Amicalola Falls State Park is a gorgeous area for hiking, camping, and fishing in the heart of North Georgia. Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in Georgia, reaching about 730′ in height. The falls are beautiful and one of Georgia’s most popular state parks, for good reason!
There are a lot of trails and hiking areas throughout the park depending on how long and strenuous of a hike you’re looking for. One of the most well-known hikes in the park leads you about eight miles from Amicalola Falls to the summit of Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. This is one of my favorite hikes in Georgia for an overnight backpacking trip.
If you’re just looking to experience the falls themselves for the day, one of the most popular routes is taking the 600+ stairs that lead you from the base of the falls to the top. This option is only 2 miles out-and-back, but the stairs make it a decent challenge. There are plenty of opportunities to rest along the way, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the falls throughout. From the top, there are also gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains.
Amicalola Falls is a must-visit spot in Georgia, whether you’re a local looking to explore more of your state, or an out-of-towner with limited time to see all the natural wonders Georgia has to offer. I promise you won’t leave disappointed!
Woodinville, WA is one of my favorite little towns in the state, boasting lots of wineries, restaurants, and shops. I love visiting Woodinville for an afternoon stroll or an evening out on the town, and I want to share with you some of my must-visit spots.
The first place you visit in Woodinville should definitely be Grounds Coffee Co. Grounds has become one of my favorite coffee stands in the area, and they always serve up delicious (and beautiful!) creations. Pictured here is an aloha mocha and a snickerdoodle iced coffee – yum!
After getting your caffeine fix, it’s time for lunch (or dinner) at one of my favorites, Hollywood Tavern. Hollywood Tavern is a small but beautiful restaurant with cozy decor, a massive outdoor fire pit, and a great selection of food. I love visiting over the summer and enjoying cocktails and live music in their outdoor area! Their crispy brussel sprouts and fried pickles are delicious starters, and one of my favorite entrees is their green goddess salad with salmon added on top. While ordering salad may not be your first inclination when dining out, theirs is truly delicious and always my go-to. Hollywood Tavern also shares a parking lot with Woodinville Whiskey Co., another cool spot.
Finally, it wouldn’t be a trip to Woodinville without stopping by a winery. Woodinville is considered renowned wine country, and you’ll find wineries of all sizes on almost every corner. Even if you’re stuck being the DD, most of the wineries have excellent atmosphere for hanging out, sharing small bites, and enjoying the beautiful region. JM Cellars is a great option if you want to feel a little removed from the heart of Woodinville. The property is beautiful and spacious, with rustic decor and a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy. My personal favorite winery visit was to Chateau Ste. Michelle. Not only do they make some of my favorite wines, but the winery itself is beautiful and truly makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the French countryside. Their tasting room is also gorgeous, with dark and moody fixtures that make you feel like a VIP.
All in all, Woodinville is definitely on my list of must-visit Washington towns. The whole town is cozy and quaint, making it the perfect spot for date night, girls night out, or dinner with family. Have you visited Woodinville before?
Although I live in Colorado at the moment, I’ll always consider the Southeast my home. I grew up just outside of Atlanta and have spent countless days and weekends exploring the city and surrounding areas. Atlanta is a great city in and of itself, and it’s located near lots of other awesome towns, so here are some of the best day trips I recommend taking from Atlanta.
Chattanooga, TN – 2 hours
Chattanooga is one of my favorite cities in the Southeast for many reasons: it’s super walkable, has a large variety of activities, and is great for visitors of all ages. Whether you like hiking, photography, live music, food, or history, Chattanooga truly has it all. Although you can easily spend just a day exploring the city, I recommend taking a full weekend to stay in Chattanooga and see all the city has to offer. Click here for my full guide to Chattanooga, where I feature some of my favorite accommodations, restaurants, and activities.
Dahlonega, GA – 1 hour 15 minutes
Preacher’s Rock near Dahlonega
I lived in Dahlonega for several years during college and absolutely love revisiting this small mountain town. Dahlonega, a former mining town, is a quick drive from Atlanta, but you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to another state. The mountains surrounding Dahlonega are beautiful and offer plenty of hiking options, and the town itself is full of cute shops and lots of history. Dahlonega is also not too far from sights like Amicalola Falls and Mount Yonah, and there are a lot of wineries in the area which make for a fun day activity.
Clayton/Lake Rabun, GA – 2 hours
The Clayton and Lake Rabun area of Georgia is simply stunning, featuring beautiful mountains and lakes. This area truly shines during the summer where you can enjoy the outdoors by hiking, boating, fishing, and even horseback-riding. Clayton is a small but quaint town with lots of little shops and plenty of restaurant options (you must visit the Wander North Georgia store while you’re there!) If you’d like to spend the weekend exploring this area, I’d recommend staying at the historic Lake Rabun hotel, a beautiful spot located right on the lake.
