Blame Lincoln

Most people aren’t big fans of a national income tax, but it was on this day back in 1861 that the first one was levied by the new President, Abraham Lincoln. It only lasted 10 years, and many people thought it would never return.

But after years of arguing and a few court battles, the federal income tax we all know returned for good in 1913, with the ratification of the 16th Amendment.

Lincoln’s national income tax was a direct reaction to the military needs of the Civil War, and he could only tax the northern states. He was also able to impose the tax without passing a constitutional amendment.

After asking his cabinet if the income tax was constitutional, Lincoln met with Congress in a special joint session on July 4, 1861, to hammer out the details of the tax law.

Lincoln’s cabinet and fellow Republicans had determined that since it did not tax property directly, the income tax was an indirect tax, and it was not subject to Article I of the Constitution, which said that direct taxes must be apportioned according to the population of each state.

Lincoln signed The Revenue Act of 1861 on August 5, 1861, and it taxed imports, provided for a direct land tax, and imposed a tax of 3 percent on individual incomes over $800 (which, in current dollars, is about $18,000). The bill fell far short of its goals. There wasn’t an effective way to collect the taxes, and the 3 percent income tax only applied, ironically, to 3 percent of the population in the north.

The laws were overhauled in the more-extensive Revenue Act of 1862, which created the agency that later became known as the Internal Revenue Service and levied the first progressive income tax on Americans. The new act also had hefty taxes on alcohol and tobacco products. More income taxes brackets and higher tax rates were added in 1864, with the tax law expiring during the Reconstruction period after the Civil War.

The Revenue Act of 1864 did survive a Supreme Court challenge when in Springer v. United States a unanimous Courtsaid that the Civil War income tax was constitutional. But when Congress passed a national income tax in 1894, it was ruled unconstitutional the following year by the Supreme Court in Pollock v. Farmers’ Loan & Trust Company.

A divided court in Pollock said it was a direct tax not apportioned according to the population of each state, in violation of Article I, Section 9, of the Constitution. After the Pollock decision, it took Congress and at least 36 states to make the income tax legal via the 16th Amendment. By 1913, when the amendment was ratified, the average income had risen to $800, which was the taxable rate back in 1861.

And for the record, the Confederacy also had a version of an income tax, which wasn’t as effective as the Union tax system. Its lawmakers approved an income tax measure in 1863 as a graduated income tax. It exempted wages up to $1,000, levied a 1 percent tax on the first $1,500 over the exemption, and 2 percent on all additional income. But the Confederacy didn’t have an established system to collect taxes.

SOURCE: CONSTITUTIONCENTER.ORG

DIY: Picnic Hacks

I found this article, detailing picnic hacks for this summer, on the dailymeal.com site:

As sunny days approach and the rain moves along, it’s the ideal time to start thinking of outdoor activities. Picnics are an inexpensive way to spend time in the fresh air in a way that’s fit for the family, a get-together with the gals, or a romantic date. But picnics take planning and packing. If you’ve ever gone unprepared, forgetting the essentials, you get it. Picnics can survive a few mishaps — being adaptable is part of the fun — but it helps to have a properly-packed bag. You can keep it simple, with small snacks and drinks, or you can go for a full spread. However you make it your own, it’s bound to be a good time.

Yet with the planning that goes into a day out, it can be easy to forget something. Plus, we don’t always think of all the ways picnicking can be even more effortless. Between packing the food, the blanket, and the drinks, there are a lot of extra tips and tricks to keep everything organized and enjoyable. Here, we’ve gathered some hacks to make your next picnic even better.

1 Freeze grapes for ice cubes

2 Use muffin tins for snacks and condiments

3 Keep bugs out of your drink with cupcake liners

4 Convert a cardboard drink carrier into storage

5 Bring a fitted twin sheet to cover picnic tables

6 Freeze bottles of water for ice packs

7 Keep sandwiches secure with string

8 Pack a wooden board for cheese, meats, and fruit

9 Serve salads in mason jars

10 Sprinkle salt in a cooler of ice

11 Never forget the picnic blanket

12 Make adult juice pouches

13 Don’t underestimate the power of a thermos

14 Plan a simple menu

15 Pack leftover fast food condiments and spices

SOURCE: THEDAILYMEAL.COM

What Shall We Bake Today?

