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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…

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.

October 17, 2023

15 Epic Things To Do In Vermont In The Fall

There is no better fall destination than Vermont. Between picturesque fall foliage, charming villages, everything apple, and maple syrup, Vermont will whisk you away to the fall landscape of your dreams…

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…

November 30, 2021

Top 10 Christmas Towns To Visit In The U.S.

The Holiday season is about to begin and what better time to start making your list of Holiday destinations you want to visit?…

September 14, 2021

Vermont Fall Bucket List

Vermont is nothing short of spectacular during the fall season. It’s one of those states that makes you want to come back time and time again. Incredibly clean, stunningly beautiful, and friendly, there really isn’t anything about Vermont that isn’t amazing…

August 24, 2021

10 Things To Do At Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park in South Dakota may be one of the coolest places in the United States. Honestly, the name is a tribute to the people that lived in the Badlands before it was even a national park…

August 3, 2021

The ULTIMATE Guide to Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The ultimate guide to everything you wanted to know about Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando…

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…

June 8, 2021

Best Sunrise Spots At Acadia National Park

From Oct 7 to March 6 earth year the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park is the first place to see the sunrise in the U.S. You don’t want to miss it…

June 1, 2021

Is Mount Rushmore Worth The Trip?

Is Mount Rushmore worth the trip? Is it a National Treasure and should you visit? Find out here…

May 15, 2021

11 Amazing Things To Do In Camden, Maine

Camden, Maine is known as the ‘Jewel of the Maine Coast’ and for good reason! It is a picturesque town by the sea with a gorgeous harbor that you can imagine yourself enjoying on a daily basis.

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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

  • 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
  • One Day At Zion National Park
  • Zion National Park Guide

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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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