USA

Welcome to the full collection of my explorations across the USA! This is where I share my personal journeys through a country bursting with natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant regional character. Whether it’s a bustling city break, a quiet natural escape, or a deep dive into an historical site, I believe the greatest reward of travel is the incredible diversity of experiences found within our borders.

Alcatraz

The Alcatraz Tour

When Justin and I decided to extend our San Francisco work trip by a day, there was one destination that immediately came to mind: Alcatraz. I’d visited the infamous island prison back when I was about 20, but Justin had never been, so we booked tickets through City Experiences, the official ferry provider for the

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Jungle Lights at McKee Botanical Gardens

Jungle Lights at McKee Botanical Garden: A Candid Look Behind the Sparkle

Holiday time is all around us, but when traveling to a warmer region, I find it harder to get into the holiday spirit when I’m wearing shorts and looking at palm trees. Sometimes, the best travel moments are found serendipitously. This particular adventure started not with a detailed itinerary, but simply by driving past a

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Key West Southernmost Bouy

3 Full Days in Key West

Key West is more than just the end of U.S. 1—it’s a pocket-sized island crammed with more history, literary legends, and iconic bars than almost anywhere else in the country. Planning a full three-day escape (plus 2 travel days) here requires a good strategy, balancing the must-see historical tours with the necessary Key West traditions,

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Dry Tortugas D&J

Day Trip to Dry Tortugas: Visiting the Mighty Ocean Fortress of Fort Jefferson

There is something truly inspiring about the diversity of our National Parks, Monuments, and Lands. From towering mountains to deep canyons, our country offers an incredible array of landscapes. Our recent trip to Key West gave us a chance to check one of the most remote and unique parks off the list: Dry Tortugas National

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2 Days in Myrtle Beach, SC

Our a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC, about this time last year, was a chance to visit some younger friends and check out a town my sister enjoyed. Upon arrival, I was surprised with the cold weather! Despite the palm trees and sunshine, it was far colder than we expected, even in November, necessitating an

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Cripple Creek Town View

Day trip to Cripple Creek & Victor, CO

There’s something uniquely captivating about a crisp autumn day, especially when it’s spent exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of Colorado’s Gold Belt. Join us as we recount a memorable day trip to Cripple Creek and Victor, where mining lore and charming small towns come alive. Our day began under clear blue skies, with

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Lady in Marina

Bamahenge & Beyond: Unexpected Roadside Attractions Near Gulf Shores

Our recent trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, promised days of sun-kissed relaxation on its incredibly soft, sugar-white sands. However, Mother Nature had other plans for one of our mornings, greeting us with unseasonably chilly temperatures and blustery winds that made a beach day less than ideal. But true adventurers know that a change in plans

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Pensacola

24 Hours in Pensacola, Florida

Pensacola Day Trip: How to Maximize 24 Hours of History and Adventure with two places to eat Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that pack a punch, and our recent Pensacola Day Trip was exactly that. In just 24 hours, we traded a lively street festival for a lighthouse climb and finished with a

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Buc-ee's

A Stop at Buc-ee’s

My First Time at a Buc-ee’s I hadn’t heard much about Buc-ee’s. Then, a store opened in Colorado in March 2024 and suddenly it seemed to be all anyone was talking about. Last fall on a road trip with Justin between Florida and South Carolina, we kept seeing the signs for a Buc-ee’s and decided

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