Blue Ridge, GA – 1 hour 30 minutes
Blue Ridge is another small town that is perfect for a day trip. During the summer, I highly recommend visiting Lake Blue Ridge for boating, swimming, and kayaking. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat and do some shopping in downtown Blue Ridge or nearby Ellijay. In the fall, Ellijay is also a great spot for apple-picking, which is one of my favorite childhood memories. Another fun and quirky stop in Blue Ridge is Expedition Bigfoot, a whole museum dedicated to the elusive creature. It may seem a little silly, but the museum is truly a one-of-a-kind spot that’s worth a visit. If you don’t mind saying overnight or for the evening, Blue Ridge also has an old school drive-in theater which is a super fun and nostalgic spot.
Helen, GA – 1 hour 45 minutes
Helen is a quirky little town worth a visit because it’s modeled after a Bavarian village. I spent many days and weekends as a kid exploring the town of Helen, and even though it is definitely a popular spot for tourists, the town really does offer a unique experience. If you visit during the winter, Helen will be decked out with Christmas decorations which is truly beautiful. A summer visit, meanwhile, will give you the opportunity to try tubing, where you float down the Chattahoochee River in big inflatable tubes. There are lots of shops and restaurants in Helen making it a great spot for families to visit with kids of all ages.
I hope this guide helps you plan your next Georgia adventure! What are some of your favorite day tips from Atlanta?
Happy 2022! I’ll admit, this year is off to a not-so-great start as I’m writing this from bed surrounded by tissues, Gatorade, and Dayquil, but I still wanted to take the time to reflect a bit on 2021 and share some of my goals for the new year. 2021 was quite the year for me, and everyone else I’m sure, with some big highlights and some real low points. As I enter 2022, though, I remain hopeful and strive to be intentional as the new year unfolds.
Looking back on 2021:
Solomon and I started the year by adopting our pup, Willie Nelson. He’s been such a fun addition to the family, providing endless entertainment and some good lessons in patience. Our house feels more like a home with him here, and it’s been so great to have a new adventure buddy.
We traveled a lot, and saw lots of friends and family – almost every single month we either traveled to visit loved ones or had loved ones visit us. I was so nervous moving to Colorado that we would feel isolated from friends/family who live on opposite coasts. Instead, I felt more love than ever.
I changed jobs not once, not twice, but four times… and now I’ve landed at a company and in a role I truly love.
I started freelancing and became a brand ambassador for some awesome companies. It’s been a really exciting and challenging experience to start freelancing, and I love having a creative side hustle outside of work.
I started going to therapy (again) and started accepting the fact I’ve been living with an eating disorder. This is a tough one to write about as I’m still unpacking everything that comes along with disordered eating and learning to live with it and work through it on a daily basis. I plan to address this more in the future, but for now, I can say that I truly believe therapy is beneficial to everyone, and if you’ve ever felt an urge to go, please look into it.
In November I also tackled my first solo road trip which left me with an even bigger desire to continue traveling and embarking on new adventures.
Looking ahead to 2022:
Probably the biggest goal I have for 2022 is to be more intentional and consistent in living a healthy lifestyle. I have not treated my body well this past year, and I know I need to be more conscious of the food I’m putting into my body and getting back into a consistent workout routine. I’m signed up for an 8-week online bootcamp through one of my favorite gyms, and I’m so excited to jump in on Monday.
Another big goal I have is to manage my finances better. We’ve had to dip into our savings a few times this year thanks to unexpected life expenses, but I want to build that fund back up and then get back to saving money in a personal fund to go towards fun stuff, like planning trips. I use a budgeting spreadsheet from I Was Broke. Now I’m Not. which really helps me track how much money I spend.
I also want to get back into reading more consistently in 2022. I used to read alllll the time as a kid, and then I fell out of it once I got caught up in college and working. I recently got a Kindle and a subscription to Kindle Unlimited, so I’m really looking forward to reading for fun again. One of the upsides to being sick is I’ve had plenty of time to lay around and read.
In 2022, I also want to remain consistent in posting on Wandering the Gap and my YouTube channel. I’m really proud of myself for posting consistently throughout 2021, and I want to continue the trend in 2022.
Another big goal is to travel somewhere new! Colorado and the surrounding states have so many beautiful areas to explore, and I want to take a trip with Solomon to somewhere that neither of us have been.
Finally, I want to continue building up my freelance portfolio. Even though freelancing just recently became a side hustle for me, I want to continue to grow my projects and would love one day to do it full time and work for myself. I’m so thankful for all the opportunities I’ve worked on so far, and I can’t wait to see what 2022 holds.
