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Mayakoba is a private resort comprised of four luxury hotels (The Fairmont, The Andaz, Banyan Tree, and Rosewood), that were built around channels of water that are surrounded by a tropical jungle. Mayakoba is known as the "Venice of Mexico" because of all the bridges and canals that connect the four properties to one another. Once you enter the massive, heavily secured gates of Mayakoba there is no need to step foot off the property. After entering the vast, lush land, you won't want to leave. Everything you need is located on this massive property and guests can charge their room at any hotel on the resort. Golf cart shuttles run regularly throughout the hotel transporting guests around the grounds. This is not a walkable property and you'll need a shuttle or bike to get around. Mayakoba, located on the eastern side of Mexico, on the Riviera Maya, along the Caribbean Ocean, is just a thirty-minute drive from Cancun Airport. You'll find yourself reveling in ultimate levels of luxury and leisure at every moment of your stay. The Fairmont Mayakoba Located inside the private resort community of Mayakoba, The Fairmont maintains 401 guest rooms nestled in a tropical forest with beachfront access to the pristine beaches of this side of Mexico. There are five pools including one massive, 10,000-square-foot pool with a swim-up bar and slides. There are several fine-dining restaurants, a gorgeous spa, and tons of activities that can keep you happy here for weeks. You'll need to hop on the complimentary shuttle to get around this massive property as everything is super spread out adding to the exclusive and seclusive vibe that permeates the grounds. You'll also need to snag beach chairs and umbrellas early (during the season) because they are a little competitive to find. The service stands out as impeccable. The staff is incredibly well-trained to take care of each and every guest. The restaurants are consistently fantastic. Staying at The Fairmont is the definition of a luxury vacation at its finest. The rooms are well-maintained and immaculate. You'll love the little touches like robes and slippers, largely built-in closets, deep soaking tubs, glass water bottles, and opulent bath products. I especially loved the bottle of insect repellant, which you'll need no matter what time of year you'll visit. Canal Ride The Fairmont offers guests a private, complimentary, forty-five-minute boat ride through the canals. Just make sure to reserve the tour in advance. Miguel is one of the knowledgeable guides who eagerly shares his knowledge about how the developers of Mayakoba helped bring the underground natural rivers to the surface when they used dynamite to break the limestone caves. He is also well-informed about the wildlife- you'll leave learning about many of the 150 species of birds, tons of turtles (we spotted dozens), caves with stalagmites, and ten resident crocodiles (we got to get up close to one!) that live on the nature reserve. The reflections of the lush vegetation in the water are so picturesque and the continuous flow of bridges you'll drive through will transport you to Venice just momentarily because you'll quickly realize you don't want to be anywhere else but Mayakoba. Snorkel Mayakoba has easy access to the second largest reef in the world, second to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is a marine region along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. I strongly recommend that you book a tour with your Mayakoba hotel for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our guide led us to a section of the reef on a small sailboat, a few hundred feet from shore. You can't imagine the underwater world you'll witness. Thousands of colorful fish will swim alongside you as your guide points out hard-to-spot lobsters, the names of rare fish, and even jellyfish. This will be one of those magical memories that you will treasure forever. Make sure not to miss this rare opportunity. Where to Eat: Fuego at The Fairmont Mayakoba This beachfront property will tantalize your tastebuds. Toes in the sand, tequila in hand, and fresh Tlayuda in a basket with three dips... what else can you ask for? Be prepared for Fuego to deliver the most delicious Mexican-inspired dishes made right in front of you on an open flame. The menu is rather small but it delivers big flavors. You'll love it. Casa Amate at The Andaz Mayakoba Casa Amate is consistently ranked as one of Mexico's Top 120 Restaurants by Guía México Gastronómic. This Latin American fine dining establishment creatively prepares dishes with outstanding flavors. You won't be able to stop eating. Some must-tries are the celery root salad, the Totoaba sashimi, marinated octopus, red snapper wrapped in banana leaf, and the short rib proudly cooked for eight hours. Each dish has added heat with hints of serrano peppers and Morita chili and each recipe include unique vegetable preparations like fried corn and roasted oranges. Make sure to leave room for their exceptional desserts. Not only is every bite divine, but the artistic presentations are also equally captivating. Reservations are required. Saffron at Banyan Tree From the moment that you are greeted by the bellmen at Banyan Tree you know that a unique experience lies ahead. The team at Banyan greets you by name, without you mentioining this information to them, and nonchalantly mention that your private boat is awaiting to escort you to Saffron, known as the best restaurant in Mayakoba. To further set the mood, before entering the restaurant your hands will be washed with rose water and ladies will have an orchid placed in their hair. The setting is truly spectacular. You'll dine among the mangroves, under the stars, on a deck overlooking the water. Needless to say, the Thai inspired cuisine is sensational as well. Each dish bursts with exotic flavors; make sure to try plenty of the dishes for a comprehensive idea of what exceptional culinary talent tastes like. Hix Bar and Lounge at The Fairmont Mayakoba For great cocktails and pre-dinner Japanese-inspired snacks, hit this chic and cozy bar in the main lobby of The Fairmont. La Laguna at The Fairmont Mayakoba A beautiful breakfast buffet will await you at La Laguna. There is a delicious spread of freshly-baked pastries, juicy local fruit, cheeses, salmon, freshly squeezed juices, and several hot items including, chilaquiles, of course. Brisas at The Fairmont Mayakoba An open-aired beachfront restaurant, Brisas is the perfect lunch destination for fresh seafood. The ceviches are outstanding and so are the sea views. Mayakoba is designed to cater to every guest's whim ensuring that there is no need to leave the resort. For the ultimate relaxation and foodie experience, you need to search no further. Rooms aren't cheap but the hotels honestly don't gouge you for drinks, meals, and activities like other five-star resorts often do. You won't want to travel here to explore Mexico. Instead, this is where you'll want to plant yourself for an optimal vacation of fun in the sun and sea.

Isla Mujeres is a lively, magical, five-mile-long island, that's just a thirty-minute ferry ride from Cancun. There are very few cars on this island, with taxis making up the majority of automobiles. The most popular form of transportation on the island is with mopeds or golf carts that zoom through the narrow, colorful streets of the island. During the day, it's the clear, turquoise waters you'll find yourself spending most of your time with. Nightime transforms into a big party with bustling bars and with live music pumping the island with a constant festive feel. It's quite a spectacular island, mostly because it is so unpretentious, utterly laid back, and surrounded by some of the most stunning water you will ever encounter. Three nights is a perfect amount of time to immerse yourself into island mode and soak in all that the island has to offer. Make sure you come with cash. Most places here accept cash only, in either pesos or dollars. As soon as your flip flops hit the sand, you will be instantly propelled into tropical island mode. The locals are as colorful as the buildings on the island and they will greet you warmly at every opportunity. You will inevitably encounter many reminders that you are in a third-world country; the poverty among some of the locals becomes quickly apparent. We learned that the minimum wage in Mexico is $11.00 per day. While you visit, bring some cheer into the locals' lives too, and slip them a twenty dollar bill whenever you can. Hire the mariachi bands who request just $10.00 per song. Support the economy here so that it continues to thrive and blossom. Isla Mujeres is truly a special place so please consider being the type of tourist who brings color and joy to the island with you. Take the Ultmar Ferry round trip thirty-minute ride from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. Round-trip tickets are approximately $24.00 per person on this clean and spacious fleet that has three decks including indoor and outdoor options. The ferry leaves pretty much every thirty minutes. Stay at Aruma Isla Mujeres. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom home is beautifully appointed with decorative touches throughout the house. While its location couldn't be better in terms of its proximity to the heart of the island, it's the staff that manages this villa that makes the house most noteworthy. They helped us make reservations for everything on our itinerary, including our transportation, and they did it so cheerfully. The team here stands out as one of the best we have encountered in all our travels. The house is spacious, described as large enough for seventeen people, and has a plunge pool for those who want to cool off on a hot day. Daily housekeeping is included and for those who want to be further pampered, a private chef and masseuse can be arranged. I strongly recommend booking this villa for your family or group. It is a lovely place to retreat after a long day of exploring. Where to Beach Club OCEANVS You'll have many beach club options to choose from. My recommendation is that you choose one on Playa Norte, known to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico for its white sand, palm trees, and crystal clear water. OCEANVS is a great option because it's on the end of the beach stretch and is less crowded as a result. Ask for Sunny to be your attendant, he will make sure you are well taken care of and that your day at the beach is just perfect. Also, their nachos are so delicious, you may want to order them twice like we did. Others: As you walk around you'll pass dozens of other beach club options, each with its own unique character. There are beach clubs on all sides of the island. Make sure you plant yourselves at one of the clubs for at least one full day of relaxation in the warm waters that may be the clearest you'll ever dip yourself into. Must-Do Excursions: Punta Sur Renting a golf cart for the day is a the best way to truly get to know the island beyond the main hub where the tourists flock. A golf cart will get you to the local neighborhoods as well as to the secluded part of the island where newly built mansions are perched on top of cliffs. Most importantly, a golf cart will also get you to Punta Sur, the islands most southern tip, which is approximately a thirty minute ride on a golf cart. There you will find endless photo opportunities, breathtaking views, and even Mayan ruins. There is a fee of $6.00 per person to enter the park which is totally worth it. Isla Contoy A private tour led by Wicho and Mosko from Espartaco Tours to Isla Contoy will be one of the most unforgettable excursions you will ever experience. After a friendly introduction Captain Wicho will embark your journey into the gorgeous Caribbean Sea. About thirty minutes from Isla Mujeres your captain will park the boat in the middle of the ocean, with literally no one else around, to snorkel in the coral reefs. Mosko will lead you through the colorful reefs and check on your group often to make sure everyone is doing well. Despite the occasional thoughts of sharks that may creep into your mind, you'll quickly get distracted by this incredible experience. After some snorkeling fun you will make your way further towards Isla Contoy. As you approach this untouched island you'll immediately recognize that you are about to step foot on Paradise. The glistening, transparent waters reveal a sea life filled with sea turtles, barracudas, and nurse sharks. While you splash in the sea Wicho and Mosko will prepare an incredible meal for you on the island's grill. They quickly whipped up freshly caught grouper rubbed in a Mayan seasoning, grilled chicken, potatoes, rice, coleslaw, and salsa, served with a chilled beer of course. Lunch is so good and so fresh and coupled with its dining location that is less than ten feet from the shore, you may hit sensory overload because this is seriously too much perfection most people can handle. Post lunch, Mosko will lead you to the lagoon, and look for crocodiles while teaching you about the wild life. From here he'll guide you to the highest point of the mountain for a panoramic view of the surrounding sea. To preserve this pristine island the Mexican government only permits two hundred people to enter each day. In efforts not to disturb the ecosystem, no sunscreen of any kind is permitted. There are also no bathrooms with running water. This is simply an uninhabited, secluded, island with a natural beauty that is hard to fathom unless you see it for yourself. As you head back to Isla Mujeres you'll enjoy one more dip into the sea and then you'll just lean back, take in the views, and smile your way back to land. . Where to Eat: Xantolo The popular dining destination, in my opinion, caters to American tourists too much. Rather than serving authentic Mexican food, Xantolo serves more Tex-Mex-style meals. Our most memorable dinner was not at this Mexican restaurant. However, people seem to love it. The only thing we loved about dining here was the two-for-one happy hour, the setting, and the wonderful service. The food, not so much. Mama Rosa You'll be very surprised to find an authentic Italian meal on this little island. Mama Rosa does not disappoint. From the bruschette to the contadina salad, to the gnocchi and the spaghetti aglio, everything on the menu is really good. They even make pizza that you'll be sure to like. Service is attentive, decor is charming, and the wine menu has a nice selection to choose from. Limon Limon is approximately a ten-minute drive from the main town center. You'll need to get there by taxi or golf cart. Since this will certainly be your best meal on the island, it's worth venturing out to dine here. Limon takes dining to the next level. Every single item on the menu will blow you away by the fresh ingredients, creative seasonings, and love that goes into preparing each plate. Some dishes you may want to experience are the hibiscus tacos, the bruschetta, Limon house salad, tortilla soup, coconut shrimp, four cheese pasta, and gnocchi- all perfectly prepared. The filet mignon in port, however, deserves its own mention. One of the unique features of Limon is that beef ordered is grilled per order in the center of the restaurant. This steak will even have the vegetarians at your table grabbing a bite, they did at our table! Finally, end your meal with the banana foster and pineapple "Sergio's way". You'll be talking about this meal for months. Just note, Limon is a cash only restaurant. Aroma Isla For fresh smoothies and juices stop by Aroma Isla. This is the only place on the island we went to that actually accepts American Express. The service is friendly, the menu is healthy, and you may want to make several visits like we did. The Coffee Break I just love the hand written note on my latte. This personal touch is enough to win me over. The cafe itself is really cute with a full coffee menu and breakfast pastries. Stingray This bar surrounded by swings is always full and bustling with people looking for a good time. You'll want to stop here at least once to have a drink, people watch, and listen to those confident karaoke folks who just love to belt out tunes. Make sure to add Isla Mujeres to your travel bucket list. The stunning beaches, serene island vibe, friendly locals, great food, international crowd, and colorful streets are just meant to be enjoyed by all who can make there way here.

