Category
- Art 3
- Bike Rides 14
- Boondocking 3
- Capitals 5
- Food on the Road 2
- Hikes & Trails 8
- Historic Sites 6
- History & Architecture 7
- History & Culture 17
- Kayaking 2
- Kentucky 1
- Museum 5
- National Park 10
- Natural History 1
- Nature & Outdoors 38
- Photography 13
- Sculptures 1
- Shorelines & Water 1
- Street Art 2
- Travel Journal 62
- Van Life 83
- capitals 11
- hike 1
- historic sites 6
- parks 3
- photography 3
- trails 2
Red River Valley
I camped at Koomer Ridge in the Daniel Boone National Forest, one of the few out in the cool, rainy weather. The day took me from a steep climb to Kentucky’s largest natural bridge to a kayak tour through the flooded tunnels of an old limestone mine. I ended the loop drive near Morehead after passing through narrow mountain roads and a one-lane tunnel cut through stone.
Blue Heron Mine / Trail
I stayed a few days at Bear Creek Horse Camp in the Big South Fork National Recreation Area, then hiked the Blue Heron Loop Trail. The 6.5-mile path winds past sandstone cliffs, coal seams, and the re-created mining camp of Blue Heron. It was a day of quiet forest, unexpected encounters, and a glimpse into Kentucky’s coal-mining past.
Cumberland and Yahoo Falls
A day exploring two of Kentucky’s most striking waterfalls—Cumberland Falls and Yahoo Falls—each surrounded by sandstone cliffs, quiet trails, and rich history. From the roar of the Cumberland River to the echoing amphitheater of Yahoo Falls, it was a day of light, water, and reflection.
Berea, KY
Berea, Kentucky, is built around its arts community and the spirit of Berea College. I spent the day exploring the artisan shops, learning about the town’s history, and hiking the East Pinnacles Trail. The views were worth every step, even if the rest of the day didn’t quite match the hype.
Lexington, KY
A windy morning bike ride along Lexington’s Legacy Trail led past historic farms, rolling hills, and university research fields. Later, I photographed Henry Clay’s law office, photographed the old Carnegie Library, and wandered downtown at sunset. An unexpected stop at LexArts gallery rounded out a full, laid-back day in Kentucky’s capital of the Bluegrass.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
I spent a full day exploring the Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, Kentucky. The tour gave me a glimpse into Shaker life—their faith, craftsmanship, and belief in simplicity. I wandered the Meeting House, joined a Civil War program, and later hiked to Fulling Mill Falls. Even after sunset, the day’s calm stayed with me—peace, history, and honest design all in one place.
Frankfort, KY - Capitol City
A day in Kentucky’s small but fascinating capital—starting with espresso at Engine House Coffee in a restored 19th-century fire station, wandering from the Old Capitol to Rebecca Ruth Chocolates, and tracing the stories that tie Dolley Madison’s family, Frank Lloyd Wright, and the War of 1812 to the streets of Frankfort.
Louisville Slugger, Church Hill Downs, NULU
I spent the day exploring Louisville’s past and present—touring Churchill Downs and its exhibits on Secretariat, visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum to see how the iconic bats are made, and ending in the NULU district surrounded by food, coffee, and creativity. It was the perfect mix of Kentucky tradition and modern energy.
Bardstown, KY
I arrived in Bardstown late in the day after winding my way through Mammoth Cave and Lincoln’s birthplace. The town’s old stone buildings, bourbon-scented air, and deep musical roots made it an unexpected highlight of my Kentucky travels. From the Stephen Foster House to the Old Talbott Tavern, Bardstown feels like the kind of place where history and hospitality still live side by side.
Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail Ride to Park CityI
A full day at Mammoth Cave National Park—chores at Land Between the Lakes, a quiet drive north, and an afternoon cycling the Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail through fall color, history, and small-town charm in Park City, Kentucky.
Land Between Lakes: Bike Ride
I woke rested after ten solid hours of sleep and decided to take a slow day. A short bike ride through rough old trails turned into an unexpected tour of Halloween decorations and friendly campers who seemed to have settled in for the season. The easy pace brought back memories of camping trips from my childhood.
Land Between the Lakes: Elk
A restless night at a noisy Cracker Barrel in southern Illinois led me to the quiet wilds of Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes. Despite the government shutdown, the visit turned into an unexpected highlight—wandering forested roads, spotting elk at sunset, and finding a little peace among the prairies.
Mark Twain-Hannibal, MO
Hannibal, Missouri, sits quietly along the Mississippi River, a town steeped in history and wrapped in the stories of Mark Twain. I spent the night nearby at the Edward Anderson Conservation Area, a peaceful stretch of woods just south of town, before exploring Hannibal’s historic streets the next day.
Riverfront Trail-St. Louis
Bike along St. Louis’s Riverfront Trail and experience history and art side by side—from the iconic Chain of Rocks Bridge to bold street art and sites marking the Lewis and Clark expedition and the fight for freedom.
Ste. Genevieve, MO
Ste. Genevieve is a place where history breathes through every street and story. I explored its French roots, walked through centuries-old homes, visited art galleries, and shared conversations that reminded me travel is as much about people as it is about place.
Battle of Fort Davidson, Hike in Hawn State Park
I started the morning at Fort Davidson, where one of Missouri’s fiercest Civil War battles unfolded. Later, I hiked the trails of Hawn State Park, surrounded by fading sunlight and the quiet rhythm of the forest, before camping at St. Francois State Park under a star-filled sky.
From Shut-Ins To Elephant Rocks
From the rushing waters of Johnson’s Shut-Ins to the summit of Taum Sauk Mountain and the massive granite boulders of Elephant Rocks, this trip through the St. Francois Mountains revealed Missouri’s deep geological history. I wrapped up the day photographing a quiet lake at sunset—a perfect ending to a full day of exploration.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways felt like stepping into living history—where clear spring-fed rivers still run wild and small towns like Eminence hold onto their frontier spirit. I spent the day exploring Alley Mill’s red reflection on the Jacks Fork, hiking around Round Spring’s turquoise waters, talking with local craftspeople and riders in Eminence, and watching the light fade over Rocky Falls. It’s a place that reminds you how deeply people and rivers are connected.
Scenic Overlook, Ice Cream Detours, Branson, Missouri
A day meant for scenic overlooks turned into something richer—a coffee stop with students, a visit to a one-of-a-kind college, and a peaceful night tucked away in the forest.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
A day at Dogwood Canyon feels like stepping into a postcard version of nature—meticulously designed but undeniably beautiful. Between the waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic walkways, this Ozarks retreat balances conservation with comfort.