Today, on the Locals Know Best podcast, I'll be speaking with Tom Potter about all of his favorite outdoor adventures in a town you may know as one of the most picturesque Alpine-style villages in the United States, Leavenworth, Washington!

I'm very excited for this episode because Leavenworth has always been in the back of my mind as an excellent fit for this podcast, and even more so for one of our holiday episodes.

Leavenworth is not only incredibly jam-packed with outdoor activities, it boasts tons of holiday cheer to boot!

We will, of course, talk a bit about the holiday season and how it affects and influences this Christmas-loving town. But Tom also does a fantastic job explaining why Leavenworth is so much more than an adorable Bavarian town engulfed in holiday lights!

About Tom Potter (Aka: T-Pot)

Tom is a local Leavenworth entrepreneur.

When he first arrived in the area, he spent several years working in the bars and restaurants throughout the village to fund his recreational habits.

During that time, he inadvertently found himself planning vacations for people, so they wouldn't waste a minute of their stay.

Eventually, The T-Pot Experience was born, an all-inclusive trip planning service he operates that focuses on bringing you the best of the best of Leavenworth.

With this host and concierge service, he helps visitors make the most of their time in the area, specializing in unique experiences based around outdoor recreation, food, wine, and scenery.

Learn more about Tom Potter and how to plan Leavenworth excursions with him at thetpotexperience.com.

What We Cover in This Episode

• What makes Leavenworth so picturesque and unique and "the recreation Mecca of Washington."
• Why people are drawn to Leavenworth for the holidays.
• A pro tip on the ideal time to see the Leavenworth holiday lights.
• What time of the year Christmas-town is in full effect.
• How you can see the Leavenworth lights from your couch.
• The best and worst times of year to visit Leavenworth.
• What each season in Leavenworth has to offer visitors.
• Which part of town is optimal for an Airbnb rental.
• The best spot in town for coffee and biscuit breakfast sandwiches, and what time you should be there to make sure you get a biscuit.
• The best spots to ski and snowboard near Leavenworth, and how to fit in a whitewater kayaking adventure on the way back!
• The best part of the river for a more relaxed inner tube float or standup paddleboarding with incredible views.
• A fantastic sandwich spot you won't walk away from hungry.
• The best sausage garden in town to get a bratwurst.
• All of the incredible professionally maintained mountain biking trail options available in town and a few of Tom's favorites.
• A historically prominent ski hill area that hosts bikers in the summer and skiers and tubers in the winter.
• The nordic skiing that is also available in the area.
• The "buffet of hiking" offered in Leavenworth.
• Two of my favorite hikes around this area (and one ends at the view seen in the cover image for this podcast!)
• The optimal spots in town for beer, dinner, and craft cocktails.
• The music scene in Leavenworth.
• The best Instagram spot in town.
• Two underrated spots in town you should be sure not to miss.

Quotables

"Come to Leavenworth to enjoy the mountains, enjoy the recreation here, get a little taste of Bavaria. It's a unique gem in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains of Eastern Washington. As you pull into town, you'll just be amazed by how they've stuck to the Bavarian theme, and the mountain access is about as good as I've ever experienced."

Tom Potter

Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode How to see the Leavenworth, WA Holiday Lights from Anywhere:

• Leavenworth Live Webcams

Where to Stay in the Leavenworth, WA Area:

• Airbnb Rental Homes

Leavenworth, WA Area Outdoor (& One Indoor) Activities Mentioned in the Episode:

• Stevens Pass
• Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort
• Tumwater Canyon
• Leavenworth Ski Hill
• Freund Canyon Mountain Bike Trail
• Rosy Boa Mountain Bike Trail
• Ribbed Mountain Bike Trail
• Colchuck Lake Trailhead
• Icicle Ridge Trail
• Snow Lakes Trailhead
• Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
• Leavenworth Reindeer Farm

Leavenworth, WA Area Restaurants, Breweries, & Speakeasies Mentioned in this Episode:

• Argonaut Espresso Bar
• Parsley's Pantry
• München Haus
• Icicle Brewing Company
• Sulla Vita
• Wok About Mongolian Grill
• Pika Provisions

Thanks for Listening!

We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part!

If you've been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It's super easy; click here and go to "ratings and reviews." I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!!

Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best Podcast on Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.

