• Hiking,  National Parks,  Texas

    Guadalupe Mountains – The Top of Texas

    Despite having grown up in Texas, only a day’s drive away (8 hours), both Randy and I had never visited Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It wasn’t until last month that I decided that it was not OK that there was a national park in my home state that I had NEVER been to. Can you believe that my family has driven past this park several times but never stopped? So, we planned a long weekend trip out to West Texas. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in the entire state of Texas. Obviously, our visit to Guadalupe Mountains would not be complete without conquering…

  • Caribbean,  Hiking,  National Parks,  USA,  Virgin Islands

    Virgin Islands National Park – The Best of Saint John in Two Days

    Virgin Islands National Park is located on the island of Saint John, which is the smallest of three main islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s been a week since we left Saint John and I don’t think I’ve gone a day without dreaming about going back one day. Because of time constraints, my husband and I were only able to spend two nights on the island but in those couple days, Saint John has completely stolen our hearts. It’d be a lie if I told you that I haven’t considered checking job postings in St. John. Surely they need a speech therapist on the island. If you are even…

  • Hiking,  National Parks,  South Dakota,  USA

    One Day in Badlands National Park

    My first visit to Badlands National Park was about 13 years ago during a family road trip to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore. We didn’t spend more than a couple hours in the park and frankly I don’t remember being too impressed. But then again, I was only 13 years old. Then last week my husband approached me (aka begged me) about taking a last minute trip to South Dakota. I was anything but thrilled. I wanted to visit somewhere new. New to me at least. And South Dakota is one of those “visit only once” states, right? Reluctantly, I conceded and we booked our tickets. Sometimes marriage means…

  • California,  National Parks,  Pacific Coast Highway,  USA

    Channel Islands National Park – Santa Cruz Island

    Little fact about me, I am a huge national park enthusiast and never pass up on an opportunity to check another park off of my list! A month ago, when my husband suggested that we fly into LA for a couple of days, I agreed as long as we could spend a day at Channel Islands National Park. After that was settled, I immediately started researching which island to see and how to get there. Channel Islands National Park is comprised of five beautiful islands off the coast of Southern California. We settled on Santa Cruz Island, which offers day hiking options with epic cliff and beach views. The island…

  • 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…