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August 8, 2025

Wildlife Watching in Cades Cove: Your Complete Animal Guide

There’s something absolutely magical about rounding a bend in Cades Cove and spotting a black bear ambling through the meadow or a family of deer grazing peacefully in the early morning mist. I’ve spent countless hours exploring this 11-mile loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park…

May 19, 2025

Paws on the Trail: The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains

Planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with your furry friend? While many trails restrict dogs, the Smokies still offer several dog-friendly hikes and scenic drives perfect for adventurous pups and their humans. From easy riverside walks on the Oconaluftee River Trail to scenic drives like Cades Cove Loop Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, this guide covers the best pet-friendly trails and outdoor experiences to help you explore the Smokies together. Discover insider tips, local spots, and must-visit places to make your Smoky Mountains dog adventure unforgettable!

November 2, 2021

The Eerie Ghost Town In The Smokies

In the lush valley, where Jake’s Creek and the Little River meet, you can find the magical Daisy Town…

July 27, 2021

11 Must See Waterfalls In The Smokies

Looking for a waterfall hike in the Smokies? Check out these 11 Must See Waterfalls In Great Smoky Mountains…

July 20, 2021

Cades Cove: The Ultimate Guide to the Smokies’ Most Popular Valley

14 Fun Thing To Do In Cades Cove! Including to where to stay, where to eat, and what to do on your visit to Cades Cove…

May 11, 2021

Roaring Forks: 11 Reasons To Visit

There are so many reasons to visit Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail on your next trip to the Smokies…

April 6, 2021

Is Great Smoky Mountains National Park Dog Friendly?

Find out if Great Smoky Mountains is dog friendly and 12 fun things to do with your pups near the park…

August 10, 2020

One Day in Cherokee, North Carolina

Don’t skip Cherokee, North Carolina on your next trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park…

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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Let's be friends! I know e-mails can suck but mine won't and I promise cute pup photos too!

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Bar Harbor Lobster Pound lobster roll in Bar Harbor Maine — close-up of a golden toasted split-top bun overflowing with fresh Maine lobster claw and knuckle meat in branded lobster pound paper with French fries, the star of the best lobster rolls on Mount Desert Island guide and a must-order at one of the most iconic seafood restaurants in Bar Harbor Maine near Acadia National Park

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Happy Birthday @that_nomad_brian 🎂😘 Brian’s birth Happy Birthday @that_nomad_brian 🎂😘

Brian’s birthday weekend itinerary: take a walk, photograph the little things we notice, declare the day a success. 🙌 This is what 42 looks like out here and honestly I wouldn’t trade it. 

Happy birthday to my favorite person to do nothing with. 🎂

What’s the most “intentional” you’ve been about doing nothing lately?
100 years ago today, Congress authorized the creat 100 years ago today, Congress authorized the creation of Shenandoah National Park. It took another decade to officially establish it in 1935, but a century after that first signature, it’s still one of the most dog-friendly parks in the country. 🌲

Almost 500 miles of trails, and fewer than 20 of them are off-limits to dogs. That’s almost unheard of for a national park.

⚠️🚫Some of Shenandoah’s most famous trails (looking at you, Old Rag and Dark Hollow Falls) are completely off-limits to dogs. Swipe to slide 8 so you don’t drive all that way for nothing.

Save this for your Blue Ridge road trip 🐾

Shenandoah, here’s to the next 100. 🌲

Photos 1 & 3 by @mistiblue00
40 things felt ambitious. 11 felt honest. 🎂 I’m w 40 things felt ambitious. 11 felt honest. 🎂

I’m writing this from a 40-foot travel trailer somewhere between who I used to be and who I’m becoming, covered in husky hair, listening to a 90s playlist that has somehow become “throwback” music, and thinking about how 40 is the age I spent my entire 20s being afraid of.

Turns out it’s just Tuesday.
Here’s what 40 trips around the sun taught me:
✦ The right person makes the hard things easier and the good things better. (Hi, @that_nomad_brian)

✦ Second chances can be the whole point.

✦ You’re allowed to outgrow the life you built. That’s not failure, that’s the assignment.

✦ Dogs are not a metaphor for unconditional love. They’re the literal definition.

✦ “I’ll figure it out” is a complete sentence and the bravest thing I’ve ever said out loud.

✦ Time really does make you bolder. (Stevie was right. Stevie’s always right.)

If 30-year-old me could see this, she wouldn’t believe the life we have now! I’m so proud of it 😅💚
Two years of laughing like this 🌲 Wouldn’t trade a Two years of laughing like this 🌲 Wouldn’t trade a single mile.

Two years of making it worth the wild. One thing about me: I’m going to laugh at/with Brian at least 100 times a day. And apparently I had a very distinct uniform over the past year 😅🤣

The @huskiesontheroad and I love you @that_nomad_brian 🌲
If you stopped scrolling for this, we’re the same If you stopped scrolling for this, we’re the same kind of person🌲

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#naturegirl #goldenhour #nationalparks #slowtravel #thewellwornshoes
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