyes need a rest periodically from continuous screen time. This doesn’t mean switching from your computer screen to your phone. Give your eyes a short break from both.
Maybe meet a friend for a pre-work walk or coffee or schedule lunch meetings. This helps to prevent a feeling of isolation. It helps you feel like you have a regular schedule and gives you some good old Vitamin C.
I have been blessed during this Safer-At-Home time to have an almost daily group exercise class led by a fitness trainer friend via Zoom. It is all women, and that way I start my day with some good girl talk and exercise. My normal day these past few months has been walking the dogs with my husband then my group exercise class before I shower and work on my blog all day.
Even if you are a natural introvert we are all social creatures and you will need to build in some sort of socialization to keep from feeling lonely not being in a traditional office setting. It could be chatting with a neighbor or walking to the corner store. But make it a point to talk to someone daily who has nothing to do with your work.
Separate From Work Completely When Work Hours End
This one is hard for me. As a teacher I have gotten into the habit of planning lessons, grading papers, and doing paperwork at home after hours. But I never felt like my brain turned “off” of work. Then when the pandemic hit all of a sudden I had no school. So I found myself doing the same thing with my job as a blogger. I was working on it all the time. But now that teachers are returning to work this week I am going to have to be good about balanced scheduling of my time.
You need a place in your home that you go to recharge and disconnect from work at the end of the day. Ideally, you should wake up and go to sleep in a room free of technology. When you log off for the day, log off completely. Close your work e-mails and refocus on something other than work. Without the commute, you may be tempted to start earlier and finish later, but this may cause exhaustion eventually. Make sure you keep regular work hours so that you don’t wear yourself out.
Keep a regular work schedule when working from home, and take frequent breaks.
Trying to mix work and free time means you never truly shut off or power down your brain, and that’s not healthy. You’ve heard the phrase “bringing work home.” Well, if you are working from home you will have to be super intentional about not blurring the line between work and the rest of your life.
Just like you set up physical room boundaries, you need to set up mental and emotional boundaries or you run the risk of burning out and feeling depressed because you are always “on” and available. It’s like being on call all the time. Be present and in the moment with your friends and family and consistently enforce those boundaries you set up.
Practice Being Thankful
There are always many things we can think of to complain about. But what good does it do? When work starts to feel stressful try thinking about all the positives of working from home. Think of what all you have to be thankful for. For me, I love being able to look out my window at the bluebird who goes in and out of the bluebird house I built for her and currently has four beautiful pale blue eggs in her nest.
I love watching the hummingbirds drink the red nectar I put out for them near my window. I love that my dog sleeps in her dog bed right near my desk while I work. I love being able to eat lunch with my husband each day since he has also been working from home in another room. And I especially love the quiet that allows me to concentrate and write all these wonderful work-from-home tips for you.
Not everyone has these privileges, and I do not take it for granted. If you cannot find things to be thankful for as you work from home, maybe it is time to make a change and go back to the office!
Do you have any other tips for working from home successfully? I’d love to hear them in your comments below!
You may have heard me mention BookVIP before, and you may have even seen some of their ads on Facebook or Instagram. They advertise these incredibly low prices on luxury resorts, and I bet they made you just a little curious. I mean who doesn’t love a great deal on travel? Maybe you even clicked on an ad or two but wondered if the advertised price is too good to be true. You may have asked yourself, “Is BookVIP legit?” What is the catch? Is it a huge scam? Well, hopefully after reading this post you can decide if BookVIP.com is right for you or not. I have read hundreds of reviews, done lots of research, and have used them to book a trip for myself. In fact, we have a second trip booked for this fall.
Is the beach calling you? photo by Unsplash
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you click on the links at no additional cost to you. However, all opinions are my own.
What is BookVIP?
BookVIP is an American travel agency headquartered in Miami with additional offices in Asia. The company is the leader in discounted vacation promotional packages and is also one of the fastest-growing travel companies in North America serving over 1 million customers per year. BookVIP.com offers 24 hour, 7 day per week service for its clients and is available before, during, and after their trip. BookVIP has a consumer rating of 4.59 stars from over 9,000 reviews and ranks 11th among vacation sites. Customer reviews are mixed, but over 91% are positive (over the past 12 months). They currently have an A rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Just to give you an idea, here are some of their current promotions:
I want to share with you my own personal experiences as well as what I have learned through research so that you can understand exactly what to expect if you decide to use this company. If you want to check out what they have to offer please click on any links to BookVIP in this post to navigate directly to their site’s current promotions. I will tell you all about my BookVIP purchases, planning, and the trip itself. I want you to know exactly what you are signing up for if you decided to book your own BookVIP vacation package. Hopefully, I will answer all your questions and more.
Is BookVIP legit or is it a scam?
Honestly, it did seem too good to be true when I first heard about it. My greatest fear when booking travel like that is that I will get scammed and end up on some television show talking about how this company took millions of dollars from people then disappeared. But I can tell you that it is totally OK to click the links or go to their site. It is a legitimate company as I’ve described above. BookVIP has provided thousands of people with excellent vacations at discounted rates. They have more positive video customer reviews than any other travel company.
