United States

Land of the free, home of the brave, and one of the most diverse countries in the world: it’s America!

United States of America

  • The Best Weekend Trips in the USA - Here are the best places to spend a weekend in the USA!
  • The Best Local Coffee Shops in the USA - Check them out next time you’re in town!
  • 20 Years of Never Forgetting - Today we remember that we promised to never forget.
  • Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Pearl Harbor National Memorial - This is everything you need to plan your trip to Pearl Harbor.
  • The Best U.S. Destinations to Visit Without a Rental Car - If your favorite didn’t make my list, please add it in the comments section!
  • Presidents’ Homes within a Day’s Drive of D.C. - I love living in the D.C. area. I do! And apparently, so did a lot of our presidents. A trip to the Nation's Capital gets you mighty close to many of their homes, so if you weren't already aware, here's everything you need to know about visiting the nearby presidential homes on your next trip to D.C.!
  • Best Bachelorette Desinations in the USA - Wedding season is coming, and you know what that means... Bachelorette Party season is here! If your duty is to come up with the destination and make the plan, check out these destinations within the United States.
  • What to Eat in the USA - It's an exceptionally special What I Ate Wednesday, everyone! American Thanksgiving is next Thursday, so this week, I'm giving you all the best food from my home country: the United States of America! It's more than burgers and milkshakes, my friends. I hope you brought an appetite.
  • USA Bucket List - Everyone loves a list---oh, is that just me?! Grocery lists, to do lists, travel lists... No matter what kind of list, I love to check things off and feel that elated confidence that I accomplished something! If you've ever wanted to visit the USA (or if you live in the USA and need a little inspiration), here is your ultimate USA bucket list! In no particular order:
  • Your Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in the USA - The USA is a great solo destination because it's so diverse. You can experience the city life of New York City, ski in Colorado year-round, experience paradise in Hawaii, or even meet up-and-coming country music stars in Nashville!
  • Guide to the Great American Road Trip - Last month Steve and I put a lot of miles on the car that we share. Steve drove 460 miles round-trip to visit his mom while I took a 600-mile round-trip road trip (as a passenger) with some girlfriends to North Carolina's Outer Banks. The next weekend, we forewent $1000+ plane tickets to Nashville in favor of a 1230-mile round-trip drive to visit my parents in Middle Tennessee.
  • What to Know Before You Visit the USA - I was recently brainstorming about what to write in the coming weeks when it hit me: I have no posts about what to expect as a visitor in the United States! It's something I always try to research before I visit a new place, and I've been writing "What to Know Before You Go" posts for every place I've visited in the last year and a half and then some, so I thought it was high time to give visitors and newcomers to my home country a few notes on what to expect when they come to the United States for the first time.

Alabama

Huntsville

  • What is the Unclaimed Baggage Experience? - I spent a whole day at Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro, Alabama! Each day one lucky visitor gets to have "The Unclaimed Baggage Experience" and is tasked with sorting through a piece of luggage.
  • What I Found at Unclaimed Baggage - Have you ever wondered what happened to that lost luggage you never could locate? Well, it probably ended up here. Unclaimed Baggage is the only buyer and seller of lost or unclaimed luggage (and cargo!) in America, and they have new items coming in every day!
  • What to Eat in Huntsville - It's What I Ate Wednesday and this week we're eating our way through the South! You know you're in North Alabama when trout and grits with fried green tomatoes is on the menu! So what was the first thing I ate when I arrived?

Alaska

  • 10 Reasons to Visit Alaska in Winter - It's a brisk and breezy Faraway Friday! This week I've been whisking you off with me to America's "Final Frontier" and 49th state: Alaska! I've shared my experiences there in 2007 this week, so I thought I'd give you a quick run-down of the amazing reasons why you should consider a visit this winter season!

Arkansas

California

Anaheim

  • What to Eat at Disneyland - There are plenty of iconic Disney and Disney Holiday foods to enjoy at Disneyland when we were there in November, but to be honest, we didn't have time to sit and take it all in with just 30 hours there!
  • What I Wish I Knew Before My Trip to Disneyland - If you’ve been following Quick Whit Travel on Facebook and Instagram, you know we took advantage of a three-day weekend to visit the Happiest Place on Earth—Disneyland! I did what I thought was quite a bit of research beforehand, such as reading other blogs, Pinteresting things to do, see, and eat, and even calling the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa to ask questions! I found out a lot of things I was glad to know!
  • The Best Tips to Know Before You Visit Disneyland - If you’ve been following Quick Whit Travel on Facebook and Instagram lately, you know that we just got back from our first ever visit to Disneyland! I did a LOT of research beforehand, but some things you just can’t know until you get there. But, to make your research easier, here are the top things I’m glad I found out about before we left for Disney! (And also be sure to check out the things I wish I knew before going!)
  • Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth? - Have you been to Disneyland? Did you find it to be the “happiest place on Earth?” Well, my husband Steve and I just completed our first ever trip there for the weekend, and I was determined to find out why—and if—this really could be the happiest place on Earth! Here are my top 10 reasons why it just might be true!