Today, on the Locals Know Best podcast, I'll be speaking with Kristan Vermeulen about how to make the most of a day outdoors in Portland, Maine.

Join Kristan and me as we visit Portland, Maine, during both the off and on-season, eating tons of tasty treats along the way! Activities we discuss in this episode include hitting the water in multiple vessel options, skiing, dog sledding, oyster shucking, hiking, and more!

About Kristan Vermeulen

Kristan is originally from Maryland and was a Director of Public Relations for the Department of Defense for six years while living there.

However, a full-time job opportunity, as well as her husband, ended up bringing her to the great state of Maine, and she hasn't looked back since!

She now runs her own public relations business and is also the host of a podcast called Makers of Maine, which has recently expanded into Makers of the USA.

On her podcast, she interviews various makers and small business owners, including artists, glass blowers, potters, woodworkers, fashion designers, and more.

And as a publicist, she has featured her small business clients on national media outlets, including Forbes, Health, Real Simple, Redbook, TODAY, Good Morning America, and FOX Business News.

In both roles, she's had to quickly learn what Maine means to outsiders and locals regarding the attractions and lifestyle it offers, which has swiftly turned her into an authority on both Portland and Maine as a whole.

Throughout this episode, you'll notice that her background in the great outdoors, public relations, and podcasting has uniquely set her up as an expert on why the area's entrepreneurial spirit goes hand in hand with adventuring in and around Portland.

Learn more about Kristan and her podcast Makers of the USA.

What We Cover in This Episode

• Many of the outdoor products created, and small businesses run, in Maine.
• Maine's outdoor-focused lifestyle.
• Maritime life, the sailing scene in Portland, and a nonprofit focused on affordably introducing people to the sport.
• What makes running a small business in Maine so unique, and why Maine is a great place for aspiring entrepreneurs!
• The best and worst times of year to visit Portland, Maine.
• The difference between Maine's on and off-season, and why there's something to be appreciated in both.
• Where to ski near Portland.
• A noteworthy winter dog sledding excursion you don't find everywhere.
• A winter festival focused on exposing locals to experiences instead of shopping.
• A distinctive historical hotel to stay at in Portland.
• The ultimate spots in town to stroll and watch the ferries.
• Where to get the finest cup of coffee in the city.
• What part of town is ideal for scenery, and which part is best for nightlife.
• The best destinations for breakfast, seafood, drinks, and snacks!
• Why you should consider enjoying the water via a hands-on historic tall ship tour instead of the typical powerboats.
• The optimal restaurant in town to have a cocktail and lobster roll by the water.
• How climate change is affecting the lobster industry and how the industry is pivoting.
• What wine and oysters have in common.
• Where to go oyster shucking!
• The best family and pet-friendly hiking options nearby.
• Portland's music scene.
• The most beautiful place for an Instagram picture in Portland.
• An overrated spot in Portland, and how to avoid it.

Quotables

The ongoing saying of Maine in general: it's the way life should be. And I truly believe in that statement, because it is a place where you can go and see everything in terms of environment and outdoors, from, you know the sailing, being on the water, to going and hiking, to canoeing down the Allagash or you know skiing at a ski resort close by, or go dog sledding. It is a way for folks to see life and this world so differently. … Like if you want to go and travel, you could do it right in your backyard. Like, you don't have to go to Europe. You don't have to go to the Bahamas. You can come right here to Maine. So I would say that. Come to Maine to experience the way life should be.

Kristan Vermeulen

Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode Where to Stay in the Portland, ME Area:

• The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection

Portland, ME Area Outdoor Businesses, Destinations & Activities Mentioned in the Episode:

• Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Resort
• Sunday River Ski Resort
• Dog sledding with the Mahoosuc Guide Services
• Tours and Tickets by Portland Tall Ship Cruise
• Maine Windjammer Association
• Maine Maritime Museum
• Peaks Island
• Eastern Promenade Trail
• Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
• Sea Bags Flagship Store
• Mere Point Oyster Company
• Bradbury Mountain State Park
• Custom House Wharf

Portland, ME Area Music Venues Mentioned in the Episode:

• State Theatre
• One Longfellow Square
• Thompson's Point

Portland, ME Area Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Bars & Breweries Mentioned in the Episode:

• Coffee by Design
• Commercial Street
• Bayside American Cafe
• The Holy Donut
• Luke's Lobster Portland Pier
• The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club
• Maine Beer Company
• Eventide Oyster Co.

