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Casper is a historic city in Wyoming that offers a variety of fun activities for its residents and visitors to the area. During the holiday season, you can take part in the festivities at some of the most popular local events. Downtown Casper Jingle & Mingle At the end of the November, 5150' Local is putting on the first-ever Downtown Casper Jingle & Mingle. The event is designed to kick off the holiday season in the city's historic downtown area, as well as support small businesses operating in the city. Many of these retailers will offer specials for Small Business Saturday, allowing you to get some holiday shopping done, while themed activities include a countdown to the lighting of the community Christmas tree and a downtown Christmas parade. more You can ice skate at David Street Station, which offers fun for the whole family. After the parade ends, the official after-party will take place at the Nicolaysen Art Museum. This portion of the event, titled Saint Nick at the NIC, lets you mingle with Santa Claus, find out the winner of the best float contest in the parade, and enjoy a variety of seasonal treats. Downtown Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting One of the top events around the holidays in Casper is the Downtown Christmas Parade, which is also part of the Downtown Casper Jingle & Mingle. Along the parade route, vendors pass out complimentary cookies and hot chocolate for you to enjoy. You can also shop at the local shops and boutiques while counting down to the tree lighting ceremony. This beautiful tree is placed at the center of the ice rink at David Street Station. During the parade, you'll see impressive floats that members of the Casper community have spent weeks working on to showcase their creative talents. You may even spot Santa Claus in the parade, so be sure to keep an eye out, especially if you're attending with kids. Booze & Bacon Festival If you're a fan of booze, bacon, or both, be sure to attend the Booze & Bacon Festival on December 14. This event will take place at the Casper Events Center from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. Local restaurants will provide samples of beer and liquor, as well as bacon-focused dishes that are sure to delight your palate. Attendees will vote on their favorite beer, drink, and food dish, and the winners will receive trophies. A portion of the proceeds of ticket sales for this event will benefit Central Wyoming Hospice & Transitions. All food and beverage samples are included with the price of admission. A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage Get into the holiday spirit by buying tickets to “A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage,” a presentation that celebrates the timeless TV program and offers plenty of family-friendly fun. The show will take place on December 23 at 7:00 p.m., and it may become your family's new tradition for the holidays. As you watch Linus, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, and the other characters, you're sure to learn more about the true meaning of Christmas. You can revel in the spirit of the holidays at any of these Casper events. Enjoy mingling with members of your community as you take advantage of the fun festivities. Image via Pixabay.com

Art lovers rejoice, you've found the perfect spot to explore beautiful paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more. Even better is the fact that all of these can be found right here in our beloved city. Keep reading to find the perfect spot to enjoy the day at one of these art galleries in Casper, Wyoming. Nicolaysen Art Museum This art museum is home to a collection of contemporary art that they hope to preserve. They opened their doors in 1967 and have grown largely since their beginning. In 1990, they purchased their current building which is home to 25,000 square feet of space filled with art. In 2009, they received accreditation by the American Association of Museums. They host several events throughout the year as well as permanent collections. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but open the rest of the week plus they offer free admission to everyone on Sundays. You can find the Nicolaysen Art Museum at 400 East Collins Drive. more Art 321 Casper Artists' Guild, also known as Art 321, was founded in 1924. Their location has changed several times throughout the years, but their current location should be their last. They obtained the building in 2011. Originally they started off as a place that offered classes to draw and paint. They still currently offer workshops from pastel landscapes to oil paintings. In addition, every month they have several different exhibits. You can find a current list on their website so make sure and check before you go. Art 321 can be found at 321 West Midwest Avenue. Artist's Choice Artist's Choice, also known as Vivi K. Crandall Gallery, displays wildlife work exclusively by artist Vivi K. Crandall. Instead of working with additional artists, they have chosen to work solely with Vivi to display and promote her