We meant to be ready. We packed the night before. Counted diapers. Laid out the cozy car ride outfit. Double-checked the bag. And still—no kid potty. No step-stool for brushing teeth. No extra baby wipes. No time to actually breathe this morning before rushing out the door, tossing snacks and spare shoes into the car … [Read more…]
This summer, we packed up the travel trailer, loaded the truck with gear (and snacks), and set off from Raleigh, North Carolina, heading for the Keweenaw Peninsula, at the tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It was six weeks of campgrounds, great lakes, pine trees, family visits, surprise rainstorms, long stretches of road, Yooper slang, and … [Read more…]
When my husband and I hit the road in our RV for a year, we were excited to explore more than just the scenic routes and national parks. One of the best parts of every stop was discovering the unique flavors and foods that define different parts of the country. Every region has its own … [Read more…]
A few years ago—specifically in September 2018, in the pre-COVID, pre-parenthood stretch of our lives—my husband joined me on a work trip to Chicago. Just before we left, we learned that the Palmer House, where corporate travel had booked us, was on strike. And it wasn’t isolated. Many major hotels across downtown were part of … [Read more…]
There was a time when eating alone felt like freedom. Work trips, new cities, long evenings with no one to answer to. Life looks different now; fuller, louder, and built around someone small. I wouldn’t trade that for anything, but I do miss the quiet. The Last Time I Ate Alone I can’t remember the … [Read more…]
Whether you’re heading in for a college football game, a Hurricanes game, a graduation weekend, a big concert, or just a few days chasing good food and better art, the Triangle makes a great base. And camping can be one of the best ways to experience it. There’s no shortage of options. From full-hookup RV … [Read more…]
How We Actually Conserve Water in Our Small Travel Trailer We spent last week at a state park in an electric-only site. No water hookup or sewer. Just a shared spigot a few campsites away. It was $27 a night (awesome), and we knew exactly how to make it work. But even with solid habits, … [Read more…]
There’s always something to fix in the RV. Most of it’s minor—tighten a hinge, reset the fridge, figure out why the water pump’s acting weird again. But when the toilet starts leaking, it feels like a bigger deal. Messier. More annoying. And honestly, kind of intimidating the first time. So when we pulled into the … [Read more…]
Got a car or SUV with a 3,500 lb tow rating? You’re not alone. That number is common for small SUVs like the Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and even some minivans. And while it technically means you can tow a trailer that weighs 3,500 lbs, the truth is… you really shouldn’t. … [Read more…]
Most people don’t think about printers when packing up the RV. It’s one of those “how often could I really need it?” things—until you’re trying to sign a contract, print a return label, or send in some kid’s school form from a gravel parking lot. Digital is great. But the real world still runs on … [Read more…]