They have deals as low as $99 for 3 nights and $399 total for a 5-night all-inclusive vacation package with airport pickup in Cancun for 2 people! So what is the catch? What else will they make you pay for? There is no trick, and it is not a scam. If you’ve been following me for any time at all you know that I am a planner when it comes to travel. So I did my research. I love discounts, but I do not want to sacrifice quality in order to save money. I also only like to do business with companies that have a good reputation in the travel industry and only recommend to you products and services I use myself or know to be a great company.
So what did I discover reading reviews and articles about this company? The large majority of reviews were positive! With over 9,000 reviews of course there are some negative ones as well. However, it seemed that the majority of negative reviews were because people did not read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions. It is important to know all the details, and I hope to help with that. We loved our stay in Branson, Missouri so much that we have another trip with BookVIP booked in Mexico.
5-Star Cabo San Lucas
5-night all inclusive $599 per couple
How does payment work?
There are usually several options with paying for BookVIP vacations. There is usually a downpayment of around $99 with an option to pay it all upfront and usually options to upgrade to a bigger room, all-inclusive, or a suite. Sometimes in order to respond to the sale or promotion, you will have to pay a downpayment first without securing exact dates. Then you call the number given to you in your confirmation e-mail to secure your vacation dates and finalize your payment. It is better if your dates are flexible, as you will have a lot more options that way. Since I am a teacher I can only travel on school holidays, which limits me.
You will get a detailed email from BookVIP with instructions. You usually have a year (sometimes up to two years) to schedule your dates. I would not pay the whole thing until you have secured specific dates for your trip. Just pay the downpayment only until you call back with dates. However, if you do decide to pay for it all upfront you will be offered gifts and incentives such as a free 3-night stay at one of their domestic locations or vacation credit.
Punta Cana All-Inclusive Luxury Resort $799 per couple
More About Booking Travel Dates
Some of the negative reviews I read were from people who didn’t understand how the dates work. You may not always be able to get the exact dates you want for the resort you want to visit. The more flexible you can be on the dates, the better off you will be. If you try to book on very short notice, you may not get a room. And do not book your airfare until your dates are confirmed. Each resort that partners with BookVIP only leaves a certain amount of rooms open for people booking through BookVIP, and they go quickly.
Mexico All-Inclusive Resort $599 for 2 adults and 2 children
Will I Be Able To Get The Exact Dates I Want?
So I mentioned above that the resorts only leave a few rooms open for BookVIP travelers. That is because BookVIP is a discount travel company that partners with timeshare resorts. The reason their prices are so low is that they are trying to drive customers to these resorts in the hopes that they can sell them a world-wide timeshare program.
The BookVIP company does all of the advertising and marketing and booking for each vacation package purchased. They also vet customers to assure that they qualify for the promotion. Then they pass that information on to the actual resort, and the resort finalizes everything.
So, here’s the bottom line. Plan as far in advance as possible, because each resort only keeps a certain number of rooms available for time-share presentation groups and these rooms go on a first-come-first-served basis. The rest of the rooms are left for full-paying customers or time-share owners. In some of the reviews I read, people were upset that the dates they wanted were not available or that they had to switch resorts in order to travel on the dates they wanted. But if you know all of this upfront and understand why then you can plan accordingly.
So some of the negative reviews I read claimed that BookVIP ripped them off because they would not honor their travel dates. But if the dates you want are not workable for the resort, this does not mean that BookVIP is being dishonest. It just means that others got ahead of you on scheduling those dates for their BookVIP purchased vacation package.
So click through my site to BookVIP and select a destination. Look at the trip packages offered, choose one, and pay the downpayment (usually $99). Then call customer service and make sure the dates you want are available. Answer the qualifying questions and agree to the timeshare presentation. Then plan your trip. If you book too far in advance you will have to call again and confirm with them that you still qualify about a month or two before your trip (still have a job for example). Once everything is confirmed, then you are safe to book your flight.
Orlando $299 Theme Park Deal!
Will I Have To Listen To A Timeshare Sales Presentation?
So what is the catch? What is BookVIP getting out of this? They have fantastic deals available in locations all over the world. How can they afford to advertise prices that are 50% – 80% off regular price vacation packages purchased directly through the resort or other third-party travel companies? Will I have to listen to a timeshare sales presentation? The short answer: no.
Let me explain. You do not have to listen to a timeshare presentation unless you want to get certain promotions. So I guess that’s the “catch.” But this is explained up front. You attend a 90-minute presentation and will be given the opportunity to either directly own a unit at the resort or buy into a world-wide timeshare. Of course, you do not have to purchase anything if you do not want to. After the meeting, you are done and can go back and enjoy your vacation knowing that you just saved tons of money!
We decided to do it. It was a 90-minute commitment our first day there, then we were on our own. In exchange, we got a two-bedroom condo with full kitchen instead of a hotel room with no meals. On our next trip, we are upgrading to the all-inclusive package for less than $400 total for the two of us (normally $1,700) in exchange for listening to a presentation. So you have a choice.
But I want to be clear. If you do decide to upgrade or take the promotion you have an obligation to attend your scheduled time-share discussion with a resort salesperson (usually the morning of your first full day there). If you don’t show up you will get charged the full room price. I noticed some people complained in the reviews that they were never told about this requirement. Well, I am telling you now. It was always clear to me. It was communicated verbally and in writing. It lasts 90 minutes unless you act super interested, then it may last for 2 hours. Don’t take my husband with you, because he asks too many questions. Ha Ha!
