My 2024 Highlights | Canyons, Eclipses, Moving, and More!

December 30, 2024December 30, 20241 Comment

Like many others, I’ve been reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future recently. With 2025 just around the corner, I was inspired to revisit and share some of my favorite memories from the past year. What were your highlights from 2024, and what are you excited about in 2025? I can’t wait to see what the new year has in store!

Staying at the Stanley Hotel

2024 highlights, by lifestyle blogger Wandering the Gap

I’ve wanted to spend a night at the Stanley Hotel (the inspiration behind Stephen King’s “The Shining”) for years, and it finally happened in 2024. My husband, Solomon, and I took an overnight trip there in February, and it was an unforgettable stay.

The hotel was beautifully spooky, and we had a fun time wandering around the property. I highly recommend staying there if you’re a fan of history, horror, or the paranormal.

Witnessing the Total Solar Eclipse

My dad is a phenomenal astrophotographer, so when he asked over a year ago if I’d be interested in traveling to Arkansas with him to see April’s total solar eclipse, I was immediately in! We found a cute and relaxing lakeside Airbnb in Hot Springs and he successfully captured the entire event.

Watching the world go dark was surreal and an insanely cool experience to share with my dad. We also checked out Hot Springs National Park and the Garvan Woodland Gardens, which were stunning.

Visiting Disney World + Universal Orlando

It might be a bit silly, but I made great memories during a trip to Disney World and Universal Orlando with friends earlier this year. I hadn’t been to Universal in over a decade and it was fun to revisit the resort. I enjoyed it so much that I recently returned for a one-day solo trip! Why not, right?

Driving from Georgia to Colorado

Solomon spent a few weeks working in Georgia over the summer, and we road-tripped back home to Colorado after he wrapped up. My best friend joined us and we had quite the eventful journey through Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. I loved having an excuse to spend quality time with some of my favorite people and explore new places.

Taking a Yoga Class at Red Rocks Amphitheater

Going to an event at Red Rocks Amphitheater was one of the top items on my Colorado bucket list. Sadly, things didn’t align for me to see a concert there, but I did attend a sunrise yoga class with a friend. It was 100% worth the early wake-up call and an amazing start to the day!

Selling Our House

At the beginning of 2024, Solomon and I knew we’d be moving out of state before the end of the year. That time officially came over the summer when we sold our home and prepared to move cross-country. If you’ve sold a house, you know how stressful it can be—we learned a lot of tough lessons throughout the process.

As frustrating as selling the house was at times, we were incredibly blessed to have a buyer go under contract the same day it hit the market! I’m grateful that everything worked out, even if there were some bumpy moments.

Going on a National Parks Adventure

One of my favorite experiences this year was going on a weekend adventure to four new national parks. Solomon and I visited Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Arches, Canyonlands, and Mesa Verde—it was a blast!

We went hiking, took a scenic off-road drive, and stayed in an adorable tiny house in Moab. I’d love to take a longer trip to the parks in the future for more sightseeing.

Spending Labor Day in Newport, Oregon

My parents live on the Oregon coast, so Solomon and I decided to visit over Labor Day weekend. I always enjoy going to Newport because there’s so much to do, from whale-watching to trying local foods, admiring tidal pools, and more.

The highlight of this trip for me was seeing my dad’s astrophotography exhibition at his local arts center. I’m so proud of him and his work never ceases to blow me away!

Moving to North Carolina

When September rolled around, Solomon and I said goodbye to Colorado and hit the road for North Carolina. It was an interesting experience, to say the least—we packed and moved everything out of the house and into a storage unit while staying in an Airbnb for two months, waiting for the military to decide when and where we’d be moving.

Once we got the green light for North Carolina, we moved everything out of the storage unit and into a freight truck to be shipped. We hitched my car to the back of Solomon’s truck, piled in with our belongings and Willie, our dog, and made our way across the country. There were some looong days on the road, but we made the most of it and got to see some friends along the way, too.

