If you have the time and the inclination, taking the day to go shopping is a lovely way to spend your time and your money. Here is a look at some of the best shopping destinations Casper, Wyoming has to offer. Eastridge Mall If you are planning to shop in Casper you should definitely plan to visit the Eastridge Mall, Wyoming's largest shopping center. This indoor mall boasts some of the country's largest retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond, Dick's Sporting Goods, Target, and Best Buy. more Looking to upgrade your wardrobe or find the perfect outfit for the weekend? Check out J.C. Penny or Maurices for fine clothing options for all ages and sizes. Or you could stop in at one of the boutiques like Journeys and Rue 21, and let your teenagers try on all the latest fashions. Bring your jewelry repairs too. Get your ring re-sized or your watch battery replaced at fine stores like Riddle's Jewelry and Kay Jewelers. Try on that gorgeous necklace and earrings you've been yearning to buy while you're there. Maybe the time is right to make them yours. Take a break and have lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants. Chicken at Cluck It, burgers at Brisket Burger, or Mexican at Abuelita's. Whatever your appetite there is something delicious to try here. The mall is open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. For more information on seasonal events visit their website. Off The Beaten Path If antiquing is your thing, you should take a trip to Off The Beaten Path. Don't worry, it isn't hard to find. Just a ten-minute drive down Highway 26, this antique store is located at 310 SW Wyoming Blvd. in Mills, Wyoming. Off The Beaten Path is a classic antique/vintage store with a touch of shabby chic. Find refurbished and re-purposed treasures you'll adore. They are also an authorized retailer for Dixie Bell Chalk Mineral Paint. Pick some up while you're there for that refurbishing project. Off The Beaten Path is open Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Stop on by and check out their always changing inventory and see what you discover. Winter Makers Market Looking for that local flavor? Check out the Winter Makers Market where you will find vendors selling a wide variety of locally grown, handmade, and homemade goods. You will find fresh produce and meats, home goods, bath essentials, baked goods, and so much more. The Winter Makers Market is open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Their new home is located at the old Powder River V.F.W. building at 420 West 1st Street in Casper. Shop for the weekly groceries or check out some really cool handcrafted items for the home. Spending the day shopping in Casper, Wyoming is more than just running errands and picking up a few things. Make an adventure of it and see all that Casper has to offer. Image via Flickr by Kaarina Dillabough
Casper has a long and storied history, spanning all the way back to prehistoric times. For interested residents and visitors, Casper's many historic sites provide exciting destinations that allow a visitor a glimpse into the past. Here are our favorite three historic sites that showcase Casper's incredible history. more Independence Rock Sitting about 50 miles southwest of Casper is a large mound of granite jutting out of the ground. This landmark was a popular spot for emigrants who were headed west during the beginning days of America. They carved their name into the granite surface, which stands a staggering 136 feet high and spans 24.81 acres. Surrounded on all sides by dramatic landscape, it's a great place to get a feel for the sacrifice and struggle made by these early settlers who made their way to their new home hundreds of miles away. Check out the many different names carved into the stone surface or just appreciate the richness of history that surrounds you at this picturesque historic site. Independence Rock is located on Highway 220. Thanks to its enormous size, it's hard to miss. Bishop House The M.L. Bishop House museum was built in 1907 and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Bishop family were integral to the development and success of Casper. They established themselves in Casper in the 1890s after M.L. Bishop was appointed postmaster to the burgeoning community. He was also the founder of one of the town's first religious communities, earning him an even more prominent role in Casper history. Bishop House remains almost exactly the same as it was when it was constructed and is one of the best ways to step back in time and see how this influential family lived. The Bishops lived in the home for more than 100 years, and it is the only house museum in Casper. The Bishop House museum is located at 818 E 2nd St. and is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. It's operated by the Cadoma Foundation. Tate Museum The Tate Museum is one of only a handful of geology and paleontology museums in Wyoming and, as such, is a must-visit for visitors wanting to know more about the ancient past. Wyoming played an important role in the Earth's past, and the museum shows the richness of life that inhabited the area thousands of years ago. Favorite exhibits at the Tate Museum include Dee the Mammoth, a complete mammoth skeleton dated at over 11,600 years old. There are also over 3,000 fossils and minerals on display. Lectures are held regularly, and the museum staff is very knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions! The Tate Museum is located at 125 College Dr. on the grounds of Casper College; look for the life-size bronze T. Rex outside to find it. There are many other historic sites in Casper to explore, but these three serve as some of the best introductions to the rich and varied history of the area. https://www.flickr.com/photos/igboo/1602458243/sizes/l Image via Flickr by .Larry Page
Winters in Casper are super chilly, with temperatures dipping below freezing. However, that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of affordable family outings to take advantage of. Here are four of our favorite winter fun destinations in and around Casper. more Casper Mountain Trails Center Casper Mountain Trails Center is one of the best places to go cross-country skiing. With over 26 miles of maintained trails, you can explore the stunning landscape of Casper Mountain. Once darkness falls, popular portions of the trail are lighted for a unique night-time skiing experience. There are cross-country trails available for all levels, from experienced to first-time skiers. If you and your family want to be a little more adventurous, 30 miles of backwood and snowshoe trails wind their way through the park. All equipment can be rented at the center if you don't have your own. The center is located on Micro Rd. Casper Ice Arena Take your winter fun indoors at the Casper Ice Arena. This huge rink is a great place to get some exercise when the temperature plummets. Take the little ones for skating lessons or enjoy skating with the whole family. Hockey teams are also based out of the arena, which is a great opportunity if you have kids interested in taking up the sport! Annual passes are available as well as individual day admission. On-site skate rentals are affordable for families without their own skates. Casper Ice Arena is located at 1801 E 4th St. Hogadon Basin Ski Area Snow comes early to Casper and residents benefit from the less-packed ski slopes. Hogadon Basin Ski Area is not only stunningly beautiful but also offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The Hogadon Basin Snowsports School is a great way for your kids to learn how to navigate the slopes and be taught by seasoned professionals. There are 27 different trails available, covering a variety of difficulty levels. A ski lift makes access to all of them a breeze. The lodge at the Hogadon Basin Ski Area offers equipment rentals. Be sure to check and make sure the trails you want are open: some close down after inclement weather to ensure trail safety. The resort is located at 2500 W. Hogadon Rd. Casper Family Aquatic Center It may be freezing outside, but the Casper Family Aquatic Center keeps it summer all year round! Take your family to blow off some steam at this super fun water center and enjoy exciting attractions like water slides, a zero-depth entry pool, and a lazy river. A whirlpool hot tub is a perfect place to relax and warm up after a chilly day. All pools are heated and comfortable, and experienced lifeguards are on duty during open hours. The Casper Family Aquatic Center is over 23,500 square feet with plenty of activities for all ages. It's located at 1801 E 4th St. Water-based exercise classes are also available, along with swimming lessons for the little ones. They're open seven days a week and different passes and admission rates are available. These are just a few of the many family winter activities offered in Casper. https://www.flickr.com/photos/bensonkua/6625045137/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Benson Kua
