Wandering Weightlessly
Is this the most underrated FREE nightly show in the Midwest? 🌊⛲️
We stumbled across the Grand Haven Musical Fountain on our Michigan loop, and let me tell you, it completely stole the show! If you are planning a road trip, you absolutely have to add this stop to your itinerary.
Every single night during the summer, the entire community gathers right on the waterfront as this massive, talking musical fountain puts on a spectacular synchronized light and water performance. The energy here is seriously infectious—the clip above is the very end of the show and people were literally dancing in the streets!
It is the perfect, budget-friendly night out because it’s 100% free, completely family-friendly, and totally pet-friendly, too! Our pups had a splashing good time soaking in the atmosphere. 🐶❤️
Before the show started, we spent the afternoon exploring Grand Haven, and it is the ultimate lakefront town. It’s got a great wave of local boutiques, fantastic restaurants, and plenty of places to grab a sweet treat to eat while you watch the fountains dance. We honestly loved this experience so much.
If you want a summer getaway that will gush with core memories, save this post right now for your next trip!
Have you ever seen a musical fountain show like this? Did you spot the boat photo bomb on the river? Let me know your favorite pet-friendly Midwest spots in the comments! 👇
06/06/2026
🚋 Cleveland Has an Underground Subway?! 🌉
Yes, you read that right! If you’ve ever driven across the Veterans Memorial Bridge (the Detroit-Superior Bridge), you’ve actually driven right over a massive piece of hidden history.
On Saturday, June 27, the county is opening up the lower level for the annual self-guided tour, and it is a total must-do. I’ve done this tour myself, and it is absolutely incredible to experience firsthand.
Here are a few wild facts about this hidden Cleveland gem that you might not know:
The World's Largest: When it was completed in 1917, it was hailed as the largest double-deck reinforced concrete bridge in the entire world!
The "Nation's Busiest": By 1930, it was handling over 70,000 vehicles a day on the upper deck, making it one of the busiest choke points in the country.
The Hidden Tracks: The lower deck operated as a bustling subway and streetcar hub, carrying millions of commuters right beneath the traffic until the lines were completely shut down and sealed up in the mid-1950s.
Eiffel Tower Vibes: The gorgeous arch design has been historically compared to the masterworks of Gustav Eiffel in France and Portugal.
Why You Should Check It Out:
It’s completely free, entirely self-guided, and offers some of the most spectacular, unobstructed views of the Cleveland skyline, the Flats, and the Cuyahoga River that you literally cannot get from anywhere else.
Pluses for accessibility:
🐾 It's Pet-Friendly! You can bring your favorite four-legged exploring buddy along for the walk.
♿ Stroller & Wheelchair Accessible: The pavement is old, but the entire route is accessible for wheels.
It feels like stepping directly into a time capsule right in the middle of the city. Grab your walking shoes, grab your camera (and your pup!), and go experience a side of Cleveland history most people never get to see.
🗓️ When: Saturday, June 27
📍 Where: Entrances at the Superior Viaduct (West Side) or West Superior Ave (East Side)
🎟️ Cost: Free!
If your weekend plans don’t involve being gently aggressively asked for snacks by a baby otter, are you even living? 😭🦦
Seriously, add hand-feeding an otter to the absolute top of your travel bucket list immediately. They get fed about 10 times a day, love cat food as a snack, and will hold your hand while they eat. I’m officially ruined for all other travel experiences.
Rate this level of cuteness from 1-10 (but the only correct answer is 100). 👇
Who you gonna call? Ghost (crab) Busters!
POV: You’re walking the Virginia Beach shore at 10 PM with a flashlight and you spot one of these fast little guys! 🔦 ✨
This is a Ghost Crab, and hunting for them is one of the best free family night activities on a coastal vacation. They can run up to 10 mph and live in deep sand burrows during the day. Zion did catch and release "Loretta" he was so excited!
Zion was absolutely thrilled to spot this one!
👇 Have you ever gone ghost crab hunting? Let me know your favorite beach memories below!
Look down, look down... 🎭
Everyone comes to Paris for the cafes and the Eiffel Tower, but the real magic is happening right under your feet.
Did you know that these vaulted underground tunnels run right beneath the Place de la Bastille? This very area was the epicenter of the real-life 1832 June Rebellion—the exact event that inspired Victor Hugo to write Les Misérables.
Floating through these dark, atmospheric waterways feels exactly like stepping straight into Jean Valjean’s world. It’s a side of Paris most tourists completely miss.
Would you take this underground canal tour, or do you prefer to stay above ground? Let me know in the comments! 👇
🎥: Canal Saint-Martin vaults, Paris
06/05/2026
Happy National Donut Day! 🍩✨
If you know us, you know we will absolutely travel for a phenomenal sweet treat. Over the years, we’ve made a habit of hunting down the most unique, comforting, and delicious spots around Ohio—and today, we’re sharing three of our absolute favorite places to find a pocket of sugary peace.
If you are looking to celebrate today (or this weekend!), here are three spots we highly recommend checking out:
1. Creekside Restaurant & Bar (Brecksville) 🌊🍂
There is nothing quite like sitting out on the patio at Creekside on a crisp day, listening to the rushing water, and diving into one of their legendary cream-filled puff pastries. The atmosphere is grounded, the views are stunning, and the treats are pure perfection.
2. Way Down Yonder (Columbus) 🎺🎷
Okay, so a New Orleans beignet isn't technically a traditional donut, but it absolutely counts in our book! While their physical location may have closed, the beautiful mission behind their food and culture goes on, and it remains one of our all-time favorite memories. True comfort food at its finest.
3. The Mad Batter Bakeshop (Chagrin Falls) 🃏🎩
If you want a super whimsical, fun experience right near a gorgeous, walkable main street, this is it! From the Alice in Wonderland decor hanging from the ceiling to the incredible display cases, it’s a total sensory delight that makes you feel like you stepped into a storybook.
