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The year was 2021, I was nothing but a naive, fresh college graduate. So, I know you’re wondering, how did young Danielle spend her net worth (which I believe was $500, to be exact)? If you answered “invested it,” you’d be gravely wrong. Instead, I went on a cross country road trip! Learn from my (very fun) mistakes, save your money, and travel wisely with my first-hand recommendations.

As an ode to my post-college road trip, here's a list of my 8 must-visit national parks.

1. Glacier National Park, Montana

Daniel Crowley/Unsplash

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

Michael Kirsh/Unsplash

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

Michael Kirsh/Unsplash

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

Matthias Mullie/Unsplash

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

James Lee/Unsplash

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

Michael Kirsh/Unsplash

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

Cyrus Crossan/Unsplash

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

Pixel Pundit/Pexels

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?

Check out the official National Park site to see the latest news and updates following those mass layoffs — a safe trip is the best kind of trip!

The 2025 Oscars have come and gone. In addition to some incredible noms, like A Real Pain for Original Screenplay, Wicked for Best Picture, and Anora's Mikey Madison for Best Actress, there were some serious snubs. Because what do you mean Challengers didn't get nominated for ANYTHING?! Considering it won Best Score at the Golden Globes, I'd have thought it had that nomination secured, but the Academy had other plans.

Here's the full list of 2025 Oscar winners.

The Craziest 2025 Oscar nomination snubs.

Amazon MGM Studios

I really can't believe Zendaya didn't get nominated for her performance in Challengers. Her viral "crazy eyes" scene generated enough conversation to give her a nom in my opinion. I remember sitting in the theater and thinking, Wow, I've never seen her make that face before, can we replay that? And, of course, I'm mourning the fact the movie didn't get nominated for Best Score. "Match Point" playing during the ending of the movie will always be an Oscar-winning moment to me!

But in addition to Z, Selena Gomez also didn't get nominated for her role as Jessi Del Monte in Emilia Pérez, despite the fact the movie got a total of 13 nominations.

My group chat immediately blew up when we realized Sing Sing wasn't nominated for Best Picture.

The full list of 2025 Oscar winners.

Universal Pictures

Best Picture

Winner: Anora

  • Anora
  • The Brutalist
  • A Complete Unknown
  • Conclave
  • Dune: Part Two
  • Emilia Pérez
  • I’m Still Here
  • Nickel Boys
  • The Substance
  • Wicked

Best Lead Actress

Winner: Mikey Madison for Anora

  • Cynthia Erivo for Wicked
  • Karla Sofía Gascón for Emilia Pérez
  • Mikey Madison for Anora
  • Demi Moore for The Substance
  • Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here

Best Lead Actor

Winner: Adrien Brody for The Brutalist

  • Adrien Brody for The Brutalist
  • Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown
  • Colman Domingo for Sing Sing
  • Ralph Fiennes for Conclave
  • Sebastian Stan for The Apprentice

Searchlight Pictures

Best Supporting Actress

Winner: Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez

  • Monica Barbaro for A Complete Unknown
  • Ariana Grande for Wicked
  • Felicity Jones for The Brutalist
  • Isabella Rossellini for Conclave
  • Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez

Best Supporting Actor

Winner: Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain

  • Yura Borisov for Anora
  • Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain
  • Edward Norton for A Complete Unknown
  • Guy Pearce for The Brutalist
  • Jeremy Strong for The Apprentice

Best Director

Winner: Sean Baker for Anora

  • Sean Baker for Anora
  • Brady Corbet for The Brutalist
  • James Mangold for A Complete Unknown
  • Jacques Audiard for Emilia Pérez
  • Coralie Fargeat for The Substance

Best Original Screenplay

Winner: Anora

  • Anora
  • The Brutalist
  • A Real Pain
  • September 5
  • The Substance

Best Adapted Screenplay

Winner: Conclave

  • A Complete Unknown
  • Conclave
  • Emilia Pérez
  • Nickel Boys
  • Sing Sing

Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures

Best Cinematography

Winner: The Brutalist

  • The Brutalist
  • Dune: Part Two
  • Emilia Pérez
  • Maria
  • Nosferatu

Best Original Score

Winner: The Brutalist

  • The Brutalist
  • Conclave
  • Emilia Pérez
  • Wicked
  • The Wild Robot

Best Original Song

Winner: “El Mal” for Emilia Pérez

  • “El Mal” for Emilia Pérez
  • “The Journey” for The Six Triple Eight
  • “Like a Bird” for Sing Sing
  • “Mi Camino” for Emilia Pérez
  • “Never Too Late” for Elton John: Never Too Late

