A common criticism gun rights activists levy toward gun legislation advocates is that many people who push for stricter gun laws don’t know a lot about guns themselves. That’s not wholly accurate—there are plenty of gun enthusiasts who support reasonable gun laws—but it’s true that many people who are horrified by our nation’s gun culture are not well-versed on the specifications of our nation’s 393 million guns.
Not every American is an active part of American “gun culture.” Some of us have never shot a firearm, for fun or otherwise. Some of us really are ignorant about guns themselves.
That can’t be said for anyone in the military, however. And it definitely can’t be said for a former Major General of the U.S. Army.
That’s why an explanation of the difference between an AR-15 and military-style firearms from retired Major General Paul Eaton has gone viral. Major General Eaton was the commander in charge of training Iraqi soldiers during Operation Iraqi Freedom, so he definitely knows what he’s talking about when it comes to weaponry.
He wrote:
“As the former Commanding General of the Infantry Center at Fort Benning and Chief of Infantry, I know a bit about weapons. Let me state unequivocally — For all intents and purposes, the AR-15 and rifles like it are weapons of war. A thread:
u201cThose opposed to assault weapon bans continue to play games with AR-15 semantics, pretending thereu2019s some meaningful differences between it and the M4 carbine that the military carries. There really arenu2019t. 2/u201d
— Major General (ret) Paul Eaton (@Major General (ret) Paul Eaton) 1654209731
Those opposed to assault weapon bans continue to play games with AR-15 semantics, pretending there’s some meaningful differences between it and the M4 carbine that the military carries. There really aren’t.
The military began a transition from the M16 to the M4, an improved M16, some years ago. The AR-15 is essentially the civilian version of the M16. The M4 is really close to the M16, and the AR-15.
So what’s the difference between the military’s M4 and the original AR-15? Barrel length and the ability to shoot three round bursts. M4s can shoot in three round bursts. AR-15s can only shoot a single shot.
But even now, you can buy AR-15s in variable barrel lengths with Weaver or Picatinny rails for better sights and aiming assists like lasers. Like the military, but w/o the bayonet.
But our troops usually use single shot, not burst fire. You’re able to fire a much more accurate (deadly) shot, that way. Note: you can buy our Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight on Amazon. So troops usually select the same fire option available on AR-15.
That is why the AR-15 is ACCURATELY CALLED a ‘weapon of war.’ It is a very deadly weapon with the same basic functionality that our troops use to kill the enemy. Don’t take the bait when anti-gun-safety folks argue about it. They know it’s true. Now you do too.”
Eaton is not the only former military leader who has spoken out in support of gun legislation. In 2019, a group of 13 influential retired military leaders wrote a letter to Congress, pushing it to pass the Bipartisan Background Check Act.
“Each of us has, at some point in our lives, made the choice to risk our lives for our fellow citizens and place ourselves in harm’s way,” they wrote. “We were trained, we were coached, and we were prepared for the dangers that we chose to face. This is not the case for most Americans, yet they continue to face danger on the sidewalk, in their homes, at school, and at work. It is in the same spirit that led us to serve in the armed forces that we ask you, our elected leaders, to help protect the American people from gun violence here at home. We urge you to support this legislation.”
Police leaders have also voiced strong support for gun legislation, which makes sense considering how much harder and more dangerous our free-for-all gun culture makes their jobs. The International Association of Chiefs of Police, the largest professional association of police leaders in the world, has a position paper that outlines the gun safety laws it supports, including firearm offender registration, waiting periods, closing the gun show loophole, banning semiautomatic assault weapons, armor-piercing ammunition, bulletproof body armor and more. The IACP states that these are “common sense policies that would assist in reducing gun violence, while upholding the second amendment.”
Yep, the largest police leader association supports banning semiautomatic assault weapons like the AR-15. Here’s what it has to say about that:
“First passed in 1994, the assault weapons ban required domestic gun manufacturers to stop production of semi-automatic assault weapons and ammunition magazines holding more than ten rounds except for military or police use. While the ban was in place, it was remarkably effective in reducing the number of crimes involving assault weapons. In the period of the ban, (1994-2004) the proportion of assault weapons traced to crimes fell by a dramatic 66 percent.”
If those who oppose gun legislation don’t want to listen to people who don’t know enough about guns to speak authoritatively on them, that’s fine. Perhaps they should listen to these military and police leaders who not only know guns inside and out, but who also have the firsthand experience on both sides of the barrel to speak authoritatively on what can help minimize America’s gun violence.
Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and college professors have heard every excuse in the book. Whether it’s a third grader claiming their “dog ate my homework” or a college freshman claiming their grandmother died to get out of a test, they’ve heard it all a billion times.
A college professor once listed the top 21 excuses he’s heard from his students. Here are the top five:
5. “It’s the last week of the semester.”
4. “It’s St. Patrick’s Day or 4/20”
3. “Our other teacher held us back.”
2. “My timetable showed the class was canceled.”
1. “I’m taking a vacation.”
Yes, some students actually say they didn’t do their work because of a holiday predicated on drinking or getting stoned and others have the audacity to say, “Hey! I needed a vacation.” After spending week after week fielding excuses, there’s a good reason why most educators are skeptical when they hear one from their students.
But every once in a while, an excuse that seems way too improbable to be believed actually is true.
Reddit user u/minecraftplayer48 asked the teachers of Reddit to share the “best excuse for being late that turned out to be true” and the stories were all pretty great. But it wasn’t only teachers who chimed in; a lot of people shared stories from when they were students and had an excuse that was so crazy they didn’t think anyone would believe them.
Here are 17 of the best excuses for being late that were actually true.