San Diego has access to many beautiful day trips, including a visit to Temecula's wine region just an hour's drive away. Temecula Wine Valley produces over fifty different varieties of wines throughout the region, many of which are award-winning. Along with the forty family-owned wineries in the area, you'll find fantastic restaurants, charming inns, and even several spas. The majority of the wineries are open to the public for tastings throughout the week. Some, like, Lorimar, offer live music even on weekdays. The views in the area boast endless, rolling, hillside vineyards with Mount San Jacinto and Palomar Mountain on the horizon. Hop in your car, and get ready to sip and eat your day away! Somerset Winery This winery is the hallmark of two brothers, their wives, and a group of friends who banded together to make their lifelong dream of owning a vineyard come true. Named after their childhood street, they aim to evoke a sense of familiarity and nostalgia in those who come to visit. Somerset specializes in wines made from the Rhone varieties, and I can attest that their Viognier is perfectly dry, and crisp, with the right amount of fruit notes. The tasting menu offers sparkling, white, red, and dessert wines with catchy names like "Fuzzy Bunnies". Wine lovers stand along the bar as they sip and chat away with the knowledgeable bar staff. It is also one of the few wineries that offer a snack menu. Pinnacle Restaurant at Falkner Winery The views from this restaurant are enough to win me over and the outstanding lunch menu just wraps up the entire experience perfectly. In just a few moments, you'll be swept away to the Tuscan hillsides of Italy. The mushroom soup on the menu will have you over the moon. In fact, our friends dropped their Covid concerns and each tasted the soup with equally emphatic raves of the delicious, creamy concoction. The Salmon Toast, Ray's Famous Angus Burger, Pasta Puttanesca, Chef's Caesar Salad, Crispy Brussel Sprouts with a Fried Egg, and the Roasted Cornish Game Hen, were all a hit with our crew. Lorimar Winery and Vineyard This laid-back vineyard is named by combining the brothers-in-law's names, Lawrie and Mark, who opened the winery in 2009. Lorimar not only produces exceptional wines but also offers live music every day of the week. This winery wins as not only my favorite wine producer in Temecula, but also the most fun! The 2017 Meritage here was a hit and we made sure to snatch a bottle to bring back home with us. I also especially loved the 2021 Vermentino and Sauvignon Blanc which I now love having nearby in my wine cooler. Churon Winery While Falkner Winery takes you away to Tuscany, Churon will mentally place you in the South of France with breathtaking views of sprawling grape vines surrounding the charming Chateau that triples as an inn, spa, and winery. The views of Temecula Valley here are magnificent. You'll also love their tasting room which exudes a French vibe to all who sip their beautifully presented flights of wine laid on a wooden board in order from "most light" to "most bold". Bolero at Europa Village Once you hit Italy and France, make your way over to Bolero for this Spanish-inspired winery in the heart of Temecula that has an incredibly authentic tapas restaurant, Bolero Restaurante, on its premises. Even on a Tuesday evening, this place was packed, reservations are highly encouraged. After a full day of sipping wines, you'll want to end your day here and embark on a delicious food journey, with more wine of course! Some of the highlights of our meal included the Fried Cauliflower with Marcona almonds, the Fire-Roasted Eggplant and Blistered Shishito over a Chickpea Puree, the Patats Bravas, the Autumn Vegetable Paella, and the Striped Seabass; all perfectly prepared to please every palate. Temecula Wine Valley is truly Southern California's version of Napa Valley. There is no need to make your way over four hundred miles North to sip on excellent wines. I promise that you will find the landscape, wineries, and food equally marvelous in Temecula.

Since we moved to San Diego we've heard locals rave about the slopes of Mammoth Mountain, located along the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in eastern California. The seven-hour drive from La Jolla was rather easy. Surprisingly, cellular service was available during the entire two-hundred-mile stretch of remote, desert roads. To make our getaway even more exciting, the mountain was sprinkled in fresh snow with an expected twelve inches of virgin powder the day we arrived. The base of the mountain is at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet reaching 11,000 feet in height at the mountain's summit. Although my family has traveled to elevations even higher than the ones here, both my husband and I unexpectantly experienced altitude sickness at Mammoth for the first time. Our symptoms included shortness of breath and headaches. For those of you who are not accustomed to high elevations, make sure to stay extremely hydrated to prevent any altitude sickness. Besides this uncomfortable hiccup, let's take a look together at why San Diegans and beyond love escaping here for their winter getaways. Below I'll highlight some of the wonderful features offered in this charming ski resort. The Slopes Let's face it, in the winter Mammoth Mountain is all about the slopes. With 175 trails, 25 lifts, 10 terrain parks, 300 days of sunshine per year, and a wide range of trails for all levels, Mammoth is an obvious choice for both skiers and snowboarders. Of course, the mountain offers many other fun winter activities like tubing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. What most impressed us about the mountain was the modern ski lodge at its base, which offers ample seating and loads of delicious food - for those of you who have skied at various mountains, you know this is not a common setup. There is plenty to enjoy here during your ski vacation beyond the trails, including great food and fun shopping. In/Out Ski Lodging: We booked our stay at The Village Lodge Mammoth. The lodge offers fully stocked two-bedroom apartments in the heart of the village with the gondola just a few feet away, making hitting the slopes super convenient. The hotel room was extremely clean, the service was friendly and professional, and the location is unbeatable. The rooms have two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, a sleeper sofa, and a dining room which was spacious enough for our family of five. The only downside to the room amenities is that the televisions are really old, ruining our plans of huddling around the sofa to stream a movie. I can't remember when the last time I watched cable television was, although we got a kick out of watching old episodes of classics like COPS and Criminal Minds. The Resort: The ski resort is reminiscent of the resorts in Telluride and Snowmass. My family kept mentioning that it didn't feel like we were in California; what a different experience to be in the snow-kissed Northern mountains of the state than the sunny coast in the south! The village center is small and quaint with a solid balance of retail shops and restaurants. While my husband and kids were on the slopes, I enjoyed perusing the shops and exploring on my own. You'll find everything you'll need available here from an ice-cream shop to outdoor communal firepits; retail stores with mountain gear to massage spas; and dining options ranging from Mexican cuisines to crepes and everything in between. If you love chocolate as much as I do, you'll be thrilled to have Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at your doorstep. This decadent shop will leave you in an indecisive dilemma so just take a deep breath and order everything that catches your eye. It's all delicious. We noshed on birthday cake truffles, macadamia nuts in dark chocolate clusters, dark chocolate pecans swirled in caramel, creamy peanut butter logs dipped in dark chocolate, peanut butter rice Krispie treats... and more! Every bite is heavenly and personally, I made sure to make a daily visit to this sweet shop! For your daily dose of caffeine, head over to Vida Coffee for a perfect cup of Joe. This unpretentious cafe serves a creamy latte at a perfect temperature along with some yummy sandwich options. I loved starting my day with a Vida cup in hand. No vacation is complete without an awesome scoop or two. Hugs Ice-Cream makes premium craft ice-creams in a variety of delicious flavors. They're a bit on the pricey side but well worth the yummy flavors and discussions around the many hug references they post throughout the shop. Where to Eat: Morrison's truly surprised us with their consistently delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients and served in an expansive dining room that captures a warm, lodge feel. With a fire roaring and panoramic windows capturing the falling snowflakes, this spot is a quintessential ski resort experience. We started with the Hamachi Tostadas served with cucumber cilantro relish and serrano peppers, Buffalo Chicken Wings, Smoked Matsu Sauce Chicken Wings, and Muenster Cheese Asado topped with an heirloom tomato bruschetta served on soft grilled crostini. The appetizers were unbelievably tasty and instantly devoured. The cheese bruschetta was such a hit we ordered a second round. For our mains, we savored the half-pound burger (which the kitchen so kindly split in half for sharing purposes), the grilled barramundi filet, a caesar salad, and the baby greens salad. Everything was SO good. I was a bit leery eating at Gomez's Mexican Restaurant because of their low 3.9-star reviews on google. Honestly, I had low expectations of the food scene at Mammoth Mountain entirely as, despite a lot of research, very few restaurants have solid reviews. Yet, Gomez's surprised us all. With a lively dining room, enormous tequila bar, and a delicious Mexican menu coupled with fantastic service, I can confidently recommend this restaurant to you. We started our meal with the nachos grande and the coconut lime shrimp, which were both outstanding and left behind no trace that they ever existed on a plate. My jalapeno sting tequila made with mezcal was a perfect accompaniment to my meal. Few places can properly balance a margarita ensuring that it is not too sweet or not too sour, and Gomez's perfectly prepares this cocktail. For our main entrees, four of us opted for a bean, cheese, and rice burrito served with enchilada sauce and sour cream on top. My kids practically ate the giant burrito in one bite. Despite how delicious it was, I couldn't finish the entire thing and saved half for lunch the next day (which I ended up eating for breakfast because I couldn't wait until lunch!). My husband ordered the chicken and shrimp sizzling fajitas and truly enjoyed his dish as well. We all left extremely satisfied with the quality of the food and the fresh ingredients. Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop is yet another example of the many poorly reviewed restaurants in Mammoth that deliver really good food. Although this BBQ joint caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike, it's not for those counting their calories. We noshed on their crispy rock shrimp tossed in spicy aioli, mozzarella sticks with a chipotle dip, a vegetarian bowl of chili, butternut squash soup, a couple of orders of macaroni and cheese, and a half-smoked chicken. Food-wise, all the dishes were fantastic. Service could use some tweaking. Our main meals came out at the same time as our appetizers and we needed to wait quite a while to get our credit card back from the waitress. I would imagine that the service is the main reason for their low ratings because you'll have zero complaints about the food itself. I hope that by now you are tempted to book your winter escape to Mammoth. Get ready to enjoy endless trails, blue skies, relatively warm temperatures, great dining options, and mostly wonderful memory-making in this spectacular region of California.

