Pigeon Forge: Where the Smokies Meet Las Vegas

Pigeon Forge is what happens when the Smoky Mountains decide they want to party! After the peaceful beauty of Gatlinburg, I found myself in a wonderfully over-the-top world of giant buildings, mini golf, wax museums, dinosaurs, dinner theaters, and enough attractions to keep a family entertained for days. My favorite stop was The Island and its giant Ferris wheel, where cloudy skies made the Smoky Mountains look absolutely magical from above. And, of course, no Tennessee road trip would be complete without a stop at Buc-ee’s to visit everyone’s favorite beaver and his flavored nuts!

From Mountain Views to Firefly Nights: A Magical Day in Gatlinburg

From conquering the terrifying Gatlinburg SkyBridge to surviving a very serious conversation about bears and ending the night dancing through a glowing mountain forest, Gatlinburg was an adventure from start to finish! I explored the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, faced my fear of suspension bridges and glass floors, and discovered the absolute magic of Anakeesta’s Firefly experience and Astra Lumina. Come see why Gatlinburg completely enchanted me—and why I’m very happy to report that I survived without encountering a single bear!

Chasing Waterfalls and Conquering My Fears: A Day on Lookout Mountain

Day three of my Tennessee road trip took me high above Chattanooga to the unforgettable wonders of Lookout Mountain. From exploring the underground beauty of Ruby Falls and wandering the whimsical trails of Rock City to facing my fear of the heart-pounding Incline Railway, every stop offered breathtaking views, fascinating history, and a deeper appreciation for the people who once called this mountain home. It was a day filled with adventure, reflection, and just enough adrenaline to keep me talking about it long after the ride was over.

Rain, Reading Rooms, and Oysters: A Perfectly Cozy Day in Carmel-by-the-Sea

There are some places where rain ruins your plans. And then there’s Carmel-by-the-Sea — where rain somehow makes everything feel even more magical. My day began with one undeniable truth: absolutely no coastal storm is going to stop Californians from getting their fresh produce. The local farmer’s market was alive with bundled-up shoppers carrying flowers,Continue reading “Rain, Reading Rooms, and Oysters: A Perfectly Cozy Day in Carmel-by-the-Sea”

Snickers, Storm Clouds, and the Madness of Bixby Bridge: Driving Big Sur to Carmel-by-the-Sea

There are road trips… and then there are California Highway 1 road trips.
Today was the kind of day that reminds me why I love traveling solo. No schedule. No pressure. Just me, the open road, and two complimentary Snickers bars.

When the Road Changes the Plan: A Central Coast Adventure I Didn’t Know I Needed

There’s something magical about finally getting the reservation. For six months, I had been looking forward to camping at Limekiln State Park. If you know anything about camping in Big Sur, you know that scoring a campsite feels a little like winning the lottery. Every time I had tried to book in the past, theContinue reading “When the Road Changes the Plan: A Central Coast Adventure I Didn’t Know I Needed”

Kyoto to Mt. Fuji — The Long Road to Japan’s Iconic Peak

From Kyoto’s quiet charm to Mt. Fuji’s breathtaking beauty, this road trip was pure magic—complete with mountain views, crimson maples, and a 7-Eleven so good it made me question everything I thought I knew about convenience store food.

Felicity Arvizu Takes On: Washington, D.C.

They say Washington, D.C. is the beating heart of American democracy. Personally, I’d say it’s more like a heartbeat monitor—beep… beep… pause… “oh, is this thing still on?” But after three days in the nation’s capital, I can confirm: it’s a city worth taking on, even if you nearly end up knocking on the WhiteContinue reading “Felicity Arvizu Takes On: Washington, D.C.”

Day 6: Nuuk’d Up- Wind, Whale Snacks, and a lot of Reindeer

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d spend a Wednesday afternoon eating whale jerky and shopping in the only mall in Greenland, I probably would’ve nodded politely and backed away slowly. And yet—here we are. Welcome to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland and the literal heartbeat of this icy island. Nuuk isContinue reading “Day 6: Nuuk’d Up- Wind, Whale Snacks, and a lot of Reindeer”

Day 5: Bugs, Glaciers, and Reindeer Spring Rolls- Paamuit, Greenland

Let’s get this out of the way: I didn’t expect Paamiut, Greenland, to be a top-tier travel day. But here we are. Day 5 of the cruise, and I’m officially obsessed—with the town, the ice, and yes… even the bugs (well, almost). Where Even Is Paamiut? Paamiut (pronounced bah-moot) is a small coastal town in southern Greenland, huggingContinue reading “Day 5: Bugs, Glaciers, and Reindeer Spring Rolls- Paamuit, Greenland”