1. Revenge of the torque wrench
“My auto teacher let me practice removing and adding the tires on his vehicle. The next morning it was about 20 minutes into first period and no sign of him. He comes running into the classroom out of breath and his hair is all messed up. He points at me and says ‘YOU!!!! What is a torque wrench used for???’ I respond with “I don’t know.” He says ‘ I know you don’t know!!!” Turns out one of his tires came off while driving down the highway.” — ethnicjello
2. Mom wanted to sleep in
“She had to take her sister to school and drive her mom to rehab. She was always late to class because her mom just wanted to sleep in. Problem was if the mom was late or did not go she would have violated her probation and gone to prison. I never marked her late. If she missed anything important she could come in at lunch or after school to make it up.” — RM156
3. “That was you?”
“Student here, I headed into school early to get some studying done in the library before my night class. I was one exit away when I was caught in a 3 car accident. Most of the expressway afterwards was gridlock with only one lane left open. I did eventually make it into my lab class 15 minutes late, with a few scrapes and bruises. My professors reaction was simply ‘Oh that was you!”” — AlienCowAbduction
4. “School bus blew up”
“I was one of about 20 kids who were late to school. We showed up at the school office as a group and when questioned why we were late, we said ‘The school bus blew up.’ They questioned ‘So the engine blew up?’ The kids ‘No, the whole bus, in flames. It blew up.’
“There was much conference between the teachers, all of them thinking we embellished the story. Next thing you know, one of the admin staff has the news website open, very obvious image of an entire bus on fire with a bunch of kids in our school uniform standing in front of it. Our late slip for class read ‘School bus blew up.'” — AusPB90
5. B.U.I.
“Told me he got pulled over by the cops for wobbly driving on his bike and they thought he was drunk. Turned out he was just dodging all the slugs on the street.” — Fortisvol
6. Chicken of death
“A guy in my college class missed class one day. The next day he came in with his eye covered up and medical paperwork in hand. Apparently he got pecked in the eye by a chicken.” — BrrToe
7. Chicken 2: The chickening
“When I was student teaching, I was late because there was bunch chickens in the middle of the road. They wouldn’t move at all. This is in the middle of a city of 200,000 people. Freaking chickens.
“I finally get to school and profusely apologize to my mentor teacher and I told her why I was late thinking it sounded ridiculous. She said, ‘yeah, those chickens are fucking assholes, they surrounded my car in the McDonalds parking lot last year. Don’t worry about it.” — Makenshine
8. Cracker Barrel conference
“Taught a group of seniors first period. It was towards the end of the year. I had a class of around 30 and only 5 were there when the bell rang. Halfway through class, the rest of them show up. They went out to Cracker Barrel for breakfast and brought me some back. All was forgiven.” — SwansonsLoveChild
9. Beary late
“Bear on the backyard. No access gate. Animal control had to tranq it from the room and drag it through the house. Made the news. Got to retake the test I missed after sending her the news article.” — Vladtehwood
10. Present the flat
“We had an exam in my class and the teacher got a message from a student saying that he was going to be late because his car had a flat tire (the student was known to party), the teacher didn’t think it could be true, so as a joke the teacher asked him to bring the tire back. He brought the flat tire back in the middle of the exam. Needless to say, the professor didn’t expect that.” — Sapang
11. Moo
“A kid missed my first-period class one morning but was in school later that day. When I asked him why he hadn’t arrived in time for my course, he said his cow was birthing its calf that morning, so he’d picked being in the barn over English. Made sense to me. His essays weren’t going to win any ribbons at the county fair, but his calf could.” — Bobosbigsister
12. Abduction
“In high school a kid came late to history class. He was a joker so when someone asked him where he had been, he goes ‘I was kidnapped.’ Everyone laughed, until he goes ‘no really.’
“Turns out 2 guys kidnapped him and tossed him into the back of the minivan he was using for his morning paper route. They drove him around while they robbed something. I can’t remember what happens after. I think they just drove the van somewhere and got away.” — notinmybackyardcanad
13. Honesty is the best excuse
“Not a teacher, but a kid walked into my class one day and literally just said ‘Sorry I’m late, I didn’t want to be here.’ He wasn’t wrong I suppose.” — Scally59
14. It actually was the dog
“A little off topic but in 8th grade, a friend of mine turned in their homework late because her dog literally ate her homework. She even brought a note from her parents.” — JoeyJoey2004
15. Is this a real excuse? Or is it fantasy?
“‘Sorry Bohemian Rhapsody came on just as I parked.’ — My art teacher when he was about 5:55 minutes late.” — Deeberber
16. “I took a shortcut”
“This happened to me as a pupil; a very quiet, unassuming kid in our class came in to German with about five minutes of the class left. We went to a Catholic school and the teachers were all quite strict and intimidating. Classes were usually silent, especially in junior school. When this boy came into class at the end of the lesson that day, the door flew inwards with such force that the teacher gave an audible gasp.
“It had been raining heavily outside, his hair was plastered to his forehead. His blazer was dripping and sodden. He had mud caked into his trousers up to his knees, and he was breathing heavily. The teacher exclaimed, ‘Brendan! What happened?’ We all stared up at him in shocked silence. This quiet, unassuming little boy let out a big sigh and just said, ‘I took a shortcut.’ And went straight to his seat.
“That line became iconic in our school for years afterward.” — lestat85
17. Pug lovers can attest
“Kid was late to school and had to miss a very important football game. The reason? His fat pug fell asleep on his phone. The pug’s fat rolls muffled his alarm.” — tip52
House fires are devastating for families. In a matter of minutes, you could lose all of your belongings and a place to live, or worse, you could lose loved ones. A family in Phoenix, Arizona, recently found themselves facing the reality of their own home in flames. Claudia Jimenez told CBS News that she woke up trapped in her burning apartment with her two daughters, with nothing to do but yell for help in the hopes that someone would hear her.