One of the things that I love most about living in California is the unlimited access to breathtaking national parks. Death Valley is one of those places you don't want to miss, except in the summer when the scorching heat reaches temperatures over one hundred degrees. Plan your trip in the cooler winter months; we went on Martin Luther King Weekend and loved the brisk early mornings and evenings that hugged the sunny, and warm days. Below I share with you some useful tips when planning your trip to Death Valley as well as our itinerary, which I personally think is perfect! I hope this comes in handy as you plan your adventure! Tips: As mentioned, avoid this area like the plague during the summer months. When exploring the region during the winter months, dress in layers. The temperature changes drastically from morning to afternoon and then to evening. Book a hotel inside the park. It will save you tons of driving time. Load up on sunscreen, the sun shines bright in Death Valley, even in the winter. Make sure your tank is full. There are long stretches of roads with no signs of civilization in sight. You don't want to find yourself in the middle of nowhere stuck without gas. Download maps in advance. Cellular service is non-existent throughout the park. Make sure you know how to get to where you're headed without relying on your GPS. You must purchase a park pass at either of the park's main entrances and display it on your dashboard when parking throughout the park. Buy LOTS of water bottles and store them in your trunk so that you have a constant supply in between hikes. Our Itinerary (coming in from the California entrance): Day One: We embarked on our journey at 7:00 am, with a packed breakfast, lunch, and plenty of snacks. The drive to Death Valley from San Diego is quite striking. Depending on what direction you come from, be prepared to drive through ghost towns and perhaps see wild mules close up as we did! Just a few miles past Furnace Creek Visitor Center, where you will purchase your park entrance ticket which is valid for seven days, head over to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for mountain-sized dunes comprised of the softest sand. The grains are so minuscule that you barely feel them in your hands. The landscape here is a playground for all ages with tons of dunes to roll down, sand peaks to climb to absorb the views, and hundreds of tarantula dens! Look for their burrowed homes throughout the rolling dunes - you won't miss them. If you're brave, get close enough to sneak a peek and spot these critters in their homes. For those who need more action than just roaming countless acres of dunes, you may want to bring a sled since the park does not rent any. Next on the agenda was Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. Here you'll truly encounter an other-worldly experience. During the winter, the surrounding mountain peaks are kissed with snow and the expansive salt flats trick your brain into thinking that you are walking on snow when you're actually walking on salt. As you head back to the parking lot make sure to look out for the sign hidden in the mountain ahead marking sea level to gain a strong appreciation of exactly where you are standing at that very moment. Devil's Golf Course is just a quick drive from Badwater Basin and will drive your brain bonkers with the surreal, vast terrain made of salt formations. Many of these are super sharp so please consider avoiding the urge to walk far into the Mars-like land. The stones are hard to navigate and we saw many people fall and get hurt by spiky structures. To be safe, and to protect the landscape, stand back and soak in the miles of endless beauty that has taken hundreds of thousands of years to form into a truly remarkable and unforgettable sight. After lots of driving and exploring, we headed to the hotel (an hour before check-in time) to unwind a bit. The Inn at Death Valley is one of four hotels inside the national park and offers the most lux accommodations. Truly a desert oasis, the hotel's bright green palm trees add a pop of color to the natural dirt landscape. In terms of aesthetics and convenience to popular trails and spots in the park, this hotel is the best choice. Guests who book one of the newly built casitas are provided a personal golf cart to get around the property. The rooms are also great for families. They boast a small kitchenette, outdoor seating area, and multiple sleeping areas. If you decide to book a casita, make sure to drive around the sprawling property. We spotted a wolf less than fifty feet away from us! My only complaint about this hotel is the limited dining options. The restaurant is so absurdly expensive for incredibly untasty food. The slow service takes it to a whole new level and the staff is not the most helpful. For example, they didn't know how to answer whether the $49 salmon was wild or farm-raised and couldn't ask the chef because he was not working in the kitchen on that day. Hmmm...I skipped the salmon. In any case, on our second day, we tried our luck at the hotel lounge which offers better service, and although their menu is even smaller, the cocktails, and nibbles were by far better than the main restaurant. After refueling with an afternoon glass of wine and some snacks, put your explorer hats back on and follow Mother Nature's bountiful beauty. We didn't want to miss the famous sunset at Zabriskie Point, so we decided to get there at 4:00 pm to wander and get ready for the skies magic show. The breathtaking panorama here overlooks canyons and gulches that change colors by the minute as the sun prepares to call it a day. I think Zabriskie Point is a must-stop while in the park and I'd even dare to say a must on your bucket list. This place on our planet is heavenly in all aspects. If you need a refresher course on humbleness, this is the place to grab a free lesson. Notes: After dinner, we drove across the street to The Inn at Death Valley's sister property, The Ranch at Death Valley to check it out. This hotel is geared towards families and offers buffet-style restaurants, a convenience store, and an ice-cream saloon. If you find yourself craving a scoop while you're in the middle of nowhere, rest assured your craving will be satiated. We also took a seven-minute drive to Harmony Borax Works which is known for exceptionally dark skies and incredible stargazing opportunities. Unfortunately, the moon was full, and it lit up the sky on both nights we drove over but you should give it a try when you are in the area! Day Two: Death Valley has loads of trails for all levels. Make sure that everyone in your group packs their bags with a couple of water bottles, snacks, a cap, a layer, and sunscreen to ensure you have everything you need for a wonderful day ahead! Start your day with an unforgettable sunrise at Zabriskie Point. I can't suggest a more exhilarating way to begin your day than watching the sun paint the sky in the most striking hues of pinks and oranges. Should you wish to begin your day with the utmost feeling of gratitude, look no further than waking up with the sun at this spectacular location. Next, drive over to the Golden Canyon Trailhead. This is one of the more popular trails in the park so I highly suggest heading over as soon as the sun rises. Not only will you beat the heat, but you'll also beat the crowds. We had the entire trail to ourselves. This trail is aptly named Golden Canyon as the canyons remarkably resemble gold when the sun hits them. It's a fairly easy 2.5-mile hike; make sure to continue the hike onto the Red Cathedral path where you'll be greeted by some fun rock scrambling and slot canyons and a very cool naturally occurring amphitheater. Let loose and release some howls to hear your voice bounce back off the rocks and then find some taller areas to safely climb up to a magical lookout point. At this point, you'll probably get hungry so head back to the hotel for a carby breakfast that will hold you over until lunchtime. One of the biggest advantages of staying at The Inn at Death Valley is the proximity to everything so you can easily drive back to the hotel to re-energize and refuel. Following breakfast head on over to The Natural Bridge Trail for a moderately difficult but short two-mile hike that offers constant changes in terrain which will keep you wondering what to expect next. From dried-out waterfalls to gorgeous stone colors, huge boulders to a beautiful, naturally occurring bridge, your eyes will be wild with excitement. My biggest suggestion here for you is that you'll reach a point that will make you think the trail has come to an end because of the tall, smooth rock formations that form a barrier but keep going. Many fellow hikers turned back around at this point. However, one of the most fun parts of this trail is figuring out how to climb these rocks and to challenge yourself to keep climbing up until you truly hit a point where you cannot possibly climb any higher. Just be careful, the rocks are slippery! Next, rest your legs and drive through two strikingly scenic routes: Twenty Mule Team Road (2.5 miles) and the better-known Artist's Drive (9 miles). You'll find yourself hopping out of your car often. The vistas are so stunning you'll want to not only see them, you'll want to get out and be in them. Artist's Drive takes you to Artist's Palette which are mountains that Nature decided to use as her canvas and paint in various hues of color from mineral deposits that have been made over the centuries. There's so much to see and do in the park but we decided to head back to the hotel for a late afternoon snack. I'm so glad we did! That's when we spotted the wild wolf while we were riding in our golf cart. We ended the day with one last sunset at Zabriskie Point, this time, we walked the trail into the valley which gave us an entirely different perspective than when we were above looking down. You can easily find this trail to the right of the viewpoint entrance. There is so much more to explore in Death Valley and we plan to return one day to dive into the other sides and sites of the park. If you're looking for a visit that balances some relaxation and eliminates driving time while also immersing yourself in a great itinerary, I think you'll find this post quite helpful. It's always great when you leave a place wanting more of it, giving you good reason to return for a second visit!

In March of 2020, we abruptly left our home in New York City for three months to escape to Long Island in hopes of dodging the uncertain beginnings of the Covid pandemic. We eagerly sought to tuck ourselves in a safe haven away from the anticipated looming dangers of the pandemic outbreak. After this escape to the burbs, we returned home for two weeks before packing our bags once again to embark on a road trip that unexpectedly carried us for ten glorious months as we explored the USA. After this unforgettable experience, we returned to our New York City apartment for three months before hitting the road once more for three more weeks as we made our way to California, our new home state. For our first four months in San Diego, we stayed in a temporary rental. Last week, we moved again. This time, I anticipate planting ourselves for quite a while. When I look back at how much we bounced around for the past twenty-one months I am left in disbelief by how often we moved, how many beds we slept in, how many homes we called home, and how many times we packed and unpacked our suitcases. For almost two years we lived free-spirited lives, ignoring all social constructs and defying the norms. Still, no matter where we slept, we always felt at home. Together we redefined how "home" is defined by most. For us, we learned, that home is wherever we were together. Slowly reality began to trickle in. Schools resumed normal operations. Businesses were beginning to operate as usual. As parents, we began to believe that it was time to give our children stability. But what is stability? I struggle with this concept. I continue to vacillate between wanting to plant our roots in order to resume a "normal" life again while yearning to continue living an unscripted life with just my husband and children. When it was just the five of us, I felt more stable than ever. However, eventually, we succumbed to normalcy and here we are, almost two years later, establishing one central place to call home. I miss our days on the road; five pioneers discovering new territories together as we saught daily adventures. We had no distractions but the calls of nature which mesmerized us on a regular basis. We had time. So much time. I have never felt so liberated. We were free to wander as we pleased with no major restrictions because the world was too busy trying to figure itself out. I never found myself missing our daily routine or even our NYC apartment that was our home for eleven years. Instead, I quickly fell into the groove of having zero attachments. I didn't need closets full of clothes, or dozens of shoes, or a house full of stuff. All that mattered during our escapades on the road was keeping our children safe, healthy, and making the best of a grim global situation. We were able to master this goal out of one suitcase for months at a time. Here we are almost two years later in a new city, across the country, and in a new permanent home. Don't get me wrong, I love our new home. I spent the last three months completely immersed in building this home so that we could make new memories in it. But with this home comes attachments and responsibilities that I really could do without. I find myself staring into my new walk-in closet, wondering how I went from being perfectly content living out of a suitcase to designing a spacious closet that can hold more clothes than I'll ever need. Our new home is beautiful. Every corner has been touched by my creative input to make it ours. I am grateful to live in this home. Honestly though, despite all these realizations, I find myself conflicted. Being without a permanent home for two years proved to be more empowering and fulfilling than any plot of land you can dangle before me. I miss the road. I miss breaking boundaries and living an unordinary life. How we went from living like gypsies (ok, maybe more like glam gypsies) to living like the Joneses I haven't quite figured out. The past three months have been spent with laser precision focused solely on getting this house ready for our children. Nature's call has been a faint whisper, one I have repeatedly ignored. Time slipped through my grasp over these past few months with days melting into nights. I take pride in what I have accomplished in such a short period of time. Many have told me it was an impossible undertaking. Despite all the accolades and beautiful design of our new abode, I sorely miss our days floating around, when each day was a new adventure, a new experience, a new beginning. It's been one week since we moved into our new, permanent home. I am thrilled to see the results of all our hard work and executed vision slowly unfold. I must be transparent though - I often see our car parked in the driveway and fantasize about throwing our suitcases in the trunk, filling up the tank, and just driving for countless miles. Home is where you are, in your heart and mind. You can be anywhere and everywhere and be home. I am having a hard time shifting from the evolution of home being everywhere to being confined to a home inside these walls we have built. Something about owning a home makes me feel ordinary again. That's a word I don't like being associated with. So, if I am not on the road, I guess my next step is to live an unordinary life within the home we built. That's a whole other blog post. Our children have been exceptionally resilient. They love the new space we created yet have expressed that it doesn't feel like home so far since we have not been in it long enough. So is "home" defined by units of time? To me, home is anywhere as long as I am with them. To them, home is anywhere that you settle in for a long period of time. I wonder, years from now, how they will reflect back on their experiences for the past two years. Do they secretly miss life on the road as much as I do? Or do they crave comfort in long-term housing? Thus far, they have only expressed positive feedback on the aesthetics of our new house. Do they want to plant themselves in one space again for a long period of time? I have asked them, they seem to be as confused as I am. Two years is a long time, but we all know how quickly it passes. Twenty-one months of bed-hopping throughout cities has become a blur in my mind but the euphoric feeling of regular explorations and daily encounters with the unknown remain crystal clear. We shared unforgettable experiences that can never be relived. Is it really better to rest our heads on one pillow for years? My honest response is no. And yes. When you have children in their teens, who are changing at lightning speed pace and crave social interactions, there is a need to hunker down and let them experience relationships, challenges, and routine. But, if you have toddlers or elementary school-aged children, or no children, I say, pack your car and drive for as far and long as you can until life pulls you back to your driveway. For me, it's a no-brainer; when our children are off to college, my husband and I will return to a life of living like Airbnb groupies, jumping from house to house and city to city. The calling is too hard to ignore. In fact, I hear its calls every day as I sit back attempting to admire our new home. For now, I'll stay put for my children and focus on creating a warm, loving environment for them in this one space. However, when they are off to their adult lives, I'll be off to Route 66 with the wind in my hair, music blaring, with no plan, and mostly, no attachments. Yet, even then, I'll be home.

