Gastronomy – Travel – Culture
I remember the first time I read about the Redwood National Park in elementary school, and how even back then I felt that traveler's pull that I often speak about. I can still recall those photos of the giant ancient redwoods, and as a child I was struck by their enormous size and peaceful energy.… Continue reading Redwood National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring California
Arequipa Basilica Arequipa, also known as La Cuidad Blanca or the "White City", was an extraordinary Spanish colonial city in Peru to visit. In hindsight, I wish that I dedicated more time here to stay and play. The city of Arequipa was magnificent to see with its 16th - 17th century Baroque facades, and elaborate… Continue reading Picturesque Arequipa – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Discovering Peru
Road Tripping along America's Mother Road- Route 66 and Interstate 40 has always been an adventure for me in the past two decades. Sometimes it was a quick drive where I stopped for sleep, a meal, and gas. While there were other times that I took my time and stopped off at Albuquerque, Santa Fe… Continue reading New Mexico’s Route 66 | Road Tripping in America
My sun is in Capricorn (an earth sign), and my moon, rising and Jupiter are in Sagittarius. What does all of that mean? It pretty much means that the desire for me to travel, be free, and in nature, particularly the mountains is instinctual. Being surrounded by a mountain range is grounding for me. The… Continue reading Great Smoky Mountains National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
I am not shy when it comes to road tripping and exploring on my own, within reason of course. While I was checking out the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, I decided to head into the Cherokee Indian Reservation and explore Mingo Falls. Also known as Big Bear Falls by the Cherokees, heading to this… Continue reading Mingo Falls | Exploring North Carolina
For us people who road trip, we also day trip. There are towns or cities along the way that we can only spend a waking day in. While I was exploring The Great Smoky Mountains, the city of Gatlinburg was that day trip for me. I had started off in Cherokee, North Carolina and drove… Continue reading A Day in Gatlinburg | Exploring Tennessee
After our first initial visit to Zion National Park back in 2010, this magnificent valley in Utah had become a favorite. I have come back several times with friends to hike the Emerald Pools trail, the Narrows and to find a sense of grounding. My now adult daughter hikes, camps here with friends and even… Continue reading Zion National Park | Exploring Utah
There are a lot of interesting sights in the Napa Valley beyond the grapevines and fine restaurants. Although those are a few of my favorite Napa sights! If you find yourself in Napa Valley with younger family members or looking for interesting natural sights, I suggest driving a few minutes to Calistoga. There you will… Continue reading Calistoga’s Geyser and Petrified Forest | Exploring Napa Valley, California
Manhattan, New York - You would assume that navigating New York City for food would be an easy task, because there are restaurants just about everywhere. In actuality, finding a place to eat in Manhattan can be overwhelming. New York is not short of historic, ethnic, trendy, and fanciful restaurants. You would have to either… Continue reading Noshing in New York – Part 2 – A Food Journal
One of my favorite road trip agendas in the Untied States is driving through the Southwest. I have been fortunate enough to take that long road, Highway 40/ Route 66, numerous times in the last couple decades. Sometimes I would drive it with my family, and other times on my own. I have also driven… Continue reading SANTA FE – My Favorite Southwest Town | Exploring New Mexico
Listed on the National Historic Registry Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to stay a night at this hotel. I am not sure if I saw it on TV or a magazine, I genuinely do not remember. I just knew it was out there for me to stay in for a night during… Continue reading Wigwam Village Motel #6 | A kitschy stay along Route 66 in Holbrook, Arizona
Welcome to Cayo Costa! This unspoiled Gulf Coast island in Florida is a nature lovers paradise. It is peaceful, secluded and can feel like you are on a private island. There are wind shaped trees, miles of white sand beaches, wildlife, and crystal blue waters. The best part of all is the freedom to explore… Continue reading Cayo Costa State Park | Exploring Florida
Jenny Lake After I left the state of Wyoming, I had considered finding property close to Jackson Hole, the area was that impressive. Grand Teton National Park which is located close to that upscale town of Jackson Hole, to which I fell in love with, was one of the reasons for my thoughts of relocation.… Continue reading Jenny Lake at Grand Teton National Park | Exploring Wyoming
Northern Exposure? That I do not know but what I do know is that Talkeetna was a picturesque and charming little town in Alaska. I also know that at one time they had a CAT as Mayor- MeeeeOW! I am actually a dog person but I will not hold that against them. While we were… Continue reading Talkeetna Historic District | Exploring Small Town Life in Alaska
As a traveler and road tripper, I have driven throughout the majority of the fifty states including Alaska and Hawaii. There have been drives that I wished would have ended quickly and others that I wished would have never ended. Seward Highway in Alaska was one of those scenic byways that I wished would have… Continue reading Seward Highway – Scenic Byway | Exploring Alaska
Denali is the national park that is on everyone's list! I know this because everyone has told me that they have either wanted to come here or they have already been to Denali. I have been to many national parks throughout this country of ours and Denali National Park was one of my favorites. It… Continue reading Denali National Park & Preserve | Exploring Alaska
St. Louis, Missouri- The Gateway Arch National Park is unlike its sister parks of Yosemite, Zion or Yellowstone, which are glorious wonders of nature. This significant national park located in the heart of Saint Louis, Missouri is a reminder and acknowledgement of America's expansion to the West. It holds an importance and remembrance to those… Continue reading Gateway Arch National Park | Exploring Missouri
Living in Las Vegas has given me great opportunities to visit many national parks. We are a few hours from the magnificent parks in Utah and less than two hours away from Death Valley National Park in California. Over the past decade, I have taken various road trips visiting many of the wonderous natural sites… Continue reading Death Valley National Park | Exploring California
Capitol Reef was the most peaceful of the National Parks that I had visited in Utah. Many people road trip it to the more popular parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon or Arches National Park but Capitol Reef is just as stunning. It might be due to the location as it is not off the main… Continue reading Capitol Reef National Park | Exploring Utah
Utah is my favorite state when it comes to road tripping and exploring the beauty of nature. Although it is a smaller state than California, which has the most national parks; Utah is home to many of America's national parks, including Bryce Canyon. The canyon is known for its hoodoos, which are irregular shaped rock… Continue reading Bryce Canyon National Park | Exploring Utah
Trixie Navarre 