Getting Settled

We’ve been in North Carolina for a little over three months now and it’s definitely starting to feel like home. While no location is 100% perfect, there’s a lot to love about living in North Carolina. Our current house has much more outdoor space than our previous one, including a screen porch and a fenced-in backyard, which Willie loves.

The cost of living is significantly lower compared to Colorado, and we’ve already hosted friends and family several times. We’ve also been exploring the state and have taken trips to Carolina Beach and Hot Springs. After all the moving chaos, I’m so thankful we’re finally settled in a safe and comfortable living space that’s just right for us.

Cheers to 2025—I hope it’s your best year yet!

15 Things to Do in Newport, Oregon | Oregon Coast Travel Guide

September 2, 2024September 2, 20241 Comment

If you’re planning an Oregon coast vacation, make sure to check out all the fun things to do in Newport. This quaint coastal town is famous for its marine life, coastlines, and family-friendly activities. My parents just celebrated one year of living in Newport, so it’s the perfect time for me to share a local’s guide to the best Newport things to do.

Top 15 Things to Do in Newport, Oregon

1. Shop on the Bayfront

Things to do in Newport, Oregon, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Newport’s historic bayfront has fun souvenir shops, candy stores, art galleries, and clothing boutiques. Spend an afternoon strolling the area and browsing the local stores.

2. Grab a Drink at a Brewery

Oregon is an excellent vacation spot for fans of beer and cider, and Newport has several top-notch craft breweries:

Rogue Brewer’s on the Bay – this spot is located inside Rogue’s headquarters. Enjoy tasty bites, specialty brews, and stunning waterfront views.
Pelican Brewing Company – technically, this spot is in Lincoln City, but it’s only 30 minutes north of Newport. The Siletz Bay location has gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows and a sleek, modern design. There’s tons of seating, so it’s the perfect place to grab a drink with friends or family.
Beachcrest Brewing Company – another place a bit north of Newport but worth the drive. Beachcrest is across the street from the Salishan Coastal Lodge, a beautiful resort with classic PNW vibes.

3. Hunt for Agates

The beaches in and around Newport are fantastic for agate-hunting. This area of the Oregon coast is famous for its rocky shorelines, which often have tons of these fascinating rocks. Unsurprisingly, Agate Beach is a popular spot to find agates.

4. Tour a Lighthouse

Visit Yaquina Bay or Yaquina Head Lighthouse to learn more about the local history. Both are still in operation but open to visitors. Admire their viewpoints of the rugged coastline while diving into their storied pasts, stretching back over 100 years.

5. Watch Sea Lions on the Dock

If you hear a strange barking noise or catch a whiff of something fishy in Newport, it’s probably the resident sea lions. They’ve been spotted on Newport’s public docks for almost two decades. The sea lions usually stay in Newport 11 months out of the year, migrating to California the other month.

See Newport’s iconic sea lions at Port Dock One. You can usually find them by following their noise, which can be heard throughout town.

6. See Tide Pools

In Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area lies Cobble Beach. This is one of Newport’s best tide pool spots. At low tide, Cobble Beach reveals pools of various sizes teeming with starfish, chitons, crabs, anemones, urchins, and so much more. If you’re lucky, you might also spot some adorable harbor seals.

7. Go Whale-Watching

Newport is a wonderful place to see gray whales and orcas. There are many tours that will take you on the water to get up close and personal with the whales. If you’d prefer to stay on land, you can often spot the whales spouting and breaching around kelp beds.

8. Head to Devil’s Punchbowl and/or Thor’s Well

There are some unforgettable rock formations near Newport. Devil’s Punchbowl is a distinctive sea arch you can hike into at low tide. It’s also interesting to view from above at high tide as the waves crash and swirl.

Another cool spot is Thor’s Well, which appears to be a sinkhole on the ocean’s edge. It’s only around 20 feet deep but looks wonderfully dramatic, with waves pouring over at high tide.

9. Visit the Hatfield Marine Science Center

I’ve heard great things about the Oregon Coast Aquarium but haven’t visited yet. However, I can recommend the Hatfield Marine Science Center. It’s a laboratory owned by Oregon State University with some entertaining, interactive exhibits.

