Inside Frederick Douglass’s Private World: Tour His Cedar Hill Home in Washington, D.C.
Explore America / U.S. National Monuments & Sites

Inside Frederick Douglass’s Private World: Tour His Cedar Hill Home in Washington, D.C.

Perched above the Anacostia neighborhood, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site offers something many historic homes don’t. Touring his Cedar Hill home gives you an intimate look at the private life of a public giant. Cedar Hill is where Frederick Douglass spent the final 17 years of his life. It’s a smaller National Park Service site, … Continue reading

Inside Arlington House: A Reckoning of Power, Patriotism, and Enslavement at Arlington National Cemetery
U.S. National Monuments & Sites

Inside Arlington House: A Reckoning of Power, Patriotism, and Enslavement at Arlington National Cemetery

Any visit to Arlington National Cemetery is inherently somber. The landscape itself demands reflection with row after row of headstones, the silent precision of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the eternal flame marking President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite. On a cold and dreary winter morning, I returned to Arlington Cemetery to visit the … Continue reading

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: Seattle’s Gateway to it’s Golden Past
Explore America / Explore The Parks

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: Seattle’s Gateway to it’s Golden Past

Before speaking on solo adventure travel at the Seattle Travel & Adventure Show and added time for a solo afternoon to visit my 269th unit of the National Park Service and wander around Seattle. After visiting Whitehorse in Canada’s Yukon in February 2025 and learning more in-depth about the Klondike Gold Rush, I wanted to … Continue reading

Festive Colorado: Holiday Magic in Vail, Estes Park, and Breckenridge
Explore Colorado

Festive Colorado: Holiday Magic in Vail, Estes Park, and Breckenridge

The holiday magic sparkles when snow blankets festive Colorado. From sparkling tree lightings and European-style markets to quirky parades and ice-carved wonderlands, Colorado’s mountain towns know how to celebrate in style. Here are some of my favorite places to get swept away in festive fun this season. Holiday Cheer in Vail Every December, Vail turns into … Continue reading

Hiking Enchanted Rock: A Granite Giant Worth the Climb
Explore Texas / Explore The Outdoors

Hiking Enchanted Rock: A Granite Giant Worth the Climb

Hike the Summit Trail at Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg for sweeping Hill Country views, Texas legends, and one of the state’s best dark-sky stargazing spots. Get tips, know what to expect, and learn why this granite dome is worth the climb. Continue reading

From Coast to Canyons: Unique Outdoor Adventures in Texas
Explore Texas

From Coast to Canyons: Unique Outdoor Adventures in Texas

Think the Lone Star State is all cowboys and tumbleweeds? Think again. Texas is an outdoor playground with everything from beaches and swamps to rugged canyons and vast deserts. It’s also one of the most affordable states to explore, with outdoor experiences that fit nearly every budget. Whether you crave a weekend hiking summit, a … Continue reading

Art Deco Dreams at Tulsa Club Hotel
Explore America / Hot Spots To Stay

Art Deco Dreams at Tulsa Club Hotel

Step into vintage glamour at Tulsa Club Hotel, a Curio Collection gem in downtown Tulsa. From its Art Deco design to dinner at Chamber and bubbly at the lobby bar, this stay blends old-school charm with modern luxury. Continue reading

From Swamp to Sea: 24 Hours of Outdoor Fun in Beaumont
Explore America / Explore Texas

From Swamp to Sea: 24 Hours of Outdoor Fun in Beaumont

You can experience the ultimate swamp to sea adventure just two hours east from Houston. Beaumont is where the wild wetlands of East Texas meet the salty breeze of the Gulf Coast. In less than 24 hours, you can paddle through cathedral-like cypress swamps, stroll along the Gulf, and savor a birder’s paradise. It’s a … Continue reading