5 Dreamy Trips to Take With Your Tax Refund

1. Glacier National Park, Montana

The mecca of all national parks, Glacier National Park is a must-visit park for those who love to work for a jaw-dropping view of the Rocky Mountains. Plus you get built-in hiking buddies, AKA the mountain goats that delightfully graze beside hikers. If you’re not into hiking, Glacier’s renowned Going-to-the-Sun road is a 50-mile stretch that requires no physical feat; the drive crosses the Continental Divide with incredible views you’ll get nowhere else.

My key advice for this high-altitude drive – vote someone in who is not afraid of heights to tackle it. I was in fact white knuckling it while we serpentined our way up the windy road. Fun fact: Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun road is featured in the opening scene of The Shining.

2. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Wyoming may be most known for Yellowstone National Park, but I think Grand Teton takes the cake. It is seriously underrated, and therefore, seriously not crowded. I’ll venture and say it even has better views than Yellowstone. Much like Glacier National Park, it’s one of the few parks in the United States that still has glaciers. Also, the Teton mountain range is one of the youngest in North America. Have I enticed you yet?

3. Arches National Park, Utah

If you want to feel as though you’re being abducted by aliens, or one amongst aliens, I think Arches National Park is the closest you’ll get to chasing that very niche feeling we’ll call otherworldly for now. Described as “alien terrain,” Arches is like a natural art gallery, its towering rock arches and a reddish-orange landscape unlike anything I'd seen before.

The vast desert stretches out as far as the eye can see, and at the heart of it all stands Landscape Arch, the world’s longest natural arch. We drove in at sunset and because of that, ventured around for free, though I’m not sure the national park service would want me advertising that.

4. ​Zion National Park, Utah

If dangerous, potentially near-death experiences are your thing, then I have just the park for you! In all honesty, Zion is breathtaking, but it does have Angels Landing – one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. I opted out, because (see the Glacier National Park excerpt), I'm afraid of heights and didn’t trust my hand-eye coordination. Zion’s backdrop is the desert, but its red mountains and crystal clear rivers make you think otherwise once you’re enveloped by the park.

Oddly enough, the stand out feature of the park was the town outside of it. I grabbed a delicious coffee and bagel to fuel myself for a day of hiking. My one recommendation would be to not go on Memorial Day weekend as the park seemingly morphed into a madhouse as the day progressed. Please give me grace, I was but a young lass with nothing but a coffee in hand and a dream to see Zion.

5. ​Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

My common theme seems to be referencing movie genres, and only movie genres, to describe national parks, so I’ll keep that trend going by telling you Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park made me feel like I was in Star Wars. I mean, the park is known for its hoodoos, what’s more Star Wars sounding than that? This is another park you won’t believe until you see it.

The hoodoos, which I can only describe as super cool, thin rocks that stand straight up – you’re welcome for the scientific explanation – were formed from erosion as the park was once underwater. We hiked down into the vast land of hoodoos on a 90-degree day, and all I can say is: unlike me, please make sure to bring enough water.

6. ​Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain is one of the highest national parks in the country, and as a result, offers beautiful panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. But that also means if elevation is not kind to you, you may want to scratch Rocky Mountain National Park off your list. If you’re an animal lover like me, this park is an essential. I saw my first ever moose and gorgeous elk not even 30 feet from me. Also, I swore I was done with movie references, but isn’t it fun?

While it’s not in the park, you won’t want to miss The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, just 5 miles from the Rocky Mountain entrance. It’s the very hotel that inspired Stephen King's The Shining. I immediately recognized the remarkable neoclassical building in its entirety with its dramatic mountainous backdrop – am I revealing that I watch too much TV?

7. ​Acadia National Park, Maine

I don’t think I’m alone in stating that Acadia National Park is a true New England gem. Yes, the park itself is mesmerizing, but it’s the entire experience Acadia and its surrounding town has to offer that makes it a must-visit park. We hiked the park’s iconic Cadillac Mountain at 2 a.m., but don’t worry, you don’t have to be as adventurous (or dumb) as we were; you can simply drive up the mountain instead.

