Idyllwild, nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, is one of Southern California’s hidden gems. For our anniversary, we sought a dog-friendly escape that combined hiking, camping, and adventure. Just a two-hour drive from Orange County, this charming town delivered breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities, and tranquil moments under the stars. In this blog, I’ll share tips… Continue reading Idyllwild: Adventure & Relax on a Mountain
Category: Adventures
Maui: Making Family Memories
Maui is one of those places where the scenery takes your breath away and life slows down. The island boasts a natural beauty, offering golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush rainforests, and towering volcanic craters to explore. There’s also a cultural richness, whether it’s delicious food like tropical fruits to grilled fish or luaus with traditional… Continue reading Maui: Making Family Memories
Hometown Adventure: The Midwest
There’s something special about revisiting the places you grew up in and sharing them with your college bestie, who grew up across the country. This trip brought it all together—city life, nature, and the beauty of the Midwest. We managed to explore Chicago, the Indiana Dunes, and a taste of Michigan, covering three states in… Continue reading Hometown Adventure: The Midwest
Grand Canyon: Backpacking Rim to River
If you’ve ever stood at the edge of something massive and felt tiny in the universe, you’ll know how it feels to visit the Grand Canyon for the first time. Backpacking down to the river and then climbing seemed impossible—like something only the wildest adventurers would even attempt. Only 1% of visitors trek down to… Continue reading Grand Canyon: Backpacking Rim to River
Northern California: Unwind in Ukiah
Every so often, it’s worth pulling out an old map and following in the footsteps of family members who came before you. I recently visited the Northern California city Ukiah, CA — where my Dad and grandparents once roamed and where my extended family still lives. As I explored this charming spot, I felt a… Continue reading Northern California: Unwind in Ukiah
Missouri: The Gateway City
Tucked away in the Midwest is St. Louis, Missouri – a city where you can journey through time, seamlessly blending the pioneering days with the modern metropolis. During my visit, I was able to mix work and play. So, whether you’re grabbing your briefcase or your spirit of adventure, get ready for a ride through… Continue reading Missouri: The Gateway City
U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands — a paradise on Earth. For beach lovers and marine enthusiasts like me, it’s an absolute dream come true. Imagine strolling along pristine white-sand beaches and spending every single day snorkeling. And then there’s the National Park—it’s as if you’ve stepped into a postcard, with its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.… Continue reading U.S. Virgin Islands
California Central Coast: Weekend Getaway
Dreaming of jetting off to Europe, but only have a weekend to spare? Consider a road trip to the charming town of Solvang in the heart of California’s Central Coast. Solvang is a small-town Danish Village offering unique cultural experiences. It’s the perfect place to wander its picturesque streets, admire quaint architecture like windmills, and… Continue reading California Central Coast: Weekend Getaway
Florida: Exploring the Everglades
If you crave an adventure in a one-of-a-kind ecosystem, it’s time to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Everglades. As someone who used to geek out on wetland biogeochemistry and happens to be an avid seashell enthusiast, this place is an absolute treasure. What makes Florida even more special is that it served as… Continue reading Florida: Exploring the Everglades