It took me thirteen months, and thousands of miles on the road, to bury the many obstacles that kept me from evolving into the person I wanted to become. Once we finally parked our car in our new hometown of San Diego, I felt recharged, at my healthiest mental and physical state, and ready to take on new career roles and accomplish new goals. Little did I know that the tasks ahead of me would challenge me more than I was prepared to be. Quickly falling into entirely gutting our new home has left me dazed and confused more often than I'd like. Everyone is asking me whether I am obsessed with San Diego. I honestly answer them that I am actually miserable. Gone are the days of beachy weekends, extended hikes, morning routines that begin with a workout, and a clear and focused mind. For the past two months, I have been sleeping for four hours a night, waking up at the crack of dawn with a racing mind and heart. There is something that I find deeply traumatizing about breaking walls that remain exposed for a couple of months. Can someone please patch the walls already? In my personal life, I have strategically built walls that often kept me feeling safe and protected. Being completely exposed has never been a place that I have found comfort in. Like my open ceilings and walls, I have been feeling very raw and vulnerable lately. I keep wondering how I got to where I am. The biggest challenge has actually not been the construction itself. Instead, the most stressful aspect has been dealing with the people I count on to build my home. I have been forced to bite my tongue, give up sleep, and not say a word in fear of upsetting the equilibrium that seems to only stay intact when contractors are not asked questions or told what to do. Regardless of our GC's resistance (actually, we have two GC's but that's a whole other blog post), I continue to be the self-appointed project manager of the construction of my home, knowing fully well that it makes my team angry. I'm not trying to spite anyone, I reasonably want an active role in decision making, alleviating mistakes (and boy have I caught some serious errors), and moving the timeline along to its target date of completion. Personally, I am baffled that my general contractors are surprised that I would like a role in the decision-making and scheduling of my home. Yet I have learned through this process that ego is a far greater disease than we think. Here is a glimpse of how communication has changed since construction began and specific examples of how my questions have transformed over the last couple of months: Me (month one): When is the tile crew coming in, to tile the bathroom? Me (month two): I am not asking you this to challenge you, I know that you are completely in control of everything. I am just wondering for my own knowledge, when is the tile crew coming in, to tile the bathroom? Where am I? How did I get here? I am aware that I am fully responsible for the choices that I made leading us into this re-gut. But how did I get to the point where I have allowed myself to feel weak, dismissed, and scared to ask a fucking question? Mostly, how did I consciously allow myself to throw away thirteen months' worth of personal healing in just two months? It's one thing to deal with the predictable delays in scheduling and excessive costs that come with construction. Everyone expects that. I guess what I didn't expect is the drama, machismo dudes, and egoism that I'd face every time I just have a simple question. It's been exhausting. Draining. Unhealthy, in fact. My only hope lies in what others keep assuring me: "that it will all be worth it in the end". Leisurely kayak rides with new friends, coffee dates near the seals, dates with my husband, even time with my kids have all been on hold so that I can give every ounce of my energy to miraculously make an eight-month project happen in three months. My team constantly reminds me of the time limitations, yet I repeatedly remind them that if we stay on task we will get it done. They hate when I say that. But it's true. I have always been a firm believer that if we say we will, we just will. Although they would hate to admit it, they are keeping up brilliantly. I just have to manage temper tantrums in between the progress. So, where am I? I am no longer waking up at 5:00 am to journal and meditate, nor am I taking surfing lessons as I hoped to when we moved here. Instead, I awaken at 4:00 am to place orders, send status emails, write checks, respond to emails requiring my input and then spend the next eight hours of my day at the house meeting with electricians, plumbers, contractors, etc... This is just where I am these days. It's not where I'd hoped to be when we moved to San Diego, but it's where I ended up. My husband and I have always consciously avoided the "system" of homeownership that everyone seems to gravitate towards. Yet here we are. Please trust me on this, if there was a rental to our liking, we would have grabbed it in a minute. Apparently, everyone wants to live in La Jolla these days and the real estate market is pretty much non-existent, for sales or rentals. Despite the headache, I'm actually grateful that we found a home to live in at all! Last night, during one of my regular dates with insomnia, I decided to stop pussyfooting around the people on "my team" who make me feel bad about being invested in my home. I also convinced myself to stop self-victimizing. People are tough. Their layers are thicker than the drywall, beams, AND insulation that compose my ceilings. Human beings are complicated. Perhaps I am too. All I want is to get this house completed without a nervous breakdown, a complete deterioration of the strength I mustered during our road trip or a health scare from all the stress I've been enduring. I just want to move in. I aim for the day when people ask me whether I am loving San Diego and I proudly answer "I am exactly where I want to be".

It has been an entire month since we have relocated to the west coast. Would you believe it if I told you that it feels like we have lived in La Jolla for years now? We have been incredibly busy immersing ourselves in our new lives here and boy has it taken up a lot of our time! Firstmost worth mentioning is the completely different vibe and lifestyle that is embedded in the daily lives of the locals. Unlike New York City, where everyone's schedule is full for months in advance, La Jollans do not compete in the game of "who is busiest". In fact, they go with the flow and make plans just a couple of days in advance. No major notice is needed and somehow it all works out harmoniously. Secondly, the folks in La Jolla are the warmest and most welcoming people we have met. They are not only willing to introduce us to others they know, but they are also eager to do so. We have been introduced to so many people. In fact, I had to cancel plans this week with a new connection because our schedule was beginning to get too inundated (no worries, I will reschedule!). We have already been on a double date, two parent-only social events, a small house party, and plenty of dates with parents who have children similar to our children's ages. We have been invited to dinner next week where we will be introduced to yet another family and have a housewarming party to attend the following week as well. We have even been invited to an "after-party" that sounds like it could bring a wild night our way! I never thought it would be this easy to begin meeting people in a new city. Yet, the openness and kindness of the people here allowed us to jump right into a new social life. Let's talk about the kind of kindness the people here imbue. Our son celebrated his birthday last month. He has made a new circle of friends through his high school sport's team and spent a lot of time with these new friends during August. On his birthday he spent the last part of the day with his new friends at a friend's house. The mother of this friend, who I have yet to meet, bought our son a birthday cake and together with his new friends sang him into his new year ahead. In my experiences, this is an unheard-of gesture but as I spend more time here, I realize it is pretty typical behavior in our new community. The residents here are pretty awesome. We had some bumps getting our kids into the water. Keep in mind, our kids have been swimming in the ocean their entire lives. Unfortunately, they quickly learned about the stingray population on the nearby coast and refused to swim despite everyone's encouragement that they'd be just fine as long as they "shuffle". A couple of weeks ago we finally made a breakthrough and personally witnessed a miracle when all three of them got in the ocean and playfully jumped into the waves as they have done since they were infants. For a moment, I was truly concerned that we moved to a beach town and that ironically our children would never swim in the ocean! This was a big hurdle in our home and thankfully we are past it. I, on the other hand, refuse to get in the water. Not because of a fear of stingrays but simply because the water temperature is too frigid for me. I love swimming in the sea and have found it quite torturous to stare at pristine, aqua waters without getting in past my knees. Perhaps I'll need to invest in a wet suit soon. Our children have impressed us the most in their ability to transition so flawlessly. Our boys have signed up for sports that they have never participated in and our daughter has been accepted into competitive dance teams. The kids spent the first few weeks of August in their appropriate camps, meeting new friends, and most importantly getting around independently. In New York City we never allowed them to commute further than our local park. This freedom was given only to our boys because there are too many creepy men lurking on New York City streets to allow an eleven-year-old girl to walk alone. Even our boys were never permitted to get around the city on the subway, or even an uber, because of safety concerns. Here, they are free to roam as they wish and they zip to school and extracurricular activities on their electric scooters while also meeting friends at various nearby destinations on their own. I am still learning to feel comfortable behind the wheel. Mastering confident driving is probably my biggest obstacle right now. I have driven to the village and around La Jolla on my own (which is a huge accomplishment considering I haven't driven in thirteen years!). It's hard not to feel comfortable on the roads here as there are stop signs at every turn and the speed limit is at a constant limit of 25 mph but I am still becoming accustomed to this new skillset. I would, however, like to expand my horizons and get a sense of independence on the roads beyond La Jolla too. It's been one month. Baby steps. The weather is incredible. I often need a layer with me, even in August. My body has been accustomed to summer temperatures that reach the nineties so seventy degrees feels quite chilly at times! Life has been different indeed. I am forced to learn not to expect fast responses and not to plan far ahead. But these are lessons I welcome entirely. I learned that if my children have so quickly transformed their sense of fashion and their new interests to adapt to west coast life, I too have an opportunity to be malleable and push myself to new heights. They have inspired me and left me in awe over how quickly they adapted. Instead of pigeons, we now watch hummingbirds and cardinals flutter their wings. Instead of the Hudson River, we have the Pacific Ocean on our horizon. Instead of black clothing and heels, I'm in flats and colorful dresses. Instead of blown-out hair and polished nails, I don my curls proudly and wave my hands in their natural state. The thing that is most pressing in my mind about this massive move is that had we not made it we would have always convinced ourselves that New York City was the right place for us. And NYC was the perfect place for us at the time and could have been for decades to come. When we don't know what we are missing, we are safely protected in a state of ignorance that convinces us that our situation is the best one for us. In truth though, there are many circumstances that have positive impacts on all of us human beings. The most dangerous risk is staying complacent or convincing ourselves that we need to remain on a certain path which really limits our potential and ability to experience life at its greatest capacity, wouldn't you agree? Picking up and moving is not easy. It was a terribly difficult decision for us. We're just one month in and I can already tell that this will be one of the best decisions we ever made. I hope to move again, and again, and again in my lifetime. Now that I have discovered this big secret, I know that although we are very likely to be happy in San Diego for years to come, there is a whole world full of other wonderful places that we could be happy in too. With each move, comes new changes, new experiences, and most excitedly a new me!

