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July 5, 2022

5 Things Not To Miss On Your First Visit To The Grand Canyon

The First Timers Guide To Grand Canyon National Park

Iconic. Amazing. Breathtaking. All of these words describe the Grand Canyon perfectly. It’s one of those places where you can’t fathom how vast it is until you are standing in front of it, and even then you’ll find yourself saying, “wow!” every 5 seconds…

February 8, 2022

14 Fun Things To Do In Sedona

If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, great shopping, and amazing sunsets then Sedona is a dream destination…

February 1, 2022

One Day In Sedona, Arizona

So, you’ve only got one day in Sedona? I found myself in the same position at the beginning of January. Maybe Sedona is just a stop on a big Arizona road trip? Or a stop on your way to the Grand Canyon, like me! Although the town of Sedona is charmingly small there are so many things to see and do. Sedona is famous for its red rocks, beautiful canyons, magical vortexes, and pine forests.

Hi! I'm Vanessa, a 30 something, sunset chasing traveler. I'm here to inspire you to travel wherever, whenever, and with whoever you can. My Huskies, Loki and Freya are usually along for the ride. I have a soul that likes to wander, a desire to experience the unknown, and a curiousity to discover things off the beaten path. I hope you'll stick around for awhile!

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This is your sign to visit one of Pennsylvania’s m This is your sign to visit one of Pennsylvania’s most famous Christmas markets…

This German-style Christmas market has been a Lehigh Valley tradition since 1993, and walking through it feels like stepping into a little European village right here in Pennsylvania.

We browsed handmade goods from over 150 artisans, sampled way too many treats, and soaked in every last bit of that holiday magic.

Don’t forget to grab a hot chocolate as you wander around the lights 😉

If you’re looking for a festive day trip that feels like a mini getaway, this is it.
📍 Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, PA
The ocean has a way of putting things into perspec The ocean has a way of putting things into perspective, doesn’t it? 

That trip you’ve been saving for “someday”? Book it!! 

The truth is, we figured out how to make this life work not because we had it all planned out (trust me, it wasn’5), but because we finally stopped waiting for permission to start.

Crystal Beach didn’t care that our timing wasn’t perfect. It just welcomed us anyway.

What’s one thing you’ve been putting off until you feel “ready”? 👇
State parks really don’t get the love they deserve State parks really don’t get the love they deserve…and Brantley Lake State Park in New Mexico is proof 🌅

Just outside Carlsbad, this underrated gem serves up wide-open desert views, peaceful lakeside walks, and sunsets that somehow feel dramatic and calming at the same time. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and perfect for slowing down (although I don’t recommend visiting in August like we did 😆). 

Gold hour along the rocky shoreline was my favorite, and blue hour that sneaks up on you in the best way.

Camping here is easy and low-key with spacious sites, and it makes a great base if you’re visiting Carlsbad Caverns or road-tripping through southern New Mexico. Less crowds, more breathing room…exactly why we love state parks.

Have you been here or do you have an underrated state park we should add to the list? 👇
🌲STEAL THIS DOG FRIENDLY DAY IN THE SMOKIES 🐾⛰️ T 🌲STEAL THIS DOG FRIENDLY DAY IN THE SMOKIES 🐾⛰️

The Smokies aren’t the most dog-friendly national park…but with a little creativity? You and your pup can have an incredible day together.

🌫️ EARLY MORNING Cruise Newfound Gap Road at sunrise → 33 miles of misty mountain magic → Dogs welcome in the car for this iconic scenic drive → Stop at overlooks for photos + fresh mountain air

🥾 MID-MORNING Hike Oconaluftee River Trail (3.1 mi, easy) → One of only TWO dog-friendly trails in the entire park → Shaded riverside path perfect for warm days → Watch for elk near the visitor center and make sure your dog is secured if you happen to see any! 

 💦 AFTERNOON Drive to Cherokee for Mingo Falls (0.4 mi, 161 stairs) → 200-ft waterfall on tribal land = dogs allowed! → Best bang-for-your-buck waterfall hike in the area

🐕 LATE AFTERNOON Off-leash time at Gatlinburg Dog Park → Fenced, clean, separate areas for big + small dogs → Let them burn off that trail energy!

🌅 SUNSET End the day at Cades Cove Loop Road → 11-mile scenic loop through open meadows → Golden hour here is chef’s kiss → Watch for deer, turkeys + black bears!

Save this for your next Smokies adventure with the pups 📌
Evolution of a Maine sunrise 🌅 Proof you don’t hav Evolution of a Maine sunrise 🌅 Proof you don’t have to be inside Acadia for Acadia-level magic

This was one of those mornings in Trenton, Maine - the kind where you had to drop someone at the airport early and you’re still half-asleep, expecting nothing more than a quiet start…and then the sky shows up like this. Golden light stretching across the water. The moon still lingering. Ducks skimming the surface like they had somewhere important to be.

We spent all summer calling this little spot home while exploring Acadia, and honestly? Mornings like this were the moments that we won’t forget. 

The reminder that you don’t have to be deep inside a national park to get a view that stops you in your tracks. Sometimes the magic waits right outside your front door, or in our case, the camper steps.

If you’ve ever watched a sunrise that made you feel like time slowed down just for you…I hope this brings that feeling back for a moment 🌞✨

Save this for your next East Coast travel daydream!
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