I’m of the mindset that a visit to a national park is always a good idea, so when a friend of mine was presenting at a conference in Seattle during the fall of 2022 and she and her husband had decided to extend their trip, we started tossing around ideas of where we should go …
Read more “Rainforests & Festivals: The Best of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula in October”
A friend from college wished me a happy birthday and then not so casually added, “Also, I’m probably moving to Germany, so you should come visit me in Mérida before I leave!” Done, and done. You don’t have to ask me twice! Erika grew up in Mexico, but she and I met in a painting …
I love Colorado for many of the same reasons that I love living in Alaska. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure or hoping to spend some time in a vibrant city, Colorado has them both! Here’s how we spent a week in Denver, Vail, Boulder, and Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer of …
Spring of 2023 gave me my first opportunity to visit Texas: the National Art Education Association conference was happening in San Antonio! While spring in Alaska can be beautiful, it is also frequently met with impatience on my part. It’s a great time to enjoy the snow in the sunshine, but while most other areas …
Read more “Spring in San Antonio: Making the Most of a Conference”
When it comes to visiting Vegas, most people automatically think of casinos, shows, and the strip. What most people don’t realize is just how many amazing outdoor spaces are best accessed from Sin City! After visiting National Parks such as Arches and Joshua Tree, I quickly came to the conclusion that I love the desert. …
Read more “Spring Break in the Desert: Four Outdoorsy Days near Vegas”
“Your daughter must sell drugs. With all these trips she goes on? No way is she doing all that on a teacher salary.” As my mother relayed this sentiment to me from one of her coworkers, all I could do was laugh. Of course I’m not doing all this traveling on just a teacher’s salary! …
Each year as fall in Alaska gets progressively colder and darker by the day, I find myself daydreaming about warmer, sunnier locales. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of fun to be had in Alaska during the winter, but it can also just feel like a lot. One year I decided to head …
In honor of Small Business Saturday, I figured I would share a few of my favorite small businesses from throughout the state of Alaska! Whether you’re searching for holiday gifts, shopping for a special occasion, or just looking forward to bringing home some Alaskan souvenirs from your next trip, there are lots of great ways …
Read more “Shopping Small Throughout the 49th State: My Favorite Alaskan Brands”
Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day! Since moving to Alaska in 2014, I’ve been fortunate to explore a number of areas around the state that are dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Alaska’s indigenous cultures. Whether you’re living in Alaska, just visiting, or planning a trip for the future, here are some suggestions for ways to …
Read more “Best Ways to Explore Alaskan Native Cultures Throughout the State”
I first visited Nashville three years ago during July of 2017 with my best friend from high school, Jess. It was the main destination of a 10-day road trip, and we had such a good time that I’ve been back twice since! A while back I wrote a post dedicated solely to my Nashville favorites …