Today’s recipe also has pecans, caramel, and chocolate… Caramel Pecan Brownie Bites!

Ingredients

Mini Brownies

1 package dark chocolate brownie mix

ingredients to prepare mix

1/2 cup pecan chips

Topping

1/4 cup pecan chips

1/4 cup caramel topping

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a mini muffin pan with vegetable pan spray.

In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, ingredients to prepare mix, and 1/2 cup pecan chips. Mix according to package directions.

Divide batter evenly among pan cavities, filling muffin cups about 2/3 full. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup pecan chips.

Bake for 14-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out almost clean. Let cool almost completely on a cooling rack.

Use a spatula to carefully loosen brownies from the pan then remove to the rack to cool completely.     Drizzle brownies with caramel ice cream topping and enjoy!

Happy Birthday Elon!

Today is Elon Musk’s birthday (born in 1971) and I found an article written by “The Historian” on the HAVEFUNWITHHISTORY.COM website detailing some interesting facts about Elon.

10 Facts About Elon Musk

Elon Musk is a globally recognized entrepreneur and innovator known for his pioneering work in multiple industries. Born in South Africa in 1971, Musk has left an indelible mark on technology, transportation, and space exploration. He co-founded Zip2, played a pivotal role in PayPal, founded SpaceX, revolutionized electric vehicles with Tesla, and promoted sustainable energy through SolarCity. Additionally, he proposed the Hyperloop, founded The Boring Company, created Neuralink, and co-founded OpenAI to advance artificial intelligence research.

Elon Musk Facts

1 Born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa

His full name is Elon Reeve Musk. Growing up, Musk showed an early aptitude for computers and technology, often spending his time programming and experimenting with computers. His interest in technology and innovation would play a significant role in his later career.

2 Co-founder of Zip2

In 1996, Musk co-founded Zip2, a web software company that aimed to help newspapers create an online presence. The company provided online business directories and maps for newspapers, allowing them to offer digital services to their readers. Zip2 was one of Musk’s earliest ventures and provided valuable experience in the tech industry.

3 Co-founded X.com, which later became PayPal

In 1999, Musk founded X.com, an online payment company. X.com offered services for online money transfers and payments. Over time, it evolved into PayPal, which became a leading online payment platform. In 2002, eBay acquired PayPal for $1.5 billion in stock, marking a significant financial success for Musk and demonstrating his ability to innovate in the financial technology sector.

4 Founder of SpaceX

Elon Musk founded SpaceX in 2002 with the ambitious goal of reducing space transportation costs and making space exploration more accessible. SpaceX has achieved numerous milestones under Musk’s leadership, including the development of the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, and Falcon Heavy rockets. One of the most significant achievements has been the successful launch and landing of reusable rockets, which has the potential to revolutionize space travel by significantly reducing costs. SpaceX has also been involved in resupplying the International Space Station (ISS) and plans to play a crucial role in future missions to Mars.

5 CEO and product architect of Tesla, Inc

In 2004, Musk joined Tesla Motors (now known as Tesla, Inc.) as chairman of the board and later became its CEO and product architect. Tesla is renowned for its electric vehicles (EVs) and its mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.  Under Musk’s leadership, Tesla has released several groundbreaking electric car models, including the Roadster, Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y. Tesla’s EVs have gained popularity for their performance, range, and commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The company has also developed energy storage products and solar energy solutions to further its sustainable energy mission.

6 Played a role in SolarCity, which Tesla later acquired

Elon Musk played a significant role in SolarCity, a solar energy services company founded by his cousins Lyndon and Peter Rive in 2006. SolarCity aimed to make solar energy more accessible to homeowners and businesses by providing solar panel installation and financing options.  In 2016, Tesla acquired SolarCity in an all-stock deal valued at around $2.6 billion. The acquisition allowed Tesla to integrate solar energy generation and storage solutions into its ecosystem, offering customers a comprehensive suite of sustainable energy products.

