Category: USA

Destinations, Travel, USA, Washington, D.C.

Travel Diary: A Summer Weekend in Washington, D.C.

A partially broken sign at Union Market in DC

As a travel blogger, it’s difficult to disentangle what parts of travel feel like work and which parts feel like leisure—not that I’m complaining. It’s just that sometimes the distinction is clear, like when I’m working with a local tourism board or visiting family—but other times, like a recent visit to Washington, D.C., it’s a …

Destinations, Travel, Travel Tips, USA, Washington, D.C.

Wellness on the Go: A Review of Mobile Massage With Soothe

A massage table is set up in a hotel room for a Soothe appointment

Have you noticed it too? The ache in your neck or the new way your knees crack at the end of a busy travel day, fatigue striking far earlier than it used to? I’ve talked about it before, how my current trips move at a slightly slower pace in this decade of my life than …

Destinations, New York, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, USA

Traveling Light: A Packing List for Buffalo, New York (in a backpack!)

Alyssa stands on the steps of the Buffalo AKG Museum

I recently spent a summer weekend in Buffalo, New York, and it was glorious. No, not in the typical sunshiny way (in fact, the sun rarely made an appearance), but because summers in Buffalo are comfortable affairs with highs only occasionally crossing the 80°F mark. Coming from muggy, sticky Charlotte (and having recently visited other …

Destinations, New York, Travel, USA

From One Queen City to Another: The Complete Weekend Travel Guide to Buffalo, New York

Alyssa waves her arms in front of the Keep Buffalo a Secret Mural

With bare-bones service and high add-on fees, most people wouldn’t be as thrilled about the launch of a new budget airline route as I am—but because I live in Charlotte, where American Airlines controls 90% of flights and charges significantly higher fares as a result of their monopoly, I relish every alternative we get. Back …

Canada, Destinations, New York, Travel, USA

Niagara Falls Day Trip Guide (Beyond the Tourist Traps!)

Alyssa looks out at Horseshoe Falls

Picture this: breathtaking, roaring waterfalls surrounded by nature’s lush greenery… …and right next to it, a dinosaur-themed mini-golf course, a wax museum, and a haunted house. This somewhat jarring combination is the reality in Niagara Falls, Canada. Over the decades, this iconic natural wonder has been overshadowed by chain restaurants, kitschy shops, and cheesy attractions. …

Destinations, Food, New York, Restaurant Roundups and Reviews, Travel, USA

10 Essential Restaurants in Buffalo, New York

Alyssa walks in front of the Duffs sign in Buffalo

“Are you going to eat some wings?” I’m usually a pretty patient person, but even I grew tired of hearing this question repeatedly before a recent trip to Buffalo, New York (I can’t imagine how locals must feel!). Yes, of course I was planning on eating some wings in Buffalo, but my food itinerary (the …

Charlotte, Destinations, Food, North Carolina, Restaurant Roundups and Reviews, Travel, USA

Start Your Day at These 15 Essential Charlotte Coffee Shops

A coffee cup that reads "Charlotte Born and Roasted" on the sleeve

Most days, you’ll find me brewing my morning coffee at home with my Chemex. However, there are times when I like to treat myself—or, more likely, find myself in need of an emergency coffee while out and about. As I stand in line, I often think, “Why spend $6 on a coffee in my home …

Destinations, South Carolina, Travel, USA

48 Hours in the Lowcountry: A Weekend Guide to Summerville, South Carolina

Alyssa paddles at Cypress Gardens

Summerville is a town with a pleasant-sounding name that has caught my eye many times when scrolling about on Google Maps, looking for new-to-me destinations. (I call this “mapsurfing,” and I find it fuels my travel-hungry mind far more than mindlessly scrolling Instagram or TikTok). So when the team at Santee Cooper Country Tourism Region …

Destinations, North Carolina, Travel, USA

Wine Country Weekend: A Travel Guide for Elkin, North Carolina

Alyssa crosses Main Street in downtown Elkin

“Where’s that?” People often ask me about my next trip, and my answers typically get responses like “Cool,” “Neat,” or occasionally, “I’ve been there!” But when I mentioned that Michael and I were headed to Elkin for a recent weekend getaway, I got a lot of “Where’s that?” followed by puzzled looks. Elkin may not …

Destinations, North Carolina, Travel, USA

Checking In: A Review of Three Trails in Elkin, North Carolina

Exterior of Three Trails with a sign

A boutique hotel in the heart of an amazing North Carolina small town.