Best Editing

Winner: Anora

  • Anora
  • The Brutalist
  • Conclave
  • Emilia Pérez
  • Wicked

Best Production Design

Winner: Wicked

  • The Brutalist
  • Conclave
  • Dune: Part Two
  • Nosferatu
  • Wicked

Netflix

Best Costume Design

Winner: Wicked

  • A Complete Unknown
  • Conclave
  • Gladiator II
  • Nosferatu
  • Wicked

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Winner: The Substance

  • A Different Man
  • Emilia Pérez
  • Nosferatu
  • The Substance
  • Wicked

Best Sound

Winner: Dune: Part Two

  • A Complete Unknown
  • Dune: Part Two
  • Emilia Pérez
  • Wicked
  • The Wild Robot

Best Visual Effects

Winner: Dune: Part Two

  • Alien: Romulus
  • Better Man
  • Dune: Part Two
  • Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
  • Wicked

Best International Feature

Winner: I'm Still Here

  • Brazil's I’m Still Here
  • Denmark's The Girl with the Needle
  • France's Emilia Pérez
  • Germany's The Seed of the Sacred Fig
  • Latvia's Flow

Universal Pictures

Best Animated Feature

Winner: Latvia's Flow

  • Flow
  • Inside Out 2
  • Memoir of a Snail
  • Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
  • The Wild Robot

Best Animated Short

Winner: In the Shadow of the Cypress

  • Beautiful Men
  • In the Shadow of the Cypress
  • Magic Candies
  • Wander to Wonder
  • Yuck!

Best Live-Action Short

Winner: cine

  • A Lien
  • Anuja
  • I’m Not a Robot
  • The Last Ranger
  • The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent

Best Documentary Feature

Winner: No Other Land

  • Black Box Diaries
  • No Other Land
  • Porcelain War
  • Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat
  • Sugarcane

Best Documentary Short

Winner: The Only Girl in the Orchestra

  • Death By Numbers
  • I Am Ready, Warden
  • Incident
  • Instruments of a Beating Heart
  • The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Did your favorite movie of 2024 get the Oscar nominations you think it deserved, or was it totally snubbed? Let us know on Instagram! And you can still make 13 Award-Winning Cocktails after Oscar Sunday ;).

This post has been updated.

After a week long trip to Dallas, Texas, I can safely say: I've never had such delicious barbecue. You know how they say everything is bigger and better in Texas? Well, I can say that's definitely the case when it comes to the barbeque joints. Sure, I've had pulled pork and macaroni and cheese before...but there's something truly different about this cuisine in Texas. From smoky meats to savory sides, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

That said, I've accumulated a list of some of the best barbecue spots in Dallas that you'll want to stop by next time you're in the Lone Star State, whether that's for a Dallas Cowboys game or a weekend trip for a visit to the State Fair of Texas.

Scroll to find out which BBQ spots you can't miss in Dallas, TX!

Instagram/pecanlodge

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.

Instagram/terryblacks_bbq

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.

Instagram/lockhartsmokehouse

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

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.

Instagram/cattleackbbq

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.

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Gilmore Girls fans know the show like the back of their hand, but considering the show lasted 7 seasons, it makes sense that there's tons of trivia. Like the fact season 7 wasn't supposed to be the finale, or creator Amy Sherman-Palladino placed the series in a small town because she didn't know any of her neighbors growing upand wanted different for Rory.

But there's one foundational detail about Gilmore Girls you might not have known, and it could change the way you watch the show forever: apparently actress Alexis Bledel didn't like coffee! Yep, that's right. Here's how they supposedly got away with Rory drinking a cup o' Joe in every single episode.

Here's what Alexis Bledel reportedly had in her mug when Rory Gilmore drank coffee — and a surprising comment Alexis made about the drink.

Rory Gilmore loves coffee...but Alexis Bledel allegedly didn't.

