If you are driving between Seattle and San Francisco and want an overnight stop that feels like part of the trip, one night in Ashland, Oregon is my recommendation: close to I-5, compact enough to enjoy in one evening, and full of historic architecture, creekside patios, and dog-friendly places to stay. I recently returned from…
Road Trip
The Most Charming Towns in the West for Design and Art Lovers
As an architect, I’m always drawn to small towns where design feels integrated into a place. Not just one landmark building, but in storefronts, sidewalks, gardens, galleries, hotels, public art, and the way the town meets its natural landscape. The towns below stand out to me because each one has a strong sense of place,…
Solo Female Travel with a Dog: Safety Tips, Planning & What to Expect
I love solo female travel, and traveling with my dog. Both can be extremely powerful experiences for personal growth and bonding, but they both have their own challenges. My dog Pepper has been on road trips with me through Arizona, Utah, Idaho, California, Oregon, and Washington. Some have been long weekend trips, and even a…
A Guide to Walking Bend, Oregon: Design, Trails, and Breweries
Bend, Oregon surprised me in the best ways. I expected great hiking and a strong brewery scene. What I didn’t expect was a town that felt well designed and walkable, while still feeling so close to nature. As an architect, I love a town that values art and design. And as an avid walker and…
Savannah and Charleston Road Trip Guide: The Perfect 9‑Day Girls Getaway from Atlanta
There’s something special about a Southern road trip—the slow sway of Spanish moss in the breeze, pastel‑colored colonial homes, quaint beach towns, and the endless supply of oysters and happy hours. If you’re looking for a girls getaway, a solo adventure, or simply a charming route full of history and Southern food, this itinerary from…