A new contest sponsored by Black Star Beer promises to give the winner one heck of a prize, sending them off on a jet setting vacation that will offer everything from outdoor adventure to an unforgettable taste of luxury.

The contest is dubbed "Maybe the Best Trip Ever", and that seems a pretty apt description actually. The winner, and five of their closest friends, will get things started by heading to Whitefish, Montana, where they'll not only tour the Great Northern Brewery, but also mix in some outdoor adventure as well. This stage of the trip will include hiking and camping in Glacier National Park, whitewater rafting on the Flathead River, and fly fishing with a master angler. And when they're finished with their adventurous escape to the Montana backcountry, the group will board a private jet for Las Vegas, where they'll relax and party poolside, while getting the VIP treatment at the Palms Casino and Resort.

The winner will also have the opportunity to practice with the NBA's Sacramento Kings. (The press release promises a professional basketball team, but we'll have to settle for the Kings) They'll receive a sweet HD video camera to document the entire experience, along with plenty of other swag to outfit the entire group. If all of that wasn't enough, Black Star is throwing in another six round trip tickets to destinations of your choosing, just in case you need a vacation from your vacation.

To enter the contest, simply go to the Black Star Facebook Page and click on the banner. Who knows, maybe you'll be sent off on the best trip ever!


In a midsummer treat, the National Park Service announced it will not charge entrance fees on August 14 and 15, a Saturday and a Sunday, in an effort to introduce more Americans to their country's natural and historic treasures.

The free entry applies to 392 national parks, which are found in 49 states. Of those, 146 usually charge fees ranging from $3 to $25. Camping fees, tours, food, souvenirs, and other expenses will still be charged.

A list of parks and their amenities can be found at the official site of the National Park Service.

It's been a high-profile year for our national park system. Last fall, Ken Burns turned his documentary attentions to the story of their establishment and cultural influence. His 12-hour miniseries was one of PBS' biggest television events of the season. Burns stopped by WalletPop to talk about the importance and value of an American national park vacation.




See the complete Ken Burns interview on our Facebook page by clicking here. You can also follow WalletPop's Jason Cochran on Facebook.