Mark Twain boyhood home

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum

Since my horse show schedule has somewhat taken over my vacation travel, I try to make the most of it and look for interesting stops on my road trips across the USA.  From Dallas to Chicago, I took a slight detour to Hannibal, Missouri to visit The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum.

Mark Twain was by far my favorite author in school.  In fact, I basically hated reading and his books like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn may have been the only ones I ever finished during the school year!  I liked his writing so much, that I took an entire class in college dedicated to his works. 

So to me, stopping to visit Twain’s boyhood home was a very exciting endeavor.  I wished I had made more time to wander Hannibal’s charming downtown too.  But with the black sky and ominous storm approaching, I only took a few hours to check out my favorite author’s childhood abode.

JOIN THE ADVENTURE!
fisherman's wharf victoria

A Day In Victoria BC

I recently visited Vancouver and spent most of my time adventuring on its west coast in Ucluelet and Tofino.  While I prefer small towns like these, city goers should not overlook beautiful Victoria!

There ae many things to do in Victoria for all tourists, from families to solo travelers.  I saved one day of my weeklong trip to Vancouver Island for a self-made walking tour of the city.

TAKE A TOUR
vrbo in ucluelet

Things to Do in Ucluelet

Up until a few months ago, I had never heard of Ucluelet.  I was interested in visiting Tofino, and upon researching places to stay and things to do in Tofino, I found nearby Ucluelet met all my needs for a more affordable price.

Located on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, Ucluelet is smaller and the less hipster sister of its famous northern neighbor Tofino.  With a population of just over 2,000 and growing, the small downtown features several coffee shops, a few retail stores, and some nice restaurants.

Hiking trails and beaches surround the village whose names comes from the local Nuu-chah-nulth language and translates to people of the safe harbor.  Below are a few things to do in Ucluelet.

EXPLORE!
tofino hot springs tour

Tofino: Hot Springs Cove Tour

A popular tour in Tofino is to Hot Springs Cove.  The six-hour tour includes a boat ride, a hike, and a soak in the hot springs in Maquinna Provincial Park.  The only way to get to Hot Springs Cove is by float plane or boat.  As a result, the tour time is dependent on the tides and coordinated among the many companies that have a park permit.

SOAK IT IN!
Wild Pacific Trail

Hiking the Wild Pacific Trail

The Wild Pacific Trail travels along the rugged coastline and through the magnificent rainforest of Ucluelet, BC on Vancouver Island.

The trail may be hiked in three sections, the Lighthouse Loop, Big Beach Section, and Browns Beach to Rocky Bluffs including Ancient Cedars Loop. Each section has a parking area and is extremely well marked.

HAPPY HIKING!

Canso Bomber Trail in Tofino

I spent several mornings hiking during my week in Ucluelet and Tofino.  Despite the mud, I particularly enjoyed the Canso Bomber Trail, which is a 3.2 mile hike to the crash site of a WWII bomber.

HAPPY HIKING!
roosevelt island

Escape to the Quiet Side of NYC: Roosevelt Island

Once upon a time, all the castaways resided in Roosevelt Island.  The island of many names was home to 26 institutions that housed prisoners, the insane, small pox and typhus patients, and more. Since the 1970’s, however, Roosevelt Island has undergone a makeover and is now the stomping ground for 12,000 residents. It’s limited vehiculer traffic, coupled with a lovely 2.5 mile trail that circumnavigates the island, gives New Yorkers and visitors a place to escape the bustle of the city.

EXPLORE!

New York City: Weekend Walking Itinerary

You’d have to read a thousand blogs to find all the things to do in New York City.  While I always stay in midtown, hit up a broadway show, stroll through Central Park, and find a few fancy places to eat, I change up the rest of my Big Apple visit.

During my most recent weekend stay in March, I logged a good 15 miles each day as I explored parks, neighborhoods, and few tourist attractions.

WANDER!

Historic Blakeley State Park

Continuing my road trip home from Ocala, Florida, I stayed the night in Historic Blakeley State Park on the way to visit some horse friends in Gulfport, Mississippi. 

Historic Blakeley State Park

Historic Blakeley State Park, located in Spanish Fort, Alabama encompasses more the 2,000 acres and affords visitors many things to do.  Along with RV camping, primitive camping, improved tent camping and cabin rentals, the park features 30 miles of trails, boat cruises, a Civil War Battlefield, the Townsite of Blakeley, and remnants of American Indian habitation.

EXPLORE!