Majestic Princess Review (2023):
A Royal-Class Cruise ExperienceFrom a distance, the ship blends into the landscape, almost like a large apartment block in any of the coast communities where she made port. But as we approached each time – first to embark, then to return from shore excursions in places like Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta – the Majestic Princess showed her true size. Rising over 200 feet from the water level, this Princess Cruises ship is a city and community unto itself... and we called her home for a week on an escape from wintery Cleveland weather...
Where to Stay in Talkeetna: 5 Charming Hotels for ‘Northern Exposure’
Alaska is full of small communities with lots of character, but there's none quite like Talkeetna. In fact, Talkeetna is so distinctly Alaskan that it has long been rumored as the inspiration for the small town of Cicely, AK which was the setting for Northern Exposure – a show my mom loved watching while I was growing up in Alaska, because it captures that quirky sense of living off the map in Alaska...
How to Make the Most of One Day in Canyonlands National Park
One of the most important human emotions is wonder. You can find it through incredible meals, jaw-dropping art, or admiring epic views. No matter the means, wondrous experiences create an indelible mark in your memory. I had one such experience in Canyonlands National Park, where my breath was taken away by the stunning natural beauty that southwest Utah is so well known for...
What to Do in Seattle Before Your Cruise (or After It!) in 2023
When it comes to Alaska cruises, you have two southern ports to start or end your adventure: Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia. While I like Vancouver well enough – and sailed north out of that port on my Windstar cruise in June 2022 – Seattle will always hold a special place in my heart, and it's the port I recommend sailing in/out of since I know the city and love helping people spend time there...
The 13 Best Things to Do in Baker: Gateway to Great Basin
There's something special about those towns that find themselves in the shadow of a national park. Think of Bar Harbor in Maine – Gateway to Acadia – or Seward in Alaska – Gateway to Kenai Fjords. To be a small town with a big attraction is tough; it's easy to transform into a place that loses the character that made it special in the first place. Baker, Nevada, is one of those places too; it's both the "Gateway to Great Basin National Park" while trying to stick to its Silver State heritage as a rural community in Nevada...
Tieks Review 2022: Are Tieks Worth the Cost?
The number one barrier to buying a pair of Tieks ballet flats is the price. Trust me, I get it. If you're reading this post or any other Tieks review, you're probably curious if a simple ballet flat can really be worth all the hype – and the price. Tieks cost $185+ per pair, after all! This isn't pocket change for most of us and is a bit scary when it's time to hit the 'Checkout' button...
11 Great Things to Do on San Juan Island, Washington
If you spend much time in the Pacific Northwest – and especially in the Seattle/Puget Sound area –, there's one destination that is universally beloved: the San Juan Islands. Located just a dozen or so miles off the mainland and just 90 miles north of Seattle, the San Juan Islands are a perfect weekend getaway from Seattle or add-on to your PNW itinerary. Most people spend the majority of their time on San Juan Island, the largest of the four main islands connected to the Washington State Ferry system...
The 10 Best Skagway Shore Excursions for Your Alaska Cruise in 2023
It's hard to choose, but among Alaska cruise ports, Skagway is probably my favorite. Skagway is a weird, wild, wonderful destination: it has been home to a confluence of history, culture, and outdoor adventure that dates back to the late 19th century. The best Skagway shore excursions reflect that, too...
The Perfect 2- or 3-Day San Juan Islands Itinerary
From the bow of the Washington State Ferry, the wind is strong and the skies are a clear, bright blue. The boat carves a path between several of the San Juan Islands; while the ferry only services four of them, there are over 400 islands in this archipelago. With so many to choose from, how on earth can you plan a simple yet memorable San Juan Islands itinerary...
