Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
Dolly Sods
A light snow covered Dolly Sods as I woke to a dead Starlink switch and no internet deep in the Monongahela National Forest. What began as a plan for a winter hike became a lesson in adaptation—navigating forest roads, a Walmart run, and a warm latte before settling in for a quiet night on the road.
Blackwater Falls & Dolly Sods
I woke at the overlook above Elkins with fog filling the valleys and drove the rough mountain road down toward town. After restocking supplies, I followed the storm north to Blackwater Falls, where rain poured and the campground was closed. By afternoon, I was on the rocky road to Dolly Sods, climbing into wind, fog, and the high country of West Virginia.
Louisville Slugger, Church Hill Downs, NULU
I spent the day exploring Louisville’s past and present—touring Churchill Downs and its exhibits on Secretariat, visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum to see how the iconic bats are made, and ending in the NULU district surrounded by food, coffee, and creativity. It was the perfect mix of Kentucky tradition and modern energy.
Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail Ride to Park CityI
A full day at Mammoth Cave National Park—chores at Land Between the Lakes, a quiet drive north, and an afternoon cycling the Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail through fall color, history, and small-town charm in Park City, Kentucky.
Land Between the Lakes: Elk
A restless night at a noisy Cracker Barrel in southern Illinois led me to the quiet wilds of Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes. Despite the government shutdown, the visit turned into an unexpected highlight—wandering forested roads, spotting elk at sunset, and finding a little peace among the prairies.
Nelson-Atkins Art Museum
I explored the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City, wandering its sculpture gardens, discovering Noguchi’s stone pieces, marveling at El Anatsui’s Dusasa I, and losing myself in Monet’s water lilies. This mix of outdoor whimsy, modern masters, and Impressionist calm made for one of my most rewarding museum stops.
Gooseberry Falls & Split Rock Lighthouse
A smoky sunrise over Lake Superior kicked off a slow Sunday along Minnesota’s North Shore. From a quiet riverside overnight near French River to scenic hikes at Gooseberry Falls and golden-hour photography at Split Rock Lighthouse, the day unfolded with good food, helpful park rangers, and a perfectly quiet night beside an old steam engine in Two Harbors.