United States

Home base is Wilmington, NC, but there’s a whole country to explore. From coast to coast, national parks to city streets, road trips to weekend getaways, these are my American adventures. Sometimes the best travels happen in your own backyard, and the United States never stops surprising me with new places to discover. I have traveled to all 50 states and have a lot more stories to write about (and still more to see)!

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    The History of Wilmington, NC: A Coastal City Worth Exploring

    ByJay M

    There are many beautiful cities along the east coast of the United States, but only three major coastal cities sit between North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia: Savannah, Charleston, and Wilmington. Each has its own charm, but Wilmington stands apart with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and award-winning Riverwalk. Named after Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, and incorporated in 1739, the city once served as the capital of North Carolina. Today, you can walk past repurposed federal buildings, gaze across the Cape Fear River at the legendary USS North Carolina battleship, and feel the unique blend of Northeastern charm and Southern hospitality. As someone who recently moved here, I have come to appreciate Wilmington in a way I never could as a visitor. This post dives into the history that makes Wilmington one of the most fascinating coastal cities in the South.

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    Why Exploring Your Hometown Is Real Travel

    ByJay M

    I was raised in greater Boston and spent most of my adult life in New Hampshire before making the move to Wilmington, NC. Now when someone asks where I am from, I say Wilmington. Not because I am hiding my roots, but because it is where I feel at home, and I want to share it.
    Travel has always been about learning and growing for me. I have visited all 50 US states, most of Canada, and several countries across Europe and Australia. There is more world to see, but right now I am pausing to take a deeper look at my new home.
    Exploring your hometown, regardless of its size, can be just as meaningful and enlightening as traveling to the other side of the world. This post kicks off a series on Wilmington, the Port City, and what makes North Carolina worth slowing down for.

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    The 5 Best MLB Parks for a Weekend Getaway (And the Cities That Make Them Worth It)

    ByJay M

    I love travel and I love baseball, and when those two things combine it makes for one of my favorite kinds of weekends. I have been to every city that hosts an MLB team and caught a game in over half of them. Not every great city has a great park, and not every great park sits in a city worth building a weekend around. This list is where both come together. From the iconic ivy walls of Wrigley Field in Chicago to the unmatched skyline views at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, these five ballparks earned their spots based on the full experience, the stadium, the neighborhood, and the city itself. Whether you are a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a great excuse to explore somewhere new, these are the MLB parks worth planning a weekend around.

  • A Weekend in Saint Augustine: The City, the History, and the Beach

    ByJay M

    Saint Augustine, Florida is somewhere we had always wanted to visit, and when the opportunity finally came, it did not disappoint. Founded in 1565, it is the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States, and that history is felt everywhere you go.
    We spent the weekend splitting our time between Saint Augustine Beach and the city itself. The beach is classic Florida, wide open and easy to enjoy. The city, on the other hand, feels like stepping into a completely different world, one that predates the United States entirely.
    If you are looking for a destination that blends genuine history, great food, and a beach in one compact weekend trip, Saint Augustine belongs on your list.

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    Why Puerto Rico Should Be Your Go-To Caribbean Destination

    ByJay M

    Puerto Rico beats Aruba in every category that matters: no passport required, cheaper hotels, affordable dining, and authentic culture. Both are beautiful Caribbean destinations, but Puerto Rico offers vibrant history, stunning beaches, and significant savings, making it the smarter choice for your next island getaway.

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    Hawaii | Worth the Flight?

    ByJay M

    Hawaii is absolutely worth visiting, but not for a typical beach vacation. After two trips to the Big Island, I’ve learned that Hawaii deserves to be experienced for what makes it unique: hiking to secluded Makalawena Beach, exploring active volcanoes, touring coffee farms with ocean views, and witnessing the breathtaking Waipi’o Valley. Save your 13-hour journey for authentic Hawaiian experiences you can’t find anywhere else.

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    5 Things to Know Before Visiting Boston

    ByJay M

    Boston is one of America’s most walkable and historic cities, filled with free attractions, rich history, and passionate sports culture. Whether you are planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer stay, here are five things you need to know before visiting.

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    Top 5 Food Cities in the US

    ByJay M

    From San Francisco’s sourdough and sushi to Miami’s Cuban flavors, Kansas City’s smoky BBQ, the soulful cooking of New Orleans, and the endless variety in New York City, these five U.S. cities prove that food is the best way to experience culture.

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    Top 5 Major US Cities to Visit For a Weekend Getaway This Summer (2026)

    ByJay M

    Looking for the perfect summer weekend escape? From the energy of Chicago to the charm of Boston and the views of Seattle, here are my top 5 U.S. cities for a two-or three-day getaway. I’ll share where to stay, what to eat, and how to make the most of your time in each destination.