art. They do also release prints and paintings regularly that are provided by collectors. They also show a variety of other artists work in a selection of mediums. They specialize in high-quality framing. Artist's Choice is located at 647 West Yellowstone Highway. Scarlows Gallery This gallery includes work by artists such as Martin John Garhart, David Von Metz, and Sarah Williams. There's also a variety of rotating exhibits featuring different works such as the Paper and Pots and Jewelry exhibit. Scarlows Art and Coffee is located at 122 West 2nd Street. They're open from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday. ART & ACCENTS ART & ACCENTS showcases unique and one of a kind art pieces. They have paintings, drawings, furniture, and more. Items are also available for purchase, so if you are looking for some unique items for your home collection then definitely check this one out. ART & ACCENTS is located at 220 East Midwest Avenue. We hope that next time you're out looking for some art, you'll take the opportunity to view the exhibits at one of these amazing galleries. Image via Pixabay.com

You don't have to be a hardcore athlete to enjoy a good game of golf. It's a great way to participate in some competition and meet new friends. Golfing lets you experience nature, get some low-impact exercise, and have fun. Here are some of the best golf courses near Casper, Wyoming. 1. Three Crowns Golf Course The 350-acre site of Three Crowns Golf Course used to be an oil refinery. Today, the place is beautiful. Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed it with 45 acres of native grasses and 110 acres of turf. The greens meet United States Golf Association or USGA standards, and Kentucky Bluegrass covers the fairways, tees, and roughs. This course also has 61 sand traps with white sand and eight shimmering lakes. more There's a 13-acre practice facility with a green, two additional sand traps, and a 300-yard driving range. A golf shop, clubhouse, and full-service grille are all on-site. The restaurant has a fully-stocked bar as well as a wide selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches. Try the Mexican BLT with spicy chipotle mayonnaise, guacamole, and a fried egg. Three Crowns Golf Course has been one of GolfWeek's Best Courses You Can Play for 11 years in a row, and Golf Magazine has added it to its Top 5 Public Golf Courses in Wyoming list three times. Its picturesque scenery makes it a popular place for weddings and other special events. 2. Paradise Valley Country Club Paradise Valley Country Club has tree-lined fairways, sand traps, and lakes. It's been open since 1956, and was renovated in 2007. It has a driving range, a golf shop, and a clubhouse. The 18-hole course has two restrooms, so you won't have to go all the way back to the beginning if you need to make a pit stop. Golf lessons are available, and members can enjoy regular tournaments. You can join the Ladies' Golf Association or the Men's Association League. Golf for couples and kids is available. There's a full-service restaurant with a variety of beers and several TVs. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Paradise Valley is private, but anyone can check out the golf course and other amenities with a temporary membership. 3. Casper Municipal Golf Course The Casper Municipal Golf Course has three nine-hole courses, so you can experience new challenges even if you've visited several times. It opened in 1929, and it has expansive views of Casper Mountain. Try the Highlands Course, the Links Course, or the Park Course. At the 19th Hole Bar and Restaurant, you can enjoy chicken nachos, prime rib, and more. These golf courses are interesting, affordable, and have beautiful views. They're ideal for meetings with business associates, special events, or relaxing walks. They also offer delicious food and great service. Whether you're a busy businessperson, vacationer, or retiree, you're sure to enjoy a fun game of golf at one of these amazing courses. Image via Flickr by Chris Urbanowicz

Whether you live in Casper or are visiting the area, it's well worth your time to explore the city's many museums. Whether you're an art lover, history buff, or nature enthusiast, there's a museum to suit your tastes. Let's take a look at some of these museums and what they have to offer. 1. The Nicolaysen Art Museum The Nicolaysen Art Museum is home to a vast art collection featuring works by artists ranging from European masters to contemporary artists from Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region. In 2009, the Nicolaysen received accreditation from the American Association of Museums, an honor reserved for only the most prestigious museums in the nation. The museum encourages participation from the community by hosting special exhibits such as art shows featuring work created by local students and the Casper Photography Association. The museum also hosts lectures and workshops, allowing visitors to learn about its diverse collection and art in general. more 2. Fort Caspar Museum At the Fort Caspar Museum, visitors can step back in time to explore a reconstructed 1865 military post. The fort once served as a major crossroads on the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, California, Pony Express, and transcontinental telegraph trails. The area was also once home to several tribes indigenous to Wyoming, including the Shoshone, Crow, and Lakota. Special exhibits at the museum explain how these tribes and various settlers once lived.  