Coronado Island

San Francisco

  • What to Eat in San Francisco - It's everyone's favorite: What I Ate Wednesday! This week we're eating our way up and down the hills of San Francisco, California!

Delaware

  • Packing for Men: Fall in New England - It's no secret that no one actually likes to pack. Least of all my husband! I usually pack for him wherever we go, and he fills in with his toiletries and electronics. It works out pretty well because he doesn't have to pack, and I get to blog about it! And hopefully this will be helpful for you, too.
  • 10 Reasons to Visit New England in Fall - There are few places more beautiful than New England in the fall. As a Summer Girl, I have to look for reasons to be excited for the fall season. What can possibly get me excited for an end of summer, shorter days, and cooler temps? My recent trip up to Vermont gave me a few good reasons!
  • Packing for Women: Fall in New England - Visiting New England in fall is on many an all-American bucket list! My sweet husband whisked me away to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. We had a wonderful time, but sometimes packing for fall weather can be a challenge.

Florida

Crystal River

Florida Keys

Garden Key (Dry Tortugas National Park)

Islamorada

Key Largo

Key West

Marathon

Miami

Orlando

St. Augustine

  • 10 Things to Do in St. Augustine - The last trip I ever took as a single lady was to beautiful St. Augustine, Florida, with my girl friend Andrea! It was my bachelorette trip, and I was so excited. St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement in the United States, and as a history lover, that is right up my alley! Here are 10 things to do in St. Augustine, whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or with family!

Georgia

Savannah

  • Your Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Savannah - What comes to mind when you think of the South? Whether you're looking for a great step into solo travel or just want to see what all the fuss is about, Savannah is a wonderful choice!
  • Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: Movie Moments in Savannah - How could I possibly go to Savannah during my Year of Movie Moments and not do a post about Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil? I couldn't! And would you believe I watched it for the first time just two days before my trip? I did!
  • Things to Love about Savannah - Ah, Savannah, Georgia. It's the best of the South and then some, y'all. Nashville has gotten too "big city" for me, Atlanta has the busiest airport in the world (no thanks!), and a certain popular Southern city just one state up from Georgia is a little too... pretentious. But Savannah's charm and sincerity really make it shine. Here are the top 10 things I love about Savannah!
  • Savannah’s Historic Homes and Museums - The first time I went to Savannah, I made the mistake of going with a friend who didn't want to pay for anything! Now, I am a self-proclaimed penny pincher, but when I travel, I'm willing to pay for experiences and things that I can't do anywhere else!
  • 10 Things to Do in Savannah - So, the first thing you need to do is book a flight to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). The next thing you need to do is buy something in seersucker, get a hairbow (or bowtie for the gentlemen readers), and put these 10 things at the top of your Savannah to-do list!
  • Staying at the Savannah B&B Inn - I love a good bed and breakfast! When I found out my husband had to take a business trip, I started looking for a place to take my own "business trip," and Savannah has been on the top of my list for a long time. When I travel solo, I miss my husband like a crazy person. But I also get to do things he doesn't enjoy like I do: historic house tours, heat and humidity, and... bed and breakfast accommodations!
  • What to Eat in Savannah - As I write this post, I'm sitting at the Savannah airport waiting out a 5-hour delay, and I'm stuffed! I'm totally, completely, up-to-my-eyeballs stuffed with good, sweet, rich, beautiful Southern food! Savannah now holds the top spot in my travels as the most surprising foodie city. Can you believe it? Here's proof!
  • What to Know Before You Visit Savannah - The one thing you need to know about Savannah: the people are so kind! I just love Savannah with its Spanish moss-covered trees, monuments, squares, and the food! Oh, the food is incredible. You won't leave angry and you won't leave hungry, but you will leave ready to start planning your next trip already. But before you even get there, here are a few things to know before you go!

Hawaii

The below are just the 10 most recent. Click here for all my posts about Hawaii!

Illinois

Chicago

Louisiana

  • What to Eat in New Orleans - It's What I Ate Wednesday! Last year I had the pleasure of visiting New Orleans for the first time! Here's the shake down of what I could eat in a weekend.

Maryland

  • Packing for Men: Fall in New England - It's no secret that no one actually likes to pack. Least of all my husband! I usually pack for him wherever we go, and he fills in with his toiletries and electronics. It works out pretty well because he doesn't have to pack, and I get to blog about it! And hopefully this will be helpful for you, too.
  • 10 Reasons to Visit New England in Fall - There are few places more beautiful than New England in the fall. As a Summer Girl, I have to look for reasons to be excited for the fall season. What can possibly get me excited for an end of summer, shorter days, and cooler temps? My recent trip up to Vermont gave me a few good reasons!
  • Packing for Women: Fall in New England - Visiting New England in fall is on many an all-American bucket list! My sweet husband whisked me away to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. We had a wonderful time, but sometimes packing for fall weather can be a challenge.

