Valerie Stimac
Valerie is the founder and editor of Space Tourism Guide. She grew up in Alaska, has lived across the U.S., and traveled around the world to enjoy the night sky from many different perspectives. Join her on this journey to explore space right here on earth.
10 Wonderful Spots for Stargazing in West Virginia
Located in the heart of Appalachia, West Virginia is home to rugged landscape, rolling hills, mountains, and valleys – it has a surprisingly diverse geography if you love the outdoors. Even better, the "Mountain State" isn't home to any large cities; the most populous city of Charleston is home to just 50,000 people...
The 9 Best Telescopes Under $1000 (2023)
When it comes time to invest in a telescope it's always a big decision. Whether it's your first telescope or you're graduating up in size or telescope type, there's a lot to consider. While we've previously covered telescopes that cover a range of budgets (from $200 to $2000), this list focuses exclusively on the best telescopes under $1000...
How to Plan a Joshua Tree Stargazing Trip in 2023
If you love stargazing, there are a few great places in the world that are surely on your must-travel-someday list. The Grand Canyon is surely on that list, as well as every Dark Sky Reserve. If you're in the U.S., you probably have Joshua Tree on your list too. This National Park is known for its amazing vegetation, stunning rock formations, and pristine dark skies...
How to Drive the Extraterrestrial Highway in Nevada
There are a lot of great road trips across America, but there's only one that seems specifically designed for fans of space and astrotourists like us: the Extraterrestrial Highway. Whether you believe that alien life exists (obviously), are sure that they've visited us on earth (questionable, but let's talk), or just need a change of scenery and have never explored Nevada before, the Extraterrestrial Highway is a great road trip for fans of space...
6 Great Telescopes Under $500 for Your Next Upgrade (2023)
When it comes time to upgrade your telescope, there’s a lot to consider. After having a starter telescope in the $100 to $200 range, you’ve probably learned which types of telescopes you like (and know how) to use; you’ve also noticed some features you may enjoy – or perhaps absolutely hate and want different on your next telescope. In any case, upgrading your telescope is a big deal...
22 Stunning Spots for Stargazing in Texas
Texas is known for everything big: big cattle, big cowboy hats... and big dark skies. Stargazing in Texas is a real treat because of those dark skies, especially in the western part of the state – but there are tons of amazing destinations to visit across Texas during the daylight hours...
How to Plan the Perfect Pinnacles National Park Stargazing Trip in 2023
The Golden State is home to many wonders, and this is no better encapsulated than in the nine national parks in California. There you'll find towering Redwoods, steaming fumaroles, otherworldly Joshua Trees, and the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite...
7 Great Telescopes Under $300 for Your Next Upgrade (2023)
While stargazing is great, there's nothing like unlocking the wonders of the night sky with a telescope. And while I've shared a few other posts about telescopes at different price points (from $200 to $2000, and the best options under $1000), it helps to know multiple options at given lower price points...
The 12 Best Places to Go Stargazing in Tucson, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona is arguably the best city for stargazing in the United States – if not the world. Home to the International Dark-Sky Association (STG founder Valerie is a proud member!), the city of Tucson has taken large and bold steps to reduce light pollution, and it is one of the best mid-sized cities where you can stargaze right within the city...
How to Plan a Capitol Reef Stargazing Trip in 2023
When it comes to stargazing, there are few places quite like Utah. As one of the U.S. states with the most designated dark sky places, Utah is a haven for stargazers – and for those who love exploring our National Parks system. Most travelers know Utah's famous parks, like Arches, Canyonlands, and Zion – but there's another, lesser-visited park that's actually just as good (if not better) than those parks when it comes to stargazing. Say hello to Capitol Reef National Park...