Thanks for Listening!

We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part!

If you've been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It's super easy; click here and go to "ratings and reviews." I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!!

Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best Podcast on Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.

Today, on the Locals Know Best podcast, I'll be speaking with Michelle Stelly about how to make the most of a weekend at Mount Rainier National Park!

In this episode, Michelle and I will first discuss Washington's three beautiful national parks. Then, we'll backpack, hike, and snowshoe throughout all four seasons in Mount Rainier National Park, as well as touch on a few of the surrounding areas.

We'll be sure to see tons of epic waterfalls, lakes, and fire lookouts along the way, and of course, also have plenty of opportunities to view the incredible Mount Rainier!

About Michelle Stelly

Michelle runs The Wandering Queen, a travel blog to help fellow women adventurers travel the globe.

She's a Texan-Panamanian who is passionate about adventure travel, as well as an expert on all things hiking, backpacking, and camping.

Michelle has been to 23 U.S. National Parks and has a goal in life that is very similar to my own, to inspire and help get people outdoors!

Learn more about Michelle Stelly at TheWanderingQueen.com.

What We Cover in This Episode

• All of Michelle's favorite hikes in Mount Rainier National Park.
• That it's possible to get into hiking at any point in life.
• Two great pro tips for anyone who's looking to start getting more into backpacking.
• The allure of the PNW for a Texan-Panamanian, and why she made the move up north.
• What makes each of Washington's three national parks (Olympic, Rainier, and North Cascades) unique, and the pros of visiting each one.
• What it's like visiting Mount Rainier National Park during each of the seasons throughout the year.
• How to be aware of avalanche zones in the winter and spring snowshoeing seasons.
• The hike in Mount Rainier National Park where Barrett and I have gotten some of our most epic photos ever!
• What breakfast, lunch, and dinner look like for a backpacker.
• How to best spend day one of our trip in the Paradise area.
• The best waterfalls to hit up on your drive from Seattle to the Paradise Visitor Center area.
• The 360-degree Mount Rainier views you can get from the most popular trail in Washington, and what makes this trail so unique when compared to most of the trails in the state.
• The spot where all the photographers like to shoot sunset photos of Mount Rainier.
• Cabin, camping, and RV lodging options around the park.
• Why Packwood is an excellent town to home base from while you're visiting the park, and where you should eat and drink while in the area.
• How to best spend day two of our trip in the Sunrise area.
• Michelle's favorite hike in the entire park, where you might be lucky enough to experience a cloud inversion!
• The best trail to hit up during wildflower season and the best one for seeing an alpine lake.
• What you should do if you're in the area for one more day.
• The three best Instagram spots in the park.
• How to make the most of a day in the park if Mount Rainier is cloud covered, as well as tips on how to avoid visiting on those days.
• An overrated trail and the nearby underrated trail you should hike instead!

Quotables

There's so many epic hikes there. Mount Rainier is just fantastic! It's my favorite mountain in the world. Even if you don't go hiking, you can still just enjoy a day in paradise, having a family picnic with these amazing views. The waterfalls there are some of my favorite in the whole state. I feel like this is the perfect outdoorsy getaway with just outstanding views. I'm honestly gonna keep on going to it for years upon years.

Michelle Stelly

Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode Where to Stay in the Mount Rainier National Park Area:

• Little Owl Cabin
• Summit Lake Camping
• Crystal Mountain Resort for RVs

Mount Rainier National Park Area Outdoor Activities that are Mentioned in this Episode:

• Comet Falls
• Narada Falls
• Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center
• Skyline Loop Trail
• Myrtle Falls
• Reflection Lakes
• Pinnacle Peak Trail
• Wonderland Trail
• Mount Fremont Lookout Trail
• Burroughs Mountain Trail
• Naches Peak Loop Trail
• Emmons Moraine Trail
• Grove of the Patriarchs Trail
• Silver Falls Loop Trail
• Mount Fremont Fire Lookout
• Tolmie Peak Trail
• Bench and Snow Lake Trail

Mount Rainier National Park Area Restaurants and Brewery that are Mentioned in this Episode:

• Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center
• Packwood Brewing Co.
• Cliff Droppers
• Sunrise Day Lodge

Spots in Washington's Three National Parks that are Mentioned in this Episode:

• Olympic
• • Beaches
  • Hoh Rainforest
  • Hurricane Ridge
  • Hurricane Hill Trail
• Mount Rainier
• North Cascade
• • Diablo Lake
  • Hidden Lake Lookout Trail
  • Maple Pass Loop

Thanks for Listening!

