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August 31, 2021

The Best Dog Friendly Fall Hikes in New Hampshire

Heading to New England this fall? Is there anything better than fall in New England? Nope! The crisp air, the crunchy leaves, and all those gorgeous reds, oranges, and yellows. There is absolutely nothing better than being in the mountains in the fall…

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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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!
Not me thinking New River Gorge was small…and then Not me thinking New River Gorge was small…and then spending half the day in the car 🛻

If you’re planning a dog-friendly trip, here’s everything we did, and everything I wish someone told me first 🐾

🌲Canyon Rim Overlook? Get there before 10:30 AM unless you love circling parking lots like it’s a competitive sport. The light is perfect early, and your pup won’t get overwhelmed by crowds.

🏚️ Thurmond ended up being a surprise favorite - I wasn’t even sure it was dog friendly (it is!) and the quiet, historic vibes were such a fun wander with the pups.

🥾 Rend Trail is another win: totally dog friendly and you don’t have to commit to the full 9 miles to get great views. Do a portion, and live your best life.

🌅 And for sunset? We loved the overlook on Hwy 20…but the real magic happened at Sandstone Falls Boardwalk. It’s far out of the way, but absolutely worth the drive - especially about an hour before sunset when the light hits the water just right.
(We actually got engaged here, so yes…I’m a little biased) 

If you like your parks a little wild, a little quiet, and full of beautiful dog-friendly corners, New River Gorge might just surprise you.

Save this for your next road trip - your pup will thank you. 🤎🐾
Some people measure their life in dollars. I measu Some people measure their life in dollars. I measure mine in sunsets, long drives, and the moments I can never get back.

The older I get, the more I realize time is the only thing I can’t earn more of, so I’m going to spend it wildly, intentionally, and with the people (and dog-chaos gremlins) I love most.

Save this for the days you need the reminder that your life is worth investing in 🧭💚
Blue hour at the Grand Canyon feels like the world Blue hour at the Grand Canyon feels like the world taking one long, steady breath 😮‍💨😍

That in-between moment when the canyon shifts from gold to lavender and everything goes quiet for a second…even the wind.

I went in January, when the cold sneaks into your sleeves and the snow hides in the cracks of the cliffs. And somehow that made the colors even better! They were softer, moodier, like the canyon was letting its guard down just a little.

There’s something about standing here in the winter light that reminds you how tiny you are in the best possible way. The perfect reset before life speeds back up again.

Save this for your next winter trip to the canyon ❄️💫 and remember to dress warm!! 🥶
In your late 30s, something shifts - or it did for In your late 30s, something shifts - or it did for me! Had to jump on this trend… 

It’s not a crisis - it’s clarity.
It’s realizing you were never meant to fit inside the small life like you were trying to! 

You’ll feel it in your chest.
That pull toward open space.
Toward changing directions.
Toward choosing freedom without explaining it to anyone.

And when it happens?
Follow it.
Even if it scares you.
Especially if it scares you! 

Save this for the day the road starts calling your name!
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