One of the premier attractions in tiny Rhode Island is a swath of 19th-century Gilded Age mansions. Perched high on a cliff, they overlook the Atlantic Ocean, tangible ghosts of an era when the wealthy elite fancied themselves as American royalty. Located in the coastal town of Newport, the opulent mansions were once a summer […]
Author Archive for Laurel (AKA chickadee) – Page 4
Those of you who have been reading our blog for a while know my feelings about accumulating too much stuff in life, particularly things that we don’t use or don’t love. In 2013, we dramatically pared down our belongings to prepare for full time traveling. More recently, and more traumatically, we’ve spent countless hours sorting […]
When I was in my early 30s, I lived in Boston for almost a decade. New Hampshire was my favorite place to go for fall color, and I’ve long wanted to return to share that experience with Eric. In mid-October, we spent a week immersed in the fiery reds and golds of New Hampshire’s autumn […]
After our 10 idyllic days in Acadia National Park, we started our journey down the Maine coast the first of October. With 3,478-miles of tidal shoreline, it would take months to investigate all of the nooks and crannies of the craggy coast of Maine. At every bend, there’s a quaint coastal village, a picturesque lighthouse, […]
There’s something magical about Acadia National Park. We love the national parks of the Pacific Northwest and the parks of the desert and red rock Southwest. And Yellowstone, with its surreal landscape, will always be one of our favorites. But there’s something special about Acadia National Park…a unique combination of natural beauty and rich history…the […]
In approximately three months, we’ll be taking off on a four-month trip to explore Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. But before we’re immersed in brand new adventures, I want to complete writing about the last part of our 2019 journey, as we traveled from Nova Scotia to Florida. Browsing through photos, I feel as though I’ve […]
It’s hard to believe that we’ve been in Florida for two years now. Settling into life here in the Florida Panhandle, we’re getting more involved in the community, participating in local festivities, and enjoying time with both local and visiting friends. This is finally beginning to feel like home. Finding Peace In Difficult Times I […]
We have a spare tire cover that proclaims, “All Who Wander Are Not Lost.” It’s a wonderful philosophical statement for those who love to travel. Except when you really ARE lost. On a one-lane mountain road. Heading in the wrong direction. With no cell coverage. At that moment, the spare tire cover becomes an embarrassment. […]
We’ve always wanted to catch the fall colors along the Blue Ridge Parkway. In early October, we got our chance as we left Lake Toxaway and headed to the North Carolina High Country, nestled in the northwest corner of the state. Driving the parkway while towing a trailer is surprisingly easy. The speed limit is […]
At the dawn of a new year, I always spend a bit of time reflecting on the past year and thinking about my hopes and dreams for the coming year. I don’t know about you, but 2021 was another strange and disorienting year for us. Better than 2020, that’s for sure. But still strange. If […]
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If you enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, birding, art, music, quirky towns, good food, and good friends—you'll enjoy traveling with us. Join us as we explore the backroads of North America—we love company and comments!