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How To Spend A Weekend In Casper, Wyoming - And Stay Safe While Doing So.
I was hosted by Visit Casper and all opinions are my own.
Welcome to Wyoming - Casper, Wyoming to be exact! This year I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Wyoming TWICE. I first visited Yellowstone in Wyoming back in March and I recently returned for a trip to Casper. To be honest, I didn’t know much about this region of the United States prior to my Yellowstone visit. I was pleasantly surprised on that first trip, so I knew I was in for a treat when Visit Casper invited me to visit for a weekend.
My first impression? Casper is a relatively small town(population: 57k) that reminded me a lot of West Texas. The city is in central Wyoming with a long history of oil and cowboy culture. If you were simply passing through, you might miss all that Casper has to offer. I can definitely say that it’s a great weekend destination for eating your heart out, exploring the great outdoors, fly-fishing, and more.
As my mom is on a mission to visit all 50 states, I brought her along for the journey and we were able to enjoy Casper in ways that we never imagined.
As a very important note, Casper is currently open for safe visitation. They are doing all that they can to protect both citizens and visitors. Masks are enforced, businesses offer outdoor seating, and many activities can be done while social-distancing.
WHERE TO STAY
While visiting Casper, I had the pleasure of staying at the Ramkota Casper. With a downtown location, this was the perfect launchpad for me to explore Casper. Every main attraction I visited was just minutes away, which made it easy to do as much as possible in a certain amount of time. My favorite aspects of staying at the Ramkota included:
Free shuttle services to and from the airport
Spacious rooms that allowed for complete relaxation with my mom
Complimentary breakfast
As a note, masks are required. Measures are being taken to protect both employees and customers at the Ramkota Casper.
WHAT TO DO
Go Fly Fishing
People travel from all over the world to go fly fishing in Casper. With anywhere from 3000 to 5000 fish per mile, the area is one of the best big fish destinations in the USA. You’ve gotta put this on your Casper bucket-list. You can take a guided tour with Ugly Bug Fly Shop and learn everything from casting the rod to the process of tying a fly(bait used to lure the fish in). If you’re anything like my mother and me, you might not catch a single fish. However, I can say that this is the most peaceful thing I’ve done in a while. It certainly tested my patience. There’s a first time for everything, right?
Take The Scenic Route To Freemont Canyon
Drive out to Freemont Canyon to safely catch some of the best views in Natrona Country. You’ll witness geological wonders from start to finish. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can kayak, boat, climb, or fish in the area.
Visit the Nicolaysen Art Museum
The Nicolaysen Art Museum is a self-guided studio that features a collection of traditional and contemporary art. If you visit anytime soon, you must see Georgia Roswell’s exhibit which features Wyoming’s landscape via discarded textiles. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Note: You’ll be required to social distance inside of the museum. Don’t forget your mask!
Chase Waterfalls at Rotary Park
Garden Creek falls is a hidden gem at the base of Casper Mountain. You can safely hike the trails and stand at the base of the waterfall for gorgeous views.
Bring Out Your Inner Artist at Art 321
Stop by this art organization to shop local art or get your creative juices flowing with an onsite art class! Choose from pottery, photography, painting, and more.
Shop For Souvenirs While Supporting Local Businesses
In downtown Casper, you’ll find a local shop at every turn! For reference, you can carry a piece of Casper with you by shopping at Floral Rhino, Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters, or WyoMade Apparel & Craft goods before you go!
Masks will be enforced inside local businesses.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Have a classic American breakfast at Eggington’s and Johnny J’s.
Sneak your way to Backward’s Distilling Company’s Speakeasy where you can taste the best spiked hot chocolate of your life.
Grab some chocolate-covered cherries and homemade popcorn from Donnell’s Candies!
Taste brews in a 100-year building at Skull-tree Brewing.
Do yourself a favor and swing by Branding Iron Boutique for the fried green tomatoes!!!
Grab a slice or a whole pie at Racca’s Pizzeria Napoletana. Trust me when I say this is the best pizza in town!
Indulge in some sweet treats and coffee at the Bourgeoisie Pig!
Treat yo’ self to Thai Food at Dsasumo!
Enjoy award-winning ribs and premium steak at Prime Rib And Chophousee
Note: Bring your mask and be prepared to social distance in indoor establishments. Feel free to ask about outdoor seating when possible.
