Big Sky Montana was on my radar for years. So when a friend's 30th birthday trip to Napa Valley was canceled last summer, I knew exactly where to go instead. With unbelievably gorgeous scenery, proximity to multiple national parks, and an endless number of outdoor (read: naturally socially-distanced) things to do in Big Sky Montana, it was the perfect destination. If you've heard of Big[...]
Growing up, our dogs always came to the beach and on road trips. They even got their own stockings at Christmas. So it makes perfect sense that as an adult, my dogs became my adventure partners. From camping and family hiking to watching sunsets at the beach, everything is better with a dog. However, not every place necessarily welcomes dogs with open arms. People travel with their pups[...]
You truly can't go wrong with a visit to Montana. Any time of year, any part of the state, for any reason. Between its national parks (Glacier and Yellowstone, arguably two of the most spectacular in the National Park Service), epic hiking, jaw-dropping scenery, wildlife viewing, and Montanans' genuine niceness, Big Sky Country truly has something for everyone. One way you can make y[...]
In the last couple of years, more people than ever before have discovered the wonders of America's national parks. According to the National Park Service, 15 national parks set visitation records in 2020 alone! I'm thrilled that so many people have a newfound love for The Great Outdoors, but I honestly don't love the crowds. And the traffic. And having to reserve campsites as early as a ye[...]
Let's be honest: New Orleans has a (well-earned) reputation for being a hub of incredible food, fascinating history, legendary live music, and, well, let's just call it what it is — partying. But outdoor recreation? Not so much. The Big Easy is indeed the destination for foodies, history buffs, music enthusiasts, and any sort of celebration. BUT there's actually a lot more to this fan[...]
If you're anything like me, your sense of wanderlust has been stronger than ever in recent months. There finally seems to be a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, things are slowly but surely returning to "normal," and mannn those cheap flight deals are tempting. Let's be honest, though: everyone else has the same idea. No matter how tempted I am, what makes me hesitate to hit "c[...]
It's safe to say that after 2020 – AKA the year that just wouldn't end – people all over the world are experiencing a collective case of major wanderlust. Fortunately, infection rates continue to decrease and vaccines are being distributed on a wide scale, so international borders are slowly but steadily beginning to reopen to travelers. While that's wonderful, it also means that th[...]
I'm a national parks geek through and through and I'm always game for camping or hiking. I also enjoy life's finer and more romantic offerings, things like spa treatments and wine tastings. So when we started planning a San Francisco/Wine Country weekend trip for Valentine's Day, I set out to find the most romantic wineries in Napa. With several hundred wineries in the Napa Valley, this[...]
As soon as we settled on visiting Moab in November for a 30th birthday trip (not mine!), I began planning our itinerary. We agreed almost immediately that off roading in Moab was a priority — in addition, of course, to hiking and exploring two of the country's most iconic national parks, Arches and Canyonlands. For the uninitiated, off roading in Moab is legendary. The enchanting red[...]
There's the old saying that the journey is the destination. While I generally agree with that — y'all know I love a good road trip — there are exceptions to every rule. Take, for example, these six off the beaten path restaurants that aren't accessible by car. Getting to the unique dining experiences is certainly a journey, but the destinations themselves are pretty spectacular too.[...]
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