The touch tank teaches you about sea urchins, anemones, and sea cucumbers. Other display areas feature fascinating fossils and skeletons of marine animals like sea lions and whales. Admission is only $5, so it’s also a cheaper afternoon activity than the aquarium.

10. Take a Trip to Pacific Sourdough

Set an alarm to drive to Waldport first thing in the morning and line up for Pacific Sourdough. This beloved bakery almost always has a line out the door and down the street. I completely understand after sampling the treats myself! Everything here is tasty, but you must try the chocolate chunk cookies, marionberry muffins, and lemon bars.

11. Eat Local Seafood

Seafood lovers will be in heaven with all the mouthwatering restaurants. Whether you’re craving sushi, oysters, fish ‘n chips, or smoked salmon, Newport has it all. Here are some of my favorite seafood spots:

South Beach Fish Market – some of the best fish ‘n chips I’ve ever had! Almost always busy, so visit during an off-time.
Rogue Bayfront Public House – this is the sister restaurant to Brewer’s on the Bay—visit for delicious clam chowder and salmon, plus there are pool tables in the back.
The Taphouse at Nye Creek – laid-back atmosphere, tasty cocktails, yummy fish ‘n chips, hearty oyster shooters, and vegetarian/vegan-friendly options. What else could you need?
Asiatico Waterfront Fusion Sushi – super tasty and fresh sushi—I love the spicy salmon and tuna rolls.

12. Explore Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site

Get your daily dose of outdoor adventure at the Yaquina Bay Recreation Site. It has a lighthouse, bluff overlooks, forests, and rolling dunes. Bring the entire family, including furry friends, to check out what Yaquina Bay offers.

13. Get Coffee at a Stand

Coffee stands are one of my favorite aspects of the PNW, and Newport has several worth visiting. I recommend The Surfing Bean Coffee Company or Camp One Coffee.

14. Watch Otters from the Public Fishing Pier

You’ll likely see at least one otter from the public fishing pier. Crabbing is popular at the dock, but it’s also a great spot to watch for otters and see the boats. Otters are very playful and social, so where there’s one, there’s usually more!

15. Walk Across the Bridge

You can’t go to Newport without crossing the Yaquina Bay Bridge. It’s a good place for a morning walk and provides views of Newport from above. Bring a pair of binoculars to spot animals in the water below.

BONUS: Admire Art at the Visual Arts Center

Many fantastic artists call Newport home, and the Visual Arts Center showcases everything from photographs to paintings and sculptures. I’m biased, but my dad’s astrophotography exhibition, The Dynamic Poetry of Nature, is out of this world and runs until October 6, 2024!

I hope you’re inspired to visit the charming town of Newport next time you’re on the Oregon coast. Let me know if I missed any of your favorite Newport spots!

Best Things to Do in McMinnville, OR

July 10, 2022July 10, 2022Leave a comment

McMinnville is a charming Oregon town just an hour southwest of Portland. The town is well-known for its historic ties to the Oregon Trail and for the various wineries that can be found throughout the area. I recently spent a few days in McMinnville over July 4, and these are some of my favorite things I did while visiting!

Check out the historic homes

The town of McMinnville was first established in the mid-1800s, and the area’s rich history is still evident today. There are tons of historic homes throughout McMinnville, and many can be found on sidestreets near the main downtown area. A great way to enjoy these homes is taking a drive or walk through town!

Go shopping downtown

McMinnville’s downtown area, which primarily runs down NE 3rd St, is super cute and full of awesome shops. You can shop for everything from clothes to art and locally-made treats. I highly recommend taking a stroll down NE 3rd St and popping into any stores that catch your eye.

Learn about the local history

McMinnville is home to a number of museums that educate visitors on various facets of the town and its history. One of the most well-known museums in the area is Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, a huge museum that holds a number of civilian and military aircrafts. Another great option is the Yamhill Valley Heritage Center, which focuses on McMinnville’s agricultural history.

Taste some local wine

A visit to McMinnville would truly be incomplete without sampling some local wine! There are a lot of tasting rooms and wine bars in downtown McMinnville, and all offer unique blends and offerings. I was thoroughly impressed with my visit to R. Stuart, but you really can’t go wrong in McMinnville.

