Student Blog: A Change in Scenery

After the fiasco that consumed last summer in a worldwide pandemic, I was eager to get out and see the world. A few months ago, my mom and I decided that we were going to fly out to Las Vegas, Nevada and then drive to Cedar City, Utah where my older sister is currently living while she is employed and the Utah Shakespeare Festival this summer stitching costumes and assisting wardrobe.

For about a week, my mom and I jam-packed as many activities, sightseeing and shopping that we could. I'd like to share some of that with you as it was such an incredible trip that I will never forget.

For the first day in Cedar City, my sister took my mom and I to Cedar Breaks to see some amazing lookout spots with a drive through Dixie National Forest. We then attended the Utah Midsummer Renaissance Festival that was right in Cedar City. Though it was fun, it was nothing compared to the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Before my sister had to go into work for the night, we ate dinner and this great pizza place called Centro and then my mom and I attended Comedy of Errors at the Utah Shakespeare Festival which is a show that my sister worked on. Though we had a 45 min rain delay because half of the stage was not covered outside, it was such a fun and quirky show.

The second day was very busy as well. My mom and I spent almost the entire day at Bryce and Zion National Parks. Both filled with gorgeous views, and hikes that are not for the weak-minded. We met some little furry creatures that joined our snack break and by the end of the day, our feet were sore.

The third day consisted of lots of walking as well. My mom and I drove all the way to Salt Lake City where we shopped and took pictures and on the way back we stopped at The Creamery. We bought ice cream, some cheese and enjoyed the industrial atmosphere focused on dairy products.

Day four my mom and I stopped by Kolob Canyons on our way out of Cedar City heading towards Las Vegas. We also stopped at In-n-Out Burger which was delicious. We settled into our hotel in Las Vegas as we waited for my sister to get off work and drive to meet us. All three of us walked through the hotels and casinos and watched the fountain show at the Bellagio.

Day five the three of us spent the morning at the hotel pool. Then we did a lot more shopping, walking, eating, and sightseeing throughout the entire day. We even saw Snoop Dogg and walked directly by him! It was such a long day, and we were sad our time was coming to an end.

The last day my sister dropped my mom and I off at the airport and we were heading back to Maryland. We were exhausted to say the least.

This vacation was filled with everything I could have hoped for. Theater, shopping, sightseeing and more filled this vacation up the brim and I am so glad to have spent it with my mom and sister. I would love to get out to Utah again to see more shows at the Utah Shakespeare Festival and maybe enjoy Las Vegas a little more appropriately once I am 21.