Annapolis

  • Touring the Naval Academy, Annapolis - Did you know you can tour the Naval Academy in Annapolis? You can! We went up to Annapolis with my dad on his recent visit, and I collected some helpful tips for your visit, too! Check it out and don't miss it on your next trip to Annapolis.
  • 10 Things to Do in Annapolis - Annapolis is the best part of Maryland! It's an easy day trip from D.C., it's historic, it's beautiful, and they have some incredible food! Here's my quick list of the top things to do in Annapolis. Start planning your trip!
  • What to Eat in Annapolis - There are some locations around the world that are truly "foodie" destinations. They have a specialty, an iconic dish, or a food that the locals take pride in. Like, a LOT of pride! And in coastal Maryland, that food is crab---mostly in cake form! But don't worry, we ate some other stuff, too. Here's what Steve, my dad, and I all ate on our recent weekend excursion to Annapolis, Maryland!
  • The Best Day Trips from D.C. - Washington, D.C., has enough going on to keep you busy for weeks---or months!---but sometimes you just want to get out of town. Lucky for you, D.C. has tons of beautiful, exciting, fun, historic things to offer within driving distance! Here are my favorites, organized by state.

Massachusetts

  • Packing for Men: Fall in New England - It's no secret that no one actually likes to pack. Least of all my husband! I usually pack for him wherever we go, and he fills in with his toiletries and electronics. It works out pretty well because he doesn't have to pack, and I get to blog about it! And hopefully this will be helpful for you, too.
  • 10 Reasons to Visit New England in Fall - There are few places more beautiful than New England in the fall. As a Summer Girl, I have to look for reasons to be excited for the fall season. What can possibly get me excited for an end of summer, shorter days, and cooler temps? My recent trip up to Vermont gave me a few good reasons!
  • Packing for Women: Fall in New England - Visiting New England in fall is on many an all-American bucket list! My sweet husband whisked me away to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. We had a wonderful time, but sometimes packing for fall weather can be a challenge.

Boston

  • 1 Day in Historic Boston - So you only have one day in Boston? Not sure how you could possibly fit it all in? Never fear! I have your ultimate one day guide to historic Boston whether you're in town on business, squeezing in some sight-seeing on a college visit, or just need a change of scenery for a day! Times are suggestions only. Have so much fun!
  • Your Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Boston - Thinking of taking the solo travel leap? Boston is a great solo travel city! Here is your ultimate guide to making the most of your solo trip.
  • Ultimate Guide to Boston’s Freedom Trail - If you're heading to Boston, odds are the Freedom Trail is (and should be!) on your list of things to do. You could easily spend all day, and I do suggest it! Plan for at least two hours to walk and see all the sites, and more like 5 or 6 hours if you want to visit and spend a little time at each historic site. But first, here are some things to note.
  • 10 Things to Do in Boston - Why did I choose to visit Boston? For the history! And for so much more. Whether you're a history lover, visiting impressive colleges, or just want to try a real Boston cream pie, Boston has a lot to offer anyone! Here are my top 10 recommendations for your trip to Boston!
  • What to Eat in Boston - Will travel for food! Boston has some pretty iconic eats, so on my recent getaway to "Beantown," I had to try and eat them all! Well, except the baked beans. I have to save something for next time!
  • What to Know Before You Visit Boston - Heading to Beantown soon? Why is it called "Beantown", anyway? Before you go and "pahk the cah in Hahvahd yahd," take a quick look at these things to know before you go to Boston!
  • The Best Running Tour of Boston - I don't know about you, but running is one of my most favorite travel activities. On my recent trip to Boston, I went on my first ever running tour, and it was a fabulous way to see the sights. I chose a private tour, but you can do a group tour as well. I went with the company Run Boston, and Brendan was my guide. Here's a little insight on my tour and what to expect if you want to do a running tour of Boston as well!
  • Minimalist Summer Packing: 2 Days in Boston - Surprise! If you've been following along on Instagram and Facebook, you know I just took a surprise trip to Boston! I was there less than two days, so packing minimally was definitely the way to go.

Nantucket

  • Your Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel in Nantucket - It's fun and relaxing to go somewhere new on my own, and my tips and tricks can apply to both men and women travelers. Here is the solo travel low-down on beautiful Nantucket, Massachusetts!
  • What to Wear on Nantucket - If you've been following along on Instagram and Facebook @quickwhittravel, you know I recently enjoyed a few days on beautiful Nantucket Island. I'll be honest, I was a little insecure about what to pack.
  • 10 Reasons to Visit Nantucket - Nantucket is a magical, enchanting land, far from the cares of the world you live in day to day. I didn't believe it... until I visited for myself. There really is something about Nantucket that makes it charming, relaxing, exciting, and truly enchanting. Here is my list of the top 10 reasons you should consider a trip to Nantucket!
  • Nantucket in 48 Hours - It's Throwback Thursday, so I'm throwing it way back to... last week in Nantucket! I only had 48 hours to spend, so I had to spend them wisely. Here's what I came up with!
  • What to Eat on Nantucket - It's What I Ate Wednesday! This week, we're eating our way through beautiful Nantucket. Come along, my faithful readers! Let's begin with the most important part of the day.
  • What to Know Before You Visit Nantucket - It's Travel Tip Tuesday, and this week I'm letting you in on the things you need to know before your first trip to lovely Nantucket! Here are a few of the essentials to help you be as prepared as possible.
  • Exploring Nantucket by Land and by Sea - If you've been following along on Facebook and Instagram, you know I spent a few days in Nantucket last week. It was my first time there, and I wanted to cover as much ground as possible, so I booked a couple of tours and got excited to explore the island both by land and by sea!

