Before I was a travel agent, I was just a travel nerd. With only domestic options during COVID, I experienced this beautiful and diverse country in all her glory. My domestic "don't-misses" are those that beckon a blend of history, culture, and cuisine. In this blog, I'm excited to share the gems that have captured my heart, hoping to inspire your next domestic adventure.

Salt Lake City, Utah – I met the love of my life in SLC and will always adore the glorious mountain backdrop. The sprawling Temple Square attractions can fill your day, but plan to reconnect with nature at the Red Butte Gardens and Salt Lake Tracy Aviary. The serene Cathedral of Madeleine is stunning! Then it’s time for margs at one of my all-time favorite Mex restaurants: The Red Iguana. And for brunch? A freak rainstorm drove me into the Grand American Hotel for shelter, but I savored every second! This gorgeous hotel does everything right: incredible food, thoughtful service and beautiful décor and atmosphere. SLC 365 Day Pass>>this looks like a great way to explore

Michigan – Michigan is one of the most underrated US destinations. I was lucky enough to visit lovely Traverse City in August when it was roasting (over 100 degrees) in Texas. Meanwhile, it was a delightful 70 degrees mid-day…perfect temps for a beach stroll along the massive great lakes. Michigan wines were incredible, and I love how “local” the restaurants and shops are. I don’t recall seeing a single chain! DO NOT miss the drive to Mackinac Island, home of the Grand Hotel, which was featured in the movie “Somewhere in Time.” Only non-motorized vehicles are allowed on the island, so leave your car (and the modern world) behind to ferry in for a seaside day of horse carriages, homemade fudge stores and charming architecture.

Sedona, AZ - top 3 favorite places on the planet! Fly into Pheonix and rent a car for the 2ish hour drive to Sedona, home of stunning red mountains and energy vortexes. This town is known for quirkiness, so embrace the journey for reiki and tarot + selfie-sensational tours with breathtaking vistas! There are amazing hiking experiences if you want to get your steps in. A trolley allows you to navigate the vibrant downtown area with ease, so take your time meandering through crystal shops and cafes. No trip to Sedona is complete without a meal at the remarkable Mariposa, boasting the most panoramic view in town!

Seattle area – Obvious must-sees include The Space Needle and Pike Place Market…which boasts the original Starbucks and Beecher’s Handmade Cheese (OMG still drooling over thoughts of their grilled cheese!!). But consider these lesser known options: Port Townsend and McMenamins Tacoma. Port Townsend is a cozy seaside town with a nautical history and delightful historic Victorian architecture, allowing you to stroll between shops, wineries, pubs and restaurants. McMenamins is famous for transforming iconic historic spaces into something…well different. The location in Tacoma features a tiki bar and speak easy with a hidden wall (so you feel a little notorious, even when you aren't)! McMenamins has multiple locations in the Northwest, so I aim to blackout my McMenamins Passport with all stamps someday. Hop on and off tours>> are always ideal to hit hotspots

San Diego, California – Whether you seek mariachi music and Mexican food in Old Town, a stroll through the sprawling and bio-diverse Balboa Park, or a selfie at the helm of the H.M.S. Surprise (where they filmed the movie Master and Commander) at the Maritime Museum, this city never disappoints. Don't miss lunch or a stroll on the beach at the distinctive Hotel Del Coronado. Even after multiple trips, I feel like I haven't scratched the surface on San Diego's diversity of attractions. If you love Day of the Dead, plan on being in Old Town in October. The hop on and off tour is the ideal way to see most of these! Hop on and off>>

Niagara Falls – We knocked this out in 3 days! Worth the hype, but take your FitBit and comfy shoes…it was challenging to find Ubers. We researched this trip for several weeks, and we had a seamless experience. My best advice? Don’t just show up and hope for the best. Do your research….or better yet, I would love to help you check this off your bucket list.

NEXT UP FOR ME:

Windstar Cruises – My all-time favorite cruise brand offers experiences through New England and Canada, and I truly believe in this experience if a massive ship seems daunting. These ships have around 300 capacity!

Rocky Mountaineer rail – Rail is rising in popularity, and I can’t wait to experience Rocky Mountaineers’ gorgeous and upscale route around Moab, Denver, and Salt Lake City.

Small ship cruises in the USA – If you are a war or history buff, American Cruise Lines has small ship, luxury options. Think river cruising, but in the USA! Whether you seek the historic south, the Mississippi River, or the Snake River, you can explore the country in a new way.

You don't need to venture far to taste, touch and experience the vibrant tapestry of domestic travel destinations that dot our nation. Each journey uncovers a unique story to enjoy from sea to shining sea!