Visit Wyoming: Buford - The Smallest Town in America

While driving through Wyoming, we made a stop in Buford, the smallest town in America.

Just off the I-80 is Buford, population: 1.

A now-shuttered gas station is in the town, but not much else!

If you're driving along the I-80 to or from Cheyenne, stop at Buford for a photo opp!

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Visit Wyoming: Vedauwoo Recreation Area

Originally, we had planned to hike in Wyoming at the Vedauwoo Recreation Area near Cheyenne. However, mother nature had other plans for us.

When we arrived at Vedauwoo Recreation Area, it was snowing hard, and any hopes to hike were dashed as soon as we stepped out of the car into the freezing cold.

Vedauwoo Recreation Area is home to natural rock formations, some of which stand 500 feet tall.

Created over years of ice, wind, and water, the rocks, which are made of various minerals are spectacular to view up close.

As you can imagine, rock climbing is very popular in the area, but you can also fish, hike, bike, and camp at Vedauwoo.

Named by Native Americans, Vedauwoo means "Land of the Earthborn Spirits." .

Vedauwoo was a beautiful place to visit, and despite the cold, the snow made it a magical scene. 

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Visit Wyoming: The Ames Monument

During our day trip to Wyoming, it ended up snowing. A lot. So we really didn't get to do as much as we wanted to while we there.

We did, however, drive up to the Ames Monument.

I got out for a split second just to take a photo (it was freezing cold!).

Built by the Union Pacific Railroad Company, the 60-foot high granite pyramid is a memorial to the Ames brothers Oakes and Oliver, who were integral to the construction of the first coast to coast railroad on the continent.

The monument stands at the highest elevation (8,247 feet) of the original transcontinental route.

Ames Monument
Albany County, Wyoming,

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Visit Wyoming: Big Dipper Ice Cream Shop

It doesn't matter if it's snowing or scorching hot, the weather is always perfect for ice cream!

While in Laramie, snow didn't deter us from finding a local ice cream shop to fulfill our "ice cream in every state" journey.  Big Dipper Ice Cream Shop's ice cream is made in-house with locally-sourced ingredients.  They use 14% butterfat milk and churn at higher speeds to give the ice cream a fluffier texture.

Mint Chip

Cherry Berry with Kale

Wyoming Black Bear

Cherry

Everything But the Kitchen Sink

And the result, after adding in all sorts of treats, is amazing ice cream!

I had the popular Wyoming Black Bear - raspberry with chocolate chunks.  It sure was yummy!

The server was very friendly and helpful, and Big Dipper Ice Cream Shop is definitely one of my faves of all the ice cream shops we've visited so far across the nation!


Big Dipper Ice Cream Shop
111 E Ivinson Ave

Laramie, WY 82070
(307) 460-3358

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Visit Wyoming: J's Prairie Rose Cafe

After driving through a snow storm in Wyoming, we were eager to enjoy some comfort food in warmth!

We did so at J's Prairie Rose Cafe in Laramie.

Kids Fried Shrimp

Kids Grilled Cheese

Kids PBJ

Kids meals are a deal at just $4.99, and includes a side and drink!

Biscuits & Gravy

BLT

Chicken Fried Steak

Green Chili

For my meal, I decided on some ultimate comfort food choices - a cup of Green Chili that was very good, and a BLT, which had several slices of bacon on thick Texas Toast.  My only regret was not ordering tots instead of fries!

Everyone devoured their meals.  Service was great at J's Prairie Rose Cafe, and it was the perfect spot to get all cozy and warm and eat simple, yet delicious food.

J's Prairie Rose Cafe
410 S 2nd St

Laramie, WY 82070
(307) 745-8140

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