Nevada

  • How to Have Sinless Fun in Vegas - My sweet husband whisked me off to Las Vegas for a weekend because I'd never been! I had a great time, even though I don't gamble, smoke, drink, or do any other risqué things most people go to Vegas for! So if you find yourself in "Sin City" with no desire to be sinful yourself, here's your ultimate guide to having good clean fun in Las Vegas, Nevada!

New York

  • Packing for Men: Fall in New England - It's no secret that no one actually likes to pack. Least of all my husband! I usually pack for him wherever we go, and he fills in with his toiletries and electronics. It works out pretty well because he doesn't have to pack, and I get to blog about it! And hopefully this will be helpful for you, too.
  • 10 Reasons to Visit New England in Fall - There are few places more beautiful than New England in the fall. As a Summer Girl, I have to look for reasons to be excited for the fall season. What can possibly get me excited for an end of summer, shorter days, and cooler temps? My recent trip up to Vermont gave me a few good reasons!
  • Packing for Women: Fall in New England - Visiting New England in fall is on many an all-American bucket list! My sweet husband whisked me away to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. We had a wonderful time, but sometimes packing for fall weather can be a challenge.

North Carolina

Outer Banks

  • What to Pack for the Outer Banks, North Carolina - I recently took a little weekend getaway with some girlfriends to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I'll be honest, this was a packing challenge for me!
  • What to Eat at the Outer Banks - It seems like most people who prefer vacation rentals also prefer to cook their own food instead of spending the money to go out to eat for every meal. That is also what we did, but we found a few local gems, too. Keep reading for all the gooey details!
  • 10 Things to Do in Corolla, Outer Banks - Are North Carolina's Outer Banks on your summer travel list this year? I was just there a few weeks ago for a quick girlfriend getaway, and we stayed in Corolla, on the north end of the thin island chain. I'd heard about the lighthouse at Hatteras, the history at Roanoke, and British Ocracoke. I was getting super excited about all of that, and then I mapped it--all those sites are hours away from Corolla! So I shifted gears to figure out what there is to do and see around Corolla. Turns out, there's a lot!
  • What to Know Before You Visit the Outer Banks - I recently took a quick girlfriend getaway to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It was my first time to the Outer Banks, and I can see why people love it there! But since it was my first trip there, I found there were several things I wish I had known in advance. So here's a quick list of things to know before you go!

Pennsylvania

Gettysburg

  • What to Know Before You Visit Gettysburg - Where are my Civil War history buffs?! This trip is like a life goal for history lovers like myself, and on my dad's trip to D.C. to visit me last fall, I got to take him up to Gettysburg for a day trip.
  • Presidents’ Homes within a Day’s Drive of D.C. - I love living in the D.C. area. I do! And apparently, so did a lot of our presidents. A trip to the Nation's Capital gets you mighty close to many of their homes, so if you weren't already aware, here's everything you need to know about visiting the nearby presidential homes on your next trip to D.C.!
  • The Best Day Trips from D.C. - Washington, D.C., has enough going on to keep you busy for weeks---or months!---but sometimes you just want to get out of town. Lucky for you, D.C. has tons of beautiful, exciting, fun, historic things to offer within driving distance! Here are my favorites, organized by state.

Lancaster

Philadelphia

Pittsburgh

  • Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood: Movie Moments in Pittsburgh - Tom Hanks is making a movie about Mr. Rogers set to come out later this year! Mr. Rogers truly inspired us all. He taught us all that we're all worthwhile, and we all have good inside us. He told us that when things go wrong, we should "look for the helpers." So on your next trip to Pittsburgh, be sure to add these sites to your list!
  • What to Know Before You Visit Pittsburgh - Heading to Pittsburgh soon? It's no longer just a steel-gray city with rough winters. Pittsburgh has been experiencing a rebirth in recent years, and its enjoyed a major tourism boom to match it! So if the Steel City is on your list, here is a quick run-down of things to know before you go!
  • 10 Things to Do in Pittsburgh - This week, we're not going too far--just over to Pittsburgh, where my sweet husband grew up. We go out there two to three times each year, but I realized I have very little on the blog about Pittsburgh! So to make up for that deficit, here are 10 things you should do if every you find yourself in the 'Burgh!
  • Christmas in Pittsburgh - Merry Christmas! It's Merry Monday, my readers! My sweet husband and I went to Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving with his family, but I made sure we did some Christmassy things while we were there! If you are heading to Pittsburgh this Christmas season or in the coming years, here are the things you should put on your "to do" list!

