• Colorado,  Hiking,  Road Trip,  USA

    Off-Roading in the San Juan Mountains

    The historic San Juan Mountains in Colorado were a prime mining location back in the early 1800s to 1900s. Because of the local mining industry, there is an extensive dirt road network that connects many passes and basins in the area. Today, these dirt roads have become a popular off-roading experience for tourists and locals alike. A popular off-roading route is the Alpine Loop, which connects Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City. Due to its popularity, there are many Jeep and ATV rental options in these towns. We rented our Jeep from a local hotel business outside of Ouray. The total price for a two-door Jeep rental came out to about…

  • Europe,  Germany,  Road Trip

    Day Trips from Munich

    Munich is the capital of Bavaria, the largest state in Germany. A local described Bavaria to us as being just like Texas, “big, loud and proud.” Located just an hour away from the Alps, there are many small villages and sites to visit just a couple hours drive away from Munich. Neuschwanstein Castle Located just 2 hours from Munich and straight out of a fairy tale book is Neuschwanstein Castle. The drive from Munich alone is worth it. I’d have to say that the drive was one of the most beautiful drives I have experienced – lush green meadows, wildflowers, and Baviarian-style houses all backdropped by the majestic Alps. This…

  • Europe,  Germany,  Road Trip

    A Perfect Day in Hallstatt, Austria

    There are few places in this world that are as charming as the small village of Hallstatt. Nestled into the side of a mountain on the banks of an alpine lake, this small town is straight out of a postcard. During our stay in Munich, Germany we spent one day in Hallstatt to explore part of Austria’s mountain towns. I so wish we had weeks to explore this beautiful country, but even one day was worth it – what a perfect day. The drive to Hallstatt from Munich consisted of winding mountain roads with each bend boasting a view more dazzling than the one before it. Three hours in the…

  • Maine,  National Parks,  Road Trip,  USA

    Magical Maine Road Trip Itinerary: Lighthouses, Whales & More

    Post Topic: The Best Maine Road Trip Itinerary Maine had been on my bucket list for so many years – I’d see glorious photographs of Maine’s rugged granite coasts and knew that one day I’d have to explore this incredible state. And a few years ago, my dreams of Maine became reality. We planned a magical road trip through Maine along the coast that was full of ocean views, lobster, lighthouses, and of course, blueberries. Is your trip to Maine a part of a larger trip to New England? You may also like this Fall New England Road Trip post. How to Get to Maine For most travelers in the…

  • California,  National Parks,  Road Trip,  USA

    5 Extraordinary Things to do in Death Valley National Park

    Post Topic: Things to do in Death Valley National Park Let me start off by saying, Death Valley was the last national park I saw myself visiting.  The name alone deterred me, who wants to visit a place named after death? All I knew about the park was that it was nothing but desert and hot. Too hot. Summer temperatures reach into the 120s (F) with the record temperature reaching a whopping 134 degrees (F). Death Valley is essentially known best for two things: being both the hottest and lowest place in the United States. Meaning that it’s best to visit in the winter months to avoid the scorching temps…