Part 1. 

 This just a list of places in the United States I have been that I have think other people would enjoy also! 

Not in any particular order but... Here they are.

1). Grand Lake, CO

One of my favorite little mountain towns! 

The CDT (Continental Divide Trail) runs right through Grand Lake. We hiked a 26 mile loop in 2020 starting at the Green Mountain trailhead and stopped in town for ice cream along the way. It's also a good place to stop if you need to repair any gear. You can also visit The Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Located north of Grand Lake on U.S. Highway 34.

 This is from Hiking Project. 

Even if you're not a hiker, Grand Lake is an amazing place to explore. You can rent boats/kayaks to explore the lakes, visit the https://www.quackergiftshop.com/ , eat some good food or just take a drive. I suggest flying into Denver then driving north to Estes Park where you can enter Rocky Mountain National Park on the East side and drive the Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake. Be sure to check road conditions at https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm. AND if you're visiting in the summer, check for timed entry reservations to get into the park. You may also need a permit for overnight camping in the backcountry so keep that in mind as well.

There are plenty of amazing airbnb's to choose from in the area but if you're into camping, check out Shadow Mountain Reservoir. Make campsite reservations at Recreation.gov. We camped here in early May 2021 and hiked along the lakes into Grand Lake which was about 6 miles round trip. I was driving a small rental car so the campground was easily assessable! Trail Ridge Road was still closed at this time! 

                                           (From our campground looking towards Grand Lake) 

 2). Canon City, CO

 

We didn't spend much time here, just enough to ride to Royal Gorge Railroad! We ordered a bottle of wine and shared a sandwich for a snack. I booked the coach tickets because at any time, you were allowed to get up and go to the outdoor car. Get tickets at https://www.royalgorgeroute.com/royal-gorge-journeys/. "Morning and afternoon daily departures are 1.5-2 hours round trip. Evening departures at 6:30 are approximately 2.5 to 3-hours round trip."                                           

3). Boston, MA

We just spent a week in Boston and it wasn't enough. I fell in love with the city and cannolis.  

We stayed downtown at the Bostonian and I can't rave about this enough. We were within walking distance to The North End and right across the street from the Quincy Market where you could find any kind of food you wanted! The Bell in Hand Tavern was right around the corner from the Bostonian along with the guy's favorite Durty Nelly's. 

Mike's Pastry was absolutely packed and absolutely worth it! My favorite was the pecan caramel!

A local told someone in our group the best place to grab breakfast was in Beacon Hill at The Paramount and I cannot argue. We walked to and from the Bostonian to this little restaurant and I loved strolling through the old streets and Boston Common. 

Easy day trips from Boston...

4). Nubble Lighthouse, Cape Neddick, York, Maine

http://nubblelight.org/

  We drove around this little town which was mostly closed down for the season but I bet it is thriving in the summer!

5). Salem, MA

Oh Salem, a fun town to walk around and explore the history or drive around to see some of the filming locations for Hocus Pocus. The witch museum is inexpensive and quirky but my favorite thing to do was to explore the cemeteries! 

6). Plymouth, MA

Landing place of the pilgrims they say! 

Another fun historical place about 1:30 from the Bostonian but Extremely cold on the November day we visited. 

Moving a little West...

7). Pittsburgh, PA

I LOVE PITTSBURGH. The Mister Rogers statue is right across the street from the Steelers stadium and historic marker for the first professional football game. Across the bridge is the Duquesne Incline where you can get amazing views of the city. You can also drive to the top but parking can be a hassle so be prepared. 

Something quirky and fun I loved in Pitt is RANDYLAND. Located at 1501 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. 

A super fun place I suggest to eat on a Saturday is Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh! They had live traditional German music all day and the best pirogies i've ever had. 

8). Cleveland, OH

The Arcade is a cool building to see! 

There is so much to see and do in Cleveland. One of my favorites so far was driving through the Cultural Gardens which spits you out near the Cleveland Museum of Art and Little Italy. You also can't visit Cleveland with me and not stop at a brewery... a couple of our favorites are Masthead Brewing Co. 

 (Pizza at Masthead) and Brewdog.

