The whisper started months before: an annular solar eclipse was gracing North America in October 2023, and the path of annularity – that magical zone where the “ring of fire” would be visible – was calling. For us the allure of this celestial event was irresistible, especially being so close — and we didn’t voyage […]
Ring of Fire: Witnessing the Annular Solar Eclipse in New Mexico Read More »
Tulsa, Oklahoma, surprised us in many ways, and one of the most unexpected (and surprisingly delightful) discoveries was pickle pizza. Yes, you read that right. Pickles. On a pizza. Now, I’m a fan of a good briny bite, so when I spotted this intriguing concoction at ZaZa’s Pizzeria inside the bustling Mother Road Market, my
Dill-iciously Different Pizza Read More »
Tulsa, Oklahoma, might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of cosmic significance, but tucked away in its downtown area lies a quirky and intriguing spot known as the “Center of the Universe.” During our recent days exploring Tulsa, we sought out this unassuming landmark, and it quickly became a
The Center of the Universe (is in Tulsa) Read More »
The allure of striking it rich, of unearthing a sparkling treasure from the earth, is a deeply human one. That’s what drew us to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, the only diamond-bearing site in the world open to the public where you can dig for your own gems! Armed with rented shovels, screens,
A Day at Crater of Diamonds State Park Read More »
Nestled in eastern Oklahoma, the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center offers a fascinating glimpse into a prehistoric American Indian culture that thrived in this region centuries ago. Our recent visit was a journey back in time, a chance to explore the remnants of a significant Mississippian Period site and learn about the Spiro people who built
A Walk Around the Spiro Mounds Read More »
From where were were staying in Florida, Kennedy Space Center was about 1 hr 45 minutes away. Since Justin and I both enjoy history and exhibits and learning, we thought a day trip there would be a fun day. This long day was packed with history, inspiration, and a tangible sense of being right at
Day Trip: Kennedy Space Center Read More »
The air hung heavy with moisture, a persistent rain draping the rolling hills of Gettysburg in a veil of quiet contemplation. While perhaps not the ideal conditions for strolling sun-drenched fields, the somber atmosphere seemed to amplify the weight of history that permeates this hallowed ground. For Justin, a true history enthusiast, our self-driving tour
Day Trip Through Gettysburg: A Self-Guided Driving Tour Read More »
Kauai, the “Garden Isle” of Hawaii, is renowned for its lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. But beyond the well-trodden paths, a unique and incredibly fun adventure awaits: floating down the historic irrigation ditches of a former sugar plantation with Kauai Backcountry Adventures. On a sunny Hawaiian day, we traded hiking boots for inner
Our Kauai Backcountry Tubing Adventure Read More »
The Utah desert stretched before us in waves of crimson and gold as we climbed into our rented side-by-side UTV from the Kanab Tour Company. Our destination: Peekaboo Slot Canyon, a hidden gem tucked into the BLM land north of town. What we didn’t fully anticipate was the journey it would take to get there.
Peekaboo Slot Canyon: Our Thrilling UTV Adventure Into the Red Desert Read More »
On a Friday afternoon in early April at 4 PM we left to visit 3 sites around Kanab, two we read about from other people’s blogs and one we found from a flyer made by the Kanab tourist center. Working our way north, our fist stop was Dinosaur Track trail, accessible by the small parking
Dinosaur Tracks, Moqui Caverns & Belly of the Dragon Hikes Read More »
About 90 minutes north east from Bisbee Arizona, is a national monument that took my breath away. Ok, so I didn’t research this monument before going, so I didn’t know what to expect; I love national parks and monuments so it didn’t really matter what was there….but pinnacles and trees hidden in the high desert
A Visit to Chiricahua National Monument Read More »
It was this weekend last year, that I was able to cross something off my bucket list….seeing the Crystal Mill. One of the most photographed abandoned buildings in Colorado. I chose to do this in July thinking I’d see a lot of wildflowers, and booked in March ensuring I would get a jeep tour on
A Jeep Tour to Crystal Mill Read More »
Itching to get out of the house, but hesitant to go someplace that had a lot of people, we decided to drive about 2 hours to Pawnee National Grassland (north of Ft. Morgan, East of Ft. Collins) and walk trail 601 to the Pawnee Buttes. Driving through the grasslands was not as exciting as I
A Walk to the Pawnee Buttes Read More »
I haven’t been to the World Trade Center area since September 11, 2002. The first decade I thought it would be too hard to go there, and the years since, I never made it a priority wondering how it would feel. I was in building 6 or 8 of the World Trade Center that day
An evening at One World Observatory & dinner Read More »
We started the Freedom Trail at the Boston Commons, the oldest public park in the country. From the visitor center, you can easily find the red line trail, sometimes the trail is red paint, other times it is brick. Helpful Hints: We underestimated how long it would take us to do this trail, thinking it
Walking the Freedom Trail Read More »
About 90 minutes southeast of Denver lies the remarkable Paint Mines Interpretive Park. This hidden gem in Colorado isn’t just a unique landscape; it holds tangible evidence of human activity dating back more than 9,000 years, making it an incredibly special place to stop and learn. What makes this park truly extraordinary is the sheer
A day trip to the Paint Mines Interpretive Park Read More »
The Big Island of Hawaiʻi is a land of dramatic contrasts, from black lava fields to snow-capped peaks. But one of its most captivating features is its abundance of lush rainforests and stunning waterfalls. Because we love waterfalls, we set our sights on ʻAkaka Falls State Park, a relatively short but incredibly rewarding hike that
A quick hike to ‘Akaka Falls Read More »
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a raw, dynamic landscape, a testament to the powerful forces that have shaped and continue to shape the very islands. Our day hike in Hawaii Volcanos National Park visit was a sensory experience unlike any other, a journey through steaming vents, stark lava fields, and lush rainforests, all under the
Day Hike in Hawaii Volcanos National Park Read More »
Visiting Pearl Harbor is more than just a historical tour; it’s a deeply moving pilgrimage to a site that forever altered the course of history. On a recent visit to Oahu, we dedicated a day to experiencing this significant landmark, a place where the echoes of a tragic past resonate with a powerful message of remembrance, resilience,
A Day of Remembrance and Reflection at Pearl Harbor Read More »
Who was Molly Brown? I really had no idea when I decided to take this tour with my sister, other than she was on the Titanic. They called her the Unsinkable Molly Brown, and sure she was strong willed and determined, but I think she was ahead of her time making her quite remarkable. So,
Molly Brown House Tour Read More »