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December 23, 2025

6 Best Dog-Friendly National Parks to Visit This Winter

Okay, let’s talk about something that drives me absolutely crazy as a dog mom who loves National Parks…

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!

May 29, 2024

The 15 Best Hikes In Utah

Between the canyons swirled in orange, buttes, and otherworldly hoodoos, it’s a nature lovers’ paradise. Utah is home to 5 National Parks, including Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonland, Zion, and Capitol Reef…

March 26, 2024

One Day At Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a Utah gem, and there are so many beautiful sights and things to do that it can be overwhelming to figure out the best sights for a 1-day trip to the park.  As one of the most unique and popular parks in the United States, Zion offers something for everyone…

February 27, 2024

Zion National Park Guide

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of the most visited parks in the Southwest, and it’s easy to see why! Although it’s on the smaller side in terms of Utah National Parks, at just 229 square miles, its awe-inspiring scenery makes it one of the most beloved National Parks in the United States.

August 22, 2023

The Best Coastal Maine Road Trip

The Best Coastal Maine Road Trip

Maine is by far one of my favorite states. There is just something about the rocky coastline, epic sunrises, and all of the pine trees that make my heart happy. I’ve left a little piece of my heart all over the state, but my absolute favorite thing to do in Maine is a coastal road trip…

August 30, 2022

Epic Sunrise and Sunset Spots On The Grand Canyon South Rim

Epic Sunrise and Sunset Grand Canyon South Rim

You’ve seen the picture of the epic technicolor sunrises and sunsets over the awe inspiring Grand Canyon, and of course, you want to see one too! But where can you find the best sunrises and sunsets on the South Rim? You’re in the right place…

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…

January 25, 2022

11 Awesome Things To Do Near Mt. Rushmore

If you are heading to Mt. Rushmore you probably don’t realize how many fun things are in the same general area of SD. You can use these 11 awesome things to do near Mt. Rushmore to help plan your trip…

January 11, 2022

14 Fun Things To Do In Asheville, North Carolina

One of the coolest small cities on the East Coast, Asheville has a relaxed boho vibe that I love! It’s weird and that’s just the way locals want to keep it. The city has a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains and an insane number of craft breweries. Asheville is a refreshingly unique combination of hipster meets outdoor enthusiasts…

December 28, 2021

Top 15 U.S. Destinations For 2022

The new year is coming fast! It’s an exciting time for new beginnings and a time to make good on that promise that you made yourself, you know the one, to travel more next year! Welcome 2022 with open arms, it’s time to start planning those epic 2022 trips…

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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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Recent Posts

  • The Best Things To Do In Camden, Maine
  • 6 Best Dog-Friendly National Parks to Visit This Winter
  • Wildlife Watching in Cades Cove: Your Complete Animal Guide
  • Paws on the Trail: The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains
  • The 15 Best Hikes In Utah

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🤍 SAVE THIS for future road trips, slow mornings i 🤍 SAVE THIS for future road trips, slow mornings in the parks, and “we should totally go” plans.

If National Parks are on your 2026 bingo card, you’ll want these dates bookmarked 👇
On select days next year, National Park Service sites that normally charge an entrance fee will waive it, meaning you can explore for free.

🗓 2026 National Park Free Entrance Days
✨ February 16
✨ May 25
✨ June 14
✨ July 3–5
✨ August 25
✨ September 17
✨ October 27
✨ November 11

⚠️ A few important things to know before you roll in:
⏰Timed entry, reservations, and some activity fees may still apply
😅These days are often busier than usual (early mornings = your best friend)

Beginning in 2026, free entrance applies to U.S. residents only 

Which park would you hit first on a free day? 👀🌲 

Complete 2026 National Park Guide coming soon 🔥
2025 in the blink of an eye…2025, you were a good 2025 in the blink of an eye…2025, you were a good one! Thank you to everyone who was part of our year 🫶

More miles in Betty than we can count. Muddy paw prints on everything. At least three “are we lost?” moments that became our favorite memories.

Zero regrets. Maximum dog hair. Questionable campsite WiFi.

Here’s to another year of no plans and letting two dramatic huskies and one supermutt decide when the hike is over. 🐾
I’m not famous, but I will tell you the best place I’m not famous, but I will tell you the best place for sunsets, the quiet pull-off everyone misses, and which trails are dog-approved 🐾

Road trips, National Parks, and chasing light one mile at a time. I’m glad you’re here and hope you stick around for awhile!
Paws on the whitest sand you’ve ever seen 🤩✨ Whit Paws on the whitest sand you’ve ever seen 🤩✨

White Sands National Park is one of those places that doesn’t feel real, and yes, it’s dog friendly. Our dogs loved digging to get to the cooler gypsum sand! 

🐾💚Quick dog-parent pro tips:
🌅 Go early morning or sunset for cooler sand
💦💧Bring extra water (the desert doesn’t mess around)
🥰Harnesses > collars for deep-sand zoomies
😳Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially near dusk

The light shifts fast, the sky shows off, and your dog will absolutely think they’ve landed on another planet. Honestly? One of the best dog-friendly park experiences we’ve had.

‼️ Dogs must be kept of 6 ft leashes at all times. Our dogs were leashed (they are just hidden or edited for photos) - we definitely saw dogs that weren’t on leashes. Let’s keep our dog friendly parks - dog friendly 😉
An end of season lighthouse tour in October with @ An end of season lighthouse tour in October with @barharborwhales and this bald eagle said “watch this” at Egg Rock Lighthouse 🦅

Would you brave the cold water for views like this?

*technically not great photos but from a moving and bumpy boat - I’m happy with them 😁
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