The mom’s screams were answered by Joe Hollins, a homeless man who was camping nearby with his wife. Hollins didn’t hesitate to try to find a way to help. With no way out and the fire department still nowhere on the scene, Jimenez had to trust the stranger who was standing below.
“He was right underneath and he was like ‘Yes, throw your daughters out, I’m going to catch them, I’m going to get them,'” Jimenez told CBS.
So the terrified mom did what any mom would’ve done to save her babies—she tossed them one at a time out the window. And just as he’d promised, Hollins caught them. Valerie, who is just a year old, was dropped to safety first, then 8-year-old Natalie made the two-story fall into Hollins’ arms. The family dogs were next out the window before it was time for Jimenez to make the jump.
After some coaxing, the mom made the leap, and Hollins again made the catch, saving everyone in the house. When everything was said and done, Hollins saved the entire family and the dogs. Soon after Jimenez jumped to safety, the fire department showed up to put out the blaze.
Multiple families lost their home that night, but thanks to Hollins, the Jimenez family didn’t lose their lives. In an effort to help Hollins after saving this family, a GiveSendGo was created and people can donate here. A GoFundMe was also created for the young mom and her daughters, and people who would like to help can do so by donating here.
If you ask the hero, he’s no hero at all. He told CBS News that anyone in his shoes would’ve done the same thing. Hollins was in the right place at the right time, and because of his willingness to help, he saved an entire family. You can watch the entire interview below.
Death is a very lucrative business. The average funeral cost is around $9,000 in the United States. That would be a significant amount for anyone to pay, especially when the death is unexpected. The prices are so high that some states even provide financial assistance for people to have memorials for loved ones.
Even if people can muster up the cash for a burial, they may not be able to afford a headstone that they believe is adequate for a loved one. That’s why a story from the UK is so touching.
Every day, during its Cash Register promotion, Hits Radio UK in England gives away a ‘life-changing” amount of money to a lucky caller. DJ Hattie Pearson was behind the mic on May 17 when a retired man named John Elkington called in and won a Cash Register prize of £105,000 ($130,000).
When she asked what he would do with the winnings, Elkington said he would buy a gravestone for his late wife, Anita, who died six years ago. Elkington’s admission made Pearson immediately well up with tears.
u201cJohn can buy his late wife the gravestone she deserves after winning u00a3105,000 on the #CashRegister today ud83eudd70ud83dudc90 @hattiepearsonu201d
He then explained why, as a retired person, it was so hard for him to afford a headstone for his wife.
“When you’re a pensioner, it takes a long time to save up with the cost of stuff nowadays,” Elkington said. “It’s made me emotional. You don’t know how much this means.” The prize winner said he visits his wife weekly and puts fresh flowers on her grave. Pearson noted that he’d have some “good news to share with her” the next time he sees her.
“I’m shaking everywhere,” Elkington continued. “Do you know I’ve never, never, ever won anything? Well, I say I’ve never won anything. I’ve won the love of a lovely lady.”
Elkington’s sweet words for his wife made Pearson “a bit emotional” and she needed a few seconds to compose herself on air. The heartfelt exchange between Elkington and Pearson was also very moving to the people listening to the show in their cars. Many were overjoyed when they heard such a sweet man win the big prize.
I was sobbing like a baby listening to that when working this afternoon
This wasn’t the only time that Pearson has had a hard time keeping her composure after giving away a large cash prize on the air. On May 11, she gave a £99,000 ($123,000) cash prize to a caller named Amanda, who has cancer. Amanda learned that she was sick while pregnant with her daughter, who is now two years old. When asked what she would do with the prize money, she said she wanted to take her children to Disneyland.
u201cHad a big cry at work yesterday ud83dude2dud83dude2dud83dude2dud83dude2dud83dude2du201d
“You’ve just changed my life,” Amanda told Pearson after being told she won the big cash prize.
“Take the girls away and cherish some really special memories that you’re going to be able to make together,” Pearson told her.
Pearson could hardly contain herself during the conversation. “Had a big cry at work yesterday,” she tweeted the next day with a video of the interaction between herself and the caller.
Adolescence is a harrowing time for body image and self-esteem all around, but few milestones are as universally daunting as finding a prom dress. Whether it’s due to budget constraints, not being able to find a dress that fits, or both, what should be a fun event is often viscerally dreaded.
This was certainly the case for Summer Lucille. Lucille told Today.com that growing up, “if you weren’t skinny, there weren’t many options, and it was devastating for me because I’ve always loved fashion.”
She recalled, “I went to my prom looking like a church lady in a suit dress with a jacket because it was the only thing that fit. It was a very sad period in my life.”
Wanting to ensure a more positive experience for others, Lucille opened up her plus-size-only dress shop, Juicy Body Goddess, in 2016. The boutique, based in North Carolina, features mostly Lucille’s own designs of formal dresses up to a size 6X.
Juicy Body Goddess really started gaining traction when Lucille set up a TikTok account sharing truly joyful interactions with customers as they try on different styles.
Besides having an eye for fashion, Lucille is a masterful hype woman, making others feel beautiful with her enthusiastic, heartfelt praises. She clearly loves what she does. Here’s one of many, many examples:
Juicy Goddess’s TikTok presence is how 18-year-old Elyse Monroe found out about the store. Monroe and her family drove nearly six hours for a consultation, determined to find the perfect dress.
Lucille shared with People that Monroe was initially “nervous and shy,” but after trying on a sparkly, form-fitting purple gown, everything changed.
“When she got into that purple dress, she lit up,” Lucille told People.
There was still a budget problem, however. Monroe’s family could only afford to pay $400. The dress was $700.
Thankfully, Lucille had one more surprise up her sleeve.
A now viral TikTok video shows the Monroe family approach the register, asking how much the dress would cost.