Special events at For Caspar include cooking demonstrations, archeological digs, and battle reenactments. At the Fort Caspar Museum Store, you'll find a variety of unique gifts including handmade Native American crafts. 3. Werner Wildlife Museum The Werner Wildlife Museum allows visitors to explore the natural wonders of Wyoming, as well as creatures that inhabit other areas of the United States, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Since its founding in 1964, the museum's collection has grown to include 400 bird, fish, and mammal specimens. The museum is also home to The Lair, an interactive learning exhibit that kids of all ages can enjoy. Visitors to the museum also have the opportunity to explore gardens, feed birds, and have a pleasant picnic. Special events at the Werner Wildlife Museum include lectures, photography classes, and live animal demonstrations. 4. Tate Geological Museum If you've ever wanted to find out what Wyoming was like in prehistoric times, the Tate Geological Museum is a must-visit. One highlight of the museum's collection is Dee the Mammoth, an 11,600-year-old Columbian Mammoth whose bones were unearthed just north of Glenrock, Wyoming. Dee was carefully reconstructed by Tate staff and is now the star of the Pleistocene exhibit. Another interesting exhibit is the  Mesozoic Marine display. During the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous eras, the land that is now Wyoming was covered with water and home to creatures such as ichthyosaurs, mosasaurs, and hybodont sharks. These creatures and others are now on display in the Mesozoic Marine section. These are just some of the interesting museums located in Casper. Consider a visit so you can learn about the art, history, and natural treasures of Wyoming. Image via Flickr by jabberwock

There's always something to do in Casper, Wyoming. This fall, the town will be bustling with activities, festivals, and gatherings of all sorts. If you're looking for something interesting to do this fall, make sure you check out these six neat events coming to Casper: 1. Wyoming Photo Fest, Sept. 17-28 For a collection of the best photos from around the state, be sure to stop by the Casper Artist Guild from Sept. 17-28. The Wyoming Photo Fest calls all photographers to send in their best work. They choose the top 100 photos and put them on display at the artist guild's building for all to enjoy. They put the photos on display shortly after the deadline ends Aug. 30. The public will be allowed to vote for the best ones and they will announce the winners Sept. 20. more 2. Jazz Night, Oct. 2 Show up for the jazz or the great drinks at the Backwards Distilling Company for a great night. From 6-9 p.m., you'll be able to enjoy live jazz music from Coulter & Co. Jazz Trio. and order specialty cocktails mixed with spirits made on-site. This is a perfect date-night idea. 3. Crimes of the Heart, Oct. 11-13, 18-20 The Casper Theater Company is putting on a play called Crimes of the Heart for two weekends in October. This play will take us back to the mid-20th century to explore the lives of three sisters who explore their dysfunctional family. This tragicomedy should bring in a decent crowd, so make sure you buy your tickets ahead of time. 4. Casper Antique & Collectors Club's Super Flea, Nov. 2-3 If you love antiques and collectibles, make sure you stop by the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 2-3. This flea market will bring collectors from all over to give you the opportunities to shop for that special item you've been looking for, or discover something new. 5. Craft Fair, Nov. 15-16 If you love working with your hands, plan for the Community Recreation Foundation's annual craft fair Nov. 15 from 3-8 p.m. and Nov. 16 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Over 200 booths of crafts from local artists and creators will be open to the public at the Casper Events Center. Peruse and shop pottery, jewelry, painted items, woodworks, and all sorts of hand-made items at one of the biggest craft fairs in Wyoming. 6. Downtown Christmas Parade, Nov. 23 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Head downtown on Nov. 23 for the annual Christmas Parade. Starting at 6 p.m., you'll get the chance to see all kinds of floats and characters. No Christmas parade is complete without a visit from St. Nick himself, so make sure you bring the kids to enjoy a night of lights and music. Come together and enjoy what makes Casper the great city it is. The citizens of Casper are proud to call this town our home. Casper's citizens are always thinking of new ways to bring us together as a community and family through events like these. Image via Pixabay.com