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May 12, 2026

One Day In Acadia With Dogs: A Local’s Itinerary

Heading to Acadia with your dogs and only have one day? Don’t panic. Here’s the exact hour-by-hour itinerary I plan for friends — sunrise on Ocean Path, house rolls at Bar Harbor Lobster Pound, the Quiet Side trails, and a real sit-down dinner with your pup. Updated for 2026.

May 7, 2026

Dog Friendly Acadia National Park: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

Acadia is one of the most dog friendly National Parks in the entire United States, and after spending six months living right outside Bar Harbor with my three pups, I can tell you it’s the real deal. Here’s everything you need to know to plan an incredible 2026 trip to Acadia with your dogs, including the rules, the can’t miss spots, and a few things I learned the hard way.

May 7, 2026

Where To Get The Best Lobster On Mount Desert Island

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

If you’re heading to Acadia National Park, you’re heading to lobster heaven. Mount Desert Island is home to Acadia, Bar Harbor, and some of the most stunning coastline in New England; it’s also home to some of the best lobster you’ll ever eat. We’re talking fresh-off-the-boat, still-tastes-like-the-ocean, life-changing lobster…

April 29, 2026

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…

April 14, 2026

The Complete Guide to Schoodic Peninsula in Acadia National Park

Schoodic Peninsula sunset in Acadia National Park Maine - wide panoramic view of orange and lavender sky over the Atlantic Ocean from pink granite ledges, with windswept spruce trees and the silhouette of Mount Desert Island on the horizon, capturing the stunning coastal scenery of the Schoodic District and why the Schoodic Peninsula is one of the most beautiful and least crowded areas of Acadia National Park

The Schoodic Peninsula is the only mainland section of Acadia National Park — and one of the most overlooked destinations on the entire Maine coast. Just 45 miles from Bar Harbor, Schoodic receives only about 8% of Acadia’s total visitors, which means no timed-entry reservations, easy parking, and access to some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the park. From the jaw-dropping geology at Schoodic Point, 419-million-year-old pink granite streaked with black basalt dikes, to the cliff-edge sunset views at Ravens Nest overlooking Frenchman Bay and Cadillac Mountain, the Schoodic Peninsula deserves a full day on every Acadia National Park itinerary. This complete guide covers how to get there, how the one-way Schoodic Loop Road works, the best stops and sunset spots, dog-friendly trails, camping at Schoodic Woods Campground, and everything else you need to plan your visit.

March 6, 2026

15 Best Dog Friendly Hikes at Acadia National Park

Three dogs hiking the Little Long Pond trail in Acadia National Park, Maine — a brown mixed breed and two huskies on leash on a sun-dappled wooded path along the turquoise shores of Little Long Pond, highlighting Little Long Pond as a peaceful and dog-friendly walk in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island near Seal Harbor, Maine, perfect for hiking with dogs in Acadia

Acadia is one of the most dog friendly National Parks in the United States, and honestly, it’s the reason we keep coming back. The first National Park east of the Mississippi boasts nearly 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads that you can enjoy with your pups…

February 24, 2026

The 18 Best Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine

18 Best Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine - sunset over a tranquil harbor near Acadia National Park captures the magic of Maine's coast, from lobster boats at anchor to pink granite shores and golden skies

Bar Harbor, Maine, is one of those places that grabs you and doesn’t let go…

February 17, 2026

The Ultimate Winter Guide to the Grand Canyon

Here’s a secret that most people don’t know: winter might actually be the best time to visit the Grand Canyon. January transforms the Grand Canyon into a serene, snow-dusted wonderland, and while you may need to bundle up, this time of year offers advantages over peak season.

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…

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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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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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Recent Posts

  • One Day In Acadia With Dogs: A Local’s Itinerary
  • Where To Get The Best Lobster On Mount Desert Island
  • Dog Friendly Acadia National Park: The Ultimate 2026 Guide
  • The Ultimate Coastal Maine Packing List
  • The Best Coastal Maine Road Trip

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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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