Lucille can be heard saying, “This dress is $700…but it’s free.”
Yeah, as you can probably expect, this leaves the teen and her family a bit emotional. Watch below:
The video has had an overwhelming number of responses. Many commiserated with their own painful prom memories and applauded Lucille for her generosity. Some were even inspired to perform their own act of kindness by donating. Lucille told People that since posting the video, there has been $12,000 worth of gift card purchases. Yowza.
This is such an amazing example of what can happen when we celebrate uniqueness, spread generosity, and prioritize making everyone feel worthy of praise.
If you’d like to purchase a gift card from Juicy Body Goddess, click here. Or, if you wanna just follow along on some gorgeous fittings, you can find the Juicy Body Goddess TikTok here.
On November 19, 1999, a man named John Carpenter made game show history and quite possibly gave us all the greatest game show moment of all time.
Carpenter was a contestant on the very first season of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” shot in America. Hosted by the late Regis Philbin, the quiz show featured three “lifeline” options to help them with difficult questions, the most popular being able to “Phone-a-Friend.”
Carpenter had impressively not used a single lifeline for any of his questions. That is, until question 15. The million-dollar question, to be exact.
Philbin asked which U.S. President had appeared on the TV series “Laugh-In.” The four options were Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
That’s when Carpenter chose to call his father.
As soon as his dad answered the phone, Carpenter, all smiles, said:
“I don’t really need your help. I just wanted to let you know that I’m gonna win the million dollars.”
Cue uproarious audience applause and laughter.
Watch:
RIP to Regis Philbin. One of the best TV hosts ever. This is my favorite moment in game show history pic.twitter.com/9WA1OyejVh
Looking back, you can see the exact moment Carpenter realizes he’s won the whole damn thing—and it’s before the answers were even shown. He would go on to (correctly) choose Nixon, becoming the first ever top-prize winner in the entire “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” franchise worldwide.
And even now, a little over two decades later, it’s still such a boss move. Game shows might not have the same widespread appeal that they once did, but it’s iconic moments like Carpenter’s phone call that still make them so fun to watch today.
On November 19, 1999, a man named John Carpenter made game show history and quite possibly gave us all the greatest game show moment of all time.
Carpenter was a contestant on the very first season of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” shot in America. Hosted by the late Regis Philbin, the quiz show featured three “lifeline” options to help them with difficult questions, the most popular being able to “Phone-a-Friend.”
Carpenter had impressively not used a single lifeline for any of his questions. That is, until question 15. The million-dollar question, to be exact.
Philbin asked which U.S. President had appeared on the TV series “Laugh-In.” The four options were Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
That’s when Carpenter chose to call his father.
As soon as his dad answered the phone, Carpenter, all smiles, said:
“I don’t really need your help. I just wanted to let you know that I’m gonna win the million dollars.”
Cue uproarious audience applause and laughter.
Watch:
RIP to Regis Philbin. One of the best TV hosts ever. This is my favorite moment in game show history pic.twitter.com/9WA1OyejVh
Looking back, you can see the exact moment Carpenter realizes he’s won the whole damn thing—and it’s before the answers were even shown. He would go on to (correctly) choose Nixon, becoming the first ever top-prize winner in the entire “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” franchise worldwide.
And even now, a little over two decades later, it’s still such a boss move. Game shows might not have the same widespread appeal that they once did, but it’s iconic moments like Carpenter’s phone call that still make them so fun to watch today.
Love Island UK series 9’s Kai and Sanam are just a few months removed from taking the crown from that series, but Love Island UK fans will soon have another batch of islanders to root for (or not) now that ITV has announced the official date for series 10. As previously reported, Love Island UK series will premiere on June 5th giving folks just under two weeks to get their ducks in a row for what will amount to two months of daily episodes.
When Does ‘Love Island’ Season 10 Come Out?
The news was shared in an Instagram post from the Love Island UK page and a press release from them and ITV also revealed extensive protocols for the yet-to-be-revealed cast. They include “suspending social media, training in language and behaviour, and ongoing support before, during and after filming.” The reason for the suspended social media pages, a decision that was put in place for series 9, was to “ensure that both the Islanders and their families are protected from the adverse effects of social media” as a result of the islanders’ appearance on the show.
You can view the announcement on the Love Island UK Instagram page above.
‘Love Island’ series 10 premieres on the ITV2 channel on June 5th at 9pm GMT/4pm EST/1pm PST.
The Buffalo woman featured on the cover of Griselda’s album WWCD has died, prompting an outbreak of #RIPClaire tweets that have caused confusion among users. According to Syracuse.com, Westside Gunn offered a heartfelt salute to Claire Melendez, aka “Claire Mel,” on Twitter, calling the well-known homeless hometown figure “My fav Buffalo kid. You’ll be Loved Forever.” Such was the group’s appreciation for the woman, they even named their 2022 tour after her.
He included the hashtag #RIPClaire, which was picked up by Griselda fans and trended on Twitter, prompting some users to express their confusion.
Tragically, still others associated the tweets with a 95-year-old Australian woman, Clare Nowland, who was tased to death by police.
However, Buffalo residents who knew the actual Melendez have been sharing some of their favorite memories, calling her “a Buffalo icon.” “Will never forget when all 4 wheels got stolen off of my car and I had to take the bus to work, Claire finessed 5 dollars out of me while I was waiting for the bus over on Elmwood then she cussed me out after I gave it to her,” remembered one Buffalo native.