7 Proposed the Hyperloop and founded The Boring Company

Elon Musk proposed the Hyperloop concept in 2013. It’s a high-speed transportation system that envisions passenger pods traveling through low-pressure tubes at near-supersonic speeds.  Although Musk did not directly develop the Hyperloop, he released a white paper outlining the concept, which sparked interest and research into the idea by various companies and organizations. In 2016, Musk founded The Boring Company, an infrastructure and tunnel construction company. The company’s primary goal is to address urban congestion by creating underground transportation tunnels.  These tunnels aim to alleviate traffic by providing high-speed transit options for cars and public transportation. The Boring Company has conducted tunneling projects in cities like Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

8 Co-founder of Neuralink

Elon Musk co-founded Neuralink in 2016. This neurotechnology company is focused on developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The ultimate goal of Neuralink is to enable a direct connection between the human brain and computers, which could have profound implications for medical treatments and human-computer interaction. Neuralink’s BCIs have the potential to help individuals with neurological disorders, such as paralysis, by restoring lost motor functions. They could also advance the field of neurobiology and enhance human cognition and communication capabilities.

9 Co-founder of OpenAI

Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 with the mission of ensuring that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity. AGI refers to highly autonomous systems capable of outperforming humans in most economically valuable work. OpenAI conducts research in AI and promotes the development of AI technologies that are safe, ethical, and beneficial. The organization is dedicated to avoiding AI’s misuse while ensuring its responsible deployment for the betterment of society.

10 Committed to significant philanthropy through The Giving Pledge

Elon Musk has accumulated significant wealth through his entrepreneurial ventures and investments. He has been listed among the richest individuals globally due to his holdings in companies like Tesla and SpaceX. Musk has pledged to donate a substantial portion of his wealth to philanthropic causes. He joined The Giving Pledge, a commitment by some of the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to give away the majority of their wealth during their lifetimes or in their wills.  Through philanthropic initiatives, Musk aims to address various global challenges, including climate change, education, and healthcare.

SOURCE: HAVEFUNWITHHISTORY.COM  The Historian

Happy Birthday!

Happy National Alaska Day!

Check out these “must-see” sights (according to TripAdvisor) if you’re going to Alaska!

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Experience the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, trestles & tunnels from the comfort of vintage train cars. Rail service between Skagway, Alaska, Fraser, BC, Carcross, Yukon, and Whitehorse, Yukon.

Alaska Railroad

Completed in 1923, the iconic Alaska Railroad connects many of Alaska’s most popular destinations: Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Girdwood, Seward, Whittier and the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. Daily summer departures and our knowledgeable Alaskan reservationists make it easy to plan everything from day trips to multi-day Alaska vacations including excursions and accommodations — all using the Alaska Railroad to traverse this great land. Choose from two classes of passenger service: comfortable Adventure Class seating offering large picture windows, or premium GoldStar Service featuring glass-dome ceilings, all-inclusive dining and an outdoor, upper-level viewing platform.

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Mendenhall Glacier is easily accessible via roads from the local airport, cruise ship terminal and state ferry terminal. Our facility and lands are managed by the federal government through the United States Forest Service. Federal passes are accepted and sold as well as daily passes. There is a visitor center with a theater showing a 15-minute film on Mendenhall Glacier, a bookstore operated by nonprofit organization Discovery Southeast, and exhibits on wildlife, history, and glacial and geological changes. Rangers provide talks at various indoor and outdoor sites in summer

Tracy Arm Fjord

Goldbelt Tram

As Southeast Alaska’s only aerial tramway, the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway takes you to 1,800 feet above sea level in just five minutes. On the way up, marvel at incredible views while listening to a narrated tour of the surroundings. At the top, you can embark on various hiking trails, check out the flora and fauna display at the Nature Center, watch an award-winning short film about Tlingit history and culture, and dine with a view at the restaurant. The tramway operates from April to October but the best time to visit is in June for stunning views of alpine meadows.

SOURCE:TRIPADVISOR.COM

Wood Ducks

The Wood Duck is one of the most colorful and easily recognized ducks in the United States. Males have shiny green heads, red eyes, and bold white stripes. The females have brown color with a white eye-ring. They’re often seen in wooded swamps, ponds, and rivers.

These ducks nest in tree cavities and even use nest boxes if available. They can rest on branches because of their strong claws, which is rare for ducks. Wood Ducks mostly eat seeds, fruits, and insects found in or near the water.

This duck is a unique bird and differs in many behavioral characteristics from other ducks. Here are some unique and interesting facts related to them:

1 Lives Comfortably in Tree Cavities

Wood ducks actually nest in tree holes unlike most ducks that stick to the ground or water. They can be found living in old woodpecker holes or natural cavities, sometimes 60 feet above the ground.

