Scenic sandstone cliffs rising above the Wisconsin River in the Upper Dells on a sunny summer day
Destinations, Great Lakes, Hiking, wisconsin

Great Lakes Loop Road Trip: Days 4โ€“5 โ€“ Exploring Wisconsin Dells and Mirror Lake State Park

Canyons, crowds, and concession stands... Wisconsin Dells reminded me that sometimes even the โ€œmust-seeโ€ spots are better seen once. Wisconsin Dells had all the makings of a highlight โ€” sculpted sandstone cliffs, winding river canyons, and the promise of adventure. But reality checked in fast. Two days of overpriced everything, endless crowds, and a campground… Continue reading Great Lakes Loop Road Trip: Days 4โ€“5 โ€“ Exploring Wisconsin Dells and Mirror Lake State Park

Dessert display case at Milwaukee Public Market with chocolate mousse cakes and pastries.
Destinations, Great Lakes

Great Lakes Loop Roadtrip: Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan โ€“ Day 3 โ€“ Milwaukee, WIโ€™s Lakefront & Historic Third Ward

Day 3 brought us north into Milwaukee, and it didnโ€™t take long for us to realize this was our kind of city. The pace felt relaxed, the people were welcoming, and there was a balance of creativity and comfort that just clicked. Milwaukee reminded me a lot of Cleveland, which instantly made it feel like… Continue reading Great Lakes Loop Roadtrip: Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan โ€“ Day 3 โ€“ Milwaukee, WIโ€™s Lakefront & Historic Third Ward

The Bean sculpture in Chicagoโ€™s Millennium Park reflecting the city skyline and a group of visitors gathered beneath it on a sunny day.
Destinations, Great Lakes, Hiking, illinois

Great Lakes Loop Roadtrip: Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan โ€“ Day 2: Chicago, IL Big City Icons & Butterbeer Dreams

A Big City Adventure Day 2 of our Great Lakes road trip was all about embracing the bustle. We landed in downtown Chicago early and crammed a lot into the day - iconic landmarks, a little fandom magic, overrated food, and topped it off with a perfect view of the lake a top the Navy… Continue reading Great Lakes Loop Roadtrip: Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan โ€“ Day 2: Chicago, IL Big City Icons & Butterbeer Dreams

Sandy trail flanked by dune grasses under a pastel orange and pink sunset sky.
Destinations, Great Lakes, Hiking, Indiana, National Parks

Great Lakes Loop Roadtrip: Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan โ€“ Day 1: Dunes, Wildflowers & an Epic Sunset

We kicked off our Great Lakes Loop with soft sand, sunset skies, and the perfect blend of peace and adventure. Indiana Dunes National Park gave us winding trails, wildflowers, and lake breezes that melted the stress of daily life right off. We ended the day with live music, ice cream, and a private view of the sun sinking into Lake Michigan. Not a bad start.

Letchworth State Park Lower Falls
Destinations, Hiking, New York, Waterfalls

Chasing Waterfalls: My Road Trip Through New Yorkโ€™s Most Stunning Falls

New York might be famous for its skyline, but some of its most jaw-dropping views are found in the gorges, forests, and hidden glens upstate. On a recent road trip, I set out to explore some of the Empire Stateโ€™s most iconic โ€” and a few lesser-known โ€” waterfalls. From fire-lit caves to roadside cascades,… Continue reading Chasing Waterfalls: My Road Trip Through New Yorkโ€™s Most Stunning Falls

Cycling, Destinations, Ohio, Trail Summary

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Bike Explorer Program on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath

Area Summary: The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a 90-mile-long multipurpose trail that runs north and south from Canal Basin Park in downtown Cleveland to Canal Lands Park in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Part of the towpath runs through Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There are more than 50 trailheads along the trail, and… Continue reading Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Bike Explorer Program on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath

Destinations, Kayaking, Kentucky, Trail Summary

Exploring Grotto Falls, KY: A Kayaker’s Hidden Gem

I took a spontaneous trip to Grotto Falls, KY in May after seeing a post in a local adventure group. I was already thinking about taking the week off from work since it would be a slow week and after Googling directions and realizing it was just a few hours away, I turned in my… Continue reading Exploring Grotto Falls, KY: A Kayaker’s Hidden Gem