We spent a full week soaking up everything Badlands National Park and the surrounding area has to offer, and wow, what a trip it was. From hiking through otherworldly rock formations to stargazing at the annual Badlands Astronomy Festival, our days were packed with adventure. We mixed in a little…
If you’re looking for a unique (and free!) museum to visit in Maryland, the National Cryptologic Museum near Fort Meade is a hidden gem. Located just outside Washington, D.C., this fascinating museum shares the secret history of American codebreaking, espionage, and national defense. From World War II Enigma machines to…
Chattanooga totally surprised us in the best way. It’s one of those cities that blends quirky attractions, outdoor adventures, artsy vibes, and just enough small-town charm to make you want to stay a little longer. We spent a few days exploring and found everything from waterfalls inside a mountain to…
If you’re looking for a peaceful, wooded campground that still keeps you within driving distance of D.C., Cedarville State Forest in Maryland is a hidden gem worth checking out. We stayed here for a week while Josh had a work event nearby, and it turned out to be a surprisingly…
We spent a week camping at Sterling State Park on Lake Erie while Josh had a work conference in Detroit, which meant a few slow days for me, but we still managed to squeeze in some fun. From crossing the border for a quick trip to Windsor, to exploring Belle…
After our great visit to Maryland last year, we didn’t think we’d be returning so soon. But a work event came up for Josh, so we ended up spending 2 weeks in southwestern Maryland. There was a lot of work-related stuff, but of course we packed in some fun activities…
Sterling State Park might not be the most talked-about campground in Michigan, but after spending a week here, we get why it’s a local favorite. With a mile of sandy shoreline on Lake Erie, spacious sites just steps from the water, and easy access to Detroit, it’s a solid pick,…
Want to wake up with a view of the Badlands right from your campsite? The Badlands Hotel and Campground is just a mile from the park entrance, making it one of the most convenient places to stay when exploring this rugged, otherworldly landscape. We spent a full week here while…
On our multi-day drive from Illinois to South Dakota, we made an overnight stop at Chester Woods Park Campground in southeastern Minnesota- and we were genuinely impressed. What we thought would be a convenient place to crash for the night ended up being one of the nicest county parks we’ve…
If you’re road-tripping through northwest Iowa and looking for a quiet, budget-friendly overnight stop with a fun claim to fame, Hawkeye Point Campground checks all the boxes. We stayed here for one night on our way from Illinois to South Dakota, not exactly on our route, but the detour was…