Rhode Island

  • Packing for Men: Fall in New England - It's no secret that no one actually likes to pack. Least of all my husband! I usually pack for him wherever we go, and he fills in with his toiletries and electronics. It works out pretty well because he doesn't have to pack, and I get to blog about it! And hopefully this will be helpful for you, too.
  • 10 Reasons to Visit New England in Fall - There are few places more beautiful than New England in the fall. As a Summer Girl, I have to look for reasons to be excited for the fall season. What can possibly get me excited for an end of summer, shorter days, and cooler temps? My recent trip up to Vermont gave me a few good reasons!
  • Packing for Women: Fall in New England - Visiting New England in fall is on many an all-American bucket list! My sweet husband whisked me away to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. We had a wonderful time, but sometimes packing for fall weather can be a challenge.

Block Island

  • your Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Block Island - I recently set out solo in search of adventure and old world, seaside resort charm, and I found it on beautiful Block Island, Rhode Island. Why is Block Island a great solo travel destination? Here's the shake-down on solo travel on Block Island!
  • 10 Reasons to Visit Block Island, RI - This Faraway Friday is all about quaint, cute, adorable, friendly, beautiful Block Island, Rhode Island! A lot of people I know had never heard of Block Island (and neither had I!), and they all asked me the same thing: Why did you decide to go to Block Island? Well, my friends and readers, here are my top 10 reasons you, too, should visit.
  • Biking on Block Island (with maps!) - Block Island, Rhode Island! Why is it a true throwback? Because it's stuck in the past in the best possible way. The architecture is adorable, people are friendly and helpful, and best of all, you can see all 10 square miles of the island by bike! Here are some tips I learned along the way to make the most out of your biking time on Block Island.
  • What to Eat on Block Island - It's everyone's favorite... What I Ate Wednesday! If you've been following along on the blog and @quickwhittravel on Instagram or Facebook, you know I just got back from adorable Block Island, Rhode Island. And you know I had to eat!
  • What to Know Before You Visit Block Island - This week I'm letting you in on everything you need to know about visiting Block Island, Rhode Island! Never heard of Block Island? Neither had I! Have fond memories of frolicking on this peaceful bit of land off the New England coast? Now I do, too! And hopefully you'll be nodding your head as you read. Here's what to know before you go!
  • How to Get to Block Island - This week, I've done the legwork for you, and I'm letting you in on all the ways to get yourself onto adorable Block Island, Rhode Island! It's a little complicated--at least it was for me--but if you're up for an island affair away from the everyday world, here's how you get there:

South Carolina

Charleston

  • What to Eat in Charleston - What's the best reason to go South? Warmer weather? Friendly people? Food? All of those are good reasons, but only one touches every sense (hearing, smell, sight, touch, and taste), and that's the food!
  • Your Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Charleston, SC - Earlier this spring, he had a trip pop up at the last minute, so I searched Skyscanner (one of my secret weapons in finding flight deals) and found a killer deal to Charleston, one of the best places for a girl to go solo!
  • What to Know Before You Visit Charleston - Headed to Charleston? You'll love it! I got to take a quick trip to the Holy City recently, and it was just the breath of fresh, Southern air I needed. To make sure you can make the most of your trip, here are some things to know before you go!
  • FREE Things to Do in Charleston - You can take the girl out of the South, but she will go back as often as possible! When my sweet husband had a quick business trip pop up, I stumbled upon a great airfare to Charleston and took advantage of the situation. I've been to Charleston a couple of times, but I haven't written much about it. That's currently changing, however, including this post with my top picks for totally FREE things to do in Charleston, South Carolina!
  • Guide to Charleston’s Gateway Walk - No doubt about it, Charleston is, well, charming! Everything about it from the Pineapple Fountain to shrimp and grits, from the historic homes to the Southern hospitality, Charleston simply exudes charm.
  • Staying at 27 State Street B&B - There is one bright side when my husband is away on a business trip: I get to stay in an adorable bed and breakfast! I don't think I could have chosen a better one for my recent solo trip to Charleston than the 27 State Street B&B. This is not a sponsored post; I was simply treated with such kindness and had such a positive experience, I want everyone to know about it!

Tennessee

  • Where to Find Tennessee at the U.S. Capitol - Each state in the Union has contributed to the museum that is the U.S. Capitol Building over the years, and since my home state is Tennessee, I wanted to give it the spotlight today! I recently got together with a Tennessee Congressperson's office for a special tour of Tennessee's part in the U.S. Capitol. Come see what we found!

Carthage

Columbia

Franklin

Lebanon

  • Where to Eat in Lebanon, TN - First up: Lebanon, Tennessee, where I spent about half my childhood and teenage years. This is where my family and I went to church, where most of my childhood friends lived, and where I still return every time I go home!

Memphis

  • Where to Eat in Memphis - Memphis has definitely undergone a revival since my parents lived there as newlyweds, and on our recent family trip back to the city where my dad went to optometry school forty years ago, we ate at some old favorites and tried out some newcomers. Here's the best of what and where we ate in Memphis!
  • How to See the Peabody Hotel Duck March - In my humble opinion, there is one thing you must do in Memphis. It's not Graceland, it's not barbecue, it's not even walking 10 feet off of Beale. It's watching the Peabody Duck March! I remember watching them when I was maybe four or five years old, and it delighted me completely.
  • Staying at the Peabody Hotel Memphis - When I think of the Peabody Hotel, I think of ducks. And actually, when I think of ducks, I think of the Peabody! The ducks are certainly their signature, but the Peabody has even more to offer! I remember staying here with my family once when I was maybe four, so maybe that's why the ducks made such an impression. I recently got to go back to the Peabody for a long weekend with my family, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to tell you all about it! So here it is: The Peabody Hotel, Memphis.

