The United States

Statue of Liberty & Manhattan_edited_edi

white and brown lighthouse on brown rock formation near body of water during daytime_edite

"My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing."
- Samuel Francis Smith

Traveling within the United States offers endless opportunities for adventure, exploration, and inspiration. From the rugged coastlines of Maine to the sun-drenched deserts of Arizona, every state has its own character, culture, and beauty to discover. Whether it's a scenic road trip along Route 66, a hike in a national park, or a weekend museum hopping in a new city, US travel invites people to connect with the landscapes, history and creativity that shape this vast country.

Review: Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck

At its core, the book is less about geography and more about perspective. Steinbeck travels through a wide range of American regions—from New England to the Pacific Northwest to the Deep South—observing landscapes, conversations, and cultural attitudes along the way. Each stop becomes an opportunity to reflect on how rapidly the country is changing and how distance can reshape one’s understanding of home.

Laura Wakefield

Book cover for A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson

Review: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

A Walk in the Woods is a witty, observant, and often laugh-out-loud account of one man’s attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Written by travel writer Bill Bryson, the book blends personal memoir, travelogue, and environmental commentary into an entertaining narrative about ambition, nature, and the unpredictable realities of long-distance hiking.

Laura Wakefield

Review: Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Wild is a raw, introspective memoir that follows Cheryl Strayed’s solo journey hiking more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. Written by Cheryl Strayed, the book is as much about emotional survival as it is about physical endurance, tracing a path through grief, self-destruction, and ultimately, healing.

Laura Wakefield

Photo of wine and snacks from Arrington Vineyard in TN

Arrington Vineyards - TN

Bring a blanket and a picnic, or purchase food and wine onsite. There is no charge to listen to the bands and wander the grounds. Parking is also free. Most weekends there are gourmet food trucks, wine tastings and picnic tables available. Date night, family fun, hanging out with friends or parties. It's all around casual good time. Gorgeous views from the lawn area, and they'll even let you stroll through the vineyard itself.

Laura Wakefield

Charming Key West, Florida

If you’re looking for the quintessential laid back island town, Key West is the place for you. The furthest south you can get in the continental US, it has romance and character to spare. Friendly locals, plenty to do and see and did I mention chickens that roam free in the street?

Laura Wakefield