RIP Claire. Will never forget when all 4 wheels got stolen off of my car and I had to take the bus to work, Claire finessed 5 dollars out of me while I was waiting for the bus over on Elmwood then she cussed me out after I gave it to her
— Dr. Raven the Science Maven (@ravenscimaven) May 24, 2023
Rip Claire. We went for a cruise on the west side, and I was a little nervous when people I didn’t know were approaching the car. She said, “Don’t worry, I will protect you.” Rest Well. #WestsideClaire#Buffalopic.twitter.com/XFa2QxXYZ0
— Tammy Shaw #Loveeternal (@Tammy_Shaw) May 24, 2023
You only know about Claire if you’re from the town. I can’t believe I’m seeing this RIP Claire! https://t.co/e2u6pa1BtH
Claire was Buffalo’s favorite didn’t matter if you might have been annoyed by her or you enjoyed her but she was everything. A little piece of normalcy when it’s crazy in Buffalo. I hope she finally get her peace. RIP Mami pic.twitter.com/b3ffWgFjn4
Please let Twitter live to see better days because I love when a trending “RIP Claire” leads me to learn more about a unique human being I otherwise wouldn’t have. https://t.co/JZMh9mJ0Xg
— Rachel Moore Cowbell (@RachelHasTheMic) May 24, 2023
As for Westside Gunn and the rest of his Griselda compatriots, they continue to truck along despite a few setbacks, although Gunn does have plans to retire at the end of 2023.
Unofficial summer is about to begin, which means you and everyone you know are scouring Google Flights, requesting PTO, and getting the group chat on board for a getaway. Travel, according to AAA, is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels this Memorial Day weekend with nearly 42.3 million Americans expected to hit the road. With anticipated increases in nearly every sector of travel this season — from air travel to road trips to cruises to even travel by bus – it’s time to decide on an itinerary and start making those plans.
National Park trips are, at this point, an obvious choice for summer travel — whether as part of a longer road trip or while visiting a nearby city. Many parks have experienced explosive increases in visitation over the past several years due to social media coverage and a greater cultural emphasis on getting outdoors. And if you’ve been considering it for yourself, there is no better time than summer to get into America’s wild spaces.
But with over 400 National Park units and 63 Major National Parks, many of which now require reservations or timed entry tickets, it can be daunting to decide which park is right for your summer vacay. That’s where I come in.
Emily Hart
As a seasoned solo traveler, I have visited nearly every major US National Park over the past several years, many of them multiple times and in all seasons – so I have some opinions. And as someone who also spent over a decade as a math teacher – I like to quantify. So I took an inordinate amount of time to rank and re-rank my top 15 National Parks for summer travel in 2023.*
*While, of course, there is no “best” National Park, as they are all collectively America’s Best Idea – there are some that lend themselves to a particular season or type of traveler more easily. At the end of the day, personal preferences are always going to be just that, constantly in flux and based on our values.
METHODOLOGY:
Emily Hart
This is unscientific, to be sure, but there are some general considerations I thought about beyond, just, like, “what do I like?” Access to all attractions was the major pillar of my decision-making and ranking – many parks are much too warm to visit comfortably in the summer, while many other parks are only partially open throughout much of the year except in the summer months.
All of the top five parks on this list have roads that do not open until the spring if not even later in the summer months. So while it may not be the sexiest reason, road closures and opening dates played a key role in my rankings because, in my opinion, to get the full experience you have to visit those parks when everything is open.
Beyond accessibility due to weather, I thought about parks that offered an array of traditional summer activities – especially in water. Lakes you can jump in, rivers to float, and beaches to lounge on were all important considerations. That being said, many of the parks on this list aren’t on the coast, or an island (despite there being many park units that fit the bill.) While summer vacation may mean tropical beach vacation for many of us, those parks and beaches are generally accessible year-round – and feel much more invigorating to visit in winter than in summer.
Anyways, on to the good stuff. Here are my rankings for the top 15 National Parks for summer travel in 2023:
15 – ACADIA – MAINE
Emily Hart
Acadia National Park, in Bar Harbor Maine, is of course known for fall travel. And while I agree that seeing the vibrant changing fall foliage of New England is a bucket list experience, after visiting this park in summer and fall – summer wins, by a long shot. The temperature in summer is still mild in the mid 70’s most days – perfect for camping in the park, spending time on Sand Beach, and visiting outer islands by watercraft.
Lobster rolls also just taste better in the summer. I don’t make the rules.
WHAT TO DO:
Be sure to grab a timed entry reservation to drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain (sunrise or sunset preferably). Bike the carriage roads, with a stop at Jordan Pond to hike around the water and stop for popovers (and maybe some champagne) at Jordan Pond House. Hike the Ocean Path Trail then relax or get in the water at Sand Beach before heading over to the less crowded Schoodic Peninsula.
WHERE TO STAY:
There are a lot of options around Acadia and Mount Deseret Island, from camping to short-term rentals, glamping, and RV sites. I prefer to stay in one of the quaint bed and breakfasts that dot Bar Harbor for a bit of old-timey New England charm and walkability to the sweet downtown area.
14 – BRYCE CANYON – UTAH
Emily Hart
You may be surprised that only one of the “Mighty 5” National Parks in Utah made the rankings, but that’s not an indication of their quality or visit-worthiness. It’s just that summer in Utah is hot – extremely hot. Even dangerously hot. But Bryce Canyon – with most of the park between 8,000 and 9,000 ft elevation – is unique from its Utah neighbors in that it’s slightly cooler.
Spend the day hiking in the hoodoos before taking a scenic drive – all roads and trails should be melted and dry, perfect for a summer adventure.
WHAT TO DO:
Hike into another world at Bryce Canyon National Park. Mossy Cave Trail is easy and gorgeous, while the popular and more moderate Queens Garden and Navajo Loop are truly otherworldly. Spend time on the rim and the Bryce Amphitheater, drive the Southern Scenic Drive and spend time in the park at night for some impressive stargazing.
