Places
Some people plan their road trips around the destinations. I plan mine around the detours. If something unexpected sits just off the highway, I want to know about it, no matter what it is or who looks after it.
Over the years, I have visited a lot of places that stopped me in my tracks. This page is where I collect all of them, with honest write-ups, photos, and the kind of details you actually need before you go. Whether you are researching a specific spot or simply looking for ideas for your next trip, everything I have explored is here. Take a look around and see what catches your eye.
Hidden across the American landscape, the echoes of boom towns and busted dreams still linger. From rusted mine shafts to dusty crumbling storefronts, these places tell a story no history book can capture. Come along as I take you through the ghost towns and abandoned mines I have explored firsthand.
History does not always announce itself. Sometimes it is a plaque in a parking lot, sometimes a building that has stood for three hundred years. These are the sites where something happened, something worth knowing and worth making the drive for. Some are run by government agencies, some by local groups, and some by no one in particular. Come see the places I have stood in front of and thought about for a while.
Most people know about the National Parks, but did you know there are 433 national park units scattered across the country? Beyond the famous ones, these sites represent some of the most significant history, natural treasures, and remarkable sights America has to offer. Here are all of the units I have visited so far, with more being added as I go.
Some of the best landscapes I have come across were not parks at all. They were craters and chalk formations and quiet stretches of water that no one thinks to put on a map, sitting out in the open with no gate and no crowd. These are the natural areas I have wandered into that do not fall under a national or state park, the kind of places that made me pull over and stay longer than I planned. Come see the wild corners I have found along the way.
All across the United States, roadside attractions remind us of the decades gone by. From abandoned buildings to quirky little shops, these unexpected stops are some of the best parts of any road trip. Furthermore, they are the kind of places most people drive past without a second thought. Come take a trip with me as I share my stories of the weird and wonderful spots I have found along the way.
State parks are some of the best kept secrets in outdoor exploration. Tucked away in every corner of the country, these parks offer stunning scenery without the crowds. Come see which ones I have visited and what makes each one worth the stop.