While you're in Cleveland, make sure to go explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It is an absolute dream in the Fall. 

(Brandywine Falls)

I almost forgot! The Christmas Story house ($17 for inside tours), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, and Browns stadium are other fun things to do and see! 

9). Erie, PA

I still wonder how this hidden gem has stayed so low key... Beautiful beaches (no sharks), history, amazing ice cream stands, great breweries and wineries, etc. A perfect chill summer vacay destination. 

I spent most of my time at Presque Isle State Park which has 11 beaches, (?) the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, and a great (paved) trail system that I pushed a stroller along 98 percent of the time. 

Again, the breweries! Our faves are Lavery Brewing, Erie Brewing Co, Nostrovia Brewing, and to the North of Erie is Arundel Cellars & Brewing Co! 

Some of our favorite places to eat are Perry's Tavern (for a good pizza and beer) located in the Flagship City Food Hall on State street, Odis 12 (for wings), Samurai Kitchen + Sushi, Sara's (for a quick meal close to Presque Isle), Whippy Dip 2 located at 3100 W 12th St, Erie, PA 16505 (for a sweet treat), Bay House Oyster Bar & Restaurant (for a nice meal and great service!) Romolo Chocolates, Pressed (for a local coffee shop). 

(Inside Sara's)

10). Niagara Falls, NY

Niagara Falls WAS NOT what I was expecting because it is basically a theme park in the summer but still super cool. I have been in all types of weather and just be aware that they gate off some areas in the winter due to ice and you wont be able to get a good look at Horseshoe Falls. 

(Aunt B with Bridal Veil Falls)

While you're there, you can purchase tickets (under $20 per person) for the Cave of the Winds or take a boat tour ($$ vary) to get up close and damp. 

A good place to eat close by is Anchor Bar located at 114 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 and you HAVE to stop at my favorite chocolate shop in the Northeast, Watsons! I prefer their sponge candy over anyone else! 

11). Washington, DC

 

 

One of our absolute favorite cities is DC. There is so much to do and see here that you will need at least a week. The first thing I suggest is to download SpotHero so you're not overwhelmed with where to park when you get into the city. Our favorite thing to do is rent the scooters laying around and take off. Best way to get around in my opinion. Take your National Parks Passport book with you on this trip because you can get so many stamps! The museums are absolutely amazing and FREE. 

The Arlington Cemetery and the changing of the guards was a moving experience and beautiful place. You can purchase tickets ahead of time or on-site. 

If you want to eat at the oldest bar in D.C make sure to visit Old Ebbitt Grill! 

12) Frederick/Germantown, MD

Frederick is home to Francis Scott Key, who wrote the Star Spangled Banner and is buried in a local cemetery. I say you need to visit Frederick because it is a great place to stay and explore between D.C and Gettysburg. AND THE Lancaster Dutch Market. I can't talk about the donuts at this place enough but the whole experience was something i've never seen before. Have breakfast inside the cafe! 

Market street in Frederick is a fun street to walk down and window shop, visit a brewery, get a tattoo, get married, whatever. 

13)  Harper's Ferry, WV

I could spend the rest of my life walking the streets of Harper's Ferry holding a coffee from Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee. We spent a lot of time here when Jarron lived in Frederick since it's only about 30 mins away and the drive itself is beautiful. 

Harper's Ferry is full of history! If you're into that kind of thing, check out NPS.gov. You can also see current conditions, tips, fees, etc. I buy the National Parks annual pass every year and this will allow you free parking at the train station which is super convenient. 

The Appalachian Trail runs through Harper's Ferry so it has a gear store and is pretty busy in the summer. I suggest getting there super early to get a good parking spot and take a hike around the area. Again, Check FarOut and/or Hiking Project. 

BE AWARE. There are no trash cans here! Harper's Ferry is a "Trash Free" park so plan to pack your trash in and out. 

14) Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, CA

I left my heart in Kings Canyon... 

But let's start with Sequoia. 

We camped at Lodgepole campground in July 2022 and spent a day exploring before we took off on the High Sierra Trail. If you want to watch the video I made on that, here is the LINK! 