Nashville

Texas

  • Summer Packing: A Week in Texas - this week we're talking about packing! You know I never check a bag if I can help it, so this is how I packed light for a week in hot, humid, summertime Texas!

Austin

  • What to Eat in Austin - It's everyone's favorite day of the week: What I Ate Wednesday! This week we're eating our way through Austin, Texas!
  • 10 Things to Do in Austin - If you've been following along with our travels on Instagram and Facebook, you know my sweet husband and I met up in Austin a couple of weeks ago for a quick getaway! My husband used to live there, so he knew all the great places to go and romantic settings to enjoy. Now I'm letting you in on them, too! Here are 10 awesome things to do in Austin.

Plano

  • Where to Eat in Plano, Texas - I'm about to wow you... there's more to food in Texas than Tex-Mex! On my recent trip to visit my friend Jill in Plano, just north of Dallas, we made sure to get the best of what Plano has to offer. So here are our recomendations, from biscuits to sushi to---you guessed it---Mexican!
  • The Best Local Coffee Shops in Plano, TX - When I decided to go visit my coffee-loving friend Jill in Plano, TX, I knew a post all about coffee would be a fun one to write... and research! Here are the best locally-owned coffee shops in Plano!

Waco

  • Best of Waco - It's time, everyone. Tomorrow is the last Fixer Upper of the series! But never fear--Magnolia and the Silos (and the Bakery, and now the Magnolia Table!) are here to stay! And if I know one thing about Chip and Jo, I know they are not in the business of slowing down. In honor of this momentous occasion, I thought I'd give you a quick run-down of the very best of Waco from our trip last summer
  • What to Eat in Waco - It's What I Ate Wednesday, friends! You've read about the Silos Baking Co. and the Food Trucks at the Silos, but what about food in the rest of Waco? Find out here!
  • Planning Your Trip to Waco, TX - It's Flyaway Friday--hooray! So now you're ready to plan your own trip to Waco. Whether you're heading to this small Texas town for Baylor University happenings or to see Fixer Upper's famous power couple's Magnolia Market for yourself, this is the ultimate guide to planning your trip!
  • A Peek Inside the Mailander House - It's Throwback Thursday, and since I've had some people wanting to know more about our stay at the Mailander House, I decided to write a post about our stay to complement our post about the owners' experience living there! So, my friends, here's a sneak peek inside Fixer Upper's Season 1 Mailander House, also known as the Bicycle House!
  • Food Trucks at the Silos - Chip, Joanna, and their team have really made Waco a destination, particularly with their Silos property--breakfast at the bakery, shopping during the day, lunch at the food trucks, games on the lawn, and even concerts and movies some nights! So what are the food trucks like at the Silos? Take a look!
  • Magnolia Market at the Silos - This Travel Tip Tuesday, I've got everything you need to know about your trip to Magnolia Market at the Silos! If you're planning a trip to Waco and have any interest in Chip and Joanna Gaines or Fixer Upper from HGTV, this is a must-do! And in case you wondered, they really do plant magnolia trees at all their projects!
  • 10 Reasons to Visit Waco - Why did I choose to visit Waco? My mom wanted to see and shop at the Silos! And once I started watching HGTV's Fixer Upper featuring the inspirational Chip and Joanna Gaines based in Waco, I wanted to visit to see it all in person! But once we got there, we discovered more and more reasons Waco's charm has people coming into town in droves. Here are 10 reasons you should consider Waco for your next trip!
  • Fixer Upper Getaway - After months of anticipation and Fixer Upper research (aka: binge watching), my mom's birthday trip to Waco, TX, was finally here! We visited the most famous Silos in the world and had so much fun. If you're thinking of planning your own Fixer Upper getaway, here are some top sites to visit and a few tips to help you make the most of your time in Waco!
  • Magnolia Silos Baking Company - This week I'm whisking you off to what may currently be the country's most famous bakery: The Silos Baking Co. in Waco, Texas! Here's the scoop on the goodies, the decor, and the experience!
  • Waco: Beyond the Silos - If you're heading to Waco these days, there's a good chance the Silos and all things Fixer Upper are on your list. If you're going to Waco and the Silos to show someone how much you love them and could not care less about those rusty Silos, then this post is for you! Here are 10 things to do in Waco besides Fixer Upper and the Silos.
  • What It’s Like Living in a Fixer Upper in Waco, TX - I had the opportunity to take my mom and her friend Debbie along with me on a "Fixer Upper Girlfriend Getaway" to celebrate my mom's birthday, and we got to stay in a Fixer Upper House! We stayed in the Mailander House from Season 1, which has come to be known as the "Bicycle House" because of a vintage bicycle that Joanna found and mounted on the wall in one of the rooms.

