Introduction Last summer, I found myself wandering through the charming coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina (yes, not Texas—I’ll explain in a moment) and absolutely fell in love with its mix of history, nature, and laid-back fun. I was initially on a road trip heading south, thought I’d swing into “Wilmington” and ended up in … Read more
Introduction I’ll admit it: when I first planned a trip to El Paso, I didn’t exactly have sky-high expectations. I knew it was far west in Texas, near the border, and had desert landscapes. But after spending a few days wandering the city and surrounding region, I found myself genuinely charmed. El Paso surprised me … Read more
Introduction Last spring I found myself driving through the rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and decided to stop in Knoxville, Tennessee. I’d heard it called the “Maker City” — a place where nature meets craft and history blends with modern culture. What I discovered was a vibrant, welcoming place full of energy, and … Read more
Introduction When I first planned a short getaway to Waco, Texas, I thought it would be a quick stop with maybe one or two interesting sights. But by the time I left, I realized: Waco has way more character than I expected. Between quirky museums, rich history, relaxing nature, and a surprising food + drink … Read more
Introduction I’ll admit: when I first visited Irving, I thought of it mainly as a business/airport suburb of Dallas. But after spending a few weekends exploring, I discovered it has some very good parks—places where city meets nature, where trails invite you in, where families gather, and where you can really slow down. I … Read more
Introduction If you’ve ever found yourself on the stunning shores of Kodiak, Alaska—with salt air in your hair, fishing boats bobbing in the harbor and maybe even an eagle drifting overhead—you’ll know it’s a place that invites indulgence. During my recent visit, I discovered one of the town’s greatest pleasures isn’t just the … Read more
Introduction When I first set foot on the island of Kauai, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I’d seen photos of lush cliffs, dreamy beaches, and emerald valleys—but nothing quite prepared me for how alive the place felt. It’s one of those trips where you arrive and immediately take a deep breath, … Read more
Introduction When I first pointed my rental car up Oʻahu’s North Shore, I assumed I’d be stopping at some beaches, maybe a shave-ice stand, and that’d be it. But what I discovered was that half the magic of the North Shore is on the roadside — more specifically, at the food trucks. These humble mobile … Read more
Introduction I’ll admit it — when I first planned a weekend getaway to Salem, Massachusetts, I expected witches, a little spooky-fun, and maybe a historic house or two. What I found was so much more. Between coastal town charm, rich maritime history, and yes — a healthy dose of witch-trial legacy — I ended … Read more
Introduction When I first decided to take a weekend trip to Helen, Georgia, I expected a charming mountain town, maybe some nice hiking and good food. What I found was far more magical — a Bavarian-style village tucked into the North Georgia Mountains, full of charm, adventure, big laughs, and scenic escapes. From tubing … Read more