National Parks – Dani Francuz Rose

Happy Fourth of July!! For Tucker and I, this week has become an even bigger holiday celebration since we now get to celebrate Canada Day on the first, followed by our own hotdog-fueled Independence Day party on the fourth. Double the patriotism, double the fun (I always say)! And while I’ve been writing a lot about Canada over the past year, this month, it’s all about the red, white, and blue!

Every Fourth of July, I tend to do some reflecting about my country of origin, and this year, I thought I’d make a list of some of the things I miss the most about life in the US, a list we can all cheers to today! Because USA USA USA!

Nature/National Parks

First up is, of course, our natural environment and the national parks created to help preserve it. I’ve already written something about my love for our national and state parks, but I still can’t leave it off this list! Having also lived in China and Mexico, which are both heavyweights in their own right when it comes to geographical and bio-diversity, I still think the US wins out in this category. We’re really lucky to be in the absolute perfect location for some incredible natural extremes and awe-inspiring landscapes.

24-Hour Stores

Next on my list is the abundance of 24-hour stores and restaurants. Maybe this has changed a bit post-Covid, but in general, I love that you can go to Waffle House for 3am hashbrowns or CVS for just about anything you might need whenever you might need it. Honestly, I don’t even remember doing this all that often, but it was just so comforting to know that I could!

I could absolutely eat WH any time, day or night…

Direct, yet Friendly People

I know a lot of people have a lot of opinions about American personalities, but depending on where I am in the world, sometimes I really find myself missing their (our?) directness, and sometimes I find myself really missing their (our?) friendliness. We really are a strange mix of totally casual, amicable yet to-the-point, and always ready for an argument. In general, of course. ;)

Fast Food Options Galore

As Canada slowly introduces more US fast food chains to their line-up, I’m reminded just how many fast food icons we have in the US. I sincerely wish I could bring Shake Shack burgers, In-N-Out animal fries, and Culver’s frozen custard to all my friends around the world. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with McDonald’s and KFC (I absolutely love them too), but they’re really only the tip of the incredibly unhealthy but super delicious iceberg that is American fast food!

Highways

Last year we had the pleasure of driving from the middle of Mexico across Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York to Eastern Ontario, Canada. We’ve also had more than our fair share of road trips in both Canada and Mexico, as well as in Europe and Asia. And still, US highways are my favorite! They’re honestly in really good condition throughout the country, super clearly marked, and there are always tons of places to stop along the way (along any way)! I used to think US road trips were so popular because we have no choice but to drive a long way, but that’s not it. They’re just so much more convenient!

Optimism

I didn’t really realize I was an optimist until I left the US (when it was subsequently pointed out to me time and time again). Apparently, it isn’t the norm to constantly feel like “it’ll all work out in the end”. But I do love that despite whatever nonsense is going on around us, which, let’s face it, is pretty constant, Americans generally have the “oh well, let’s just see what happens and make the most of it” kind of attitude, which I tend to find refreshing these days.

Grocery Stores on Steroids

I now completely understand why people take photos of US grocery stores or even the “American section” in their local stores for social media. The number of options we have is insane! The cereal aisle alone would take someone years to get through if they wanted to try ‘em all! Maybe this is why Tucker and I are so good at seeking out all the options and putting them to the test? It is what we grew up with after all.

There was no end to our taste tests during the pandemic lol

Free Refills

This one kills me when I’m abroad! Coffee, tea, and soft drinks will never be worth what you have to pay at a restaurant, movie theater, etc. unless they come with free refills, which they almost never do outside of the US. Also, don’t even get me started on having to pay for water! We might have issues with our healthcare system, but at least we’re not constantly dehydrated!

A Shared Love of Efficiency

Another thing I’ve noticed any time I’m back in the US is that we generally like to be as efficient as possible. Get it done and get it done quickly is the true American way! From self-paying at gas station pumps and doing all your shopping in one place to never actually honestly answering the ubiquitous “how’re you doing?”, there are so many aspects of life in the US that focus on speed and efficiency, and while sometimes that can be a bad thing, I’m usually all about it.

The US Dollar

I think what I really miss about the US dollar is not having to do conversions and calculations every time I see the price of something; however, as someone who is still getting paid in US dollars, I also have to be thankful of its current international standing. I do think we could really do with another redesign though. I want colorful money too!

Ah, there’s nothing like a little reminiscing around the holidays! I hope you enjoyed my list, and I’d love to know some of your favorite American things, so feel free to share! Now excuse me while I go drink a Bud Light and listen to some Lee Greenwood! Happy 4th everyone!

For me, the National Park Service is easily one of the most amazing things about the United States. I am very fortunate to have seen many of these incredible places growing up, and even now when I plan trips back to the States, I always try to include a national or state park in my itinerary. The diversity and the beauty of North America is absolutely astounding, and I (and many others) can’t get enough of it. FDR once said that “there is nothing more American than our national parks”, and I really couldn’t agree more, which is why I want to share a few of my recent NPS experiences and ultimately spur others to get out there and see these beauties while we can!

Number and Size

The United States is a massive country. As the song goes, it stretches from sea to shining sea, covering a whopping 2.43 billion acres. Thankfully, in the 1800s, Americans realized that we might just need to protect some of our incredible land (mostly from ourselves). Thus, the first national park was born. These days, national parks make up about 80 million acres of the US, and when combined with state parks and other protected areas, represent about 14% of the total land area. As of January 2022, there are 63 congressionally-designated national parks and 423 national park sites located in the US, all chosen for “their natural beauty, unique geological features, diverse ecosystems, and recreational opportunities”.

What’s in a Name?

As mentioned, we have 63 infamous national parks, but what is the distinction between the parks and the national park sites? And what about national monuments or state parks? Well, the national parks can be seen as the big kahunas. They are what the other parks, sites, and monuments hope to be when they grow up. To be designated as a national park there has to be an abundance and variety of natural resources and large swaths of land or water areas that enable the protection of these resources. National park sites and monuments on the other hand are usually smaller and singularly focused (as in one element of a national park or a historic site completely separate from the national parks). They might also include things that are not so park-like, such as Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine.

State parks, however, are quite different. As the name suggests, they are run by each state as opposed to the federal government. This usually means that there is a lot more variety in how they are managed and upkept. Luckily, it also means that they are right outside your door (wherever that happens to be). Tucker and I really discovered the joys of state parks while we were pandemically pinned in Florida. Florida and most states east of the Mississippi are somewhat lacking in national parks, but they are not lacking whatsoever in state parks. Florida, for example, has 175 state parks, Illinois has 123, and Georgia has a still-respectable 46. While they might not be as big or famous as those in the NPS, they’ve also been chosen specifically for their natural beauty, historic interest, or recreational potential.

All Good Things

All of these protected areas are well worth seeing. Yellowstone, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, the Everglades, and so many others are the epitome of America’s beauty, and the lesser-known names are no less so. Our national and state parks are extremely accessible and fortunately not cost-prohibitive. The most expensive entrance fees are $35, but the vast majority of parks charge only a fraction of that, making national and state parks not only an incredible experience, but also one of the cheapest you can find (so much better than a day at the movies, in my opinion). Not to mention, the money you spend at the parks goes to an amazing cause: the conservation and preservation of our incredible homeland. So, who’s ready to get out there and explore our amazing parks?!

Dani Francuz Rose

Tag: National Parks

US National Parks and Rec

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