If you’re look for a quick day trip from the Seattle area with plenty of shopping, food, and beautiful scenery, Bainbridge Island is the perfect destination for you.
Bainbridge Island is a small island in the Puget Sound located just a short ferry ride from downtown Seattle. The ferry ride itself is part of fun, as it offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline. Even with cloudy weather, the city’s beauty truly shines through, and I highly recommend heading to the ferry deck to catch a glimpse for yourself.
Once you arrive on Bainbridge Island, I suggest making Pegasus Coffee Company your first stop. Pegasus Coffee Company is a quaint coffeeshop that looks plucked straight from the English countryside. Inside, the shop is cozy and welcoming, with delicious coffee and pastry options – including some awesome vegan treats as well!
After warming up with some coffee, make your way over to Riverfront Park, where you can catch beautiful views of sailboats, costal homes, and maybe even some some sea life! We were lucky enough to spot a family of otters playing and swimming around the dock when we visited.
After a stroll through the park, return to the downtown area to do some shopping. There are loads of cute shops and boutiques lining the main street through town, and there’s definitely something for everyone in the family to enjoy. One of my favorites was Town & Country Market, a quaint supermarket with lots of local goodies, like candles and chocolates. If you need another pick-me-up, I recommend Coquette Bake Shop, a walk-up coffee stand conveniently located right downtown.
Once lunchtime rolls around, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy a variety of cravings. From American classics at Doc’s Marina Grill to delicious pies at Westside Pizza, you’re sure to find something yummy. A half-day is plenty of time to experience Bainbridge Island, but there are plenty of other activities if you’d like to make a full day or weekend of it. From museums to wine-tasting to hiking, the quaint island has a lot to offer.
I can’t wait to return and explore even more of Bainbridge, and I hope this guide helps you as you plan a visit for yourself!
Kubota Garden is a gorgeous outdoor escape just outside of Seattle, Washington. The garden is unique in that it combines traditional Japanese landscaping with native Pacific Northwest plants. Kubota Garden has 20 acres of moderate walking trails making it a great spot for visitors of all ages. As a bonus, the garden is free to visit and dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash!
Today we’re embarking on a slightly morbid tour of Seattle, visiting some landmarks of famous icons who walked the streets of Seattle and whose legacies live on in the city today.
The first, and probably best known, stop on this tour is Viretta Park/Kurt Cobain’s house. Kurt Cobain is one of the most iconic musicians to emerge from Seattle’s grunge scene in the 90’s. Nirvana is one of my favorite bands of all time, so this was a must-visit spot on my list. Located in Lake Washington, Viretta Park sits right next to the home once owned by Cobain, which is also where he sadly passed away. The house itself is very private, but you can catch a glimpse of it from the park, where a bench stands to memorialize Cobain. This is a beautiful area to drive through, and Viretta Park is a great tribute to such an iconic artist.
The next two stops on our tour are all about Jimi Hendrix, another famed Seattle musician. First up is the Jimi Hendrix Memorial, located in Greenwood Memorial Park. Hendrix’s actual grave in Greenwood Memorial Park is very simple, so the memorial serves as a place for fans to remember the artist and pay tribute to him. Another stop for Jimi Hendrix lovers is hisstatue, located on Broadway Street in downtown Seattle. The statue depicts him playing the guitar, and is a beautiful reminder of his work and the impact he had on Seattle’s music scene.
Last up, we’re heading to another cemetery to see the graves of Bruce Lee and his son, Brandon. Their graves are located side-by-side in Lake View Cemetery, a beautiful spot in the heart of Seattle. I had no idea before visiting the graves that the Lee family had any connection to Seattle, but I learned Bruce lived in Seattle for several years. During his time in Seattle, he took classes at the University of Washington and began teaching martial arts in Chinatown. Although the father and son’s passings were unfortunate and untimely, it is comforting to know their final resting places are together in a beautiful spot.
If you visit any of these places, I encourage you to do so respectfully, considering that these were not just celebrities, but fathers, sons, brothers, and husbands.
Today we’re going on a tour of some famous filming locations throughout Seattle (and the surrounding areas). Seattle is an awesome town that has served as the setting for some pretty iconic movies and TV shows, so keep reading if you want to experience some of these locations for yourself!
Gasworks is one of my favorite Seattle parks to visit, regardless of whether you’re a movie buff or not. Located right on Lake Union, it provides fantastic views of the skyline, and is the perfect spot for a stroll or picnic. You might recognize Gasworks from 10 Things I Hate About You, one of my favorite 90’s romance movies. In the film, they converted the park into a paintball field, and while this was sadly just for the movie, the park is still well worth a visit. Gasworks was also featured in Singles, another well-known 90’s movie.
