Cannon Beach, Oregon: The One Trip We Keep Coming Back To in Our Minds

We’ve only been to Cannon Beach Oregon once. I think about it more than anywhere we’ve been in the last few years — more than places we’ve returned to multiple times, more than trips that required more planning and more money. There’s something about a place that gets you exactly once, in exactly the right … Read more

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea: Sunshine, Flamingos, and the Best Kind of Nothing

Palm tree grove seen from the car window on a sunny day in South Florida with blue skies and scattered clouds

Looking for Sunshine & Slowness In the middle of a St. Louis winter—gray skies, heavy coats, and the dull thrum of routine—we booked a beach trip on impulse. We didn’t know much about Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, except that it looked charming, it wasn’t a huge tourist trap, and it was close enough for Sam’s online friends to … Read more

Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint, Oregon: A Hidden Gem on the Pacific Coast

View of Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint from above, with sea stacks, sandy beach, and blue sky along the Oregon coast.

Some places are planned. You circle them on the map. You count down the days. For us, those were Cannon Beach, Thor’s Well, Samuel H. Boardman, and the Jedediah Smith Redwoods. Everything else on the route? Bonus. Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint in Bandon, Oregon was one of those stops we weren’t counting on. But it … Read more

Oregon’s Coastal Beacons: Two Lighthouses You Don’t Want to Miss

Lighthouses have a way of capturing the spirit of the Oregon Coast—standing strong against relentless waves, thick fog, and powerful winds. They aren’t just beautiful landmarks; they’re pieces of history, reminders of a time when sailors depended on these beacons to guide them through the unpredictable Pacific. On our Oregon Coast road trip, we visited … Read more

Don’t Miss these Amazing Stops on the Oregon Coast: Devil’s Punchbowl & Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Yaquina Head LIghthouse

The Oregon Coast has no shortage of jaw-dropping landscapes, rugged cliffs, and historic landmarks—but if your time is limited, these two must-see Oregon Coast road trip stops absolutely deserve a spot on your itinerary. Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Devil’s Punchbowl deliver unforgettable ocean views, fascinating natural formations, and a perfect blend of adventure and accessibility. … Read more

Discover the Magic of Alabama: A Family Road Trip Full of Wonder & Fun

Planning the family road trip route with a map and listening to Audible – mindful road trip experience

For the last three spring breaks, we’ve packed up the car and hit the road for an Alabama family road trip—finding sunshine, sweet surprises, and little pockets of magic in Trussville and Birmingham. This has become more than just a tradition for us; it’s something we look forward to all year long. Each visit has … Read more

Tillamook Cheese Factory: Best Things to Do & Must-Try Eats

If you love cheese, ice cream, and road trip-worthy food experiences, the Tillamook Cheese Factory in Tillamook, Oregon, belongs on your itinerary. Nestled between rolling farmland and the rugged coastline, this stop isn’t just about grabbing a bite—it’s an immersive cheese lover’s dream. At Tillamook, you can peek behind the curtain of one of the … Read more

Rockaway Beach & the Big Tree Trail: A Must-See on the Oregon Coast

Tucked between the more well-known coastal towns of Cannon Beach and Tillamook, Rockaway Beach, Oregon, offers a quieter, more laid-back escape along the Pacific. With its seven miles of sandy shoreline, stunning ocean views, and unexpected hidden gems, it’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe in the salty air, and reconnect with nature. For … Read more

Whaleshead Beach: A Hidden Coastal Treasure Of Breathtaking Beauty

Rock formations Whales Head Beach, Samuel H. Boardman State Park, Oregon Coast

A Handcrafted Adventure Along Oregon’s Coast Tucked away in the heart of Samuel H. Boardman State Park, Whaleshead Beach is one of those hidden gems that feels like it was made just for us. Tom and I stumbled upon it during our coastal adventures, and from the moment we stepped onto its soft, sandy shore, … Read more

Discover the Magic of Multnomah Falls: Your Ultimate Guide to Oregon’s Iconic Waterfall

Waterfall: Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Have you ever felt the cool mist of a waterfall on your face and thought, This is exactly what I needed? That’s the magic of Multnomah Falls. Nestled in the heart of Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, this iconic waterfall is more than just a sight—it’s an experience. Whether you’re an avid hiker or someone who … Read more