Over the last year, we have spent ten months on the road traveling 25,000 miles as we immersed ourselves in twenty-three states and over eighty cities. When the pandemic hit we fled New York City in a massive panic not wanting to be locked down and imprisoned in our apartment with three kids. We didn't know where to go so we decided to just drive and see where the roads took us. I cannot believe that the time has come to park our car. It will take a long while to process this incredible journey. There is so much that we experienced, learned, and witnessed on this trip. One of the biggest lessons was to embrace change and work with it rather than against it. With this open-mindedness came an even bigger change in our life- a move to San Diego. The road guided us through a magical journey and gave us the strength and confidence to make big changes. Below, I share with you some of our biggest discoveries should you wish to navigate the road too, or at least attain a perspective of someone who has. The Cities We Explored in the Order Visited. We moved around fifty-three times during our road trip journey. During each city that we used as our home base, we ventured out to discover nearby towns, sites, and National Parks. In total, we explored more than eighty cities (I lost track at this point). My "Best (and worst) of List" is based on only the cities that we visited below. Feel free to click through the links to read through the restaurants, sites, parks, and excursions we enjoyed at every spot. **Please note all changes made since the first publication of this article are noted in pink below** One month Hilton Head, SC (with day trips to Old Town Bluffton, Savannah, and Daufuskie Island) Two weeks St. Simons Island, GA (with day trips to Sea Island, Amelia Island, and Jekyll Island) Four Days Charleston, SC Four nights Kiawah Island, SC Three nights Asheville, NC Two nights Smoky Mountains, TN One night Nashville, TN One night Memphis, TN Two nights Dallas, TX (with a day trip to Fort Worth, TX) Ten nights Austin, TX Two nights Marfa, TX Two weeks Santa Fe, NM Seven nights Lake Powell, UT Six nights Telluride, CO Two nights Moab, UT Five nights St. George, UT One night Las Vegas, NV Seven nights Palm Springs, CA Two nights Los Angeles, CA Five nights Santa Barbara, CA Six nights Carmel, CA and stops along The Pacific Coast Highway Two nights Yosemite, CA Two nights San Francisco, CA Four nights Gold Coast, OR Seven nights Portland, OR with day strips to the Northern coast Two nights Port Angeles, WA Five nights Seattle, WA Sixteen nights Couer d'Alene, ID Five nights Big Sky, MT Seven nights Jackson, WY Seven nights Snowbird, UT with day trips to Sundance and Salt Lake City Six nights Deer Valley, UT Seven nights Snowmass, CO One night Las Vegas, NV Six weeks San Diego, CA Seven nights Flagstaff, AZ Nine nights Santa Fe, NM Three nights Austin, TX Two nights New Orleans, LA One night Knoxville, TN One night in Cleveland, OH Two nights in Grand Haven, MI One night in Chicago, IL Two nights in Madison, WI Two nights in Minneapolis, MN One night in Sioux Falls, SD Two nights in Mount Rushmore, SD Three nights in Montana One night in Dayton, WA Three nights in Bend, OR One night in San Francisco (did not write about this visit as I didn't have many positive things to say about the city) One night in Pismo Beach, CA Two nights in Westlake Village, CA City With Best Practices To Protect Our Planet: Seattle, Washington. Seattle was the only city we visited where composting is a common practice in every household. In 2009, Seattle implemented a law requiring all residential properties to either subscribe to food and yard waste collection or participate in backyard composting. I personally loved composting for the five nights we stayed in our Seattle Airbnb. It was much easier to compost than I imagined! Nice job Seattle! Of course, other cities in the US, like Boulder, also require that residents compost, but again, I am only highlighting cities that we visited on our road trip. Best Lodging Experiences: Roam Beyond outside of Glacier National Park and The Four Seasons in West Lake Village are two of America's best lodging options. There are a plethora of incredible properties in the United States and it was hard to choose "winners" in this category but these two sites deserve notable mention for their service, impeccable attention to detail, location, and offerings of unique experiences. Worst Luxury Hotel in the United States: Sadly, the Hotel Fairmont San Fransisco effortlessly earns this not-so-wonderful title. We arrived at a room with urine on the toilet. We called housekeeping (twice) to resolve the matter. After forty-five minutes of waiting for someone to resolve the matter, we ended up cleaning it ourselves (YUCK!). When speaking with management about the issue, they proved that they couldn't care less. Making matters worse, the hotel bar closes at 9:00 pm. The hotel enforces a curfew on its guests. We met several very disappointed guests who could not enjoy the hotel facilities because of all the harsh rules and restrictions. Although it is located in posh Nob Hill, getting anywhere by foot is impossible due to the hotel's location on top of the hill. This hotel is not worthy of its luxury, five-star reputation. Simply put, we couldn't wait to check out. City Win For Worst Job Wearing Masks During Height of Pandemic: Couer d'Alene, Idaho certainly wins for the least masked city that we visited (followed by Asheville, NC, and Gatlinburg, TN). Not only were pedestrians unmasked in this lake town, so were staff members in most restaurants we visited. In fact, an employee told me that most restaurants in Couer d'Alene won't let you in if you are wearing a mask. State With Best Laws to Keep an Immaculate Coast: Oregon wins in this category. We traveled up along its entire coast and didn't see a speck of litter thanks to the state's hefty litter laws which charge perpetrators with misdemeanors. Even disposing of a cigarette butt is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500. Great job Oregon! State With Best Art Scene: Santa Fe, New Mexico. The countless art galleries along Canyon Road and in The Plaza are truly mesmerizing. While many of the artists whose work is exhibited draw on inspiration from the area's Native American culture, as well as the surrounding desert landscapes, you will find all themes and genres available for viewing and sale. The curators who manage the shop are so passionate about the art that they exhibit and happily walk you through the artists' bio for as long as you'll listen. Similarly, the artists who are often found in the galleries, are warm and eager to share their craft with visitors. Not one gallery scoffed or batted an eye when I entered their delicate space with three children in tow. Instead, they welcomed us in and made sure to include exciting information that will appeal to my younger crew. Many beautiful cities throughout our country proudly display the artistic creations of their local artists. However, Santa Fe is the only city that has galleries that are consistently staffed by loving, enthusiastic, and conversationalist art lovers in spaces that blend beautifully into the desert. Cities Worstly Run During the Pandemic: This category is tied between New York City, San Francisco, and Portland. These once bustling cities were eerily empty during the pandemic with too many businesses and livelihoods unnecessarily destroyed by poor leadership. One of the most eye-opening experiences of our road trip was seeing first-hand how most of the country handled the pandemic. Although most cities were bustling with activity, these three were sadly transformed into ghost towns. The Soberest State: Utah. Don't bother searching for a well-curated mom-and-pop wine boutique in Utah as all bottle purchases are sold in state-run liquor stores only. The shops resemble state penitentiaries and effectively made us wonder if we really needed wine. Keep in mind when visiting, there are no sales of alcohol sold in state-run liquor stores on Sundays or National Holidays. While we were in St. George locals sent us to Nevada to stock up and while we were in Deer Valley locals sent us to Wyoming. Not only do these bordering states have fewer restrictions, their bottle prices are much lower since Utah also deters drinking by adding additional booze taxes. Another quirky rule in Utah requires you to order food with your cocktails, which is probably a good idea anyway. Finally, for the purists who like their drinks straight up and neat, be prepared for the smallest pour you have ever received. Tip: if you find yourself in a bind on a Sunday, you can order a bottle of wine at a bar and take it home, if you're willing to pay the marked-up price that is. Most Beautiful Sports Stadium. Oracle Park in San Francisco has to be the nicest place to watch a baseball game in the country. I am not even a fan of the sport but it's impossible not to enjoy a game overlooking the San Fransisco Bay as ships sail by and the sun paints the sky in beautiful shades as it retreats for the day. Most Played Songs on the Radio While on the Road. These three specific songs were on the radio every day, several times a day, in every state. Who would have guessed?: Time After Time, Cindy Lauper Red, Red, Wine, UB40 Boys of Summer, Don Henley Most Otherworldly Landscape: Utah. Every human being should explore Utah at one point in their life. We used Moab, St. George, Lake Powell, Snowbird, and Deer Valley as home bases during our Utah discoveries. I highly recommend taking a couple of weeks to explore the first three cities I listed. There is no landscape in the country that surpasses what you will encounter in these areas of Utah. The state is as close as you'll ever get to discovering another planet. Easiest State to Lose Track of Time: Arizona. During our first stop in Arizona, we stayed in Page, which is literally a five-minute drive into the Lake Powell region of Utah. We passed those state borders several times each day and were thrown into the two different time zones so frequently we gave up on keeping track of time. We lost track of time again as we left California to head back to Flagstaff on our second visit to Arizona. Usually, Arizona is one hour ahead of California. However, we drove over on the first day of daylight saving, which is confusing enough, but apparently, Arizona does not switch over into daylight savings time along with the rest of the country, which kept us in the same time zone as California all along. Arizona has some super-duper spiritual properties along with its Vortex energy regions. The state also perfectly sucks you into a time warp and forces you to ditch your watch, get your hiking boots on, and rely on the sun's position to let you know what's up. I mean, is it really important to know what time it is? Best Street Art: Barrio Logan in San Diego and Alberta Arts District in Portland. Although we didn't visit Miami on this road trip, we have been to Wynwood Walls and it should be included in this category of Best Street Art in the USA. I am sure there will be many opinions in this category but I chose these three neighborhoods based on the ease of walking through the streets to view the murals as well as the quality of the murals themselves. For example, SODO Track District in Seattle has quite impressive murals but finding parking nearby was impossible as was viewing the murals themselves since they were so spread out with many being along main streets that had no sidewalks. In Barrio Logan and Alberta Arts District art lovers can easily meander through dozens of bright murals and absorb the passion, vision, and inspiration that brought each one to life. Winner for Most Represented State on the Road: Florida. The most ubiquitous license plate on the road from July of 2020 through April of 2021 was that of the Sunshine State. Floridians were driving all over the country in masses. We literally passed them on every road, in every parking lot of every National Park, and in every state, we drove through. These folks sure did hit the road. Go Florida! Hotel with Most Beautiful Private Cabanas, The Four Seasons in Westlake Village. We have yet to see cabanas of this caliber at any property that we have visited during our many travels. The hotel offers two exclusive full-serviced cabanas with the utmost privacy. Lounge chairs, a bed, a private plunge pool, a screen tv, and a dining table await those who seek the ultimate luxury experience. There is a call button to beckon the dotting staff who will refill your glasses with the complimentary bottle of champagne or cheerfully serve the food you order off the healthy menu. There is even a "do not disturb" sign letting them know you seek more privacy than already granted. We gulped up our four hours of bliss here. They passed too quickly. Cities With Worst Turnaround Time For Amazon Prime Members: No deliveries within forty-eight hours existed in the cities below during our time on the road. The rest of the cities we traveled to during the pandemic had very reliable delivery times. These four places specifically gave us a hard time and we had to learn to live without Amazon while visiting the cities below. Big Sky, MT Gold Beach, OR Jackson, WY Snowbird, UT Best Kept Secrets in the USA: Marfa, Texas. I don't want to share too much about this tiny city of 1,800 people in the middle of Texas. If Marfa was closer to an airport or major city, this art mecca would be inundated with visitors but fortunately, the closest access to civilization is two hundred miles away ensuring that this treasure is never overflowing with people. A worthwhile pilgrimage is a prerequisite to all who wish to experience the magic of Marfa. Those who are willing to make the trek are very well rewarded. Winona, MN. Winona ranks high on my list of the USA's best-undiscovered towns. Winona is located in southeast Minnesota sitting beautifully along the Mississippi River while nestled in a scenic bluff country that is loaded up with parks and picturesque perspectives. For a town of roughly twenty-seven thousand people, there is a lot to soak in here. I highly recommend an afternoon exploring this wonderful town Most people have a visit to Antelope Canyon on their bucket list but there are less-crowded, undiscovered slot canyons just outside of Zion National Park. The Upper Red Cave and Lower Red Cave in Oderville, Utah are as equally beautiful as the more popular Antelope Canyon, yet there are no crazy lotteries to enter nor will you