So just attend the presentation. If you are not interested in purchasing anything then leave when it is over and go enjoy the rest of your awesome vacation. If you like what you see and time-share ownership into the resort works for you, then go for it. You can’t lose either way.
What BookVIP gets out of it is a large commission if someone purchases a time-share program. What the resort gets out of it is a chance to try and sell their time-shares. They give away free stays and deep discounts in the hopes that their great salespeople will close the deal.
BookVIP has resorts in such beautiful places. photo by Unsplash
What is the sales presentation like?
Good question. A lot of people really enjoy it and find it interesting. Honestly, I was really nervous about it. I was afraid of being made uncomfortable with a super high-pressure sales pitch and intimidation. But It was not like that for us. A customer service representative met us for a free breakfast and went over the basics of what to expect. He asked about our vacation history and preferences, how much we usually spend on vacations, and what future plans we have for vacations. Then he told us a little about the resort program.
After we ate we hopped on his golf cart and took a guided tour of the property. He explained all of the resort features and answered questions. He showed us a model room that was nicely furnished and had a great view. Then we went back, and he went over the numbers and tried to convince us that we would save money on vacations by purchasing a timeshare. We already knew we were not interested in buying a timeshare (there is no obligation to purchase), so we declined. That is when our guy turned us over to his boss who did not want to take no for an answer. By that time I was impatient to get started on our fun, so I felt a little irritated. I will warn you, these salespeople are good! But when we politely refused again he gave up, and that was that.
Besides our discounted upgrade for listening to the sales pitch, we were also rewarded with two free show tickets of our choice. Nice! If you are interested in purchasing a time-share you can sign write then, but you are also free to politely decline and enjoy your discounted vacation for the rest of your visit.
They will not give up easily. If you say no they will show you another package at a lower price, then an even lower one. So you can decide to do it or stick with your “no” answer and move on. We decided ahead of time what our response would be no matter what, so that made it easier for us. But if you truly are interested, my advice is to remember that their price is negotiable. Keep bargaining with them, and they will cut the cost by a lot until they can offer you something affordable.
If I don’t purchase a time-share will they charge me for other stuff?
We wondered, “well since we didn’t become a member they will probably treat us poorly or charge us for extra stuff.” But they continued to treat us well even after we declined the ownership opportunity. And there were no additional charges except for ones we already knew about. There is a small resort fee or tax that is usually less than $20 and maybe an internet charge for the room.
We enjoyed our stay and never had to pay anything additional. The customer service was great. I kept thinking that it seemed too good to be true that they would no longer ask us to buy anything and let us get away with such a great deal on a condo that would normally have cost 4 times as much. But they kept their word. We did not accept their offer to purchase a time-share membership, and we had a great time.
BookVIP allows you to afford to visit places like this!
How Do I Qualify For A BookVIP Vacation Package?
This is another topic I saw in some of the complaint reviews I read. People were offended that they were asked personal questions. But this is not nearly as personal as the questions you answer on a car loan application all the time. When we responded to an ad for a $99 trip we were asked if we wanted to upgrade to an all-inclusive package for a little over $300 in exchange for listening to a time-share presentation. We didn’t really want to listen to the sales pitch, but it is 90 minutes for incredible savings in our vacation expenses. So we said yes and were then asked questions. If you agree to the promotion they will want to see if you are “qualified” first. In other words, the resorts do not want to give away promotions to people who they think cannot afford to make a purchase. So yes, they ask questions about your income.
Typically what they consider as qualified means a married couple or cohabitating couple at least 30 years of age with a valid credit card and who collectively makes over $50,000 annually. (By the way, we were never asked to show any proof of this). For singles, it has to be a woman at least 30 years old who makes at least $50,000 annually or a male at least 35 years old who makes at least $50,000 annually. You also must be working full-time or be fully retired. This can vary some, but you get the idea.
The truth is these resorts are aware that most people who attend the time-share presentations are not going to make a purchase. However, if just a few people out of a hundred do become a member or owner that is more than enough for the resort to make a profit. So there is no obligation to purchase anything, and you can still enjoy a great vacation.
You’ve been cooped up in the house for too long. Book a Trip with BookVIP! photo by Unsplash
So What Does All This Mean?
The sad thing is that most of the complaints I read were due to people not understanding the information given to them and who had not even taken a trip with the company. So now that you have all of the information it is up to you to decide if BookVIP is the right travel company for you. Remember that there are many BookVIP sales that do not involve a timeshare presentation. But if you are looking for an incredible deal at a 4 or 5-star resort for a great memory-making vacation I encourage you to try out BookVIP.
Are you a travel blogger who wants to get paid for spreading the good new about BookVIP travel? If you want to become an affiliate partner for BookVIP click HERE. It is a great program. I only like to advertise for products and services that I use myself and believe in, so BookVIP is a good fit for me. Check it out!
