Happier Place Inspiration | Outdoor Leisure

Road Trip Must-Stop: St. Vrain State Park (Colorado)

Rocky Mountain Sunset Reflection in Coot Pond in St. Vrain State Park, Colorado

St. Vrain State Park invites you off the highway for a refreshing break along the river, with fishing ponds, big birds, short trails, and views of the Rocky Mountains – and incredible sunsets if you time it right.

What Is Earth Day? And Why Do We Celebrate It?

white butterfly on purple wildflower, thistle in Manhattan, to celebrate Earth Day

Earth Day takes place every year on April 22 as a reminder and action day to celebrate and protect the natural environment for the sake of ourselves and all life on Planet Earth. Find out how to participate.

What Is National Park Week? And How Can You Get In for Free?

National Park Week at Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, red rock formations against snow-covered peaks and blue sky

National Park Week takes place in late April across all U.S. National Parks and other NPS sites. Entry is free on the first day. But this week is about much more than free admission.

Best-Kept Secret: Caladesi Island State Park (Florida)

Sandpipers on the Caladesi Beach just north of Clearwater Beach

Getting to Caladesi Island is as beautiful as the destination itself. One of Tampa Bay Area’s best-kept secrets is hidden in plain sight. It takes some knowledge and effort to get there, which makes the reward even sweeter – and the island less crowded.

More Ways To Make Someone Happier: New Nature Photography Postcards

new outdoor and nature photography postcards by Happier Place and Luci Westphal, featuring images of egret, alligator, flowers, Manhattan Bridge, Prospect Park Bridge, butterfly

Our new nature photography postcards are a delightful way to show someone you care by sending a quick handwritten note.

What Is the Great Backyard Bird Count? And How Can You Join the Fun?

Tufted Titmouse, shrub, beauty bush, Great Backyard Bird Count, Happier Place

For the love of birds and getting happier by being outdoors, don’t miss this global event: the 24th annual Great Backyard Bird Count.

Natural Beach Paradise: Honeymoon Island State Park (Florida)

Natural Beach Paradise: beach morning glory, sea oats, birds, and wide white beach, Honeymoon Island State Park, Florida

Honeymoon Island State Park brings Florida nature dreams to life: miles of white beaches, clear blue water, shady wood trails, wildflowers, birds and other wildlife – and not a hotel in sight.

So Ready for a Happier Year: 2021 Happier Place Calendar

2021 Happier Place calendar, nature photography, beach to canyons, words of inspiration

The limited edition 2021 Happier Place Monthly Wall Calendar is here! Wishing you a healthy, happier year with 13 beautiful nature photos, words of inspiration, and lots of holidays and occasions for joy and appreciation.

Crazy Horse Memorial: Epic Work-In-Progress Mountain Monument (South Dakota)

Crazy Horse Memorial, North American Indian and horse sculpture, world's largest mountain monument, Black Hills, South Dakota

World-record-breaking Crazy Horse Memorial is a magnificent creative undertaking that inspires to celebrate the heroes, culture, and living heritage of North American Indians.

Smooth and Invigorating: Easy Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Recipe

cold brew coffee concentrate recipe Happier Place

Cold brew coffee is the best way to have refreshing, smooth, never-bitter iced coffee drinks on-the-go, at home, and throughout that road trip.

Getting Started in Wildlife Photography

Getting started in wildlife photography may seem intimidating. From equipment to locations, where to begin? Let’s remove the doubt and show you how to take outstanding wildlife photos! Spoiler Alert: it’s way easier than you thought.

M.K. Dymock: Author (Utah)

Outdoor adventure mystery novel author M.K. Dymock, creator of the Lost Gorge Mysteries, hiking on a mountain trail among wildflowers, Melissa, weekend woman warrior, Happier Place

The mystery novels by M.K. Dymock are especially riveting because of their setting: the great outdoors. They don’t just take you on a thrill ride, but also on unpredictable, unforgettable nature adventures.

The Mountains Of Britain: Hidden History and Best Climbs (United Kingdom)

View from Scafell, Lake District, England, Mountains of Britain, Happier Place

Combining stunning views, great climbs and a fascinating history, the mountains of Britain are an ideal location for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature.

Send More Flowers: 2nd Edition Nature Photography Greeting Cards

Flower photography greeting cards with envelopes, fountain pen, great outdoors stamp, Happier Place, photos by Luci Westphal

Show you care, and send a handwritten card. Conveniently, we just released the 2nd edition of our sustainably-sourced, folded greeting cards with envelopes – featuring mostly flower photography.

Nicole Jackson: Environmental Educator, Advocate, and Organizer (Columbus, Ohio)

Nicole Jackson, Black in National Parks Week founder, environmental educator, Maddron Bald, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

NPCA advisory council member Nicole Jackson goes above and beyond in educating, organizing, and advocating to connect people to nature – and inspires us all to do more for the outdoors and each other.

Shark Valley: Close Encounters with Wildlife in Everglades National Park (Florida)

Alligator and snowy egret, Shark Valley, Everglades National Park, Florida, Happier Place

Visit Shark Valley to discover the “True Everglades,” be awed by close encounters with wildlife, and take in the spaciousness of the vast River of Grass and the big subtropical sky.

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