see more than five other human beings in sight (in fact, we were the only ones there). Cholla Cactus Garden. I don't understand why the Cholla cactus is not the star of Joshua Tree National Park. I stumbled upon the Cholla Cactus Garden when researching the area but it did not pop up often or easily. This less-frequented area of the park is truly otherworldly. With the skies casting their blue hues and the Chollas resembling corals, I felt like I was walking on the grounds of a great big sea floating harmoniously through magnificent marine plants. Secret Beach on Oregon Coast. You will find paradise when heading South on the Samuel Boardman Corridor, just north of Thunder Rock Cove Lookout and1/3 mile south of milepost 345 on U.S. 101. Look to the right to find a small gravel parking lot off the side of the highway. Once you park, you will see two trails. Take the one on the right closest to the "parking lot". This secluded trail will lead you to one of the most spectacular sites most will never get to see in their lives. Madrid, New Mexico Pronounced MAD-rid, this quirky town in the middle of the New Mexico desert simply does not get enough attention. The historic village on the Torquoise Trail is packed with art, character, and plenty of eccentric characters. They even have a delicious chocolate shop run by an east coast transplant. Click on the link for more pictures and then add this undiscovered haven to your destination list. Practice the pronunciation before you head over, locals take the accentuation seriously. City That Worst Reflects American Values: Gatlinburg, TN There are cities in this country that still proudly bear confederate flags on their car and even display Confederate-themed tracksuits in their storefronts. Gatlinburg is one of them. Although the surrounding Smokey Mountains are breathtaking, the folks here may make you pause and wonder if Americans have evolved at all. Prettiest States: California and Oregon. Both of these states are absolutely breathtaking. Oregon's coast is so powerful, humbling, and abnormally gorgeous. From the south to the north the landscape changes along the shores and each beach has its own personality- some are so ominous you'll find yourself saying a little prayer while others are a scene out of Paradise and you'll have to pinch yourself a couple of times to remind yourself that you aren't dreaming. The little towns along the coast add so much flavor to experiencing the state. Similarly, California is equally spectacular. The mild temperature along with the constant sunshine and blue skies make locals and tourists want to be out all day soaking in the sun, beach, and incredible Californian vibe. These two states are hands down the most beautiful states in the USA. Best State to Chase Waterfalls: Oregon. If you dream of adventures filled with waterfall chasing then look no further. Whether you explore the coast of Oregon or more inland regions of this stunning state, like Bend, you will find spectacular waterfalls at every corner; yes, there are even waterfalls along the beaches. Most Spiritual Cities/Towns: Snowbird, UT I don't know how else to say it but to just say it: the towering mountain in Snowbird spoke to me. I know it sounds crazy, but I felt a divine presence all around me emanating from this spiritual mountain. I couldn't keep my eyes off of it and whether I meditated or exercised, its omnipotent presence really transformed me in many ways. This mountain is no joke and I had my most spiritual life experiences at its base. Sedona, AZ The vortex energy here is real. So here's the deal: We went to Sedona a few years ago and eagerly awaited for the vortex energy to kick in while visiting the various sites that are known for their presence, without any luck. During our second time around on this road trip, a guide took us to a specific spot we would have likely missed on our own, and BOOM! All five of us immediately felt the tingling sensation and magnetic pull in our extended hands. Whether you experience the sensations of the energy, or not, Sedona's landscape is so breathtaking that it seems unthinkable that anyone would come out of it not questioning their life path, goals, and purpose. Vortex energy or not, Sedona is filled with a sense of spirituality that draws on all the senses to be present, grateful, and aware. Santa Fe, NM We have visited Santa Fe three times, twice on this road trip. We are so drawn to the desert landscapes that permeate every aspect of the city. No other place perfectly blends into nature as well as Santa Fe does and its ability to do so brings an instant soothing and serene effect on those enjoying it. In addition, Native American culture is woven into every aspect of the culture here, further drawing visitors into spiritual realms. Finally, the nearby mountains offer many hiking trails, in various terrains, that further bring one towards nature and the divine presence that cannot be denied in this magical place. Best Ski Villages: It's hard to choose which ski towns we liked best since there are so many wonderful options in the country. Ultimately, these three make my "best of" list. Snowbird, UT Although a tiny resort, Snowbird has one of the most massive mountains to shred with over one hundred and forty trails, not for the faint of heart. There is no shopping district nor are there plenty of restaurants to choose from but the Cliff Lodge is a relaxing haven with a wonderful spa and two delicious restaurants. Zero frills are offered here because the main draw is the mountain. Seven nights was not enough, I could have easily spent a month here despite how few activities are offered. Jackson, WY Jackson is packed with incredible cuisine options, has a bustling Main Street filled with galleries and shops, offers endless outdoor activities and wildlife sightings, and even on the coldest of days the sky is clear and the sun shines bright calling all nature lovers outdoors. The skiing in Jackson Hole is great yet there is plenty to do and enjoy off the slopes as well. Although the town is stylish, it isn't pretentious. The locals are happy, interesting, and friendly. This small city instantly won my heart. Park City, UT likely has the largest downtown area with a long stretch of sidewalks lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. The town has a quaint charm to it and is really fun to explore. Even with several visits, we never got bored walking up and down its streets. Most Surprising City: Dallas, TX We didn't expect to love Dallas but we instantly fell in love. This city is extremely well-maintained and clean with beautiful architecture, countless delicious restaurants, and a plethora of charming neighborhoods each with its own unique charm. Our favorite parts of Dallas were the West Village, Bishop's Art District, Highland Park, Art District, and Historic Downtown. Aesthetically speaking, it's one of the nicest large cities in the USA. Personally, I don't think the city gets enough hype. Best Sunsets: Palm Springs, CA During sunset the sky turns into the prettiest hues of pink with enormous clouds that are reminiscent of cotton candy fluffs floating in the sky. Best Cityscape Views: The Pittock Mansion in Portland, Oregon has spectacular views of Portland with Mount Hood in the backdrop. Kerry Park offers breathtaking views of Seattle. Sausalito, CA provides stunning views of the San Francisco skyline with great views of Alcatraz too. Bali Hai, Shelter Island San Diego. This restaurant has unforgettable views of the San Diego skyline, especially during sunset when the city glows along with the sun. Must-Visit National Parks: Bryce Canyon National Park, UT Grand Canyon National Park, AZ Yosemite National Park, CA Zion National Park, UT Joshua Tree National Park (and Cholla Cactus Garden), CA Harris Beach State Park, OR Olympia National Park, WA Grand Teton National Park, WY Bandelier National Monument, NM Glacier National Park, MT Most Unusual Landmark: The Gum Wall in Seattle, WA. This is a frequented alley that is definitely a gross, yet oddly attractive, lane comprised of millions of pieces of chewed gum making for a very unusual installation. Best Place to Spend a Lazy, Seaside Summer Planted in One Place: Hilton Head, SC is an ideal place to plant yourself for a few weeks along vast shores, lush jungle-like landscapes, and plenty of bike trails. This laid-back island has everything you'll need in a summer getaway including easy access to great stops in Daufuskie Island and Charleston. St. Simons Island, GA is similarly laid back with many visitors opting to commute in golf carts around the small island. The coast here seems endless, leaving plenty of space for all sun soakers. Similar to Hilton Head, the island has great access to beautiful places to spend the day like Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Savanah, and nearby Sea Island. Most Beautiful Lake: Lake Powell, UT Rent a boat for the day and spend several glorious hours on this vast lake with epic landscapes awaiting at each turn. You'll have one of your most memorable experiences as you pull into Rainbow Bridge as towering boulders lead you to dock in the aqua waters. Best Drives: Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina Pacific Coast Highway, California Highway 101, Oregon, and into Washington High Road/Low Road Taos and Santa Fe (we drove this route on a past trip but had to include it on this list because it is absolutely stunning) Route 66 Going-to-the-Sun-Road, Glacier National Park Best European Towns in America: These towns transport you right out of the United States with no passports required. You'll find authentic regional food, entertainment, and attire in these lovely little cities. Solvang in California for a taste of Denmark. Leavenworth in Washington for a taste of Bulgaria. Best Architecture: Palm Springs, CA. Palm Springs has the largest concentration of perfectly preserved mid-century modern architecture in the world. The desert landscape is incorporated into every home, all of which are mostly beautifully unassuming. You can take a drive around the city to view the homes of celebrities like Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Leonardo DiCaprio, and many others. In Palm Springs, these stars don't live in estate-like mansions, instead, they vacation(ed) in unpretentious homes where the landscape is the star of the show. Architecture aficionados will have their heyday exploring the many historic homes in the area. Best Coastal Towns: La Jolla, CA Carmel, CA Laguna, CA Sausalito, CA Astoria, OR Cannon Beach, OR Best Restaurants Across the USA (not including New York City): Best Breakfast: The Stationaery Carmel, CA Horn & Cantle in Big Sky, MT The Foundry Grill Sundance, UT Prospect at Hotel Jerome Aspen, CO Best Brunch: Ellen's Dallas, TX Yards Spokane, WA Best Bakery: Clafoutis Santa Fe, NM Best Burrito: Marfa's Burrito, Marfa Texas The Shed, Santa Fe, NM Best Tacos: Don Bravo Grill, San Diego, CA Best Donuts: Broad Street Donut Co. Encinitas, CA Voodoo Doughnut, Portland, OR Best Ice-Cream: The Salty Dog Hilton Head, SC Amy's Ice Creams Austin, TX Sundae in Snowmass, CO Bonta Bend, OR Best Bar: St. Regis Deer Valley, UT The Carpenter Bar Sioux Falls, SD Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Oliver's Santa Barbara, CA Best Deli: Sausalito Gourmet Delicatessen Sausalito. CA Best Food Truck: Tacos La Pasadita in Green River, UT Best Dinners: Frannie & the Fox, Charleston, SC Gabriel's Santa Fe, NM La Bicyclette Restaurant, Carmel, CA Coelette, Jackson, WY Handle, Park City, UT Juniper & Ivy, San Diego, CA Shift Kitchen & Bar, Flagstaff, AZ Restaurant R'Evolution, New Orleans, LA Tenant, Minneapolis, MN Best Place to Live: La Jolla, CA After exploring through18,000 miles of USA roads, spending 260 days traveling through 16 states, we ultimately decided to leave New York City and move to La Jolla because it's just that perfect. It's a small coastal enclave in a fairly large city with lots to do, yet the population isn't too large where one would feel overwhelmed by the crowds. The weather is impeccable year-round, the coast is stunning and filled with marine wildlife, the political climate is centrist and calm, the school system is strong, and the great outdoors beckons you to enjoy the infinite opportunities to embrace Mother Nature. The locals are laid back and enjoy a slow-paced life with the sun and sea in their daily routine. Food options are fantastic as well as the shopping opportunities; it is a rather large city after all. Best of all, there are dozens of other magical sea towns (like Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Pacific Beach, etc) within just a twenty-minute drive ensuring that you'll never get bored. Day trips to the desert or National Parks abound and hey, it is in California which I voted as one of the two prettiest states in the United States. Most Beautiful Country in the World: The United States of America