On our recent trip from Zion National Park back to Las Vegas where we were catching our flight home we decided to explore a ghost town in the small town of Grafton, Utah. As we followed our GPS, and the paved road turned to gravel we started to feel like we were really out in the middle of nowhere. We passed one or two houses on the way and tried to keep our speed slow so as not to kick up dust and make a lot of noise, but it was hard not to on that bumpy road. For about two miles more we saw no houses at all and wondered if we were going in the right direction. It was sort of creepy, and the banjo music from the Robert Duvall movie “Deliverance” kept playing in my head.
Abandoned home in Grafton, Utah Ghost Town
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you click the links at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.
How to Get There
Grafton is right outside of Zion National Park and is reached from the tiny town of Rockville along Highway 9. Going south on a residential street called Bridge Lane, you cross the Virgin River on an old historic single-track iron bridge (constructed in 1924), and then west, along the base of the rugged low red cliffs of Moenkopi sandstone that stand guard over this beautiful lush green river valley.
After 1 1/2 miles the main road curves back south, goes up into the hills, and becomes the Smithsonian Butte Road, a 9-mile scenic back highway through mesas, canyons, and valleys that eventually meets Highway 59. At the point where Bridge Lane curves south, an unpaved road continues for another two miles to the actual ghost town.
After the two miles of dirt road, we finally came up to a clearing and saw an old graveyard. What made it so eerie was how completely quiet and isolated it was out there in the middle of the Utah cliffs and valleys. It seemed surreal that real people were actually buried there so long ago.
It was perfectly still except for a slight breeze, and there was not a soul in sight. We were completely alone out there … or were we? The silence only made the place seem even more creepy. Someone had placed pinwheels randomly in the ground, and they made an eerie whirring sound when the breeze picked up. We saw that the gate was unlocked so we went in. Isn’t that what Nancy Drew would do? It was incredible reading the epitaphs on the headstones from so long ago.
Grafton Cemetery
Grafton Cemetery
The old cemetery contains a few dozen graves from as old as 1860 to 1910. The headstone inscriptions tell a story of a very harsh life long ago. I learned that three Berry brothers and one wife were all killed by Indians on April 2, 1866. The Berry memorial is the largest one. It sits in the very center of the graveyard enclosed by a wooden fence for protection.
The Berry gravesite is inside a fence in the center of the graveyard.
What was really sad was reading that the five children of John and Charlotte Ballard all died very young between 1865 and 1877. The oldest was only 9 years old. The Ballard parents are also buried there. There are six babies buried there, all under one year old. They died in 1891 and 1901. Several Native Americans are also buried in the cemetery.
Coins are left at a gravesite in Grafton to show respect and bring good luck.
Planning a trip out west? Check out Trip Advisor for hotel deals and reviews. Or try staying in a nice Airbnb.
Grafton Ghost Town
After visiting the graveyard we drove further until we finally reached the town. The town is only a quarter of a mile from the main highway to Zion National Park, but very few people visit since it is on the opposite side of the river, and can only be reached by a 3 1/2-mile road (that is unpaved for the last 2 miles). There are also very few signs.
Settled by Mormon pioneers in 1859, this abandoned frontier town near Rockville, Utah has been the backdrop for several films including “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
Grafton, on the Virgin River, is surrounded by beautiful trees and cliffs.
Five large buildings remain, out of the original total of over 30, and all have been carefully restored by the Grafton Heritage Partnership, who now manage the site. The surrounding farmland and orchards are still used by a nearby ranch, and a few people still live in other houses in the sparse neighborhood.
Old wagon in Grafton Ghost Town
Some parts of the former village are fenced off, but we could walk into most of the buildings. It did feel like we were in a deserted movie set of an old western. The town is authentic and so empty. It was noticeably quiet except for the occasional sound of running water in a stream. It was really peaceful and beautiful, surrounded by large groves of trees and the colorful high cliffs of the national park we had just left.
Barn and farmlands in Grafton Ghost Town
The first building is a barn, with an outhouse, then hiding behind several centuries-old large cottonwood trees is the John Wood home built in 1877. The largest building is the combined church/schoolhouse which was built in 1886. It was also used as a church and public meeting place.
Grafton Ghost Town church/schoolhouse
The Alonzo Russell home is a two-story house with a fancy veranda on the front. Right opposite is the Louisa Russell home. The farmland adjoining these homes still has several pieces of iron farming equipment and machinery out in the grass with no one left to put them to use. Last occupied in the 1940s, the remnants of this historic Mormon settlement remind us of a different world before cell phones and the internet.
Abandoned Farm Equipment in Grafton Ghost TownLouisa Russel Home in Grafton Ghost Town
Movies Shot in Grafton
Several American western movies were filmed in Grafton, Utah. According to the Grafton Heritage Partnership Project here is a list of the films all shot in Grafton:
Old Arizona, 1929 (First talkie movie filmed outdoors) and nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture. Starring Warner Baxter (who won the Academy Award for this role as The Cisco Kid), Raoul Walsh, Edmund Lowe, and Dorothy Burgess.
The Arizona Kid, 1930. Warner Baxter and Carole Lombard.
Ramrod, 1947. Starring Joel McCrea, Veronica Lake, Preston Foster, Charles Ruggles, Donald Crisp, and Lloyd Bridges.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, 1969. Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katherine Ross (won four Academy Awards)
Child Bride of Short Creek, 1981. Diane Lane, Helen Hunt, Christopher Atkins, Conrad Bain.
