Tag: travel guide

Best Day Trips from Atlanta

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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?

Day Trip to Bainbridge Island

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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!

A Slightly Morbid Tour of Seattle

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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 his statue, 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.

Famous Seattle Filming Locations

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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 Park

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.

Lake Union

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)!

Stadium High School

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

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.

The Olympic Peninsula

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?

Bellevue Botanical Garden

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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.

Exploring Pikes Peak + Garden of the Gods

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Hello friends! My parents recently came in town for a visit and we decided to check out some iconic Colorado Springs sights: Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. If you find yourself in Colorado Springs, these are two beautiful spots well worth a visit.

First up was Pikes Peak, also known as America’s Mountain. My dad and I actually hiked Pikes Peak via the Barr Trail several years ago, which was quite the adventure. This time around we decided to take the easy route and just drive up. There are lots of pull-off and viewpoint areas along the drive up so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take pictures and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Pro tip: pay for your tickets online in advance for a small discount! It’s also helpful to call before making the drive over to ensure entire road up is open, as they sometimes close it for poor weather or high winds.

Pikes Peak recently opened a brand new visitors center which is super nice and modern. You must try the famous fresh donuts and coffee, and make sure you take a stroll through their small museum as well. The visitor center is also a great opportunity to take a seat and drink some water which will help you avoid getting altitude sickness. It’s super common to feel lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous when you gain elevation so quickly, so it’s really important to listen to your body and stay hydrated.

Pro tip: it is typically very cold and windy at the summit, even if the weather in the city of Colorado Springs is mild. Make sure you bring layers!

This was my first time driving myself down the mountain, as I’ve always pawned the task off to my husband or parents in the past. Pikes Peak Highway can be a bit stressful because of how steep and curvy it is, and if you’re not a fan of heights you may be a bit wary of the sheer drop-offs. If you don’t feel like taking on the task of driving yourself, there’s also the option of taking the Cog Railway. I haven’t taken it myself, but I’ve heard it’s another beautiful way to experience the mountain.

Next up was Garden of the Gods, an iconic outdoor area featuring dramatic spires and formations of vibrant red rock. Garden of the Gods offers tons of opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and rock-climbing, so there’s really something for everyone! Even if you just drive through the garden, it’s a stunning area any time of year.

Another perk of visiting Garden of the Gods is how close it is it’s location and proximity to other activities. I would recommend visiting the garden earlier in the day, grabbing lunch at a nearby brewery (I personally recommend Trinity Brewing – we loved it so much we went twice in one week!) and then doing some late afternoon shopping in downtown Colorado Springs or the nearby Manitou Springs.

Colorado Springs is a beautiful town with so many activities and sights to offer. We’ve had a lot of fun hosting friends and family over the past year since moving here, and we’re always discovering new spots. What are some of your favorite things to do in the Colorado Springs area?

How to Explore One of Washington’s Iconic Islands

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Whidbey Island is one of the most underrated destinations in Washington, offering a number of activities for history buffs, hikers, and foodies alike. Whidbey Island may not be as well-known as Mount Rainier or downtown Seattle, but the island and surrounding areas provide a beautiful escape from the hustle of the mainland. If you only have one day to explore Whidbey Island, here’s exactly how to do it to get the most out of your trip. 

Begin your day by hopping on the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry which will take you directly to Whidbey Island. If you’re not a fan of ferries or don’t want to pay the fee, you’re more than welcome to drive via Deception Pass Bridge, but we’ll take that route on the way home. Mukilteo is another cool area to explore as well – check out my photo diary from a recent visit! 

Pro tip: swing by Southern Cross Espresso in Clinton for a quick cup of coffee. I highly recommend their London Fog as well!

From Clinton, begin the drive north to an area known as Ebey’s Landing. Ebey’s Landing is a historical preserve with beautiful hiking/walking trails that educate you on the island’s rich history and provide opportunities to spot wildlife. The historical preserve spans a few hundred acres, and my favorite area to explore is the Prairie Overlook Trail. For specific information on this hike, check out my adventure guide on Outdoor Project.

Pro tip: some areas in Ebey’s Landing require a Discover Pass, so come prepared!

You’ve probably worked up an appetite after exploring the bluffs at Ebey’s Landing, so it’s time for a quick lunch break. It’s a short drive over to Coupeville, a gorgeous coastal town with a number of restaurants and shops. If you’re craving fresh seafood, Front Street Grill is a great option located right on the water. There’s a pretty good chance you’ll see otters or seals, too! I also recommend Ciao Food and Wine for delicious pasta and desserts. 

After lunch, your next destination is Lavender Wind Farm. I had never been to a lavender farm before coming to Washington, and it has become one of my favorite summer activities. Lavender Wind Farm is u-pick, so you can stroll through rows of flowers and pick lavender as you go. Before leaving, stop by the on-site store for more lavender goodies like soap, bath salts, and lip balm.