After nine months on the road exploring our gorgeous country, I am super excited to share with you my personal "best of" list. Please note my list is only based on the cities we stopped in during our July 2020 through April 2021 road trip. I have noted the cities we visited below. I truly hope this will help guide you in your upcoming adventures throughout the many states we had the pleasure of visiting. The Cities We Explored in the Order Visited. We moved around forty times over our 260 days on the road. During each city that we used as our home base, we ventured out to discover nearby towns, sites, and National Parks. My "Best (and worst) of List" is based on only the cities that we visited below. Feel free to click through the links to read through the restaurants, sites, parks, and excursions we enjoyed at every spot: One month Hilton Head, SC (with day trips to Old Town Bluffton, Savannah, and Daufuskie Island) Two weeks St. Simons Island, GA (with day trips to Sea Island, Amelia Island, and Jekyll Island) Four Days Charleston, SC Four nights Kiawah Island, SC Three nights Asheville, NC Two nights Smoky Mountains, TN One night Nashville, TN One night Memphis, TN Two nights Dallas, TX (with a day trip to Fort Worth, TX) Ten nights Austin, TX Two nights Marfa, TX Two weeks Santa Fe, NM Seven nights Lake Powell, UT Six nights Telluride, CO Two nights Moab, UT Five nights St. George, UT One night Las Vegas, NV Seven nights Palm Springs, CA Two nights Los Angeles, CA Five nights Santa Barbara, CA Six nights Carmel, CA and stops along The Pacific Coast Highway Two nights Yosemite, CA Two nights San Francisco, CA Four nights Gold Coast, OR Seven nights Portland, OR with day strips to the Northern coast Two nights Port Angeles, WA Five nights Seattle, WA Sixteen nights Couer d'Alene, ID Five nights Big Sky, MT Seven nights Jackson, WY Seven nights Snowbird, UT with day trips to Sundance and Salt Lake City Six nights Deer Valley, UT Seven nights Snowmass, CO One night Las Vegas, NV Six weeks San Diego, CA Seven nights Flagstaff, AZ Nine nights Santa Fe, NM Three nights Austin, TX Two nights New Orleans, LA One night Knoxville, TN City With Best Practices To Protect Our Planet: Seattle, Washington. Seattle was the only city we visited where composting is a common practice in every household. In 2009, Seattle implemented a law requiring all residential properties to either subscribe to food and yard waste collection or participate in backyard composting. I personally loved composting for the five nights we stayed in our Seattle Airbnb. It was much easier to compost than I imagined! Nice job Seattle! Of course, other cities in the US, like Boulder, also require that residents compost, but again, I am only highlighting cities that we visited on our road trip. City Win For Worst Job Wearing Masks During Height of Pandemic: Couer d'Alene, Idaho certainly wins for the least masked city that we visited (followed by Asheville, NC, and Gatlinburg, TN). Not only were pedestrians unmasked in this lake town, so were staff members in most restaurants we visited. In fact, an employee told me that most restaurants in Couer d'Alene won't let you in if you are wearing a mask. State With Best Laws to Keep an Immaculate Coast: Oregon wins in this category. We traveled up along its entire coast and didn't see a speck of litter thanks to the state's hefty litter laws which charge perpetrators with misdemeanors. Even disposing of a cigarette butt is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500. Great job Oregon! State With Best Art Scene: Santa Fe, New Mexico. The countless art galleries along Canyon Road and in The Plaza are truly mesmerizing. While many of the artists whose work is exhibited draw on inspiration from the area's Native American culture, as well as the surrounding desert landscapes, you will find all themes and genres available for viewing and sale. The curators who manage the shop are so passionate about the art that they exhibit and happily walk you through the artists' bio for as long as you'll listen. Similarly, the artists who are often found in the galleries, are warm and eager to share their craft with visitors. Not one gallery scoffed or batted an eye when I entered their delicate space with three children in tow. Instead, they welcomed us in and made sure to include exciting information that will appeal to my younger crew. There are many beautiful cities throughout our country that proudly display the artistic creations of their local artists. However, Santa Fe is the only city that has galleries that are consistently staffed by loving, enthusiastic, and conversationalist art lovers in spaces that blend beautifully into the desert. Cities Worstly Run During the Pandemic: This category is tied between New York City, San Francisco, and Portland. These once bustling cities were eerily empty during the pandemic with too many businesses and livelihoods unnecessarily destroyed by poor leadership. One of the most eye-opening experiences of our road trip was seeing first-hand how most of the country handled the pandemic. Although most cities were bustling with activity, these three were sadly transformed into ghost towns. The Soberest State: Utah. Don't bother searching for a well-curated mom-and-pop wine boutique in Utah as all bottle purchases are sold in state-run liquor stores only. The shops resemble state penitentiaries and effectively made us wonder if we really needed wine. Keep in mind when visiting, there are no sales of alcohol sold in state-run liquor stores on Sundays or National Holidays. While we were in St. George locals sent us to Nevada to stock up and while we were in Deer Valley locals sent us to Wyoming. Not only do these bordering states have fewer restrictions, their bottle prices are much lower since Utah also deters drinking by adding additional booze taxes. Another quirky rule in Utah requires you to order food with your cocktails, which is probably a good idea anyway. Finally, for the purists who like their drinks straight up and neat, be prepared for the smallest pour you have ever received. Tip: if you find yourself in a bind on a Sunday, you can order a bottle of wine at a bar and take it home, if you're willing to pay the marked-up price that is. Most Played Songs on the Radio While on the Road. These three specific songs were on the radio every day, several times a day, in every state. Who would have guessed?: Time After Time, Cindy Lauper Red, Red, Wine, UB40 Boys of Summer, Don Henley Most Otherworldly Landscape: Utah. Every human being should explore Utah at one point in their life. We used Moab, St. George, Lake Powell, Snowbird, and Deer Valley as home bases during our Utah discoveries. I highly recommend taking a couple of weeks to explore the first three cities I listed. There is no landscape in the country that surpasses what you will encounter in these areas of Utah. The state is as close as you'll ever get to discovering another planet. Easiest State to Lose Track of Time: Arizona. During our first stop in Arizona, we stayed in Page, which is literally a five-minute drive into the Lake Powell region of Utah. We passed those state borders several times each day and were thrown into the two different time zones so frequently we gave up on keeping track of time. We lost track of time again as we left California to head back to Flagstaff on our second visit to Arizona. Usually, Arizona is one hour ahead of California. However, we drove over on the first day of daylight saving, which is confusing enough, but apparently, Arizona does not switch over into daylight savings time along with the rest of the country, which kept us in the same time zone as California all along. Arizona has some super-duper spiritual properties along with its Vortex energy regions. The state also perfectly sucks you into a time warp and forces you to ditch your watch, get your hiking boots on, and rely on the sun's position to let you know what's up. I mean, is it really important to know what time it is? Best Street Art: Barrio Logan in San Diego and Alberta Arts District in Portland. Although we didn't visit Miami on this road trip, we have been to Wynwood Walls and it should be included in this category of Best Street Art in the USA. I am sure there will be many opinions in this category but I chose these three neighborhoods based on the ease of walking through the streets to view the murals as well as the quality of the murals themselves. For example, SODO Track District in Seattle has quite impressive murals but finding parking nearby was impossible as was viewing the murals themselves since they were so spread out with many being along main streets that had no sidewalks. In Barrio Logan and Alberta Arts District art lovers can easily meander through dozens of bright murals and absorb the passion, vision, and inspiration that brought each one to life. Winner for Most Represented State on the Road: Florida. The most ubiquitous license plate on the road from July of 2020 through April of 2021 was that of the Sunshine State. Floridians were driving all over the country in masses. We literally passed them on every road, in every parking lot of every National Park, and in every state, we drove through. These folks sure did hit the road. Go Florida! Cities With Worst Turnaround Time For Amazon Prime Members: No deliveries within forty-eight hours existed in the cities below during our time on the road. The rest of the cities we traveled to during the pandemic had very reliable delivery times. These four places specifically gave us a hard time and we had to learn to live without Amazon while visiting the cities below. Big Sky, MT Gold Beach, OR Jackson, WY Snowbird, UT Best Kept Secrets in the USA: Marfa, Texas. I don't want to share too much about this tiny city of 1,800 people in the middle of Texas. If Marfa was closer to an airport or major city, this art mecca would be inundated with visitors but fortunately, the closest access to civilization is two hundred miles away ensuring that this treasure is never overflowing with people. A worthwhile pilgrimage is a prerequisite to all who wish to experience the magic of Marfa. Those who are willing to make the trek are very well rewarded. Most people have a visit to Antelope Canyon on their bucket list but there are less-crowded, undiscovered slot canyons just outside of Zion National Park. The Upper Red Cave and Lower Red Cave in Oderville, Utah are as equally beautiful as the more popular Antelope Canyon, yet there are no crazy lotteries to enter nor will you see more than five other human beings in sight (in fact, we were the only ones there). Cholla Cactus Garden. I don't understand why the Cholla cactus is not the star of Joshua Tree National Park. I stumbled upon the Cholla Cactus Garden when researching the area but it did not pop up often or easily. This less-frequented area of the park is truly otherworldly. With the skies casting their blue hues and the Chollas resembling corals, I felt like I was walking on the grounds of a great big sea floating harmoniously through magnificent marine plants. Secret Beach on Oregon Coast. You will find paradise when heading South on the Samuel Boardman Corridor, just north of Thunder Rock Cove Lookout and1/3 mile south of milepost 345 on U.S. 101. Look to the right to find a small gravel parking lot off the side of the highway. Once you park, you will see two trails. Take the one on the right closest to the "parking lot". This secluded trail will lead you to one of the most spectacular sites most will never get to see in their lives. Madrid, New Mexico Pronounced MAD-rid, this quirky town in the middle of the New Mexico desert simply does not get enough attention. The historic village on the Torquoise Trail is packed with art, character, and plenty of eccentric characters. They even have a delicious chocolate shop run by an east coast transplant. Click on the link for more pictures and then add this undiscovered haven to your destination list. Practice the pronunciation before you head over, locals take the accentuation seriously. City That Worst Reflects American Values: Gatlinburg, TN There are cities in this country that still proudly bear confederate flags on their car and even display Confederate-themed tracksuits in their storefronts. Gatlinburg is one of them. Although the surrounding Smokey Mountains are breathtaking, the folks here may make you pause and wonder if Americans have evolved at all. Prettiest States: California and Oregon. Both of these states are absolutely breathtaking. Oregon's coast is so powerful, humbling, and abnormally gorgeous. From the south to the north the landscape changes along the shores and each beach has its own personality- some are so ominous you'll find yourself saying a little prayer while others are a scene out of Paradise and you'll have to pinch yourself a couple of times to remind yourself that you aren't dreaming. The little towns along the coast add so much flavor to experiencing the state. Similarly, California is equally spectacular. The mild temperature along with the constant sunshine and blue skies make locals and tourists want to be out all day soaking in the sun, beach, and incredible Californian vibe. These two states are hands down the most beautiful states in the USA. Best State to Chase Waterfalls: Oregon. If you dream of adventures filled with waterfall chasing then look no further. Whether you explore the coast of Oregon or more inland regions of this stunning state, you will find spectacular waterfalls at every corner; yes, there are even waterfalls along the beaches. Most Spiritual Cities/Towns: Snowbird, UT I don't know how else to say it but to just say it: the towering mountain in Snowbird spoke to me. I know it sounds crazy, but I felt a divine presence all around me emanating from this spiritual mountain. I couldn't keep my eyes off of it and whether I meditated or exercised, its omnipotent presence really transformed me in many ways. This mountain is no joke and I had my most spiritual life experiences at its base. Sedona, AZ The vortex energy here is real. So here's the deal: We went to Sedona a few years ago and eagerly awaited for the vortex energy to kick in while visiting the various sites that are known for their presence, without any luck. During our second time around on this road trip, a guide took us to a specific spot we would have likely missed on our own, and BOOM! All five of us immediately felt the tingling sensation and magnetic pull in our extended hands. Whether you experience the sensations of the energy, or not, Sedona's landscape is so breathtaking that it seems unthinkable that anyone would come out of it not questioning their life path, goals, and purpose. Vortex energy or not, Sedona is filled with a sense of spirituality that draws on all the senses to be present, grateful, and aware. Santa Fe, NM We have visited Santa Fe three times, twice on this road trip. We are so drawn to the desert landscapes that permeate every aspect of the city. No other place perfectly blends into nature as well as Santa Fe does and its ability to do so brings an instant soothing and serene effect on those enjoying it. In addition, Native American culture is woven into every aspect of the culture here, further drawing visitors into spiritual realms. Finally, the nearby mountains offer many hiking trails, in various terrains, that further bring one towards nature and the divine presence that cannot be denied in this magical place. Best Ski Villages: It's hard to choose which ski towns we liked best since there are so many wonderful options in the country. Ultimately, these three make my "best of" list. Snowbird, UT Although a tiny resort, Snowbird has one of the most massive mountains to shred with over one hundred and forty trails, not for the faint of heart. There is no shopping district nor are there plenty of restaurants to choose from but the Cliff Lodge is a relaxing haven with a wonderful spa and two delicious restaurants. Zero frills are offered here because the main draw is the mountain. Seven nights was not enough, I could have easily spent a month here despite how few