The Wilds

This was one of my all times favorite trip and adventure; and in my backyard at the time: Ohio! This is one of the most unknown place in the USA. Have you always wanted to go on a safari but Africa is a little far and expensive? Well you don't need to, just go to Cumberland, Ohio, about 1h30 from Columbus. https://thewilds.columbuszoo.org/home

The Wilds has 9,000 plus acres and is anything but a home to rare and endangered species from around the globe living in open range habitats. You can board on an Open-Air Safari for The Wilds' most popular experience. Knowledgeable guides will take you through open-range animal areas, where you'll see rhinos, giraffes and many other rare and endangered animals roaming in large, natural settings.

The Wilds welcomes the first birth of a fifth-generation white rhino outside Africa.

Some of the gorgeous animals in the Wilds

The Yurts

We took the weekend trip experience which included a night stay in one of the yurts in side the park. I am a city girl so camping for me is out of question, but a yurt was a perfect compromise especially since we had our own shower and toilet! You can only stay at those yurts if you are 18 and over. Wondering why? Well this is because The Wilds is like Jurassic Park: the animals are free and at night the park gets closed and we are left with a special park ranger that is here for our safety. But don't worry we are pretty far and pretty high from the animals so there is no reason for concerns. But you still wouldn't want children running around and wondering around!

We spent the evening around the fire pit with other couples enjoying the view with some wine and cheese that we had brought with us. I couldn't think of a more romantic place and weekend than The Wilds.