Warner Bros. TV

One of the most recognizable details in Gilmore Girls is Lorelai and Rory's love for coffee. They drink it like water, and a clip from the show went viral for Rory sobbing about having to give it up. Well, Alexis Bledel probably wasn't that heartbroken because according to HuffPost, the actress didn't actually like coffee while filming the show (although according to Lauren Graham, “There is always coffee in my cup.”)

Considering one of the most viral and recognizable clips from the whole show is Rory sobbing about having to give up coffee — "And I love coffee!" — that is a shocking detail!

Netflix

However, Alexis Bledel might have actually set the record straight on the longstanding claim she always had soda in her mug instead (which seems to originally come from YourTango in 2013). Ahead of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life in 2016, the actress told Marie Claire that she loves any "winter beverage."

"Give me a hot drink and I’m happy," she says. "Hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee… I like all winter beverages!" You and me both sister.

There's a good chance Alexis' tastes changed from filming in 2000 and filming in 2016. There's also a good chance she did actually like coffee the whole time. But don't worry — we reached out to her reps for comment.

Check out How To Make Coffee Like Your Fave Barista for all things coffee, coffee, coffee!

ICYMI, Starbucks is cutting 13 staple drinks from their menu. Even if your go-to order is no longer, there’s no need to fret – the chain still has plenty of similar options to choose from! As a former barista, I can guarantee you’ll find an alternative Starbucks order you love – one you just might love more than your previous drink!

Scroll on to see the 13 Starbucks drinks disappearing from menus starting March 4, plus what to order instead to satisfy your cravings.

Starbucks

Iced Matcha Lemonade

Alternative order: Green Tea Lemonade

Though Starbucks’ Green Tea Lemonade doesn’t have any matcha in it, you’ll still get a kick from the caffeinated green tea included in the sip. Plus, it’s still crafted with lemonade, so the citrus notes you like in the OG won’t be missed.

Starbucks

Espresso Frappuccino

Alternative order: Coffee Frappuccino

The Starbucks Espresso Frappuccino will be taken off menus on March 4, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your frozen espresso fix. Their Coffee Frappuccino is a great alternative order because it still boasts sweet coffee and can be easily customized with an additional shot of espresso.

Starbucks

Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino

Alternative order: Coffee Frappuccino

The Coffee Frappuccino is another reliable alternative for Starbucks’ Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino since you still get a taste of coffee. If vanilla is what you're craving, you can easily request a few pumps of vanilla syrup as a customization.

Starbucks

Java Chip Frappuccino

Alternative order: Mocha Frappuccino

I’m honestly sad to see the Java Chip Frappuccino go. It’s been my go-to order since I was a kid, and I still order it on occasion when I want a little ‘treat myself’ moment. Luckily the Mocha Frappuccino will stay on Starbucks menus and gives a similar chocolate-coffee flavor.

Starbucks

White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino

Alternative order: Mocha Frappuccino

I fear there’s not a totally similar alternative order to the bygone White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, but it’s very possible that you could order the Mocha Frappuccino with white chocolate sauce instead of the regular mocha to situate your white chocolate cravings.

Starbucks

Crème Frappuccinos (Chai, Caramel Ribbon Crunch, Double Chocolaty Chip, Chocolate Cookie Crumble, White Chocolate)

Alternative order: Vanilla Bean Frappuccino

Starbucks’ beloved non-caffeinated Crème Frappuccinos will no longer be offered starting March 4. Instead, I recommend trying out the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino and customizing it with your desired flavor – Starbucks still has so many syrups.

Starbucks

White Hot Chocolate

Alternative order: Hot Chocolate

Though the “official” White Hot Chocolate will no longer be available, Starbucks says you can still customize a regular Hot Chocolate with either mocha or white chocolate mocha sauce.

Starbucks

Royal English Breakfast Latte

Alternative order: London Fog Latte

Where the discontinued Royal English Breakfast Latte includes, well, Royal English Breakfast tea, you can still get the same sweet floral notes from a London Fog Latte.

Starbucks

Honey Almondmilk Flat White

Alternative order: Flat White

The Honey Almondmilk Flat White is sadly going away, but you can actually still order it, as long as you request some customizations that make it the exact same drink. Starting March 4, order the Flat White with almond milk and honey – or any milk and flavor of your choice!

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