A Day Trip to Martha's Vineyard

Towards the end of a cold New England winter, and about the time I met Adam, I started putting together a New England summer bucket list.  You know, a list of all the things and places I wanted to see in the near future.  A fun list of places suggested by a friend or found online that I quickly jotted down in a spreadsheet before it was lost in my brain, drifting somewhere between the never-ending "To Do" list and much-needed Grocery list.  But because this is 2019 and I almost always have a computer in front of me or a phone nearby, this list turned into one longggggg google doc I can add to wherever whenever.   Which I can't help but think, how did we live before google docs?

A Visitor's Guide to Salt Lake City, Utah

Before I moved out west, Utah was such an unknown and mystical destination.   It just wasn't a state we really talk about here in New England.  Prior knowledge:  Utah= strange place full of Sister Wives and Park City is where people go skiing.  Current knowledge: Mormons are there yes, Park City is wonderful, the rest of Utah has some amazing skiing, the city itself is clean and beautiful with mountain views all around, the culture is bizarro, the liquor laws are mind-boggling, everyone is so fit, and it is truly the outdoor lover's paradise.  

Best way to wrap it all up?  Salt Lake City has one of the country's best backyards - it's called the Wasatch.  

The reason it didn't turn into a better Denver?  The culture keeps this city a little in the dark (and everyone kind of likes it that way).  

My thoughts on Salt Lake City changed quickly that first trip out to visit Thatcher in 2014 and Salt Lake City is always going to be one of those places that leaves me a little spellbound.  Let's be honest, so much happened in this city. 

West Palm Weekend - TravelCation

Vacation and Traveling are two very different things in my world.  

A vacation is a pure relaxation:  do nothing,  except maybe sip margs by the pool.  The goal is rest, relax, recharge.  On the other hand, a trip is a do everything see everything experience everything sort of journey.  You vacation on a remote island or somewhere standard like the Bahamas.  It doesn't really matter where you all, all that matters is you are away from the normal 9-5 of life.  On the other hand, you travel somewhere like Europe.  Where you are matters and you are in this destination to see all it has to offer, even if it's at the sacrifice of R&R.  When you look at traveling in these two lenses, you can probably guess which of the two I excel at. 

You guessed it - I think I am a pretty swell traveler.

I know I am a terrible vacationer. 

Chester Carry-On Suitcase Review

Chester Carry-on Suitcase

I am one of those people who simply refuse to check luggage.  If you haven't met me.... you should know this - I am very stubborn.  Like, carried my large grill out of my basement up the stairs by myself because I wanted to grill steak that night kind of stubborn.  When it comes to traveling, my "I can do it all" attitude shines through.  A weeks worth of clothes?  I will fit that into a carry on with enough packing cubes and patience.  Unless I am on a dive or ski trip when I need to pack heavy gear, it has to fit in a carry-on. 

Why?  A few reasons.

First, I simply refuse to pay excessive fees to check a suitcase.  Traveling is expensive enough and after paying for airport parking and flights, the last thing I want to do is shell out more money for my belongings - and each way.  Secondly and THE most important reason I always carry on?  I hate waiting at baggage claim.  When I finally get off the plane and after spending hours in the germ box, I want to get the hell out of that airport and onto my final destination or home.  I do not (repeat, do not) want to spend an extra second at the airport if I don't have to.  It's usually an extra half hour of waiting at the carousel for the black bag that looks like every other black bag.  While we are talking about time, when you get to the airport, you can also skip the check-in counter and head right to security.  And then there's the whole "your bag didn't make it" scenario.  If you carry-on, your bag will never leave your sight and get put on the wrong plane.

Carrying on will save you money, a whole lot of time, and you will never lose your bag. 

Connecticut's Best Hikes - Ragged Mountain Loop - Berlin CT

Ragged Mountain - May 2019

A lot of us write off Connecticut as a hiking destination.  When someone references the Constitution State, I am willing to bet your first thought isn't "so many great hikes there"!  Its probably more along the lines of lobster rolls, high taxes, New England charm, and life on the beach.  Even if you are a Connecticut native, it is easy to hop in your car and head to the Whites of New Hampshire, the Greens of Vermont, the Berkshires in Massachusetts, or the Adirondacks in New York to experience what hiking in the northeast truly has to offer.

And yes, living in Utah and having so much amazing hiking right outside my apartment really spoiled me.

A lot of our hikes in Connecticut tend to feel like more of a "walk in the woods", a nice little stroll among dirt trails and trees.  Summit views and elevation?  Not always guaranteed.  So when I find a hike that has some awesome views and gets my heart rate up I am pleasantly surprised and feel like I am winning at this game called Have It All.  A chance to spend some time in the woods without having to be landlocked? Hike in the morning lobster bake in the evening?  Turns out, I can have my cake and eat it too.