WHERE TO STAY:
There are several motel and hotel accommodations around the park entrance but I stayed at the slightly more upscale Stone Canyon Inn during my last trip to Bryce – and it was lovely. I also recommend Yonder Escalante, while it’s slightly further from the park, it’s right in the middle of a triangle of outdoor adventure: Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
13 – KENAI FJORDS – ALASKA
Emily Hart
This is a slightly less known park than many others on this list, but it is perfect for summer travel. While generally speaking, all of Alaska’s impressive eight National Parks are best visited in the summer months, Kenai Fjords really stands out. With more than 150 lakes and ponds in the park that also protects 545 miles of incredible and rugged Pacific Coastline, it truly comes alive in the warmer summer months.
Home to the Harding Icefield on the Kenai Peninsula, nearly 40 glaciers are flowing in the park – albeit shrinking. Wildlife abounds whether you’re hiking a Glacier, taking a boat tour, or kayaking the fjords – all best or only possible during the summer months.
WHAT TO DO:
You’ll want to get out on the water at Kenai Fjords. Take a boat tour around Kenai Fjords and Ressurection Bay for a front-row seat to impressive glaciers and lots of wildlife. There are boats departing every day from the harbor in Seward during the summer months. For more of an adventure, get into a kayak (with a guide) and explore the Kenai Fjords coastline. Hikers can get up close and personal with glaciers by hiking the relatively easy Exit Glacier trail or the much more strenuous Harding Ice Field Trail.
WHERE TO STAY:
Kenai Fjords is in close to Seward, possibly my favorite town in Alaska. Camp in a van or RV on the banks of the peninsula to enjoy the midnight sun with a view.
12 – YELLOWSTONE – WYOMING/MONTANA
Emily Hart
You might be surprised that Yellowstone is just out of the top 10 parks for summer travel. As the United States’ first “National Park” it has always been the classic example of parks and the stereotypical family summer outdoor road-trip destination. And it deserves a visit, for sure – with its geothermal features, wildlife, and vast open landscape it’s completely otherworldy and a sight to see for yourself. But it’s also very crowded, with good reason.
So while I recommend it, it’s not on the top of my list. The best way to travel to Yellowstone in the summer, in my opinion, is to base yourself in the nearby Grand Teton National Park and dedicate a day to exploring Yellowstone.
WHAT TO DO:
The touristy things at Yellowstone are that way for a reason, so I recommend hitting up all of the popular spots you’ve seen in photos. Hike up Fairy Falls for a great view of Grand Prismatic Spring, explore the boardwalks in the West Thumb area, and enjoy the scenic drive to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. And of course, no trip would be complete without a visit to Old Faithful, which famously erupts around 20 times a day, and is still one of my favorite things to witness – crowds be damned.
Pro-tip: grab a drink in Old Faithful Inn and watch the eruption from above on the public balcony.
WHERE TO STAY:
You have a lot of options near Yellowstone, as it’s long been a tourist area. I generally stay closer to Grand Teton south of the park or in West Yellowstone. If you’re going for a bucket list trip, try to snag a room at the Old Faithful Inn.
11 – GLACIER BAY — ALASKA
Emily Hart
The great majority of people who travel into Glacier Bay do so by cruise ship, with the park service granting two permits per day to ships. And while it is possible to go independently, you’ll likely end up taking a boat out anyway as the action is on the water in this park. With majestic glaciers and towering peaks, it is something to be seen and is best seen from the water.
As you can imagine, cruise ships and other boat tours don’t open up until late April or into May – making it prime season to visit this extremely impressive park – however, you choose to do so.
WHAT TO DO:
Grab your binoculars and head out to watch some calving glaciers if you’re on a ship. Visit Bartlett Cove if you’re not – it’s the only developed area in the park with some trails, kayak rentals, a campground, and a visitor center.
WHERE TO STAY:
Your options are limited here. You can stay on a cruise ship – I enjoyed sailing on the Norwegian Bliss – or at Bartlett Cove Campground or Glacier Bay Lodge.
10 – VOYAGEURS — MINNESOTA
Emily Hart
Voyageurs is nearly 40% water, so you can imagine why I chose it to round out the top ten on this list. With most of the park only accessible by watercraft in the summer or snowmobiles in the winter – boats are going to win out every time. Spend time boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, or staying at an old historic hotel on the border of the United States and Canada at this lesser-visited and truly remarkable National Park.
You can camp at Voyageurs on several islands that are all, obviously, only accessible by watercraft. For a real step back in time and a solid roof over your head, stay at the Kettle Falls Hotel, an over 100-year-old historic lodge within the park that is 13 miles from the nearest road between Namakan and Rainy Lake. Kettle Falls Hotels’ tagline is “tough place to get to… but well worth it once you get there” and I can only agree.
9 – YOSEMITE – CALIFORNIA
Emily Hart
Is there ever a bad time to visit Yosemite? Probably not, but summer is something special. With warm temperatures in the 80s and even 90s, better access to trails, the chance to float the Merced River, and the reopening of Glacier Point Road in July – it’s legendary for a reason.
If you’re adventurous, summer is the time you’re able to score a permit to hike Half Dome (after the cables go up in late May or early June), and with the reservation system a thing of the past at Yosemite, you can visit with somewhat less hassle. Because while number nine is nothing to scoff at, Yosemite only did not rank higher on my list due to crowds.
Be prepared to gawk at the granite cliffs with hundreds of new friends. But fear not, it’s still worth it.
WHAT TO DO:
Yosemite is an outdoor lovers’ playground, with plenty of options regardless of your level of physical preparation. Nab a permit to hike Half Dome if you dare, float the Merced River, bike in Yosemite Valley, or just enjoy a picnic and dip on the sandy beaches of the river.