This makes them one of the few ducks that truly appreciate tree life in the U.S. Their sharp claws help them grip the bark while climbing.

2 Ducklings Leap from Heights

Baby wood ducks jump from their nest right after hatching despite its height. They land on leaves or soft forest floor below which is guided by their mother’s calls.

It sounds dangerous, but their tiny and fluffy bodies bounce instead of breaking. This wild start to life is quite a spectacle to witness.

3 Ducklings Climb Using Claws

Most ducklings are helpless on land, but not wood duck babies. They climb up inside the nest using tiny claws just hours after hatching. It’s how they reach the edge before their famous leap.

This natural climbing skill sets them apart from many other species.

4 Females Make a Whining Call

Female wood ducks use a soft and whining call to communicate unlike the classic “quack” sound we expect. It’s more of a squeaky “oo-eek” sound that carries through wooded wetlands.

They use it to call their ducklings or alert others to danger. You can often hear it before you even spot them.

5 Perfectly Suited for Forest Wetlands

Wood ducks are rarely seen in open lakes or fields like many other ducks. They prefer swampy forests, flooded timber, and quiet woodland streams.

These hidden habitats give them cover from predators and easy access to nesting trees. It’s one reason they’re not as commonly spotted by casual birdwatchers.

6 Can Eat Acorns and Seeds

Wood ducks have a diet that includes acorns which is contrary to ducks go for aquatic plants or small insects. Their strong bills can handle these tough nuts.

They also feed on seeds, berries, and small invertebrates. This flexible diet helps them survive in wooded areas across the forests.

7 Often Seen Resting on Branches

You might be surprised to see a duck sitting on a branch like a songbird. But wood ducks have strong claws that let them perch with ease. This unique ability helps them rest safely above ground.

8 Males Leave Early After Mating

Male wood ducks don’t stick around to raise their young. They soon leave the females to handle nesting duties alone after mating in spring. The males then gather in small groups to shed feathers.

They stay quiet and hidden to avoid attracting predators during this time.

9 Eyes Change Color With Age

The eye color changes as wood ducks grow. Male ducklings start with brownish eyes, which turn bright red as they mature. This change is part of their breeding display.

It’s a small but noticeable detail that adds to their dramatic appearance.

10 Play an Important Role in Forest Ecology

Wood ducks help support forest health by spreading seeds from berries and nuts. They carry seeds in their droppings as they move through different wetlands and woodlands.

This helps new plants grow over time. They’re small birds with a big environmental impact.

11 Rarely Dive Underwater

Wood ducks don’t dive like some of their cousins. They stick to dabbling and tipping forward in shallow water to feed. You’ll see their tails in the air and heads down as they search for food.

This makes them easier to spot compared to diving ducks.

12 Can Raise Two Ducklings in a Season

Female wood ducks sometimes raise two sets of ducklings in one year. That’s rare for ducks and shows how productive they can be when conditions are right.

A second brood gives their population a helpful boost.

13 Males Show Off in Full Color

Male wood ducks in the U.S. are among the most colorful waterfowl. Their glossy green heads, red eyes, and bold chestnut chest stand out in spring.

These bright colors are mainly for attracting females during mating season. They molt into dull feathers to stay hidden from predators in winter.

14 Known to Use Abandoned Nests

Wood ducks won’t hesitate to use old nests left behind by other birds or even squirrels. They’ll make do with what’s available if it seems safe and dry.

Two females sometimes lay eggs in the same nest leading to extra-large broods.

15 Excellent Fliers Through Dense Forests

Wood ducks are active fliers through tight spaces unlike many waterfowl birds. They weave between trees with quick and powerful wingbeats. Their flight is fast and direct which is perfect for escaping predators or passing through forests.

SOURCE: MOSTBEAUTIFULBIRDS.COM

Cinderella & the Ugly Stepsisters: Part 2

Continuing People’s parade of ugly bridesmaid dresses.

5 The Scarlett O’Hara

As God as her witness, she’ll never wear this dress again! We do declare our deepest sympathies for Providence, R.I., bridesmaid Jennifer, who was forced into crimson fabric with bows from here to the Mason-Dixon line. As Jennifer says, it’s “the worst thing that ever happened to me.” True, but remember Jennifer, tomorrow is another day!

