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.

A Scenic Drive Through Colorado’s North-Eastern Plains

When you think of Colorado, what comes to mind? Likely, it’s snow-capped mountains, vibrant ski towns, and breathtaking alpine vistas. But beyond the iconic Rocky Mountains lies a vast and often-overlooked landscape: the Eastern Plains. Recently, I embarked on a two-part road trip that offered a look at this expansive and sparsely populated region. The

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A Day in North Platte, Nebraska: A Trip of Trains, Tanking, and Unexpected Adventures

When you’re driving across the American heartland, it’s easy to get caught up in the rhythm of the open road. Our recent trip to North Platte, Nebraska, was meant to be a weekend of unique adventure, anchored by one very specific and very Nebraskan activity: tanking. What we got was a journey with unexpected twists,

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Tanking the North Platte River

For about eight years now, a rather unique image has floated around in the back of our minds – a picture Justin stumbled upon in a magazine while we were making vision boards: people floating serenely down a river in what looked like a repurposed stock tank. It seemed utterly whimsical, perfectly quirky, and immediately

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Telluride CO Street View

A Half Day in Telluride, CO

Since Telluride is only about an hour for Ouray, it make sense for us to go check it out, plus my friend really wanted to go – thus part of the basis for the long weekend. While a work issue delayed our morning, we eventually grabbed a quick breakfast and hit the road. The drive

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A Long Weekend in Ouray, CO

The idea for my most recent long weekend in Ouray was born over a casual breakfast with two girlfriends. When asked where in Colorado I’d love to go, my answer was immediate and heartfelt: Ouray. It’s a town I’ve long admired from afar, but its distance from home has always made it feel just out

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Eating Around Ouray, CO

Well folks, this post might not be as exciting as other food posts. The simple truth is, we found ourselves gravitating toward the same two spots in Ouray, and our other culinary excursions were a bit of a mixed bag. Ouray Dinners: The Outlaw & Ouray Brewery Ouray Brewery was a highlight, largely due to

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Old Hundred Gold Mine

A Quick Journey into History at the Old Hundred Gold Mine (Silverton, CO)

Just a short, 15-minute drive on winding dirt roads from the historic downtown of Silverton, Colorado, lies a portal to the past: the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour. While Silverton itself is a testament to the region’s mining heritage, this tour offers a truly unique experience, taking you into the heart of the Galena Mountain

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My First Clothing-Optional Hot Springs Experience at Orvis (Ridgeway, CO)

I’m no stranger to the restorative power of hot springs. Over the years of living in Colorado, I’ve dipped into about ten different mineral-rich pools, from rustic riverside soaks to more developed resorts. Each one offers its unique charm. However, my recent visit to Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway, Colorado, marked a significant first: my

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Lunch at Casa Bonita, Lakewood, CO

Back in early 2015, not long after I moved to Colorado, A girlfriend, brimming with excitement, insisted I experience this “Colorado institution,” a “must-go.” with her and her two young kids. I walked in with an open mind, but what I found was… bewildering. It was cafeteria-style back then – grab a tray, order your

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Eating Around Fairbanks

Eating Around Fairbanks

While I liked the feel of Fairbanks, a small town, I wasn’t loving the food. I am sure there are wonderful places and menu items places, just not really what I happened to order. Bahn Thai We heard that Fairbanks had a lot of Thai restaurants, its a common cuisine there. And there were for

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14 Day Alaska Itinerary

Memorable 14 Day Alaska Itinerary (Anchorage, Seward, & Fairbanks)

Justin’s 50th State! Woo-hoo. This trip, which doubled as our 33rd state explored together, was a two-week adventure designed to hit the highlights of the Railbelt region while balancing his initial work commitments with our favorite travel formula: a few essential pre-booked tours, plenty of flexible exploration, and necessary rest days. If you’re planning a

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Eating in Anchorage

We enjoy eating out when we travel. We tried to utilize the hotel free breakfast for 60% of the time since food in Alaska tended to cost more. These are the places we went and what we thought — of course your experience my vary. Alaska Chopped and Chowdered – Justin got the Alaskan Rustic

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Close-up of two friends toasting with cold beer glasses at a lively bar, celebrating friendship and good times.

Anchorage – Breweries we tried

We made it to five breweries while in town. Onsite Brewery Company – We walked from our hotel to this mid-town climbing themed brewery. While it had both indoor and outdoor seating, it was a nice day and we took advantage of sitting outside on a picnic table. Denise ordered the Rappel Lager and Justin

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