Speaking of Lake Union, the houseboat that served as Tom Hanks’s home in Sleepless in Seattle can be found docked in Lake Union. My personal favorite way to explore Lake Union is by paddle-boarding, though I’m sure it would be a blast to sail around as well. Lake Union is located in the heart of Seattle, and will give you great views of the city as you enjoy the outdoors. Even if you don’t spot the exact houseboat from the movie, they’re all fun to see (though deceivingly expensive)!
Continuing on the 10 Things I Hate About You theme, next up is Stadium High School. Stadium High School is an actual public school located in Tacoma, about 45 minutes south of Seattle. The school served as the main setting for 10 Things I Hate About You, and the football stadium was featured in the iconic scene where Heath Ledger serenades Julia Stiles from the stands. You’re welcome to park and wander around the grounds, although they do close the stadium during football games.
Twede’s Cafe, located about 45 minutes east of Seattle in the town of North Bend, is an iconic establishment featured in the TV show Twin Peaks. The cafe has a cool retro feel, and most of the employees are happy to point out some of the filming spots throughout the cafe that were used for the show. Even if you just pop in for some pictures, I highly recommend taking the time to enjoy a “damn fine cup of coffee” and a cherry pie! It is the place where pies go when they die, after all! I even have a whole guide to North Bend and the neighboring town of Snoqualmie if you want to make a day, or weekend, trip.
Of course, a list of famous filming locations throughout Washington wouldn’t be complete without mentioning possibly the most famous PNW-set series of all: Twilight. Twilight is set in the small town of Forks, located several hours northwest of Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula. Forks is a quiet town that has definitely capitalized on the success of Twilight by putting up signs marking the border between vampire and werewolf territory and even opening a museum featuring memorabilia from the movies. Another great option is to visit Rialto Beach, located in Olympic National Park, or La Push, located in the Quileute Reservation. Both spots provide beautiful opportunities to stroll along the rocky beaches and take in gorgeous views of the coastline. Check out my guide to the Olympic Peninsula if you want more recommendations for your visit!
What are some of your favorite Seattle-set movies and TV shows? Are there any iconic filming locations I missed?
The Bellevue Botanical Garden is a peaceful escape in the heart of Bellevue, perfect for an after-work stroll or a family outing. The garden is free to visit and features several trails and walking paths through 53 acres of gorgeous forests and meadows. There are 11 unique areas within the garden that offer plentiful opportunities to wander around and explore.
The majority of paths within the garden are gravel, and there is minimal elevation change, making it a great option for families and hikers of all experience levels. The garden is open year-round, and is gorgeous in every season, though I find spring and fall to be exceptionally beautiful.
My favorite areas within the garden are the Ravine Experience and the Yao Garden. The Ravine Experience features a massive 150′ suspension bridge that leads you over a deep ravine. This is a great spot for photos, and to observe the surrounding forests. The Yao Garden, a traditional Japanese garden, is also a beautiful area. During the fall, the maples throughout Yao Garden turn an incredible shade of bright red.
The garden also hosts several seasonal events, such as a Mother’s Day event and a holiday light display in the winter.
Bellevue Botanical Garden has become one of my favorite spots to explore because I always discover a new area, path, or photo op every time I visit. If you seek a relaxing nature escape but don’t want to drive far out of the city, Bellevue Botanical Garden is the perfect spot.
Franklin Falls is a 2 mile out-and-back hike in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that’s perfect for hikers of all experience levels.
The trailhead for Franklin Falls is located about 25 minutes outside of North Bend on Denny Creek Road, just past the campground. While you can enjoy Franklin Falls year-round, Denny Creek Road does tend to close in the winter which will add 4 miles roundtrip to your hike. Franklin Falls is also a very popular destination for hikers, photographers, and families, so try to visit during off-times (such as weekdays or early mornings) when possible.
Pro tip: parking is $5/day or free with a Northwest Forest Pass – more info at fs.usda.gov.
The trail runs parallel to the Snoqualmie River most of the way and, with only 400′ of elevation gain in total, is very family-friendly. The river does flood on occasion which may make the trail exceptionally washed out or muddy, so be prepared to get a bit soaked along the way. It’s also fun to spot the gorgeous A-frame cabins along the river as you hike.
After a mile, you’ll begin to hear the roaring of Franklin Falls and soon, you’ll spot the stunning 130′ waterfall. Be careful as you hike downward over slippery rocks to the base of the waterfall and take in the full beauty of the falls.
A short hike back will return you to your car to carry on with more adventures! Franklin Falls is one of my favorite hikes in the area because you get a stunning view for minimal effort, so let me know if you’ve visited or plan to soon!
Wandering the Gap 