Vermont

  • What to Know Before You Visit Vermont - ermont is an absolutely beautiful state. Some people go for the fall foliage, others go for the epic skiing or even the ultimate white Christmas! Our recent trip took us up to Stowe, Vermont, and we learned a few things along the way. No matter your reason for visiting Vermont, here's a quick list of things to know before you go!
  • Packing for Men: Fall in New England - It's no secret that no one actually likes to pack. Least of all my husband! I usually pack for him wherever we go, and he fills in with his toiletries and electronics. It works out pretty well because he doesn't have to pack, and I get to blog about it! And hopefully this will be helpful for you, too.
  • 10 Reasons to Visit New England in Fall - There are few places more beautiful than New England in the fall. As a Summer Girl, I have to look for reasons to be excited for the fall season. What can possibly get me excited for an end of summer, shorter days, and cooler temps? My recent trip up to Vermont gave me a few good reasons!
  • Packing for Women: Fall in New England - Visiting New England in fall is on many an all-American bucket list! My sweet husband whisked me away to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. We had a wonderful time, but sometimes packing for fall weather can be a challenge.

Stowe

  • 10 Active Things to Do at the Trapp Family Lodge - We chose peak fall foliage season for our trip, and it has been a dream of mine for many years to stay at the Lodge. After they made it to safety, they went to America to tour as the Trapp Family Singers, and finally settled in Stowe!
  • Staying at the Trapp Family Lodge - My husband recently made a life-long dream of mine come true. We stayed at the Trapp Family Lodge during peak foliage season! You know how sometimes your dreams seem out of reach, or that you simply don't deserve them, even if that's not true? I guess I always figured they were booked up years in advance, and there was no hope of getting a room during the fall. But we got in! We got to stay at the lodge on the property where the Von Trapp Family from The Sound of Music settled after escaping the Nazis. It was wonderful!
  • What to Eat in Stowe - Are you ready to eat your way through the Green Mountain State? Me, too! Here are the dining highlights---schnitzel included!
  • How to Spend a Romantic Weekend in Stowe, Vermont - Looking for a romantic getaway? Might I suggest beautiful Stowe, Vermont? This quaint, sweet New England town is seemingly made of charm, and there are plenty of places to find just the right romantic moment. Vermont is beautiful in all seasons, but we got to enjoy peak foliage there this fall. Take a look and start planning your own romantic getaway now!

Virginia

Alexandria

  • The Ultimate George Washington Getaway - It's Veteran's Day! To honor all veterans, I decided to write something about our country's most famous veteran: George Washington!
  • Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens - If you've ever visited D.C. or ever plan to, there are probably a few things on your list the White House, Capitol, Library of Congress, Lincoln Memorial... and Mount Vernon!
  • Best Coffee Shops in Alexandria, VA - Alexandria has some of the best food in the D.C. area, but more importantly, they have some of the best coffee!
  • Where to Eat in Alexandria, VA - Having lived in the heart of Old Town for four years, I can assure you, I've come up with the ultimate list of the best of the best restaurants in town! These are my tried-and-true favorites, the ones I go back to again and again even now that I live an hour away! Get ready. You're gonna get hungry.
  • Staying at George Washington’s Townhouse, Alexandria, VA - Your favorite traveling history nerd (that's me) finally got to stay at the George Washington Townhouse in my beloved Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. You read that right: George Washington actually slept there!
  • The Best 10 Reasons to Visit Old Town Alexandria, VA - Want to know my favorite city in the world? It's Alexandria, Virginia! That's right. I've lived in the D.C. area for over 12 years, traveled all over the world, and I still love Alexandria's Old Town the best of all. Maybe it's the cobblestones, maybe it's the beauty... Here are my top 10 reasons you should visit because I think you'll love it, too!
  • Presidents’ Homes within a Day’s Drive of D.C. - I love living in the D.C. area. I do! And apparently, so did a lot of our presidents. A trip to the Nation's Capital gets you mighty close to many of their homes, so if you weren't already aware, here's everything you need to know about visiting the nearby presidential homes on your next trip to D.C.!
  • The Best Day Trips from D.C. - Washington, D.C., has enough going on to keep you busy for weeks---or months!---but sometimes you just want to get out of town. Lucky for you, D.C. has tons of beautiful, exciting, fun, historic things to offer within driving distance! Here are my favorites, organized by state.
  • 5 Things to Love about Alexandria, VA - It's my birthday! So today I'm highlighting my most favorite city in the world, the city I chose to live in for four beautiful years, Alexandria, Virginia. If you love fantastic food, beautiful views, farmers' markets, or romance, Alexandria might be the place for you! Here's a quick list of my top 5 favorite things about Old Town Alexandria.

Arlington

  • How to Tour the Pentagon - Did you know you can take a tour of the Pentagon? You can! It takes a little legwork from you and some advance planning, but it's absolutely doable if it's on your list of things to do in Washington, D.C. My dad wanted to take a tour on his most recent trip to visit me, so we gave it a try! Here's how to get a chance at a tour for yourself.
  • Your Guide to Arlington National Cemetery - There is no place I've been that fills me with pride and gratitude quite like Arlington National Cemetery. If you find yourself in the Washington, D.C., area, you will not regret spending some time here. I hope this guide gives you the information you need to make your visit a memorable and meaningful experience.