The Red Fury, 1984. Wendy Lynne, Calvin Bartlett, Katherine Cannon, Juan Gonzales
History of the Town of Grafton
What was called the Dixie region of Utah was settled by Mormons following the direction of Brigham Young. They originally came to the Utah territory to escape religious persecution from the U.S. In 1859, five Mormon families—the Barney’s, Davies, McFate’s, Platt’s and Shirts—led by Nathan Tenney moved from nearby Virgin to a site one mile downstream of today’s Grafton. The last residents did not leave until 1944.
Cotton, wheat, and alfalfa were grown there originally, but floods, attacks by Indians, and harsh winter weather made farming difficult. In fact, in 1862, the Virgin River flooded and washed away the entire town, but the determined settlers persevered and reestablished Grafton about a mile upstream. Soon cotton production had to take a back seat to food crops.
In 1866, the conflicts with the Black Hawk and others led Brigham Young to instruct the people to combine themselves into bigger towns of at least 150 people. So Grafton was abandoned. However, farmers still came to tend their crops. Eventually, settlers returned and built the adobe schoolhouse (the one pictured above is the original building). Gradually the population shrank again as the young people moved away in search of new farmland.
According the Grafton Heritage Partnership Project, in 1929, the mostly intact and barely inhabited town of Grafton became the setting for the first outdoor talking movie ever filmed. In Old Arizona starred Warner Baxter (who won the Best Actor Academy Award for this role as The Cisco Kid), Raoul Walsh, Edmund Lowe, and Dorothy Burgess.
The remaining buildings in Grafton help preserve the memory of it’s former inhabitants. Towns like this are rare, and becoming even more scarce. Most former pioneer villages were either washed away in floods or have not been preserved. Every year families of former residents of Grafton have a reunion and all gather in the town to remember stories and try to keep the spirit of community alive.
Do you have a ghost town story of your own? Please leave a comment below and enjoy my video!
I went to graduate school on Boston’s North Shore and lived in a little town called Ipswich. One of my favorite places there was a little cafe called “Chipper’s” where they served the best morning glory muffins. I’m not sure if it is still there or not, but I have never forgotten those muffins.
Packed with healthy ingredients such as carrots, apples, pineapple, and nuts, these tasty muffins are full of fiber, minerals, nutrients, and healthy fats. There are lots of different variations of the recipe for morning glory muffins floating around, but I am going to share with you the one I like the best. My favorite part: crushed pineapple!
Filled with carrots, pineapple, nuts, and more!
It’s a really simple recipe, and you can change up the things you add into the basic mixture. For instance, some people add coconut. I don’t like coconut, so mine is more fruit-based. Another great idea is to add shredded zucchini. Substitute walnuts for the pecans for extra richness. Substitute 1/2 cup applesauce and 1/2 cup oil for the 1 cup vegetable oil to make it healthier. Be creative!
These muffins freeze well also. I had batter left over after filling 12 muffin cups, so I made little mini loaves to freeze and serve later. Great for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. They make a wonderful grab-and-go breakfast for me to eat on the way to my teaching job at school. You will love these tasty treats! Try them this week, and tell me what you think.
I put the left-over batter in two mini loaf pans, baked them, then froze them for later.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups grated carrots
1 apple, peeled, cored, and grated
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup crushed pineapple
1/2 cup pecan pieces
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp. vanilla
Instructions
Mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. Stir in carrots, raisins, apple, and pecans. In another smaller bowl beat eggs with oil and vanilla. Stir into the flour mixture until combined.
Spray muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray. Spoon mixture into muffin cups, filling them all the way to the top. Bake for about 20 minutes in a 350-degree oven or until a toothpick stuck in the center comes out clean. Makes 14 large muffins.
If you have never visited the Grand Canyon National Park you are truly missing out! It is absolutely astonishing! It is something my husband and I have always wanted to see, so even with the pandemic, we decided to go for it. As a teacher, I can only travel on school holidays, and summer seemed to be the best time for us. We kept up with the ever-changing health concerns and sanitizing protocols and were very careful to wear our masks and use lots of hand sanitizer.
Grand Canyon’s South Rim
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We flew into Las Vegas on Southwest Airlines and were happy to learn that they limited the number of passengers so that no one had to sit in a middle seat. Masks were required on the plane and in the entire state of Nevada, including the airport. The next day we made the 5-hour drive to the Grand Canyon.
We checked in to Maswick Lodge where we stayed in the park and wondered why we were not seeing the awesome views we expected. After checking in we walked less than 1/4 mile down to the closest overlook and BAM! It was like walking into another world! It reminded me of the World of Avatar ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The pictures and video do not do it justice at all, because of the enormous size of the vistas. We walked to the edge, and it seemed like the earth just falls away into this huge expanse of rocky peaks, green plateaus, and deep gorges as far as the eye can see. It felt like you could just step off of the face of the earth into another universe.
Along the Grand Canyon’s South Rim
As you hike down below the rim the size seems to grow even more. The Grand Canyon is a mile high, 277-mile long mountain range, where you are surrounded by sheer rock face walls stacked up to the sky. Every turn reveals another spectacular view, and seeing the clear blue-green streams gush out of the desert cliffs and surge down through the many pools is breath-taking. The Colorado River, which carved the gorge over time, lies at the bottom anchoring the mountains in place with its persistent force and flow. For me, I think it points us to our Creator who has freely given us this gift of beauty and powerful force of nature.
