Just wrapped up the best little road trip from Denver, CO to Casper, WY—and let me tell you, Wyoming knows how to show a girl a good time. Only four hours in the car (with plenty of snack stops, obviously), and you’re transported straight into small-town charm, cowboy boots, and some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet.
We set up camp at Candlewood Suites, which turned out to be perfect for a casual getaway with my mom and sidekick, Ziggy. The room had two big, comfy queen beds and even a full kitchen, which was amazing! And yes, it’s dog-friendly. Bonus points: it’s right next to a Denny’s, which is super convenient, because you never know when you will get the craving for a little Moon Over my Hammy.
Downtown Casper is a total vibe, too! Cute little shops, friendly faces, and that growing buzz of new small businesses popping up everywhere. One of my absolute favorite stops was Backwards Distilling. When I say these were some of the best cocktails I’ve ever had… I mean, WOW. Beautifully crafted, dangerously delicious, and yes—we brought home a little “souvenir” in the form of their bottled spirits and canned cocktails. Best road trip keepsake ever. We will just have to drive back when we run out.
For Ziggy, we had to stop at Unleashed Dog Bakery (because every good boy deserves a treat), and then wandered into Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters, which has been around forever and is packed with Western wear you’ll immediately want to buy even if you’ve never touched a horse in your life. Oh, and Donell’s Candies? Chocolate-covered pretzels are a must. We just strolled around, snacking, admiring flowers, and soaking up all those sweet small-town vibes.
To no one’s surprise, the Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo was an incredible experience and had all the main character energy for this trip. A week of nonstop action, carnival rides, and enough fried food to make your diet cry. We watched incredible rodeo riders, ate corn dogs (mandatory, no exceptions), and just fully leaned into the small town fair and rodeo esperience. (I just pretended like I was Beth Dutton lookin’ for my RIP.)
To balance out all the fair food, we hit Rotary Park for a hike. The trails are gorgeous…green, lush, full of flowers and even featured a stunning waterfall right at the start. We chilled by the water, chatted with locals and fellow travelers, and just soaked in that wide-open Wyoming beauty.
Honestly, every second of this trip was magic. Casper was such a fun surprise, and Wyoming is absolutely underrated when it comes to road trip destinations. The scenery? Jaw-dropping. The people? So kind. The vibes? Immaculate.
10/10 recommend making the drive, grabbing a cowboy hat, and joining me next year for another round at the rodeo—I’ll definitely be back! 🤠✨