off the beaten path

Close-up of natural sea sponges drying on the deck of a sponge boat in Tarpon Springs, Florida
A detailed look at freshly harvested sea sponges drying on a sponge boat in Tarpon Springs—an enduring symbol of the town’s maritime heritage.
Scenic Drives / Small Towns and HIdden America / Southeast Region Travel Guides / Travel Guides

Exploring Tarpon Springs, Florida Travel Guide – A Greek Harbor Full of History, Flavor, and Photographic Charm

Tarpon Springs may sit on Florida’s Gulf Coast, but it feels like a world away — a place where Greek heritage, sponge diving, and waterfront charm blend into one colorful story. From biking in along the Pinellas Trail to photographing the historic docks and tasting authentic Greek food, this small town invites you to slow down, explore, and savor every moment.

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August 17, 2026
Dusty dirt road climbing through the foothills of the Superstition Mountains.
Every turn on this rugged dirt road revealed new desert views — and the promise of another story just ahead.
Epic Road Trips / Scenic Drives / Southwest Region Travel Guides / Travel Guides

Apache Junction, Arizona: Legends, Lakes, and the Road Less Traveled.

At the edge of the Sonoran Desert, Apache Junction opens the door to Arizona’s wild heart. Drive the winding Apache Trail, explore Tortilla Flat’s quirky saloon, and stand beneath the Superstition Mountains where legends of lost gold still whisper in the wind.

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July 29, 2026
Tranquil lake in remote Alaska surrounded by evergreen trees with mountains reflected in the calm water.
A quiet lake deep in Alaska’s backcountry mirrors the mountains and trees in perfect stillness.
Alaska Region Travel Guides / Back Roads and Byway / Epic Road Trips / Scenic Drives / Travel Guides

Alaska Back Roads – Mud, Mountains, and a Whole Lot of Mystery

I didn’t get to explore as many back roads in Alaska as I’d hoped — but the ones I did were unforgettable. Between muddy adventures, surprise road signs, and reindeer encounters, Alaska’s back roads proved that beauty and humor often share the same path.

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February 26, 2026
Sunset over Monument Valley transforms The Mittens into glowing silhouettes — a timeless symbol of the American Southwest. regional back roads and byways. travel guides. vacationers vs travelers
Sunset over Monument Valley transforms The Mittens into glowing silhouettes — a timeless symbol of the American Southwest.
Back Roads and Byway / Scenic Drives

Regional Back Roads and Byways Across America

From misty Northwest forests to the open skies of the Midwest and the winding ridges of the Blue Ridge, America’s regional back roads and byways tell the quiet story of a country best explored slowly—with camera in hand and curiosity leading the way.

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January 26, 2026
he Grand Canyon at sunrise with a purple sky. Southwest Region Travel Guide
A stunning purple sunrise over the Grand Canyon, casting a soft, ethereal glow on the canyon's vast rock formations.
Southwest Region Travel Guides / Travel Guides

Southwest Region Travel Guide: Red Rock Landscapes, Ancient Ruins, and Timeless Desert Beauty

From the red rocks of Arizona to the mesas of Utah, the Southwest offers a landscape shaped by time and spirit. In this regional guide, I share my favorite scenic drives, small towns, and off-the-beaten-path stops — from Canyon de Chelly to Monument Valley — plus tips for planning your own desert adventure.

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October 12, 2025