Tag: hiking trails
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Visiting Craters of the Moon National Monument {Idaho}

On our way from Utah into Idaho, we decided to make a detour to Craters of the Moon National Monument—a place I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from. It’s strange to me that I had never visited this site before for all the many times that I had been in the area over the…
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Going Home: Family, Memories, & Meaningful Moments {Utah & Idaho}

We made our annual visit home to Utah for Spring Break. The days were filled with a mix of memories of growing up here and experiencing it now with my own family. It was returning to the place that quietly shaped most of my life. The people, the food, the culture, and especially the mountains…
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Five Favorites : Lesser Known U.S. National Parks

As a family, we love visiting national parks across the country. We carry our annual park pass everywhere, tuck our national park book into backpacks, and never miss a chance to collect stamps and stickers. You could say we’re committed. Over the years, we’ve explored quite a few parks, and each one leaves us in…
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Fall Leaves & Natural Bridges- Exploring Head of the Crow State Park

Tennessee seems to be running a little late with the fall colors this year. All through October we kept watching the trees, waiting for any sign of autumn to peek through. And then, almost overnight, the colors arrived — the brilliant golds and fiery reds painting the hillsides in that unmistakable fall glow. But with…
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Exploring Mount Desert Island & Acadia National Park {Maine}

We brought my mom along and spent a few slow, golden days wandering the central coast of Maine, where autumn seemed to spill over everything. The leaves burned in shades of copper and gold, the rocky shoreline stretched out like something from a painting, and Acadia’s trails pulled us deeper into that crisp, salt-tinged air.…
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Mountains, Aspens, Mustangs & Altitudes {Colorado}

I love when long weekends line up with inexpensive flights — it feels like the universe is giving you permission to go have an adventure. With that perfect combination in place, we jumped at the chance for a quick trip to Colorado, ready to fill our souls with crisp mountain air. We flew into Denver…
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Five Favorites : Autumn Hikes in Tennessee

Fall is officially here! It’s my favorite season—the hot, heavy days of summer give way to cooler air, vibrant colors, and the chance to finally step outside without hiding in the comfort of air conditioning. This time of year, you can usually find us on the trails of Tennessee’s state parks, soaking in the crisp…
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Painted Houses, Mountain Views, Violins, & Masks- A Day in Mittenwald {Germany}

We have a soft spot for small towns and places just off the main tourist trail, and Mittenwald fits that description perfectly. Our day there was filled with all of our favorite things — wandering through a museum, lingering in a bakery, and heading out onto mountain trails. Of course, it wouldn’t be one of…
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Exploring Innsbruck {Austria}

We spent a few wonderful days exploring Innsbruck, and it didn’t take long to realize it could easily become a new favorite. Elegant and interesting, the city is framed by dramatic mountain views that never feel far away, no matter where you wander. Innsbruck’s history stretches back thousands of years, with evidence of settlement dating…
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Hiking the Sigmud Thun Gorge in Hohe Tauern National Park {Austria}

Our family has a deep love for national parks. There’s something about heading out onto a trail, not quite knowing what waits around the next bend, that feels like pure adventure. Visiting a national park in another country adds an extra layer of excitement — stepping into a landscape with no expectations, no familiar landmarks,…