Wildflowers grow along the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
Located in the northwest part of Arizona, the Grand Canyon covers 277 miles of the Colorado River and the nearby uplands. The Grand Canyon National Park is home to much of these miles. The canyon is an entire mile deep and up to 18 miles wide with vistas at every turn that are incomparable in the world. Years of geological history are right here in our American backyard!
“In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which, so far as I know, is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world.” President Theodore Roosevelt
Last year (2019) the Grand Canyon turned 100 years old. Grand Canyon National Park has millions of visitors every year. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, and we heard many different languages spoken while we were there. People were there from all over the world!
The Grand Canyon has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, but it had a long tough road before becoming a national park. There were lots of failed congressional bills in the 1880s until Theodore Roosevelt visited several times and finally declared the Grand Canyon a National Monument in 1908. President Woodrow Wilson signed the bill to grant its park status in 1919.
There are two main public areas of Grand Canyon National Park, the North and the South Rims. The South Rim, at 7,000 feet above sea level, is the most accessible and the most visited. Most of the pictures that you see of the Grand Canyon are taken from the South Rim. While we were there the North Rim was closed due to a forest fire, but as of this writing (July 12, 2020), it is open again. The North Rim is 1,000 feet higher and harder to get to. By car, it is 220 miles from one rim to the other. However, you can hike from rim to rim on foot through the Kaibab Trails, and this route is only 21 miles. Sounds like a very long hike to me though!
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day and is still open now. That is the only side we saw, and we did not feel like we missed out at all. There are numerous places where you can pull over to scenic overlooks and admire the beautiful views. The North Rim is not even open at all in the harsh winter, because the access roads are closed.
Sunset in the Grand Canyon
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Watch the Weather!
The Grand Canyon is open every day of the year, and the best word to describe the weather there is the word “extremes.” We went the weekend of July 4 and expected it to be super hot, but it was actually fairly pleasant at the South Rim. The temperature down below on the canyon floor is much warmer and can easily reach over 100 degrees. We hiked down a little, but we mostly stayed on top. Spring and fall typically have pleasant weather, but unpredictable nonetheless. Each year there are several rescues and sometimes deaths related to the heat, so be careful!
My best advice is to check the national park website before you go and plan accordingly. Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes with good support. I have had some skin cancers cut off of me, so I wore a long-sleeved swim shirt with 50 SPF built-in that I purchased from Land’s End. I was surprised at how cool it kept me, and it protected my arms and chest from the sun. I also wore a wide-brimmed hat. I may have looked dorky, but I did not get sunburned.
I look like I am commanding the Grand Canyon with my super powers!
If a summer trip is your only option, or you want to get away from the crowds, you could try visiting the North Rim. This area has an elevation of over 8,000 feet, so it stays about 10 degrees cooler than the South Rim. And it also gets only about 1/10th of the visitors. In fact, it is closed November through April because of winter weather. Since we stayed only on the South Rim I cannot tell you which is better. If it had not been during a global pandemic we would have faced much greater crowds July 4 holiday weekend.
If you are needing a new or better suitcase for your trip (let’s face it, the old ones weren’t always made that well) check out Chester Travels for deals on great quality luggage.
Visiting the Park
To get into the Grand Canyon National Park you must pay an admission fee. This month it is $35 per vehicle and $20 to enter on foot or bicycle. The one-time fee is good for 7 consecutive days. Because of concerns over the coronavirus these fees may now need to be purchased in advance. Please check their website regularly, as it seems to change often.
Camping in the park is normally on a first-come, first-served basis as well as through reservation. However, some sites are closed and some rules have changed due to concerns over COVID-19, so check their website before you go. There are also some commercial campsites available outside of the park.
What to Do in the Park
Don’t be one of those people who just pulls up in your rental car, takes a few photos from the guard rail at one spot, strolls around the gift shop, and leaves. The park estimates that the average visit to Grand Canyon National Park lasts less than four hours. Take advantage of this enormous park, and venture out. The further you get from the Visitor’s Center the smaller the crowds are anywhere.
Biking
Normally, you can rent bikes from Bright Angel Bicycles, but they are currently closed due to coronavirus. The Hermit Road is closed from March through November, making it perfect for cycling. It winds along for seven miles along the rim and has been said to be one of the most scenic cycling paths in the world. Go east from the Visitor’s Center and you can bike to Yaki Point, which is a popular spot to view the beautiful sunsets in the park.
Hiking
Like I mentioned earlier, the park was not as crowded when we were there. Like many newbies, we jumped right on the popular Bright Angel Trail, which goes straight down into the canyon right at Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. This was the closest to us, and the shuttles were not running. But normally this trail can get really crowded. Another idea is to take the shuttle bus (if it is running) from the village to the South Kaibab Trailhead. You can do the 1.8-mile round-trip hike to the Ooh Aah Point (no really, that is the name of it). If you go all the way to the river it is 7 miles (4,780 feet), and the rangers tell people not to try to do this in one day. The heat and the elevation make it almost impossible even for the most experienced hikers.