activities are offered. Jackson, WY Jackson is packed with incredible cuisine options, has a bustling Main Street filled with galleries and shops, offers endless outdoor activities and wildlife sightings, and even on the coldest of days the sky is clear and the sun shines bright calling all nature lovers outdoors. The skiing in Jackson Hole is great yet there is plenty to do and enjoy off the slopes as well. Although the town is stylish, it isn't pretentious. The locals are happy, interesting, and friendly. This small city instantly won my heart. Park City, UT likely has the largest downtown area with a long stretch of sidewalks lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. The town has a quaint charm to it and is really fun to explore. Even with several visits, we never got bored walking up and down its streets. Most Surprising City: Dallas, TX We didn't expect to love Dallas but we instantly fell in love. This city is extremely well-maintained and clean with beautiful architecture, countless delicious restaurants, and a plethora of charming neighborhoods each with its own unique charm. Our favorite parts of Dallas were the West Village, Bishop's Art District, Highland Park, Art District, and Historic Downtown. Aesthetically speaking, it's one of the nicest large cities in the USA. Personally, I don't think the city gets enough hype. Best Sunsets: Palm Springs, CA During sunset the sky turns into the prettiest hues of pink with enormous clouds that are reminiscent of cotton candy fluffs floating in the sky. Best Cityscape Views: The Pittock Mansion in Portland, Oregon has spectacular views of Portland with Mount Hood in the backdrop. Kerry Park offers breathtaking views of Seattle. Sausalito, CA provides stunning views of the San Francisco skyline with great views of Alcatraz too. Bali Hai, Shelter Island San Diego. This restaurant has unforgettable views of the San Diego skyline, especially during sunset when the city glows along with the sun. Must-Visit National Parks: Bryce Canyon National Park, UT Grand Canyon National Park, AZ Yosemite National Park, CA Zion National Park, UT Joshua Tree National Park (and Cholla Cactus Garden), CA Harris Beach State Park, OR Olympia National Park, WA Grand Teton National Park, WY Bandelier National Monument, NM Most Unusual Landmark: The Gum Wall in Seattle, WA. This is a frequented alley that is definitely a gross, yet oddly attractive, lane comprised of millions of pieces of chewed gum making for a very unusual installation. Best Place to Spend a Lazy, Seaside Summer Planted in One Place: Hilton Head, SC is an ideal place to plant yourself for a few weeks along vast shores, lush jungle-like landscapes, and plenty of bike trails. This laid-back island has everything you'll need in a summer getaway including easy access to great stops in Daufuskie Island and Charleston. St. Simons Island, GA is similarly laid back with many visitors opting to commute in golf carts around the small island. The coast here seems endless, leaving plenty of space for all sun soakers. Similar to Hilton Head, the island has great access to beautiful places to spend the day like Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Savanah, and nearby Sea Island. Most Beautiful Lake: Lake Powell, UT Rent a boat for the day and spend several glorious hours on this vast lake with epic landscapes awaiting at each turn. You'll have one of your most memorable experiences as you pull into Rainbow Bridge as towering boulders lead you to dock in the aqua waters. Best Drives: Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina Pacific Coast Highway, California Highway 101, Oregon, and into Washington High Road/Low Road Taos and Santa Fe (we drove this route on a past trip but had to include it on this list because it is absolutely stunning) Route 66 Best European Towns in America: These towns transport you right out of the United States with no passports required. You'll find authentic regional food, entertainment, and attire in these lovely little cities. Solvang in California for a taste of Denmark. Leavenworth in Washington for a taste of Bulgaria. Best Architecture: Palm Springs, CA. Palm Springs has the largest concentration of perfectly preserved mid-century modern architecture in the world. The desert landscape is incorporated into every home, all of which are mostly beautifully unassuming. You can take a drive around the city to view the homes of celebrities like Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Leonardo DiCaprio, and many others. In Palm Springs, these stars don't live in estate-like mansions, instead, they vacation(ed) in unpretentious homes where the landscape is the star of the show. Architecture aficionados will have their heyday exploring the many historic homes in the area. Best Coastal Towns: La Jolla, CA Carmel, CA Laguna, CA Sausalito, CA Astoria, OR Cannon Beach, OR Best Restaurants Across the USA (not including New York City): Best Breakfast: The Stationaery Carmel, CA Horn & Cantle in Big Sky, MT The Foundry Grill Sundance, UT Prospect at Hotel Jerome Aspen, CO Best Brunch: Ellen's Dallas, TX Yards Spokane, WA Best Bakery: Clafoutis Santa Fe, NM Best Burrito: Marfa's Burrito, Marfa Texas The Shed, Santa Fe, NM Best Tacos: Don Bravo Grill, San Diego, CA Best Donuts: Broad Street Donut Co. Encinitas, CA Voodoo Doughnut, Portland, OR Best Ice-Cream: The Salty Dog Hilton Head, SC Amy's Ice Creams Austin, TX Sundae in Snowmass, CO Best Bar: St. Regis Deer Valley, UT Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Oliver's Santa Barbara, CA Best Deli: Sausalito Gourmet Delicatessen Sausalito. CA Best Food Truck: Tacos La Pasadita in Green River, UT Best Dinners: Frannie & the Fox, Charleston, SC Gabriel's Santa Fe, NM La Bicyclette Restaurant, Carmel, CA Coelette, Jackson, WY Handle, Park City, UT Juniper & Ivy, San Diego, CA Shift Kitchen & Bar, Flagstaff, AZ Restaurant R'Evolution, New Orleans, LA Best Place to Live: La Jolla, CA After exploring through18,000 miles of USA roads, spending 260 days traveling through 16 states, we ultimately decided to leave New York City and move to La Jolla because it's just that perfect. It's a small coastal enclave in a fairly large city with lots to do, yet the population isn't too large where one would feel overwhelmed by the crowds. The weather is impeccable year-round, the coast is stunning and filled with marine wildlife, the political climate is centrist and calm, the school system is strong, and the great outdoors beckons you to enjoy the infinite opportunities to embrace Mother Nature. The locals are laid back and enjoy a slow-paced life with the sun and sea in their daily routine. Food options are fantastic as well as the shopping opportunities; it is a rather large city after all. Best of all, there are dozens of other magical sea towns (like Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Pacific Beach, etc) within just a twenty-minute drive ensuring that you'll never get bored. Day trips to the desert or National Parks abound and hey, it is in California which I voted as one of the two prettiest states in the United States. Most Beautiful Country in the World: The United States of America

As we wrap up our ten months on the road we wanted to end our USA road trip with a bang. We thought that two nights spent in total indulgence and non-stop pampering would be a great way to end an epic journey while also allowing us to decompress from all the moving around and to calmly mentally prepare for the major changes coming our way in our new lives in San Diego. Booking a stay at The Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village was time and money well spent. This is one of the nicest properties you will encounter. The staff here is trained to deliver exceptional customer service and make guests feel like VIPs at every turn. In truly remarkable Four Seasons style, the decor is impeccable and no detail is overlooked. Is it possible to relocate to this property instead of San Diego? The sprawling grounds are breathless with infinite nooks to relax and rejuvenate. Some of the decadent offerings are the adults-only outdoor pool, a Japanese-inspired lawn, an indoor heated pool, a fully-equipped arcade room that is booked for private usage, an award-winning restaurant, a full-service coffee bar, waterfalls, a rose garden complete with a walking trail, and the most luxuries spa you could ever dream of. The rooms are spacious and immaculate. This was the first time on our entire road trip that I allowed myself to sleep in and awoke to an 8:00 am alarm. I could have easily wasted the morning away dreaming with the luxurious linens wrapped around me but alas, there was too much to enjoy and experience so I eagerly pulled myself out of bed. Private Cabanas We have yet to see cabanas of this caliber at any property that we have visited during our many travels. The hotel offers two exclusive full-serviced cabanas with the utmost privacy. Lounge chairs, a bed, a private plunge pool, a screen tv, and a dining table await those who seek the ultimate luxury experience. There is a call button to beckon the dotting staff who will refill your glasses with the complimentary bottle of champagne or cheerfully serve the food you order off the healthy menu. There is even a "do not disturb" sign letting them know you seek more privacy than already granted. We gulped up our four hours of bliss here. They passed too quickly. Coin & Candor Dining in a gorgeous setting absolutely makes everything taste better although Coin & Candor needs no assistance in the fantastic flavor department. Their menu is chock-full of the freshest ingredients combined to deliver a healthy, innovative approach to California cuisine. We couldn't help but eat here for snacks, breakfasts, and one dinner too. Each meal was truly memorable. 101 North Eatery & Bar Westlake Village is just a three-minute drive from the hotel property. Interestingly enough, the town barely dodges the Los Angeles County border and successfully skirted the indoor mask mandate imposed within the LA borders. It was interesting to witness such a change in Covid culture just moments away. Westlake is an adorable little town packed with high-end restaurants and upscale retail shops. We enjoyed a lovely dinner at 101 North Eatery & Bar which proudly whips up dishes inspired by the Los Angeles food scene and touts their usage of seasonal ingredients. Their falafel sliders and fried chicken sliders appeal to most diets and are delicious. Their pizzas happen to be fantastic too. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere, great service, and a solid dining experience, you will not be disappointed making a reservation here. Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch Our friends who live in Malibu recommended that we meet them at this spot for drinks and to catch up on all of our mutual life adventures. This hard-to-find haven is well worth the effort for those seeking crafted cocktails in a beautiful environment that happens to be really fun too! The grassy lower level of Malibu Cafe calls on both adults and children to play on the lawn filled with outdoor games and even a bar. The upper deck holds more of a trendy atmosphere, yet it's still casual. For a great taste of Malibu's laid-back scene, this is a wonderful place to visit. Stonehaus Winery I can't imagine a better place for wining and dining than at Stonehaus Winery in Westlake Village. The expansive outdoor patio is packed with picnic tables that create a warm communal feel bringing people together around their common love for great wine. Guests seat themselves and place their orders at one of the bars, there is no table service here, making for a very casual experience. This is the kind of place I would visit over and over again. Our two nights in Westlake Village were truly the best way to end ten months of constant moving around while exploring the country. I can't believe our road trip has come to an end. I can't believe we are moving to a new city. I know that once I sit still for hours on end this incredible experience will begin to really soak in. I am still processing everything my family has learned on the road, the wonderful adventures that we shared together, and all the changes that have resulted from getting in our car and just driving endlessly. We will be parking our car for a while, although I have a feeling it won't be for as long as you'd think.

After a not-so-great stop in San Francisco (I decided not to highlight our one-night stay there as we entered California from Bend, Oregon) Pismo Beach was a welcomed, and needed, stay for the night. I actually never heard of this beach town before and discovered it when researching coastal cities that would cut our drive as we make our way south. It's located in central California halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles and bears no resemblance to either city. Instead, it exudes a laid-back, quaint, and charming vibe that makes visitors feel a world away. Our daughter kept saying she felt like we were in Panama. The Cliffs Hotel & Spa is a stunning property on the Pacific Ocean. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a glass of bubbly and a cheerful staff. We never left the premises. I don't have much to share about Pismo Beach except that the beaches are breathtaking and the hotel is a piece of Paradise. Now that we are on our way to officially become Californians, Pismo Beach will be on our weekend destination list for return visits. Marisol The hotel has an open, airy restaurant overlooking the sea. Marisol has an enticing menu that is well-balanced with seafood, meat, and veggie options. We enjoyed the dishes we sampled including an enormous order of nachos, Brussel sprouts, fried calamari, ahi tuna salad, avocado chop salad, Caesar salad, and lobster pappardelle. Make reservations in advance and request outdoor seating. Dining with the sunset is a magical experience. Their breakfast is equally satisfying and once again, you can't beat the views from their terrace. Just a few blocks from the hotel is the most adorable provisions shop filled with everything you could hope for on your heavenly vacation. Depalo & Son is attractively loaded with a great selection of cheeses, local wines, and a bakery that makes made-to-order, delicious sandwiches. Apparently, there are lots of activities to enjoy in the area, which we will check out on our next visit. From golf courses to vineyards and a beautiful boardwalk and pier, Pismo Beach makes for a perfect weekend escape.