If you could pick the perfect vacation spot, where would it be? The mountains? The beach? Somewhere with good food, lots of activities, and free Wi-Fi? There are many places in the world that I would love to visit, but somewhere that will always be my favorite get away place is Bear Lake, Utah. The bright blue water, surrounded by mountains, with lots of cute shops and restaurants has a special place in my heart. I have gone to the lake ever since I was a few months old. I have been there and back enough times to describe what the side of the road looks like, but the view never gets old. Here are some of the many reasons that Bear Lake is my favorite place.

1. The Shakes

If you have heard of Bear Lake then you have probably heard of their famous raspberry shakes. It doesn't matter how many times I go into Garden City to get one, I am never tired them. If someone isn't a fan of raspberries, there are countless other flavors that taste just as good. There is nothing like a fresh fry dipped in a cold shake on a nice sunny day.

2. The Water

Although freezing, the water is one of my favorite things about Bear Lake. The sun reflects a bright blue color off of the subtle waves, and it is one of the best scenes ever. The amount of time spent on a paddleboard, floats, sailboats, paddleboats, rafts, or other water toys is too high to count. Even when the weather isn't idle, if the wind is blowing the waves are so much fun to jump over, and the water actually feels better than the air. Which you would never believe unless you tried it. Also if you wash your hair in the water it becomes incredibly soft.

3. The Sunsets

Enough said. The sunsets at Bear Lake are the most breathtaking sunsets I have ever seen. The bright colors across the sky are unforgettable.

4. The Mornings

I am a Morning person. I often wake up before anyone else. I will forever love waking up, sitting around, and reading a book in the fresh air. There are mornings when I am reminded of the brisk temperature, birds chirping, few cars driving, and breeze blowing mornings and they never fail to make me miss my happy place.

5. The Wildlife

Apart from skunks, groundhogs, birds, fish, horses, and cows, you don't see much wildlife. But when you do see something else it is remarkable. One day when relaxing on the beach, my family and I saw a moose walking along the beach. To sum up the story the moose walked over to some tanning girls and probably gave them nightmares for the next week. If anyone knows me, they know that when I see a deer while driving I am the first to shout and out my face to the window.

6. The Carp

This one I know is just me, and my family. We have spent countless days at the marina with our toes in the water right next to hundreds of fish. It is gross, slimy, and scary, but I love it. I highly recommend going to the docks, sticking bread in-between your toes and letting the fish suck it out. It is more fun that it looks or sounds.

7.The Fires

I love sitting around a campfire while playing games and roasting marshmallows. The simple activity is one of my favorites, and I know that other people agree.

8. The Fireworks

The 4th of July is easily my favorite holiday. Nothing beats spending the day at the lake, and ending the day sitting on the sand, watching fireworks in every direction. The fact that the show is free is also a big plus, but the view is incredible.

9. The Traditions

My family is not one short on traditions. We have more then enough to go around a few times. I cherish these memories, and I love that we have them. I am so grateful that I get to celebrate holidays, reunions, birthdays, and more with such wonderful activities. Some of my favorites, but not limited to are homemade root beer, tying quilts, the watermelon smash, the goofy program, the outdoor movies, painting rocks, and playing the candy bar game.

10. My FAMILY

I love them. What can I say. The time I spend at bear lake is always spent laughing, and smiling because of the wonderful people I get to be there with. Family time is so important, and I am so glad that I get to have so much of it.