4 The Cotton Candy Explosion

Bridesmaid Sammi was not tickled by the dress she wore to her sister’s wedding. “My sister is obsessed with pink and had a ‘pink’ wedding,” the Elmhurst, N.Y., resident writes. “Pink wedding dress, pink shoes, pink ties, pink center pieces.” The pièce de résistance? “This awful pink bridesmaid dress!” But like a good sister, Sammi held her tongue. “Since she loved the dress and we all love her, we happily donned this dress for her big day.”

3 The Little Mermaid

Yep, this has doubled as a Halloween costume. As bridesmaid Maggie tells us, she won second place in a costume contest for this dress she was forced to wear in an ’80s-themed wedding. “My sister has always been a big fan of the ’80s – sequins, big hair, gaudiness,” the Toledo, Ohio, native tells PEOPLE.com. “She actually found shoes, purses, jewelry, and nail polish to match this thing.”

2 The Real Wedding Shower

“The bride’s mother insisted on these horrendous iridescent blue monstrosities,” says Jennifer, a bridesmaid out of Meridian, Idaho. “The bows, the lace and the fabric itched like crazy.” But these maids didn’t have to just wear the dresses – they also had to perform! “We had to walk down the aisle with [the parasols] open and then when we got to the altar, we had to do a little choreographed move to close them.” You know what they say: When it rains, it pours!

1 The Kitchen Curtain

“I would love to see the dress that can beat this one,” writes Ginger of the flowered, curtain-style frock she wore as a junior bridesmaid in her aunt’s wedding. Although some came close, this bow-tied number was the clear winner. “There were actually adult women that had to wear the same dress, and I was mortified at the age of 12! I love my aunt dearly, and it may have been the early nineties, but this kind of dress was never in style.”

SOURCE: PEOPLE.COM

Happy National Pralines Day!

This recipe says it makes Classic Southern Pralines.  I have not tried it yet, but they look good! (If I remember correctly, pralines were a favorite of our Georgia, God rest her soul.)

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup evaporated milk

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups toasted and coarsely chopped pecans

1/4 cup boiling water, if needed

Directions

Gather the ingredients.

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray. Alternatively, use a silicone mat on top of the baking sheet.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, and evaporated milk.

Stir until the sugar dissolves. Once all is well mixed, insert a candy thermometer. Cook the candy, stirring occasionally, until the thermometer reads 240 F.

Once the proper temperature is reached, remove the pan from the heat and drop the cubes of butter on top, without stirring. Allow the sugar mixture to sit for 1 minute.

Add the vanilla extract and pecans.

Begin to stir smoothly and constantly with a wooden spoon; the candy will begin to thicken and appear lighter in color. Continue to stir until the candy starts to hold its shape. It should still be easy to stir, but don’t overdo it, as pralines quickly go from fluid to rock-solid.

Once the confection has a lighter opaque-brown color and is holding its shape, work quicky and drop small spoonfuls of the candy onto the prepared baking sheet. Because the pralines will start to set in the saucepan, you need to spoon out the candy as fast as you safely can. If the candy stiffens before you’re done scooping, add a spoonful of boiling hot water and stir until it loosens, then continue scooping until you have formed all the pralines.

Allow the candy to fully set at room temperature; it should take about 30 minutes for the pralines to harden. Store the pralines in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy.

Cinderella & the Ugly Stepsisters: Part 1

Every bride wants all the attention on her wedding day and works very hard to be the most beautiful bride she can.  But some women find there’s an easier way to make the bride the star…and that’s to make the bridesmaids pale in comparison.  One way to ensure that is UGLY bridesmaid dresses…lol People had an article showcasing 10 of the worst bridesmaid dresses…take a look.

10 The Repeat Offender

Does this gown look familiar to you? “A lot of women over 40 told me they had one just like it,” Buffalo, Minn., bridesmaid Joanne wrote in to PEOPLE. We’ve definitely seen similar versions of the same dress. They’re all shiny, puffy – and despised. “I almost dropped out [of the wedding], that’s how much I hated this dress,” says Joanne. “I came to my senses and, of course, stuck with it for my best friend!”

