Utah has so much beauty packed into one state it’s hard to take it all in. Just zipping down the interstate, the windshield provides the most beautiful screening of some of the most jaw-dropping views I’ve ever seen. A road trip was a great way to explore this part of the country and stop at independent bookstores along the way.

The morning before we left to head back home, we woke up at dawn and drove back into Arches National Park. After a short hike to the Windows, we caught a beautiful sunrise, and I captured this photo. (For those of you who don’t know, I spent 20 years of my first life as a professional photographer and still break out my skills from time to time with my iPhone.) I could live in this photo forever.

While we stayed in Moab, we visited Sultan Mediterranean Grill. This place is an absolute gem if you love Mediterranean food. Our meal was delicious, but the baklava? I still dream about it and frequently wake up with drool on my pillow.

It is heavenly. Served warm, it’s flaky pastry, crunchy pistachios, and creamy ice cream that become a symphony of texture and flavor in your mouth. We actually stopped in for dessert a second time in four days because it was so good we couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Moab without a second helping. Sweet baby Jesus, if you get within 100 miles of Moab, you must go try it for yourself. It is the best I’ve ever had.