Keep your eyes on the skies

Did you know McMinnville is home to the country’s second largest annual UFO festival (with Roswell, New Mexico being the location of the first largest)? In 1950, a number of UFO photographs taken on a local McMinnville farm were published in the city’s newspaper. Since then, the small town has become a surprising hub for UFO-chasers. Whether or not you believe in aliens, it is fun to keep an eye on the skies during your visit. In fact, my dad is big into astrophotography, and he captured some amazing star photos during our time in McMinnville (though we didn’t spot any UFOs). Check out his website to see more incredible astrophotography!

I highly recommend a visit to this charming Oregon town, and if you’ve been before I’d love to hear what your favorite activities in the area are!

How to Explore Newport, OR

July 3, 20221 Comment

Newport is a quaint town on the coast of Oregon that is teeming with things to see and do. Located just 2 hours southwest of Portland and 5 hours south of Seattle, Newport is the perfect coastal escape. From rugged coastline to charming shops and some delicious food, Newport truly has it all. If it’s your first time visiting Newport, these are some of the top activities to make the most out of your trip.

Start your day with some coffee

Newport is home to a number of great coffee spots, so make sure to kick off your visit with a cup of Joe. If you prefer something quick, check out one of the coffee stands in town, such as Bonnie’s Espresso or Camp One. There are also a lot of roasters in town where you can enjoy a more laidback coffeeshop experience. My favorite is Surf Town Coffee – make sure to try their lavender chai!

Grab some treats

Another activity I recommend doing in the morning is paying a visit to Pacific Sourdough, which is technically 20 minutes down the road in Waldport. Pacific Sourdough is a legendary bakery that is well-known throughout the Pacific Northwest. They offer a wide variety of breads and both sweet and savory baked goods. I’ve sample the sourdough baguette, lemon rosemary sourdough, lemon bar, lemon poppyseed loaf, chocolate chunk cookie, marionberry muffin, and old-fashioned sugar cookie, and all were to die for! Warning: be prepared to wait in line if you don’t arrive before opening.

Go seal-spotting and explore some tidal pools

You can spot all kinds of animals throughout Newport, from eagles to whales and seals and so much more. One of the best places to do some wildlife-spotting is Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Near the Yaquina Head Lighthouse you can find a set of stairs leading right down to the rocky beaches below. At low tide, countless tidal pools of all shapes and sizes are formed where you can spot anemones, starfish, crabs, and other marine life. You’re also likely to spot some seals in the distance! The Yaquina Head area is not only beautiful but also an incredible opportunity to experience Newport’s biodiversity firsthand.

Enjoy some local grub

Unsurprisingly, Newport is known for serving up some exceptionally delicious seafood. You can find everything from small hole-in-the-wall joints to upscale culinary experiences, and almost all are sure to impress. Clam chowder, oyster shooters, and fish and chips abound in Newport, and there are some amazing restaurant options to sample some of freshest and most flavorful seafood I’ve had in the PNW.

Buy fish straight from the source

For seafood-lovers, Newport is a true paradise. There are several great markets in town where you can buy some incredible seafood. One of the coolest options for purchasing seafood is Chelsea Rose, where you can buy a variety of items straight off the boat! Just head down to the pier off of Bay Boulevard and keep an eye out for the vessel. Right down the road is Local Ocean Seafoods, which is another awesome spot to purchase seafood as well.

Get high (in the sky)

Just 15-20 minutes north of Newport you can find Cape Foulweather, a beautiful land formation rising several hundred feet above the sea. There’s a stunning view from this point and you’re guaranteed to get some amazing photos. I also think this would be an amazing place to go stargazing or do some astrophotography, which my dad is really into (you can see some of photos right here).

Despite its small size, Newport offers a surprising amount of activities and sights that make it the perfect weekend destination. I hope you find this guide helpful as you plan your trip, and if you’ve been to Newport before I’d love to hear your top recommendations!

Wandering the Gap

Tag: oregon