Pro tip: the lavender u-pick season typically runs from May to September, so make sure to check the farm’s website before planning a visit. 

Now it’s time to make your way off the island, but the adventures aren’t over just yet. Instead of returning home on the ferry, I recommend making the drive over to Deception Pass State Park. This area is absolutely beautiful and a great place for families to visit, either for the day or a weekend. There are lots of walking trails through the forests or along the water, and plenty of opportunities for spotting wildlife like eagles and otters.

Pass over Deception Pass Bridge, another iconic landmark that is stunning in and of itself, and you’ll find yourself on Fidalgo Island which soon connects you back to the mainland. Before driving home, swing by Snow Goose Produce in Mt. Vernon. Snow Goose Produce is a large country market with awesome local products like fruits and vegetables, hot sauces, seafood, beer and wine, and some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had. There’s truly no better way to end the day! 

Pro tip: Snow Goose is another seasonal operation, so make sure they’re going to be open before making the drive over!

I hope you found this travel guide useful and incorporate some of these spots on your next visit to Whidbey Island! 

Must-Visit Spots on the Olympic Peninsula

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Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is one of the most unique and ruggedly beautiful areas the state has to offer. From a dense rainforest to rocky beaches and quaint coastal towns, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. If you get the opportunity to explore the Olympic Peninsula for yourself, here are some must-visit spots to include on your itinerary!

Hole-in-the-Wall at Rialto Beach

Hole-in-the-Wall at Rialto Beach is an incredible rock feature that shows you firsthand just how uniquely beautiful Washington’s coast can be. Rialto Beach is located within Olympic National Park, so be sure to pack your national park pass, or you’ll have to pay $30 per car to enter. The Hole-in-the-Wall feature is roughly 1.5 miles from the Rialto Beach parking area (so just about 3 miles roundtrip).


Note: this trail becomes inaccessible at high tide, so checking the tide schedule is key!


From the parking area, head north along the rocky shoreline toward the towering rocks ahead. Soon, you’ll catch a glimpse of the incredible, naturally-formed arch known as Hole-in-the-Wall. If the tide is low enough, you may also see a number of tidal pools with sea creatures like starfish and barnacles. Overhead, keep an eye out for a variety of seabirds and the occasional eagle, and don’t forget to check the ocean for signs of otters or even whales.
Hole-in-the-Wall offers some stunning views for minimal effort, making it a great option for families and hikers of all experience levels.

Hoh Rainforest

I was shocked when I first learned that one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S. was located in Washington state, and seeing it for yourself is a truly amazing experience. The Hoh Rainforest is also located in Olympic National Park, and is easily accessible from the town of Forks, another popular destination. There are a number of hiking options to explore the Hoh Rainforest, though I would recommend the Hall of Mosses and the Hoh River Trail.
The Hall of Mosses Trail is an incredible hike considering it is less than one mile in length and will take you through towering trees and, you guessed it, thick blankets of moss. If you only have time to do one hike, or you want to get the most bang for your buck, the Hall of Mosses Trail should be your first choice.
If you have a little more time to explore, the Hoh River Trail is another great option. Though the trail is 18.5 miles one-way, ending at Blue Glacier, it only takes about one mile from the Visitor Center to reach the Hoh River itself. I recommend at least making the trek to the river because the water is crystal clear, flowing directly from the Hoh Glacier on Mount Olympus.

La Push

The village of La Push, located within the Quileute Reservation, is a gorgeous spot for views of forested coastal islands and dramatic sea stacks. The village itself is small, though it does offer some food and lodging options, and the area of First Beach in particular is worth a stop for views of the Pacific and a chance to see some wildlife (we saw a young eagle on our last visit). These beaches aren’t like the ones you may be used to seeing in California or Florida: they’re typically very rocky and often scattered with driftwood of all shapes and sizes. First Beach is also a popular destination for surfers, and though I’m not much of a surfer myself, it is fun to watch and admire from the shore.

Tree of Life

The Tree of Life is another fascinating natural feature located in Kalaloch, just south of La Push. The Tree of Life can be found just off the 101 Highway, near the Kalaloch Campground. Once at the campground, simply walk down the stairs and bear right along the beach. Soon, you will see the precariously perched tree for yourself. The roots of the tree actually form a cave, though I would caution visitors from spending too much time climbing under and around the tree, as erosion is clearly taking its toll. Though you may not spend an extended period of time at the Tree of Life, it’s a truly unique sight that is well worth a detour in my mind.

