Columbus was more laid-back than I expected for a state capital. Sure, there was traffic and people in suits, but it didn’t feel rushed or overwhelming. I visited the Statehouse, which doesn’t have the big dome most capitol buildings do, and wandered around the well-kept grounds. A preacher was shouting scripture through loudspeakers while a choir backed him up—not something you see every day. Later, I stopped by the main library and was impressed by the architecture and artwork. It was an easy place to spend a few hours, and all in all, Columbus felt like a mix of big city energy and everyday moments.

A rainy day on the road meant shifting plans, a hearty bowl of 15-bean soup, and the steady rhythm of raindrops on the van roof. From a restless night behind a Cracker Barrel to a rejuvenating workout and a quiet evening in Millersburg, today was about adjusting, warming up, and settling in.

A quiet overnight in Girard gave way to a rainy, vibrant day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I waited out the downpour with espresso in the van before hiking a lush 4.1-mile loop from the Stanford Trail to Brandywine Falls. The forest was brilliantly green from days of rain, and the paths led past fields, streams, and a series of sturdy bridges. I met a few fellow hikers along the way—some in need of directions, all happy for the company. Brandywine Falls was the crown jewel, reached just as the rain picked up again, and I ended the day with a well-earned pint of ice cream from the park conservancy.

Rain, fog, and detours shaped a day that didn’t go to plan—no bike ride, no canyon photos—just slow roads, marsh stops, a marathon in motion, and quiet moments with a camera near Kinzua Dam. From Mail Pouch barns to a town named for a French philanthropist, the road west on Route 6 delivered more than I expected.

Winding north from my hometown of Hollidaysburg, I followed back roads through paper mill towns, foggy lakes, and scenic byways to Wellsboro, PA—gateway to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Along the way, I found fish fries, fly-fishing lore, and a surprising small-town snake hunt. Wellsboro’s charm, gas lamps, and warm hospitality made it a memorable stop on the journey.

The drive to Brookmere Winery wound through a patchwork of golden fields, tidy farms, and gentle hills that seemed to slow time. As I approached, the road narrowed and dipped beside a clear, meandering stream—a perfect prelude to what lay ahead. The winery itself sat peacefully close to the fields, with a quiet charm that invited you to exhale. Catherine welcomed me with warmth and an easy grace that made the whole experience feel personal and unhurried. We chatted while I sampled a few of their wines, and I settled in for the night just steps from the babbling stream. The stillness, the scenery, and Catherine’s hospitality made this stop one of the most memorable yet.

After a quiet morning in Harrisburg, I made my way to Shippensburg and explored the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, a scenic, flat path stretching through farmland and historic countryside between Shippensburg and Newville. The crushed-stone trail was peaceful and well-maintained, with friendly waves from passing cyclists—many of whom appeared to be Mennonites enjoying the afternoon.

Along the way, I met a Wake Forest runner recovering from injury, a geologist working on Pennsylvania wetlands, and a former marathoner riding an ElliptiGO. Each conversation added depth to the ride, reflecting how trails connect more than just places—they connect people. The day wrapped up with a spaghetti dinner in the van at my Harvest Host and a quiet night parked beside open fields—grateful for the ride, the stories, and the stillness.

A drive through Centralia, PA—where a fire that started in 1962 still burns underground. Once a thriving coal town, now a haunting blend of cracked sidewalks, crumbling foundations, and overgrown streets. Nature is slowly taking it back, but the cemeteries and church remain strikingly well-kept. A surreal reminder of how a town can vanish, yet never fully disappear.

Nestled in a narrow valley along the Lehigh River, Jim Thorpe is a charming blend of history and scenery. With steep streets, Victorian architecture, and mountain views, it feels frozen in time. Whether you're exploring the old jail, biking the Lehigh Gorge Trail, or just wandering past cafés and boutiques, this little town is a fun destination.

From espresso-fueled backroads to the rolling hills of Bethel, I traced the spirit of Woodstock—standing where legends once played, and ending the day under the stars at my first Harvest Hosts stay.

Drove back to Zion, through Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel to Bryce Canyon National Park. Hiked from Sunrise Point down the canyon along the Queen's Garden Trail at the bottom. Hiked the Peekaboo Loop out of the canyon up to Bryce Point. Ate at Ruby’s restaurant.

Hiked the Narrows Riverside Walk, Scout Lookout Trail and the Emerald Pools Loop in Zion National Park, Utah. Ate dinner at the Zion Brew Pub and stayed at The Fairfield Inn in Virgin, Utah.

Breakfast at The River Rock Roasting Company in La Verkin Utah. Hiked the Lava Tubes via Lava Flow Trail in Snow Canyon State Park. Visited the waterfalls in Gunlock State Park and watched the cliff jumpers. Stopped at the famous Veyo Pie Shop.

Toured the scenic Las Vegas Boat Harbor and had coffee at the Harbor House Cafe. Rode the Railroad Tunnel Trail at Lake Mead. Spent time walking across the Hoover Dam.

Drove from Kingman, AZ to Henderson, NV. Drove over the Hoover Dam bypass bridge. Spent the day at the Paseo Verde Library in Hendersen, NV. Ate dinner at the Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca Italian restaurant in the Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa and Casino. Stayed at the Boulder Beach Campground in the National Recreation Area near Hoover Dam.

Ate lunch at Lilo’s in Seligman, AZ. Toured Seligman on Route 66. Drove north through the desert to Kingman. Marveled at the amount of trains passing through Kingman.

Hiked Thumb Butte Trail 33 in the Prescott National Forest.

Let Dead Horse Ranch Campground. Drove to Sedona. Sedona was very crowded because of Spring break. Booked a couple of nichts at Prescott National Forest.