If you find yourself in Casper, I implore you to stick around to discover just how much this town has to offer! Trust me when I say, this is the kind of place that will take you by surprise!
How To Spend A Day In Georgetown, Texas
On one hand, Georgetown is less than an hour away from Austin, Texas. On the other hand, it feels like it couldn’t be further away from the live music capital of the world. Drive thirty minutes away from Austin and you’ll transition from skyscrapers to a town square that feels like you’ve truly taken a step back in time. With a population just shy of 60,000, Georgetown is a much-needed change of pace in today’s busy and noisy world.
If you’re not a Texan, this may be your first time hearing about Georgetown. However, it is home to the ‘The Most Beautiful Town Square’ in the state and it’s known as the Red Poppy capital. Georgetown has made its claim to fame with several blockbusters being filmed in the area, including Dazed and Confused, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, and more. The Southwestern University campus is located in Georgetown and it was the first college built in Texas back in 1840. Needless to say, there’s more to Georgetown than meets the eye.
I truly enjoyed my recent solo trip to Georgetown and I’d highly recommend it for a quick day-trip or weekend get-away. Keep reading my guide to discover all that Georgetown has to offer.
Where To Play In Georgetown
Explore the Underworld at Innerspace Caverns
If you’re looking for a unique adventure, then Innerspace Caverns is a must-visit. People visit from all over the world to see this otherworldly cave that is nearly 5 miles deep and 20 million years old. The caverns were discovered by drillers in 1963 as they set out to build IH-35 just above it. You’ll witness some of the original drilling holes among stalactites or stalagmites as you wander through the dark cave. You can sign up for a 75-minute Adventure guided tour or you can get down and dirty(headlamp, helmet, and all) with their 4-hour long Wild Cave Tour. Either way, you can’t go to Georgetown without touring the Innerspace Caverns. You may book your tour ahead of time here.
Go Shopping In Georgetown’s Downtown Square
Georgetown boasts the ‘Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas’ and it’s easy to see why. The Victorian historic district will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another era. The square is full of restaurants, wineries, bars, and shops for you to enjoy. As there are no open container laws in Georgetown, I personally loved exploring the square with a cup of wine in hand. A few of my favorite shops included Mikey V’s Hot Sauce Shop, The Baked Bear, Georgetown Winery!
Stroll Through San Gabriel Park
Get active at the San Gabrial Park which offers over 9 miles of trails for you to hike, bike, or run. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can go kayaking or fishing with San Gabriel Sports.
Go Swimming In Georgetown’s Blue Hole
The Texas Hill Country is full of swimming holes and Georgetown is no exception. This lagoon is the perfect spot to unwind, soak up the sun, and spend time outdoors! While I didn’t get the chance to visit, I’m looking forward to returning for a swim when I return to the area.
Where To Eat In Georgetown
El Monumento
When it comes to Tex-Mex, El Monumento just get’s it. Do yourself a favor and order the prickly pear margarita!
600 Degrees Pizza
You can order a slice of pizza that’s bigger than your face at 600 degrees pizza without skimping on quality. They serve pizza, craft beer, and wings. Honestly, what more could you ask for?
Monument Cafe
You know I couldn’t create this guide without suggesting a spot for brunch, right? Well, Monument Cafe is THE place to go for a tasty breakfast or brunch menu. If you visit on the weekend, you’ll get to see live music in their beer garden.
Sweet Lemon
This farm-to-table cafe offers fresh eats in a bright green cottage that is beyond insta-worthy. Aesthetics aside, their pastries are worth the visit alone. If you needed any more convincing, then you should know that they’ve been voted the best dessert place in town.
Stay At The Sheraton
If you decide to spend the weekend in Georgetown, there’s one place you should stay and it’s the Sheraton. The Sheraton Georgetown is the epitome of small-town sophistication. It is one of few full-service hotels in the area and it is simply gorgeous! There’s a nearby running trail, a 24-hour fitness center, a swimming pool set among Rivery Park, and an onsite restaurant that will have you coming back for more. You can’t leave without ordering the Charcuterie board from Brix + Ale, which offers rich honey that is sourced at the Sheraton. Thank me later!
Note: Social distancing is enforced and Masks are required for the foreseeable future.