Charlottesville

Delaplane

  • Day Trip: Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane, VA - Need a minute out of the District? We all do once in a while! If you happen to be looking for a gorgeous hike and adorable little town within driving distance of D.C., I've got just the place: Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, VA. Here everything you need to know for a perfect day trip from D.C.!

Del Ray

Great Falls

  • Day Trip: Great Falls National Park - If you're looking for a day trip from the hustle and bustle of D.C.? Great Falls is just 30 minutes away, just up the river a ways! Here's your ultimate guide for a day trip to Great Falls from the District!

Smithfield

  • What to Eat in Smithfield, VA - It's known for its ham, but the whole region is also known for peanuts. Plus it's the South, so you know there will be fried everything and sweet treats to keep you cool on those hot summer days. Get ready, because we're about to find just what you need to eat in Smithfield, Virginia!
  • 10 Things to Do in Smithfield, VA - Surprise! I took a quick, last-minute trip down to Smithfield, VA, to visit my friend Amanda and explore this cute town within day-trip distance of Colonial Williamsburg! If you find yourself exploring southern Virginia, or if you just like ham, peanuts, or Colonial American history, Smithfield is for you. Here are some of the best things to do!

Williamsburg

  • What it’s Like Staying at the Cedars of Williamsburg B&B - We're so thankful for their kindness in accommodating us---literally and figuratively. Next time you find yourself planning a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, check out this beautiful, historic, charming B&B!
  • What to Know Before You Visit Jamestown Settlement - It's a little shameful. I've lived in Virginia for over 11 years, I love history, I was a Colonial-clad tour guide for five years, and I've been to Williamsburg multiple times, but this week marked my first ever trip to Jamestown Settlement!
  • Staying at Williamsburg’s Brick House Tavern - I had the pleasure of staying at the Brick House Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg--I literally stayed inside a living museum! It's one of Colonial Williamsburg's "Colonial Houses" properties, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised!
  • FREE Things to Do in Colonial Williamsburg - Freebie Friday! All travelers have to make sacrifices--time, sleep, and most notably money. On my most recent trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, I didn't have time to really make the full admission price worthwhile. I did, however, have enough time to enjoy Colonial Williamsburg and have some fun in this historic city! Here is my list of the best FREE things to do in Colonial Williamsburg.
  • Where to Shop in Colonial Williamsburg - It's the Christmas season, and for many that means it is shopping season! On a recent trip to Williamsburg, VA, I took the opportunity to marvel at their Christmas decorations and stop into all their Colonial-era shops!
  • What to Know Before You Visit Williamsburg - You may have already figured out I love history, but I know some people aren't so sure about history. So in an effort to help you feel more prepared and comfortable about your journey into the past, here are a few things you will want to know before your trip to Colonial Williamsburg, VA!
  • 1 Day in Williamsburg - Recently I had just one day to spend in Colonial Williamsburg, VA, and though I'd been before, I wanted to make the most of my time there. Here is a quick itinerary for your own visit if you want to make the most of your one and only day in the Colonial Capital!
  • 10 Reasons to Visit Williamsburg - It's Faraway Friday! This week we are not only going some place incredible, we're sort of going back in time! Here are 10 reasons you should put a visit to Colonial Williamsburg on your list!

Washington, D.C.

Wyoming

  • Your Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Cheyenne, WY - Cheyenne is such a cute, friendly, fun city, I would happily go solo, and I think you might like it, too! So here's your ultimate guide to travel solo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
  • What to Know Before You Visit Cheyenne, WY - “Maybe I can still make Cheyenne...” I loved that George Strait song when I was about 10 years old, but I didn’t really know what it meant! In fact, it's been stuck in my head since I visited the Cheyenne Frontier Days Museum. Yikes! If you find yourself making your way to Cheyenne, there are a few things to know before you go. Lucky for you, I've made a list!
  • FREE Things to Do in Cheyenne, WY - I think the Great Recession made us all a little jumpy when it comes to how we spend our money, and that includes tourism dollars. I was a lowly, poor college graduate at the rock bottom of the Recession, but I wasn’t willing to let that stop me from living life and seeing the world! So I became kind of a master at seeing the beauty in the cheap and finding the FREE everywhere I went!
  • The Best Places to Eat in Cheyenne, WY - Who’s hungry?! If you are, then Cheyenne is the place to go. With tons of locally-owned restaurants and friendly people, you won’t leave hungry and you won’t leave angry! Here’s a peek at what I ate when I went up to Cheyenne, Wyoming, to visit my friends Amanda and Brock!
  • The Best 10 Things to Do in Cheyenne, WY - If you didn’t already know, now you do: Cheyenne, Wyoming, should be on every American’s Travel Bucket List! Between the massive rodeo and 10-day festival that is Cheyenne Frontier Days to the awesome museums, from the incredible locally-owned restaurants and friendly people, there’s something for everyone.

Obviously, I still need to get moving around the USA!


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