But really, what’s better than hiking in the pitch of night only to emerge and witness a stunning sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean? Afterward, we explored Bar Harbor, the charming, oceanside town rich with New England history and charm, then got a bite to eat at a small diner that served up to-die-for hash browns and pancakes.

8. ​Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Blasting Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” in our tiny Subaru Impreza, my friends and I rolled up to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This was the last national park we visited on the road trip, and it was the perfect ending to a perfect trip – barring the crippling debt the trip put us all in.

Nonetheless, the Great Smoky Mountains are wonderfully serene and peaceful. It’s the perfect park for those that enjoy lush green forests, the hum of cicadas, and the twinkling light emitted from fireflies. And who doesn’t love that?

Pecan Lodge

If you're in Deep Ellum and see a line of people waiting outside of a restaurant, then you've probably come across Pecan Lodge. This barbeque restaurant is a fast-casual style establishment where you place your order and wait for your number to be called. On the menu, you'll find a number of smoked meats, sides, and other southern comfort foods. I'd highly recommend the smoked turkey, brisket, and pulled pork, but they also have burnt ends, beef ribs, pork ribs, and hand-made sausage available. For sides, you'll find classic macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, collard greens, fried okra, potato salad, and pinto beans. For an award-winning barbeque restaurant, the portions are quite big for the price and there are plates if you're looking for something more hearty.

Terry Black's BBQ

While you're in Dallas, you'll want to be sure to stop by Terry Black's BBQ for signature Texas barbecue. The popular joint is known to run out of certain meats later in the day so you'll want to be sure to arrive early to ensure you get what you're craving. On the menu, restaurant goers will find a variety of meats by the pound — sliced brisket, pork ribs, turkey, chopped beef, sausage, jalapeno sausage, and beef ribs. For sides, there are a handful of options including mac and cheese, pinto beans, green beans, mexican rice, cream corn, baked potato salad, and coleslaw. There is a decent amount of seating inside the restaurant to enjoy your food fresh out of the kitchen or you can take it to go to eat at home or in your hotel room.

Lockhart Smokehouse

Located in the Bishop Arts District, Lockhart Smokehouse is a notable barbeque establishment that has some of the best southern comfort food in all of Dallas. Inside you'll find vibrant red seats and string lights to set the mood for the delicious meal you're about to eat. On the menu, you'll find juicy meats such as brisket, chicken, pork, ribs, and sausage and a handful of slides including baked beans, Lockhart slaw, blue cheese slaw, brisket deviled eggs, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese.

The Slow Bone

There's no better type of meat than that which slips right off the bone. The Slow Bone's dining room is open everyday between 11am and 3pm and serves up a variety of sandwiches and meats by the pound. Aside from the meat, The Slow Bone shines with its wide selection of sides — yes, they have macaroni and cheese and beans, but they also have others like braised greens, sweet potato pralines, brussel flower au gratin, roasted squash, squash casserole, fried okra, french fries, tater tots, and chili mac. If you're craving a sandwich, then you can't go wrong with any of their options, each of which are served on a toasted challah bun for a sweet and tangy finish.

Cattleack Barbeque

Open Wednesday-Friday, Cattleack Barbeque has served up some of the best types of BBQ in Dallas since 2013. Over the past decade, locals and visitors have enjoyed meats by the pound, sandwiches, platters, and sides all of which will leave your stomach happy. Similar to other establishments, the meats you'll find include brisket, beef rib, burnt ends, pork ribs, turkey, wagyu bologna, and whole hog pulled pork. For side options, there's burnt end beans, chili macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, potato salad, apple broccoli salad, Mexican street corn, dirty rice, and cornbread. Be sure to save room for dessert as you'll want to try the crack cake, banana pudding, and Oreo peanut butter cream pie.

Sinners — In Theaters March 5, 2025

When two twin brothers venture out in search of a better life, they come to the horrifying realization their future is just as sinister as their past.