WHERE TO STAY:
Like many of the parks on this list, there are a lot of hotel and motel options near Yosemite, with a new and trendy glamping spot popping up seemingly every week. But when I visit I tend to always stick to what I know and love, the Sierra Sky Ranch. It has an interesting history, great rooms, and friendly staff, and it’s just ten miles from the southern entrance of the park – closer than any of the traditional chains.
8 – OLYMPIC – WASHINGTON
Emily Hart
To be fair, I would probably add Olympic National Park to any “Best of” Park ranking, regardless of the season or topic – because it’s that unbelievable. It’s been my old faithful since my first visit. The diversity of experiences can’t be beaten — with rainforests, mountains, lakes, and beaches all within one 1,442-square-foot peninsula.
Why summer? A few more specific reasons. First, the beaches! While the beaches on the coast of the Olympic Peninsula are not ever going to be of the SoCal tanning and swimming variety, the lakes are great for hitting the water before heading to the coast for sunset. And second, the weather! The weather is mild in the summer months and also has the lowest average rainfall – something that matters in the Pacific Northwest.
WHAT TO DO:
Olympic National Park is incredibly diverse, and I’d recommend trying to experience as much of that diversity as you can on a visit. Visit Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rainforest, the Sol Duc Valley, and at least one of the park’s stunning beaches (I love Rialto). Mount Storm King is a very popular and scenic hike, along with Marymere Falls, and the Hall of Mosses Trail in the Hoh Rainforest area.
WHERE TO STAY:
Several small towns on the Olympic Peninsula have hotels and short-term rentals. Port Angeles is great for visiting Hurricane Ridge, just remember your passport to take the ferry over to Victoria. And Forks is great, especially if you’re into Twilight. I think the clutch move if you can, is to stay at one of the Olympic Park Lodges – they are some of the best. Lake Crescent Lodge is quaint and in a stunning location, Kalaloch Lodge is cozy, and Lake Quinault Lodge on the West Penninsula is stately and grand.
7 – NEW RIVER GORGE – WEST VIRGINIA
Emily Hart
As the newest major National Park in the United States, New River Gorge is still a bit of a mystery to many park travelers. Located in West Virginia, the “Grand Canyon of the East” is in a prime location for summer getaways – with two-thirds of the population of the United States reportedly living within a day’s drive of the park.
But proximity isn’t the only reason it scores so high on this list – it’s also because of the rafting. While Gauley Season on the nearby Gauley River is in the fall, summer is the perfect time to adventure down the New River. The outdoor, climbing, biking, and rafting culture is very prominent in Fayetteville near the park, and a summer visit allows you to experience it all.
WHAT TO DO:
I was surprised at how diverse New River Gorge is, and by how many varied activities were possible. If you only have a short time, be sure to drive the 7.5-mile Fayette Station Road that takes you down to the river and under the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. Take some hikes – I recommend Endless Wall and Longpoint Trail. Then raft the New River, bike Arrowhead Trails, or climb one of the over 1,400 established rock climbs.
WHERE TO STAY:
If you’re planning to stay in Fayetteville I’d recommend booking a cabin, campsite, or safari tent at River Expeditions in nearby Oak Hill. You can head out on your whitewater adventure right from your doorstep, enjoy the zipline, and head to the on-site bar and grill to relax at the end of your day.
6 – MOUNT RAINIER – WASHINGTON
Emily Hart
Mount Rainier is a showstopper, as anyone who has been within its view can attest to. The looming 14,411-foot mountain is massive, rising from the land around it like something out of another world.
While I have visited and enjoyed the park in many seasons, summer takes the cake. With several of the park roads not opening back up for the season until late May or into June, you’ll have much more access by planning a trip after Memorial Day. Besides that, the park is incredibly vibrant as most of the snow melts, with green forests and colorful wildflowers that are unlike anything I’ve seen. Prime wildflower season is generally starting in mid-July and reaches nearly perfect-fairytale status in August.
The Mount Rainier area is chock full of gorgeous cabins ready for short-term rentals. My dream stay would be inside the park at the historic Paradise Inn.
5 – ROCKY MOUNTAIN – COLORADO
Emily Hart
Rocky Mountain National Park is a classic. With the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains towering up all around you, wildlife passing by at every turn, and tons of trails to crystal blue lakes, it is what many travelers think of when they think of “National Park.” While the park understandably becomes much more crowded in the summer months, with a timed entry system in place, it is still firmly near the top of the list for summer National Park getaways.
With wildflowers making their debut, mild temperatures ranging from the 70s to the occasional ’80s, and Trail Ridge Road – the 48-mile highway that reaches elevations of 12,183 ft – that is only open to vehicles around Memorial Day weekend each year, summer is an ideal season to experience this always impressive natural wonder.
WHAT TO DO:
First, you’ll want to be sure you nab a timed entry ticket to the park that includes the Bear Lake Corridor. I’d recommend doing some hikes from the Bear Lake area (Emerald Lake is a classic) and then driving Trail Ridge Road to the Alpine Visitor Center.
WHERE TO STAY:
Estes Park on the Eastern side of the park and Grand Lake on the West side are both quaint, small-town tourist towns with plenty of cabins and hotels to stay in. I recommend Grand Lake Lodge in Grand Lake for the views and ambiance, and the historic Stanley Hotel (which inspired The Shining) in Estes Park for glam with a side of paranormal.
4 – DENALI – ALASKA
Emily Hart
Denali National Park is truly a bucket list destination. Home to the 20,310 ft Denali – the highest mountain in North America — it is a dream for many a traveler. The entire road to Denali doesn’t open to buses until June 8, and to truly see the park and Denali itself you have to take a bus. There are generally no passenger cars allowed past mile 15 of the 92-mile road and no other way in unless you decide to hike or do some flightseeing.
Summer is also when the weather is best, the park is fully operational, and wildflowers are blooming with abandon. I hate cliches but truly, you have to see it to believe it.
