The first time I laid eyes on Badlands National Park was in the winter of 2020. I was on a road trip to Montana, and honestly, stopping at the Badlands wasn’t even part of the plan. My crew and I had just left Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and were making our way to Rapid City. I’ve always preferred driving through the night, it’s peaceful, less traffic, and somehow, the road feels like it belongs only to me…

At the beginning of this year, I took a quick weekend trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. While I’ve been to NOLA a few times before, I decided to share this one on my blog because it was more family-friendly than my previous visits. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the wild nights on Bourbon Street filled with debauchery and excitement, but not everyone comes to New Orleans for that.

I’ve lived in Alabama for years, and I always said I’d never go to Talladega for a NASCAR race. Why? It’s just never been my scene. I’m more of a mountains-and-music-festivals kind of girl. Give me hiking boots over stadium seats any day, you know? Despite my crunchy, granola heart, I’ve always had a soft spot for college football—because, let’s face it, growing up in the South, it’s simply part of who we are.

Welcome back to part two of our journey! Last year, my husband and I packed up our two little dogs and set off on an unforgettable road trip along the coast of Washington State. We kicked things off in the rainy charm of Forks, Washington, and settled into the quiet coastal town of Sekiu. After exploring Twilight landmarks, misty beaches, and mossy trails, we were ready for more adventures.

Last year, my husband and I packed up our two little dogs and took off on an unforgettable road trip along the coast of Washington State. Whether you are planning your own Pacific Northwest adventure or just love to travel through stories, here's a detailed look at the first part of our journey. 🚗The Night Before-Arrival into Washington Our trip began as we drove north from Portland, Oregon, on I-5.