Bright Angel Trail head in the Grand Canyon National ParkOne of very few shady spots on the Bright Angel Trail
On the North Rim you have the Widforss Trail which winds along the rim for five miles then dips into ponderosa pine and aspen groves to Widforss Point. This is where you can see rugged buttes like Wotans Throne, Zoroaster Temple, and the battelements of Transept Canyon.
For backpackers, there is the tough Thunder River Trail. It is a 21-mile, three-day loop from the Bill Hall Trailhead at Monument Point. This trail passes by Thunder River, which is a large creek that pours straight out of a big cave. Other trails include the Deer Creek Narrows or a detour to Deer Creek Falls.
The most ambitious of all Grand Canyon hikes is to walk rim to rim, dropping all the way down the canyon to the river, crossing the bridge at Phantom Ranch, and then climbing up the other side. Many choose to spend the night at Phantom Ranch. If you go for a one-way trip you will need to line up transportation back. There are other blogs that focus on backpacking that can give you more detailed information and tips.
Beautiful vistas are everywhere you look in the Grand Canyon.
Tours
There are always a variety of tours available. There are Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas, 2-day mule trips that go to the bottom of the canyon and back, whitewater rapid raft rides down the Colorado River, smooth water float trips, guided hikes, helicopter tours, and hot air balloon tours that give visitors perspectives from the bottom in the river all the way to a panoramic aerial view of the entire canyon.
We wanted to do a smooth water raft trip, but it was several hours by bus each way to get to the launching point. We decided we did not want to spend our only full day in the park at the bottom of the canyon. So we will have to do that next time.
Bright Angel Trail. This doorway is where Richard was standing in the previous photo.
The Visitor’s Center and the museum are currently closed, but you can still get a map from the rangers and plan your visit. A day and a half was plenty for us to see the main attractions. We hiked some of the Bright Angel Trail, drove on Desert View Road and pulled over at all the scenic overlooks (currently parts of this are closed), and got up early in the morning to photograph the sunrise at Mather Point near the Visitor Center.
Sunrise at Mather Point
If you are a true outdoorsman, be prepared for some paperwork, no matter the season. Some adventures like camping in the backcountry, running your own rafting trip down the Colorado River, or spending the night at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon, require permits and there is a lottery system for those. It costs about $25 to apply for a noncommercial river trip permit. If you win the lottery you must immediately pay a $200 – $400 additional deposit.
It is a little easier to obtain overnight backpacking permits, but the reservation system is extremely outdated. Your best chance is to send in a written application over four months in advance during the earliest consideration period, which starts on the 20th of every month and runs through the first of the next month. These applications are entered into a lottery. After that, it is first-come, first-served. For more information on this lottery system check out the park website.
Boating
There are two ways to travel by boat on the Colorado River: by motorized raft or using oars or paddles in a non-motorized raft. There has recently been a phased re-opening of the commercial Colorado River Rafting trips, and I have heard that they are using more rafts now so that people no longer have to sit shoulder to shoulder in the boat. There are trips of different lengths with rapids or smooth water float trips.
Watch out for Wildlife!
This little fellow was posing for a picture.
Over 500 species of animals live in Grand Canyon National Park. The endangered California Condor is one of the hundreds of different types of bird species found in this park. Mule deer, coyotes, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, elk, and bats all live in the Grand Canyon.
Being from Memphis, I loved that there were no mosquitos and very few flies. However, I have been told that 6 different types of rattlesnakes can be found within the park. Yikes! I’m glad we did not see any of those.
Grand Canyon is their park. We were the visitors.
How to Get There
The Grand Canyon is huge, so you will need to plan carefully. It’s a 4 1/2 hour drive from one rim to the other. We flew to Las Vegas and drove to the South Rim (about 5 hours). You could also drive to the North Rim this way. To visit the South Rim you could also drive from Phoenix (about 3 1/2 – 4 hours). Flagstaff, Arizona is only an hour and a half south of Grand Canyon Village, which is where we stayed and is the main hub for exploring the park. However, flights into Flagstaff can be pricey.
No car? There is the Arizona Shuttle (now called Groome Transportation) that runs vans from Flagstaff to the village three times a day from mid-May to mid-October. Check websites though, because concerns over the coronavirus have stopped or altered many shuttle operations.
Where to Stay
These rocky cliffs look so much bigger in person!
Staying on the South Rim
While we were there we went into the lobby of El Tovar, which is just steps away from the canyon rim and has a beautiful log-sided interior lobby and fine dining restaurant. Built in 1905, this landmark is worth going to see, even if you aren’t staying there. Like most National Park Service lodging, the rooms are expensive and hard to come by. You will want to book at least a year in advance.
We were lucky and got a room only a few months in advance, but I think that is because of the pandemic. There are three balcony suites on the canyon side, but you have to call the hotel directly to reserve those. Be prepared to pay double for these rooms with a view though.
There are several other hotels on the South Rim. We stayed in Maswick Lodge, and it was nice. There are also several places to stay in the nearby town of Tusayan, about 6 miles just outside the park. We ate at a few restaurants in the town, and it is super close to Grand Canyon Village.