WHAT TO DO:
The first thing you need to do when planning a trip to Denali is decide which bus trip you want to take. Anything after mile 15 of the 92-mile road is only accessible on a Denali Park bus tour – and that’s where the action is. Due to a landslide, the road is closed through 2024 at mile 43, but you’ll want to get as close to it as you can. Choose a transit bus you can hop on or off, or a narrated tour bus. Hike Triple Lakes Trail, around Mountain Vista and Savage River, or off-trail – it is encouraged at Denali as there are very few formal trails.
WHERE TO STAY:
RV or van life is the move when you visit Denali or take any road trip around Alaska. Unlike many other states, Alaska, for the most part, has no laws against sleeping overnight at rest areas and on highway pullouts, so you’ll see RVs and vans dotting the road every night. There are also tons of developed RV and campsites catering to the road warriors among us – which in Alaska feels like most people.
3 – NORTH CASCADES – WASHINGTON
Emily Hart
North Cascades National Park makes frequent appearances on “Least Visited National Park” and “Most Underrated National Park” lists – while also somehow being on many “Best National Park” lists like this one. Why, you may wonder? Well, despite its proximity to Seattle it doesn’t see nearly the amount of visitation as the other Washington parks, at least in part due to access. Yep, there it is again, more seasonal road closures. Highway 20 or the North Cascades Highway is one of the few maintained roads through the park, and its operational season doesn’t begin until sometime in May of each year.
But it is well worth the wait. This park is extraordinary, to put it simply. With the monstrous peaks, blue lakes, and somewhat limited access that leads to more solitude – it is a summer adventurers’ paradise.
WHAT TO DO:
North Cascades is a hiker’s dream. Try Blue Lake Trail, Maple Pass Loop, or Cascade Pass. Drive up to the Diablo Lake Overlook along Highway 20 and then head down to canoe, kayak, and take a cold plunge in the jaw-dropping (and tooth-chattering) turquoise waters.
WHERE TO STAY:
I like to camp in North Cascades! All campgrounds in the park will be open by the end of May 2023 and I can’t imagine waking up anywhere else than in this natural paradise. There are hike-in, drive-in, and boat-in campgrounds, many of which can be reserved on recreation.gov. A great off-the-ground option is Ross Lake Resort.
2 – GLACIER – MONTANA
Emily Hart
Glacier National Park is, cheesy or overused as it may sound, truly one of those places you have to experience at least once. From the nearly 50-mile Going-To-The-Sun Road to Lake McDonald, St. Mary, Many Glacier, North Fork, and Two Medicine, entering this park is like stepping into a dream. All those platitudes about feeling small, well, whoever came up with them was probably hiking Glacier’s Highline Trail.
Why summer? Well, it is the only time to access much of the park. With the breathtaking Going-To-The-Sun Road only partially opened at the end of May and generally not fully open over Logan Pass until early July – summer is where the action is. And while all of the parks is gorgeous, with its remote location and difficulty of traveling to, I wouldn’t make a first trip there unless I could see as much as possible (including mountain goats – just keep your distance).
WHAT TO DO:
First and foremost, you’ll need a reservation to do much at Glacier this summer between 6 am and 3 pm. A batch of reservations is released four months in advance and another portion 24 hours in advance on recreation.gov. You’ll need separate reservations for different entrances of the park. After securing those, I’d spend a day (or more) driving, stopping, and hiking along Going-To-The-Sun Road, take a dip in Lake McDonald, and head out to Many Glacier to hike Grinnell Glacier Trail.
WHERE TO STAY:
Opt to camp within the park or head to one of the iconic Glacier National Park Lodges. I loved my stay at Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier, with updated rooms it was the first hotel built by the Great Northern Railway. Other iconic options are Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge.
1 – GRAND TETON – WYOMING
Emily Hart
How do you choose a number 1 park when quite nearly your entire life revolves around National Parks? It must be like choosing a favorite child, or so I’m told. But since my first visit to Grant Teton National Park in Wyoming, I knew it would always top the list. Fifty-nine major parks later and nearly a dozen visits to Grand Teton I am only more steadfast in my belief that it is the best park for summer travel, period. With wildflowers, towering jagged peaks, proximity to Jackson, wildlife, and lakes on lakes on lakes – it doesn’t get any better than this.
Teton Park Road – the park’s main thoroughfare – is closed to cars until May and many lakes are still frozen until the same period. Meaning that summer is the time to get the best bang for your buck. You can swim, hike, SUP, camp and get some pizza and beer here in the spectacular summer months when the temperature averages a perfect 77 degrees.
WHAT TO DO:
What can’t you do here? I always spend a good portion of my trips to the park swimming in Jackson Lake, hiking one of the many incredible trails (try Cascade Canyon or Taggart Lake), rafting the Snake River, and of course, enjoying some vino with the sunset at camp or lakeside (try String Lake).
WHERE TO STAY:
I always recommend camping to visitors of Grand Teton, as it’s the best way to see the park at all hours and has enough amenities for even a novice. Reservations are required at all park campsites on recreation.gov (I recommend Colter Bay). If camping isn’t your speed, Jackson is nearby with a plethora of luxurious hotel options (I recommend Hotel Terra). For the slightly more budget conscious who want a solid floor and a bed frame, head to the other side of Teton Pass and check out AirBnbs in Victor, Driggs, and Tetonia Idaho.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
You’ll be Loved Forever 
Dr. Daiquiri 
(@YoFavCuz) 
Rest Well. 
RIP Claire! 
(@FanceeEnergy) 
didn’t matter if you might have been annoyed by her or you enjoyed her but she was everything. A little piece of normalcy when it’s crazy in Buffalo. I hope she finally get her peace. RIP Mami 