I’d also like to mention that while the town of Forks may be worth a stop for mega Twilight fans (hey, I don’t judge!), it is very small and quiet, and isn’t a must-visit in my opinion. The town does offer some easy access to fishing spots which may appeal to some, and it can serve as a good home base for visiting all of the spots I’ve listed above. When we first visited the Peninsula for a few nights in 2020, we camped at 3 Rivers Resort in Forks, which was a very comfortable and budget-friendly option!

I hope you found this guide helpful and use it as a source of inspiration when planning your visit to the Olympic Peninsula. Keep in mind, there are many other towns and areas worth visiting that I didn’t mention here, so make sure you do your research and visit as many spots as you can!

Barclay Lake Revisited

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Check out the original photo diary from my last visit right here!

Barclay Lake is a fantastic day hike located in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. If you’re looking for a relatively short and family-friendly hike, this trail is a great option!

Pro tip: don’t forget your Northwest Forest Pass! For more information, visit fs.usda.gov.

The trailhead for Barclay Lake is located near the town of Baring at the end of a fairly rugged forest service road. This trail is super popular so make sure you arrive early to claim your spot at the trailhead parking lot. This 4.4 mile out-and-back trail departs directly from the trailhead, leading you gradually downhill through a thick forest. Eventually, you’ll begin to follow Barclay Creek, meandering your way through dense foliage.

Pro tip: If you visit on a clear day make sure to keep an eye out for some views of Mt. Baring along the way.

You’ll gain about 200 feet of elevation as you head to the lake, and after about a mile you’ll cross a bridge over Barclay Creek which is a great photo op! It won’t be long before you reach Barclay Lake itself, a picturesque Pacific Northwest lake framed by evergreens and jagged peaks.

Pro tip: be prepared for the lake’s water level to vary significantly depending on the time of year you visit. When I first visited in July 2020, the lake was fairly high, but this time around in August, it was significantly lower.

There are a number of campsites and opportunities to take a lakeside snack break as you meander around Barclay Lake. No matter where you stop for a rest or set up camp, you’ll be treated to some gorgeous views in a peaceful and serene setting.

Barclay Lake is one of my favorite hikes in Washington, and I’m sure it’ll become one of yours too! Let me know in the comments if you’ve visited Barclay Lake before and what your thoughts were.

Directions: from the town of Monroe, head east on US-2 toward Baring. After roughly 25 miles you will see The Baring Store on your right; at this junction, turn left onto 635th Place NE. You will cross over railroad tracks and soon the road will become unpaved. Follow this road for about 4 miles until you reach the Barclay Lake Trailhead. More detailed information available at WTA.org.

A Moody Day in the PNW

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I’m finally back in Washington for another visit and decided to take advantage of the cloudy, moody weather that greeted me the first day by doing some of my favorite PNW activities.

I started the day by visiting several different coffee stands and enjoying some specialty drinks. If you didn’t know, I run an Instagram called @pnw_coffeestands where I feature a new coffee stand around the Pacific Northwest every week. Since I’m not currently living in the PNW, I have to visit loads every time I visit so that I have plenty of content throughout the year!

Pro tip: make sure to do some basic research before you pop into a coffee stand or you may find yourself at a bikini coffee stand, which might not be your cup of tea! Oftentimes the stands will say “family-friendly” to let you know the baristas will be fully clothed!

After loading up on plenty of caffeine, I made my way over to Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing. Ivar’s is an old-school seafood chain with a variety of locations throughout Washington that vary from walk-up seafood bar to sit-down dining. The Mukilteo Landing location is one of my favorites because you get fantastic views of the Puget Sound. On a cloudy day, nothing is more comforting than enjoying a cup of warm clam chowder and watching the ferries go by.

After lunch, I strolled over to a nearby pier and watched some gentlemen fishing and crabbing. You should always keep your eyes peeled when you’re near the water because you may catch glimpses of sea life such as starfish or seals!

Pro tip: bring plenty of layers, and always carry a good rain jacket with you. Even though I was fine in a short sleeve shirt during lunch, I quickly had to layer on another jacket as I strolled by the water.

Next up, I walked over to the Mukilteo Lighthouse, a quaint little park featuring an over 100-year-old lighthouse that still works to this day. This park is a gorgeous little spot to stroll through and catch some amazing waterfront views.

From the lighthouse park you can easily make your way to the docks and continue your stroll along the shoreline. It’s not uncommon to see seagulls feasting on things like mussels and crabs, and I love watching the sailboats head out onto the Sound.

After a cozy and relaxing afternoon in Mukilteo I made my way up to Barclay Lake for a quick early evening hike, though you’ll have to stay tuned for that photo diary!

If you ever find yourself in Washington and want to experience some classic moody PNW vibes, I highly recommend enjoying some seafood along the Sound. Let me know your favorite ways to take advantage of cloudy PNW weather, and stay tuned for my next post!