My home state of California truly has a little bit of everything from beautiful beaches and charming coastal towns to mountains, wine country, deserts, and some of my favorite national parks. Here you’ll find my California travel guides filled with favorite places to stay, things to do, scenic spots, and easy itineraries for exploring the Golden State.
From the mountains of Lake Louise ~ where I spent Mother’s Day 2026 with my two daughters ~ to Vancouver, ski trips in Whistler, and road trips all the way to Quebec, Canada is a country I’ve loved exploring over the years. With its incredible scenery, beautiful cities, and endless outdoor adventures, there is still so much of Canada I can’t wait to see!
Glacier National Park is easily one of my favorite national parks in the United States ~ I’ve visited twice in my lifetime and already know I’ll keep finding reasons to return. With its dramatic mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, incredible hiking trails, and scenery that somehow gets better around every bend, it’s called the “Crown of the Continent” for very good reason!
Grand Teton National Park holds some of my happiest childhood memories ~ I lived just two hours away in Idaho from ages 9 to 16 and spent nearly every summer weekend in the Tetons. Rising so dramatically straight from the valley floor, these massive peaks somehow look like they should be the tallest mountains in the country, and even after all these years, that view still takes my breath away.
Massachusetts has become another special place for our family since our son moved here after graduating from college in 2022. We’ve been lucky enough to visit him in every season and have loved exploring more of this beautiful state along the way ~ from Boston and its historic neighborhoods to charming small towns, coastal escapes, and quintessential New England scenery.
New England includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut ~ and while every state has its own charm, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine are especially magical during fall foliage season. Think scenic drives, covered bridges, charming small towns, mountain views, and some of the prettiest autumn scenery in the country.
New York will always hold a special place in our hearts: my husband was born here, we lived here as newlyweds, welcomed our first daughter here, and now our youngest daughter has called New York City home since graduating from college in 2023. From favorite NYC hotels, restaurants, and things to do to beautiful getaways beyond the city, you’ll find plenty of ideas here for planning your own New York adventures.
Home to five spectacular national parks, Utah is one of the best states in the country for an outdoor adventure. We visited every one of Utah’s Mighty Five with our kids when they were younger, and now we’re returning as empty nesters to experience these incredible landscapes all over again ~ with a slightly different perspective (and much nicer places to sleep!).
With my family roots in Wisconsin, Door County was the perfect place for a Mother’s Day weekend with my mom and older sister a few years ago. With its charming waterfront towns, beautiful lake views, local shops, and relaxed pace, it’s a wonderful Midwest getaway ~ especially for a mother-daughter trip.
Where to Stay in NYC: My Favorite Luxury Hotels & Neighborhoods: a first-hand guide to the best places to stay in New York City, from luxury hotels to charming neighborhoods, with honest tips to help you choose the perfect home base. There are two things I never compromise on when I travel: where I stay, […]
April 12, 2026
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This curated list of top things to see and do in Boston will ensure you have an unforgettable visit to this historical and vibrant city. From tracing American history along the Freedom Trail to savoring culinary delights in the historic North End to walking on the grounds of some of the most prestigious universities in […]
April 10, 2024
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