Travel doesn’t always have to be about grand, sweeping itineraries. Sometimes, it’s just about the simple, predictable joy of a road trip centered entirely around a spectacular bakery and a moment to breathe.
We clearly have our favorites, but I want to know yours! Where is the absolute best donut you’ve ever had in Ohio? Drop the bakery name in the comments so we can add it to our summer road trip list! 👇🚗
Drop everything... tomorrow is National Donut Day! 🍩✨
If you’re in the Greater Cleveland area, you do NOT want to miss out on these incredible local freebies and perks. From decades-old neighborhood staples to hot and fresh made-to-order spots, our local bakeries are showing out this Friday.
Swipe through to see exactly where to go, what the deal is, and where they are located.
🚨 Local tip: If you're heading to spots like Jack Frost or Becker's, set an alarm and get there EARLY. The lines are legendary and the best specialty flavors always clear out before noon!
Which one of these are you hitting first tomorrow morning? What am I missing?
Let me know below!
Jack Frost Donuts (The Local Legend)
You can’t talk about Cleveland donuts without starting here. They’ve been serving up scratch-made, wildly creative donuts on the near West Side since 1937.
The Deal: Get one FREE donut with any purchase (perfect excuse to grab a coffee or a second treat).
Location: 4960 Pearl Rd, Cleveland, OH 44109 (Old Brooklyn neighborhood, right down the road from Parma). They also have a popular counter inside the West Side Market.
2. Becker’s Donuts & Bakery (The Vintage Hidden Gem)
A lesser-known neighborhood staple, Becker's is the ultimate retro spot. They’ve been rolling dough since the 1940s and still feature that incredible, old-school bakery charm.
The Deal: Offering special National Donut Day freebie perks and discounts with any purchase on Friday, June 5.
Location: 220 Bell St, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 (and their production spot in Fairview Park).
3. Duck Donuts (The Fresh & Warm Favorite)
While technically a national brand, their local shops are locally operated and draw huge community crowds because every single donut is made-to-order right in front of you.
The Deal: A completely FREE classic Cinnamon Sugar Donut—absolutely no purchase necessary. (Plus, they're offering a half-dozen classic flavors for just $6 all day).
Location: 200 Park Ave, Suite 140, Orange, OH 44122 (Pinecrest area).
4. Krispy Kreme (The "No Purchase Necessary" Guarantee)
If you just want a quick, guaranteed freebie without opening your wallet, the local Krispy Kreme hubs have you completely covered.
The Deal: One FREE donut of your choice, no purchase necessary (excludes specialty limited-time collabs). If you do want a whole box to share, buying any dozen gets you a second dozen of Original Glazed for just $2.
Location: 6907 Pearl Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Can a place give you your breath back? 🌊🌿
If you just looked at this video, you might think I slipped away to a rainforest resort or a secluded tropical island.
But this is actually a Thursday afternoon, tucked inside the glasshouse at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.
When life feels heavy, overwhelming, or completely overstimulated, our instinct is often to plan a massive escape. We think we have to board a flight, cross an ocean, or completely leave our reality behind to find peace.
But sometimes, true grounding doesn't require a passport. It just requires radical predictability—like the steady, unchanging rhythm of falling water and a quiet corner that asks absolutely nothing of you.
As a travel designer, my goal isn't just to help you escape your life; it’s to help you find spaces where your nervous system can finally drop its anchor. Whether that's across the globe on a sober retreat or on a 45-minute lunch break down the street from your office.
If your day is feeling a little loud today, take this as your sign to find a pocket of peace exactly where you are. Unclench your jaw. Drop your shoulders. Let it flow.
Where is your go-to local escape when you just need to feel weightless? 👇
06/04/2026
Did you know that totem poles are actually meant to be read like a storybook from the bottom up? 🪵✨
When we traveled through Alaska, seeing these massive, hand-carved structures in ports like Juneau and Ketchikan was absolutely breathtaking. It’s easy to look at them and just admire the artistry, but their significance goes so much deeper.
Here are a few fascinating facts about the Indigenous totem poles of the Pacific Northwest:
They aren't idols. A common misconception is that they were carved for religious worship. In reality, they are historical documents! They tell lineage stories, commemorate historic events, record oral histories, and honor tribal leaders.
The figures are heavy with meaning. Every animal tells a story. The Raven often represents a trickster or a creator, the Eagle symbolizes peace and power, and the Bear represents strength and family.
The "low man on the totem pole" is actually a myth! In popular culture, we use that phrase to mean someone of low status. But in Indigenous carving, the most important, detailed figures are often placed at the bottom because that’s the part of the pole people see up close at eye level!
For me, one of the best parts of travel is taking the time to learn the predictability and history of a piece of art before standing in front of it. It grounds you. It takes away the sensory rush of trying to read crowded placards on a busy port day, and lets you just stand there, breathe, and appreciate the weight of history standing right in front of you.
Have you ever seen a totem pole up close? If you’ve been to Alaska, drop your favorite port memory or a photo in the comments below—I’d love to see them! 👇🎒
🏝️ Bermuda Bound? Don’t let the island’s heavy rum culture catch you off guard.
You can absolutely experience the best culinary spots in Bermuda—from historic, postcard-famous icons to hidden, local-favorite food trucks—without the alcohol.
We’ve mapped out the ultimate 10-restaurant dining playbook, complete with a custom, sophisticated zero-proof mocktail pairing for every single spot.
🎒 Want the full, printable 2-page pocket guide saved to your phone? We just dropped the complete PDF for free inside our private community, Suitcases & Sobriety!
👇 Click the link in the first comment below to join our group and grab your copy!
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