Sinners premieres March 5 and stars Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo.

Mickey Barnes has one job: colonize the ice world of Niflheim, even if he dies in the process. After all, he's an Expandable, which means he can be cloned countless times. But everything changes when two Mickeys wind up surviving at the same time.

Mickey 17 premieres March 7 and stars Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.

Rule Breakers — In Theaters March 7, 2025

Hope and courage (as well as danger) rise when a woman defies everything to help educate young girls in Afghanistan — and train them to compete in a robotics competition.

Rule Breakers premieres March 7 and stars Ali Fazal, Nikohl Boosheri, Amber Afzali, Nina Hosseinzadeh, Nada El Belkasmi, Sara Malal Rowe, and Noorin Gulamgaus.

Queen of the Ring — In Theaters March 7, 2025

Before we can watch Sydney Sweeney kick butt as boxer Christy Martin, tune into this March movie about wrestler and single mom Mildred Burke, who became the first million-dollar female athlete. Did I mention wrestling was banned in most parts of America?

Queen of the Ring premieres March 7 and stars Emily Bett Rickards, Josh Lucas, Tyler Posey, Kelli Berglund, Walton Goggins, Marie Avgeropoulos, and Gavin Casalegno.

O'Dessa — On Hulu March 13, 2025

Farm girl O'Dessa sets out to find an invaluable family heirloom — and becomes a quest to save her one true love.

O'Dessa premieres March 13 and stars Sadie Sink, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Murray Bartlett, and Regina Hall.

Opus — In Theaters March 14, 2025

This March movie examines fame — and its dangers — like you've never seen before. When a pop star invites writer Ariel into his remote compound in an exclusive guest list, she jumps at the opportunity. But as her stay becomes more alarming, Ariel wonders just what she's gotten herself into.

Opus premieres March 14 and stars Ayo Edebiri, John Malkovich, Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Amber Midthunder, Stephanie Suganami, Young Mazino, and Tatanka Means.

If 1923 season 2 totally has you in a Western mood, then turn on this sci-fi movie which follows teen Michelle on a journey to find her little brother. Naturally, she enlists the help of a robot and a drifter.

The Electric State premieres March 14 and stars Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, Jason Alexander, Woody Norman, Giancarlo Esposito, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Hank Azaria, Colman Domingo, and Alan Tudyk.

Black Bag — In Theaters March 14, 2025

Agent George Woodhouse must examine his loyalty to his marriage and to the country after his wife Kathryn becomes a major suspect. Mr. and Mrs. Smith fans this one's for you!

Black Bag premieres March 14 and stars Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, and Pierce Brosnan.

Bob Trevino Likes It — In Select Theaters March 21, 2025

20-something Lily is blindsided when her father suddenly abandons her. But when she connects with a man named Bob Trevino (her dad's name), their small acts of kindness could just change each other's lives.

Bob Trevino Likes It stars Barbie Ferreira, John Leguizamo, French Stewart, Lauren "Lolo" Spencer, and Rachel Bay Jones.

This reimagined Snow White is just as focused on justice and leadership as she is on love — but she's got the same amount of heart, imagination, and kindness as the cartoon you know and love.

Snow White premieres March 21 and stars Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, Andrew Burnap, and Ansu Kabia.

Ash — In Theaters March 21, 2025

Riya is left alone on the planet of Ash when her entire crew is killed. But when Brion comes to help her, the relief turns into terror as they decide whether they can trust each other — and whether they can make it off the planet alive.

Ash premieres March 21 and stars Eiza González, Aaron Paul, Iko Uwais, Beulah Koale, and Kate Elliott.

This wacky new movie sees Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd on a father-daughter roadtrip to visit his wealthy boss...but when they accidentally hit a real-life unicorn with their car, that aforementioned boss obsesses over exploiting the unicorn's healing properties.

Death of a Unicorn premieres March 28 and stars Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, Richard E. Grant, Anthony Carrigan, Sunita Mani, and Jessica Hynes.