Author Archives: Sandy Applebee

Vegas, Grand Canyon, Sedona

It never occurred to me that people visit Las Vegas multiple times without visiting the Grand Canyon. My husband has been to Vegas at least 8 times but never the Grand Canyon, not to mention the Hoover Dam or Sedona, Arizona. Would it be possible to do it all in a short time and stillContinue reading “Vegas, Grand Canyon, Sedona”

Sleeping in a Train Car in Lancaster, PA

In the uncertainty at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was longing for an escape from home, a place where we could still be socially distanced, and within an easy drive. I found the Red Caboose Motel in the middle of Amish Country and the idea of sleeping in a train car in theContinue reading “Sleeping in a Train Car in Lancaster, PA”

A Christmas Story and A Thanksgiving Story in Traverse City, MI

I’ve heard that a trip to Traverse City is lovely every season but winter. If you do find yourself Up North during the colder months, you should expect snow as well as beaches, forests, dunes, and plenty of local breweries and wineries. A road trip from Maryland also affords the opportunity to make a fewContinue reading “A Christmas Story and A Thanksgiving Story in Traverse City, MI”

The Mountains of Asheville, Black Mountain, and Cherokee, NC

Mountain towns will always be my ideal vacation. There’s something about the fresh air, serene views, and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life that keeps me wanting more. Oh, Carolina, keep calling me home. Eric Church When I was a kid, my family took a vacation to Cherokee, NC and Maggie Valley,Continue reading “The Mountains of Asheville, Black Mountain, and Cherokee, NC”

There’s No Place Like Disney – on a Budget

There is something that sets a Disney vacation apart from everything else. The feeling of nostalgia, happiness, and imagination – the Disney magic is real. But the intimidation that comes with budgeting for this family dream vacation is also real. “Best Vacation Ever.” My Kids By no means am I a Disney vacation expert. ThisContinue reading “There’s No Place Like Disney – on a Budget”

Frankenmuth, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo and a Very Michigan 4th of July

This is where my travel addiction began. My first trip to Michigan, my husband’s home state, was in July of 2019. I didn’t know what to expect. Will it be flat? Are there really that many lakes and will they be Canada cold? The first thing to know about baseball in Michigan is, Michigan’s reallyContinue reading “Frankenmuth, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo and a Very Michigan 4th of July”

Underground in Luray, VA

Luray Caverns is the largest caverns in the eastern U.S. I remember visiting as a child, an unearthly experience that stuck with me. With summer 2019 vacation just beginning, I took my daughters and two of their friends to Luray, VA to explore the underground. The cave you fear holds the treasure you seek. JosephContinue reading “Underground in Luray, VA”