For camping on the South Rim, try Desert View Campground about 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. I have heard that the sunset views there are awesome! Try to catch a site midmorning as campers are leaving, because it is first-come, first-served.
Check with TripAdvisor to compare hotel prices and get reviews.
Waiting for the sunset on the South Rim
Staying at the North Rim
Grand Canyon Lodge is a good choice for the North Rim. Try to secure one of the Western Cabins for the best views. I read somewhere that some of the numbers in the 300s have the best views. You can also camp at the North Rim Campground, which is about a mile north of the lodge. Sites #14 and #19 are right on the rim.
Staying on the Floor of the Canyon
As mentioned earlier, there is a lottery system for reservations now. The Phantom Ranch in a grove at the bottom of the canyon requires entries for reservations at least 15 months ahead of time. There is also Bright Angel Campground, which requires a backcountry camping permit. If you stay there, you can still order meals from Phantom Ranch though.
Plan Your Visit!
I hope you get a chance to visit this gorgeous park someday soon. I think you will be glad you made the time to fit this in to your next trip out west.
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Leave me a comment below if you have any other tips or ideas!
Quiche is one of those fancy classic French foods that you tend to eat at a fancy brunch or in little bite-sized appetizers, but you never have at home. Well, now you can thanks to my super easy Spinach Quiche Lorraine recipe. Take it to your next pot luck gathering, and you will see why it is named the Disappearing Spinach Quiche Lorraine.
Bring this quiche Lorraine to your next pot luck, and you will bring your dish home empty!
Although we categorize quiche as French cuisine, did you know that quiche actually originated in Germany? That’s right. It was first created in the medieval kingdom of Lothringen, which was under German rule. The French later renamed it, Lorraine. The word “quiche” is from the German word “Kuchen,” which means cake.
The original “quiche Lorraine” was actually an open pie filled with egg, cream custard, and bacon. Later on, people started adding cheese to the quiche Lorraine. The bottom crust was originally made from bread dough, but now we normally use a pastry crust.
The dish became really popular in England sometime after the Second World War, and thanks in part to Julia Child it became a favorite in America as well during the 1950’s. Because there is very little if any meat, the phrase “real men don’t eat quiche” hit popular culture. It was somehow considered an “unmanly” dish.
Today, there are lots of different varieties of quiche, from the original quiche Lorraine to ones with spinach (like mine), broccoli, onion, mushrooms, shrimp, and ham. The great thing about quiche is that it can be served for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or made into appetizers.
I hope you enjoy this easy recipe for delicious spinach quiche Lorraine. If you like it please comment and give me 5 stars. And don’t forget to follow me on social media for more great recipes as well as travel stories!
Ingredients
pie crust or pastry shell (frozen or refrigerated
eggs
milk
flour
salt
nutmeg
shredded Swiss cheese
bacon
spinach
Instructions
1. Bake pastry shell or pie crust in a 450-degree oven only 7 minutes or just until lightly browned. Remove from oven and reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.
2. Fry bacon until crisp; drain and crumble. While bacon is cooking thaw spinach according to directions on the package (you will have some left over that you can use for something else.). Blot excess liquid off of spinach with paper towels until dry.
3. Reserve 2 Tablespoons bacon for trim. Place the remaining bacon in the pie shell. Add cheese.
4. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over bacon, cheese, and spinach. Sprinkle reserved bacon on top in a circle.
5. Bake at 325 degrees F for 35 minutes or until almost set in the center. Let quiche cool 20 – 25 minutes before serving. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Bake pastry shell or pie crust in a 450-degree oven only 7 minutes or just until lightly browned. Remove from oven and reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.
Fry bacon until crisp; drain and crumble. While bacon is cooking thaw spinach according to directions on the package (you will have some leftover that you can use for something else.). Blot excess liquid off of spinach with paper towels until dry.
Reserve 2 Tablespoons bacon for trim. Place the remaining bacon in the pie shell. Add cheese.
Combine remaining ingredients and pour over bacon, cheese, and spinach. Sprinkle reserved bacon on top in a circle.
Bake at 325 degrees F for 35 minutes or until almost set in the center. Let quiche cool 20 – 25 minutes before serving. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Want to impress your friends at your July 4 cookout or party this year? Try this Fourth of July Ice Cream Pie! Think crunchy cookie crust with thick scoops of ice cream on top. But the best part is that a melted chocolate marshmallow mixture is poured on top before refreezing. And what makes it so festive is the sprinkling of red, white, and blue M&M’s on top! So easy, and you will bring your pie pan home empty, because everyone will want to try a slice.
Ingredients
1/2 box vanilla wafers
vanilla ice cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
red, white, and blue M&M candies
Instructions
1. Make crust
Place a layer of vanilla wafers in the bottom and on the sides of a pie pan.
2. Make the sauce
Over low heat melt chocolate chips, marshmallows, and evaporated milk.
3. Make the pie
Arrange scoops of ice cream over the vanilla wafers in the pie pan and pour sauce over the top.
4. Add the toppings
Sprinkle nuts (optional) and M&M’s over the top. Refreeze for about 30 minutes.
A crunchy cookie crust layered with scoops of ice cream then topped with a delicious melted chocolate marshmallow mixture and sprinkled with red, white, and blue M&Ms on top! Yummy!
