Travel

Wondering how to avoid hitting a deer with your car? Here are some things you can do to avoid hitting a deer in the first place… and how to minimize the damage if you do. Plus a few sweet and funny things about deer, dogs, and hunting.

In preparation for my very first airplane ride recently, I did a lot of research — because there’s a lot to know before flying the friendly skies! Here, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned and experienced firsthand with you… so you will have a better idea of what to expect before your first plane ride.

I spent the first 38 years of my life avoiding planes due to my fear of flying. Here’s what I did to overcome flight anxiety and enjoy flying… finally!

I’ve been to Cape Henry Lighthouse and Cape Henry Memorial Cross (First Landing Cross) in Virginia Beach several times. My tips for planning a trip there — so you can make the most of your visit!

The Intracoastal Waterway offers more than just beautiful scenery! I’ve traveled a lot and have enjoyed boating the Intercoastal Waterway — because there is so much to see and do. Here are my suggestions for how to plan your boat trip, navigate the canals on your own, plus tips for eating and sleeping along the way.

The Butterfly Rainforest in Gainesville, Florida – See what it’s like visiting the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History and how to make the most of your trip to this unique Butterfly Conservatory.

The Spruce Flats Falls trail is rated “moderate” because some portions are rocky and steep… and there are lots of exposed tree roots that are easy to trip over. The hike to the waterfall definitely requires some effort. It’s almost a 1.5-mile round trip. It took us 30 minutes to hike to the falls carrying my toddler son in his hiking carrier. The Spruce Flats Falls hike (with time spent at the swimming hole and waterfalls) takes about 2 hours. See my best tips before you go…

East Tennessee is hot, and when you’re looking for a way to cool down with your family and friends, floating down the river is where it’s at! For me, the River Rat Tubing season pass was a no brainer — because it’s the most convenient way to get on the water without the commitment, logistics, or work of a canoe or kayak. Our entire party of 10 people (including teens and toddlers) had a blast their first time there, and I’ve been tubing with River Rat several times now.

Going to be in Bethlehem, PA (near Allentown) soon? See photos I took while touring the old Bethlehem steel stacks & abandoned factory. I’ve also got some tips for making the most of your visit to SteelStacks, the arts and culture hub there.

I recently visited Longwood Gardens near Philadelphia. Here’s a photo scrapbook of my trip, a list of things to see and do there, and my tips for visiting Longwood Botanical Gardens.

One of my favorite waterfalls in Tennessee is Ozone Falls. With 2 dogs and 2 kids, my friend and I enjoyed a full day of hiking, swimming, picnicking, and sightseeing at Ozone Falls! Here’s what you can expect, and a few things that are good to know before you go…

I’m going back to school at 40. I’ve decided to pursue an Associate Degree at a community college. My tuition will be FREE through the Tennessee Reconnect Program. Here’s everything you need to know about tuition-free college in Tennessee!

A list of all the must-have items that you absolutely MUST pack on long distance motorcycle rides. Plus, clever tips for packing things in the saddlebags on your motorcycle, and the best motorcycle luggage that is lightweight and fits on the back of your bike.

I’m a huge fan of the hit NBC TV show The Office, so I made a trip to Scranton, PA (where the show is based) to visit key landmarks from The Office TV show. Join me in reliving some popular episodes from The Office while visiting the places in Scranton that were represented on the show.

I have a list of must-see waterfalls in Tennessee, and I enjoy checking them off the list each time I see a new one. Today’s was Benton Falls! Here are directions to Benton Falls TN, what you’ll find at Chilhowee Recreation Area, what it’s like at the top of the falls, what it’s like at the bottom of the falls, and what it’s like to hike the entire Benton Falls Trail with a 2-year-old and 2 dogs.

Driving to Florida soon? There’s nothing like a Florida road trip if you want to enjoy beaches, palm trees, theme parks… and more! Here, a Florida native reveals the truth — what you can REALLY expect on your trip to Florida, some unique things waiting at the Florida border for you, important Florida road rules, what it’s really like driving in Florida, and what you need to know about Florida drivers!

I’ve created this list of 60 helpful tips (31 main tips + 29 bonus tips!)… things you’ll definitely want to know before you go on a Disney cruise. My Disney cruise tips reflect my honest feelings & experiences on board the Disney Dream cruise ship. Plus, my own clever cruise hacks that I plan to use on our next trip with Disney Cruise line.

Where is the Fountain of Youth… and what else can you do there besides drink from the spring? Here are highlights from my trip there, plus some great tips for visiting Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park in St. Augustine, Florida.

Virginia Beach is a neat place to visit. If you’re a history buff as I am, you’ll have plenty of reasons to fall in love with Virginia Beach! Low-flying fighter jets are a common sight. So are wild horses, historic lighthouses, state parks, wave surfers, and beachgoers. I’m going to share with you my all-time favorite things to do in Virginia Beach, VA.

What makes the best travel pillow is different for everyone. I actually have 2 favorite travel pillows — one I’ve used for over 10 years, and the other is a popular pillow with a very famous brand name. My review highlights the pros and cons of each, plus similar travel pillows worth trying.

Where was the Cuban sandwich invented — Miami or Tampa? How do the Cuban sandwich ingredients differ in each city? We’ve got the answers + A list of the best Cuban sandwiches in Miami and Tampa, Florida.

Our pull-behind motorcycle trailer is the American Legend trailer from Hannigan Motorsports. Our enclosed motorcycle trailer is the Homesteader Patriot, purchased used. Pics & tips from our experiences with these trailers on cross-country motorcycle trips.

As a stay-at-home mom of a toddler, it’s easy for the walls of our home to close in on us if we don’t make the effort to get out. So we’ve taken up hiking. One thing that I’ve learned… hiking with a toddler requires a good hiking baby carrier!