9 The Tablecloth

Christine now admits that her flower-power wedding was more hippie chick than hippie chic: “I can’t believe, when I look at this picture now, what I was thinking!” the Moorpark, Calif., bride tells us of her 1976 nuptials. “I wanted a simple old-fashioned wedding, and I thought the fabric looked old-fashioned. My bridesmaids hated the material and tried to talk me out of it – but my mind was set.”

8 The Rainbow Connection

“The actual dresses aren’t really the problem here,” admits Amber of her cousin’s 1973 wedding. “Instead of picking one color for her bridesmaids, [the bride] decided to have a ‘rainbow’ wedding.” Although the wedding party looked like a package of Skittles, the Madison, Tenn., native admits that an the bridesmaids’ hats were an even bigger eyesore. “It was an indoor wedding, but the bride wanted head gear.”

7 The Pajama Game

Ah, the ’70s. When disco reigned, love was free and brides dressed their wedding party in pajamas. “I found this picture of my mother’s wedding,” writes Theresa from Rochester, N.Y., of the little blue flowers and tiny bows that overwhelmed her mom’s friends at her 1975 wedding.

6 The Foil Folly

“This was a big wedding.” recalls bridesmaid Janell – and she’s not even talking about the gigantic gold gowns worn by the bridesmaids! “Eight attendants each, and all the girls in gold!” Says the White Bear Lake, Minn., native of the frilly foil frock, “These were really shiny, extremely itchy and hot.”

Stay tuned for Part 2!

SOURCE: PEOPLE.COM

Happy National Arizona Day!

Yesterday was actually Arizona’s national day, but it was also Father’s Day, so a girl has to make choices…lol.  If you’re planning on visiting Arizona, check out these places recommended by TripAdvisor.

Antelope Canyon

The only way to visit this otherworldly spot is to book yourself on a tour with a Navajo guide. The Upper Antelope Canyon is especially picturesque, with better lit areas and light shafts usually visible at noon, a popular time to visit for the best photos. It can get pretty hot, and the terrain is tricky and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes, load up on water, and pile on the sunscreen. Antelope Canyon can get really busy, especially from March to October when the light beams occur, so secure your booking at least six months in advance.

Grand Canyon South Rim

The most developed area of Grand Canyon National Park, the South Rim offers amenities such as bus service, hotels and water stations, but is also more crowded than the North Rim. Scenic highlights include Pipe Creek Vista and Yavapai Point.

Desert Botanical Garden

Discover the tranquil vibrancy of desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes. Visitors can stroll through five thematic trails to explore the fascinating beauty of the Sonoran Desert, from towering cacti and alluring succulents to brilliant wildflowers and lush trees. Scroll through the Garden’s calendar so not to miss festive events and dazzling exhibitions. Delve deeper to learn about desert landscaping, nature art, cooking and wellness and more through the Garden’s various adult and children’s classes.

Grand Canyon Railway

Since 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel has been taking passengers on a fabled journey to the heart of one of the seven wonders of the world. Grand Canyon Railway is more than just a mode of transportation: it’s a trip back in time on lovingly restored rail cars with entertaining musicians and the antics of cowboy characters. Out your window, the terrain changes from high desert to prairie, prairie to pine. It’s a view that’s ever-changing until you come across a view so brilliant, it could very well change you. All aboard to the Grand Canyon to make a grand trip grander!

Devil’s Bridge Trail

This 1.8-mile hike will lead you to Sedona’s iconic sandstone arch, where you’ll get breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and rock formations. Get there early to beat the crowd or expect to wait for up to a couple of hours for a photo op. Walk about a mile along the Dry Creek dirt road to reach the trailhead, but if you can’t find a spot at the Dry Creek Trailhead parking lot, park along the highway instead. Otherwise, Sedona offers a free shuttle service from downtown to two of the five trailheads, Mescal and Dry Creek Vista.

Horseshoe Bend

This horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River is just a short hike from the beginning of Grand Canyon National Park. The overlook point, which can be accessed via the town of Page, is particularly popular during sunset when the landscape is at its most vibrant, and the iconic turquoise bend glows against the orange cliffs. Although the desert hike is relatively easy, you won’t encounter much shade, so be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. To maximize your time here, join a tour that includes other picturesque sights like Glen Canyon Dam and Antelope Canyon.

SOURCE: TRIP ADVISOR.COM