The park shuttles run from June to September and you will want to utilize this. If you don't want to camp, there is Lodging Available. 

See things to do at nps.gov. A weird tip I have for this trip is to take some kind of motion sickness medicine! I get car sick if i'm not driving and the road up to Sequoia was brutal for me. I was also 8 weeks pregnant so be i'll let you be the judge of that. 

One of my favorite National Park drives is into Kings Canyon. Just put in "Road's End Trailhead" (Fresno, County California) and go. This is also where you can start the Rae Lakes Loop or if you're not into backpacking, just take a short day hike! It's a beautiful park. We did see a mother bear with 2 cubs as soon as we entered the park so be bear aware while you're here. Stay on trail, be mindful with your food (even the food in your car) and do some research before you go! Here is a map. 

Pics from Rae Lakes Loop

Gina and I standing on Glen Pass overlooking Rae Lakes. 

Be smart, take water, and here is a CHECKLIST if you need a guide. You may also consider carrying a water filter. We have found Sawyer  to be extremely reliable. The last tip I have is for the girls...Get a Kula Cloth! 

15) Yosemite National Park, CA

I heard someone refer to the valley it as the Disneyland of National Parks. Although it is one of the most magical places I have ever been, they get over 3.5 million visitors per year. The busy season runs from May until October with August seeing the most visitation. We were there September 6th and it was pretty busy. We got on a bus at Tuolumne Meadows and rode it into the valley after finishing the John Muir Trail. If you want to read my story about that, click HERE. We didn't have time to do much but I hope to go back and camp in the valley someday. With that being said, you can only camp in the valley for 7 days per year. Again, if you don't like to camp, check out Available Lodging. Check the NPS PAGE before you go and be aware you may need timed entry reservations in you're driving in. 

16) Mammoth Lakes, CA

I fell in love with Mammoth Lakes the instant I stepped off the bus from Red's Meadow. We decided to get an airbnb in town with our trail family and it ended up being one of the best memories I have. 

A mountain biking town in the summer and ski town in the winter, Mammoth Lakes is a beautiful outdoor destination. 

From Mammoth Lakes you can visit Devil's Postpile National Monument. I suggest hiking to the top to get a look at the honeycomb formation! 

17).  Lone Pine, CA

I have a soft spot for this western movie town. This is where we got a ride from Lone Pine Kurt to Cottonwood Pass so we could start the John Muir trail. A week later, we exited Kearsarge Pass to get our resupply at Mount Williamson Motel and Basecamp. 

Ali and Gina on top of Mt. Whitney

From Lone Pine, you can access Mount Whitney! The highest point in the lower 48. This is a whole other set of plans and preparation. It is EXTREMELY HARD AND YOU WILL FAIL if you're not well prepared. 

18). Mount Rainier National Park, WA

The OG in my heart. The park and hike that started my love for the backcountry and all things National Parks. Gina and I hiked the Wonderland Trail in July 2018 over 10 days. Honestly a life changing experience for me but I understand most people don't want to hike 93 miles carrying 35 lbs. 

Good news is you can get amazing views by driving through the park! I loved Sunrise and Paradise visitor centers. Find more at nps.gov. I would recommend Cougar Rock Campground for a nice campsite! 

19). Sequim, WA 

I booked an Airbnb in Sequim because it was kind of central to all the things I wanted to see. I loved this area! Mostly because of The Oak Table Cafe. I went here almost every morning. 

Hurricane Ridge in April

From Sequim, you can make your way to Hurricane Ridge and Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. 

From there you can continue on to Port Angeles (grab some FUDGE while you're there) then on to Olympic National Park. As always, CHECK ROAD CONDITIONS. 

Something I regret is not hiking the Hall of Mosses Trail! But i'll be back someday, no doubt. 

20). North Cascades National Park, WA

While you're in Washington, put your car on a ferry (a fun experience) and head over to the East side of the state. It was still early in the season so the visitor centers and some roads were still closed to be aware of the time you're visiting! 

The Ross Lake Dam Trail is worth the short trek and somewhere I want to stay in the future is the Ross Lake Resort!