I thrived in the dry alpine air and near-constant sunshine of the desert. Plus, the Sonoran-style Mexican food was out of this world. Arizona made me feel equally introspective and alive. It was exactly the kind of trip I needed to kick off my 30th year.
How to Have a Car-Free Vacation in North America
Biking to brunch!? What a radical idea!
This post is for people like me: The 40% of Americans who can’t ditch their car today but are curious about what a different kind of life could unlock. Maybe, after your car-free vacation, you’ll return home a little more convinced that freedom from cars is worth building toward on a nationwide scale.
How Airlines Turned Discomfort Into a Core Business
POV: You’re crammed in the window seat with a full bladder and a grumbling stomach :’)
I am not a tall person. At five feet and one inch, I am an objectively compact traveler. I’m the size of person who airlines should theoretically have no trouble accommodating. Yet, on a recent two-hour flight, I found myself crammed into a window seat so restricted that shifting my weight felt like an act of violence against my neighbor.
A Local’s Guide To Pittsburgh: Explore The Steel City With Ease
The Duquesne Incline cable car operates daily between Station Square and Mount Washington. Photo courtesy of Visit Pittsburgh.
This guide is my tribute Pittsburgh, which I built from years of lived experience and local adventures. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong local looking to fall in love with your hometown all over again, I hope this helps you uncover something new and exciting in The Steel City.
A Weekend in Minneapolis: Exploring “The Happiest City In America”
In 2024, Minneapolis was named the Happiest City in the United States. That designation is likely thanks to its bikeability, ample green spaces, vibrant arts scene, and diverse food offerings. So read on as I outline how you can get a slice of happiness and fill a weekend in this Midwestern metropolis.
A Local's Complete Guide to Salem, Massachusetts
Photo courtesy of Joseph Prezioso.
If you're daydreaming about a Halloween visit to one of America’s most unique destinations, Salem, MA, should be at the top of your list. As a former local, I’ve got the best recommendations for experiencing Salem’s witchy Halloween fun and exploring its rich history. From haunted happenings to iconic landmarks, here’s everything you need to know for a spooky and seamless adventure in Salem.
Charleston Cafe Culture: A Great Remote Work Destination in the American South
The Pineapple Fountain at Charleston Harbor is one of the many landmarks within walking distance of the city’s vibrant downtown.
Not only is Charleston, SC, a city with rich history and beautiful weather, it also has an impressive cafe culture and a solid walkability score. Make Charleston your next remote work destination with my top cafe recommendations!
A Weekend In Portland: Experience The Beauty of Coastal Maine
Portland is the closest American transatlantic port to Europe and one of the largest fishing ports in the country.
Portland, ME, is a quaint coastal town with something for everyone, from the arts to Civil War-era history and more. It’s also incredibly walkable and compact, which allows you to indulge in all the food and beer that make this small scruffy city so enjoyable.
3-Day Montreal Itinerary: A European Feel in North America
The view from atop Montreal’s Mount Royal Park.
Montreal is a testament to rich culture and iconic fashion. Plus, this city is a European daydream within North America. Read on as I outline the perfect 3-day itinerary, including food, shopping, nature walking and more.
How to Curate Authentic Travel Experiences
I visited Lisbon Portugal during the colder off-season, and was one of just a few tourists around.
Through my own travels, I've learned the art of curating authentic experiences and fostering genuine connections with the people and places around me. Read on as I highlight some of my favorite authentic travel experiences and share tips for how you can cultivate some of your own.