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December 26, 2025

The Best 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.

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…

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

Top 10 Dog Friendly Destinations In The U.S. 2022

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I’m not saying kayaking down a river with manatees I’m not saying kayaking down a river with manatees could heal me but I am saying I felt nothing but peace for an entire morning and that’s basically the same thing.

We went on a morning paddle with @tnthideaway and had a great time! This isn’t animal tourism and it’s not a place where they bate animals into coming close, they just know the river well. It was just Brian and I on our tour, which was awesome. 

Wakulla Springs stays in the 60’s year-round which means when it gets cold, the manatees show up. We weren’t sure we’d see them this far north in Florida.

We were wrong. Gloriously wrong.

📍 Wakulla Springs, FL

👋 Hi, I’m Vanessa @thewellwornshoes - a full-time RVer chasing National Parks, dog-friendly trails, and golden hour from the road! I share the hidden gems and real side of life so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to the adventure!
There’s something about floating down the Wakulla There’s something about floating down the Wakulla River that feels like slipping into a dream. 

Spanish moss dripping overhead. Bird song as you drift. A moment of calm that transports you back in time. And if you’re lucky… gentle giants gliding beneath you. 🐚

We paddled the Wakulla River with @tnthideaway and it was just the 2 of us on our morning tour. These guys know the river so well and there is nothing gimmicky or guaranteed. 

No crowds. No chaos. Just you and the wild of Florida.

Save this for your Florida bucket list ✨
📍 Wakulla Springs State Park

👋 Hi, I’m Vanessa @thewellwornshoes - a full-time RVer chasing National Parks, dog-friendly trails, and golden hour from the road! I share the hidden gems and real side of life so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to the adventure!
🎺 Love is in the air…and it’s loud. That’s an elk 🎺 Love is in the air…and it’s loud.
That’s an elk bugle echoing across Trail Ridge Road, equal parts romance ballad and intimidation tactic.

He’s telling every other bull to back off…and every cow that he’s the main character.

👉 During rut (September–October), these guys are amped up. Keep your distance (at least 25 yards, more if you can). 

They may look chill, but nothing says “bad day in the park” like being charged by 700 pounds of antlered attitude.

This is one of my favorite sounds 🔊🔊🔊
Some days your brain just needs a soft place to la Some days your brain just needs a soft place to land…even if it’s only for ten seconds.

So here’s a tiny escape to the shoreline - waves lapping, gulls drifting, and the kind of quiet that makes your shoulders drop without you realizing it. 🌊

It’s funny how a few seconds of ocean sound can trick your whole nervous system into believing life just got a little lighter.
And honestly? I’ll take it.

Where’s your mental getaway spot lately?
After living in Acadia for six months, I can say t After living in Acadia for six months, I can say this with confidence: you haven’t fully experienced Acadia until you’ve driven the Schoodic Peninsula at sunset.

Schoodic is quieter. Wilder. Less polished in the best way. The road hugs the coastline, the spruce trees lean toward the water, and the granite feels untouched, like it hasn’t been posing for postcards all day. 

No traffic jams. No fighting for parking. Just ocean air, slow curves, and that golden Maine light doing what it does best.

And sunset here? Different. The light lingers. The sky softens. The water turns steel-blue and rose all at once. It’s the kind of drive where you roll the windows down, stop talking mid-sentence, and realize this is exactly why you came to Maine in the first place.

If you want Acadia without the crowds, but with all the magic, Schoodic is it. Come for the sunset drive. Stay for the calm. Leave wondering why more people don’t make the extra hour.

Save this for your Maine trip + tell me - are you a sunrise or sunset person?
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