We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part!

If you've been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It's super easy; click here and go to "ratings and reviews." I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!!

Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best Podcast on Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.

Today, I'll be speaking with Cecilia and Scott Fix about how to spend a fantastic day outdoors in Alexandria, Virginia.

Join Cecilia, Scott, and me as we start off our day, waking up in a spooky spot. Then we continue adventuring outdoors via boating the Potomac and geocaching. All while also appreciating old architecture, waterfront parks, art installations, Cherry Blossoms, and all of the best eating and drinking Alexandria has to offer along the way.

About Cecilia and Scott Fix

Scott and Cecilia are a travel blogging married couple who travel both locally and internationally. They have an insatiable desire for outdoor adventure, not necessarily just in the adrenaline junkie sense of the word, but for anything exciting and new. Cecilia has a background in humanitarian work, a Master's degree in International Development, and has served as a Peace Corps volunteer for 2 years in Cape Verde, giving her a keen interest in human relationships and connectedness. Scott has a background in physics and math. His love for travel is driven more by an intense curiosity to discover the history and theories of why things are the way they are. Together Scott and Cecilia have climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, scuba-dived in the Philippines, safari'd in Tanzania, and slept in a yurt in the mountains of West Virginia. But it's their love for "micro-adventure" that has led them to many of their new favorite experiences, including geocaching, camping in their backyard, sleeping in treehouses, and exploring haunted and abandoned locations.

Learn more about Cecilia and Scott Fix at lovicarious.com or on Instagram.

What We Cover in This Episode

• What makes Alexandria worth a visit for both outdoor explorers and history buffs.
• What keeps Alexandria feeling small.
• The best (and worst) times of year to visit Alexandria, VA.
• Why Alexandria is a great place to visit during Christmas time.
• A few spots to see the Cherry Blossoms bloom, where you can avoid the crowds.
• A haunted historical hotel worth staying at in Alexandria.
• Where the locals eat breakfast, lunch, dinner and go out for drinks in Alexandria.
• The best ways to spend a day on the Potomac River, including an option sure to be appreciated by your dog!
• A location that is sure to be an art lover's delight.
• A few beautiful parks and spots along the waterfront that should be visited.
• Why geocaching is worth your time in Alexandria, and how to do it!
• Which local tours are the best, which are overrated, and a way to get a tour of the town for free!
• The best spots in Alexandria for Instagram photos.

Quotables

There are very few places in the U.S. that you can go to that genuinely feel old, that you can look around and there's unique architecture. There's something unique about the town. I think a lot of places in the U.S. either tend to look the same or look very modern. Alexandra is someplace that definitely looks historical and it's that way, because it genuinely is.

So that history mixed with little bits of Modern cuisine, modern culture, with live performances, and pop up boutiques, it's a nice mixture of old and new.

Scott & Cecilia Fix Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode Where to Stay in Alexandria, VA:

• The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection

Alexandria, VA Outdoor Activities Mentioned in the Episode:

• Old Town Free Trolley Stand, King Street
• Mount Vernon
• Georgetown Waterfront Park
• Old Town
• Waterfront Park
• Torpedo Factory Art Center
• Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge
• Jones Point Lighthouse
• Mount Vernon Trail
• Gravelly Point
• Be the Change / Butterfly Effect Mural
• City Cruises Alexandria Water Taxi
• Green Spring Gardens
• River Farm

Alexandria, VA Restaurants, Pubs & Speakeasies Mentioned in this Episode:

• Gadsby's Tavern
• Table Talk Restaurant
• Jack's Place
• Bob & Edith's Diner
• Fish Market Restaurant
• Myron Mixon's Pitmaster Barbeque
• Chop Shop Taco
• Le Refuge Restaurant
• Daniel O'Connell's Irish Restaurant & Bar
• Murphy's Grand Irish Pub
• Captain Gregory's

Thanks for Listening!

We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part!

If you've been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It's super easy; click here and go to "ratings and reviews." I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!!

Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best Podcast on Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.

Today, on the Locals Know Best podcast, I'll be speaking with Jon Taylor about how to make the most of an outdoorsy trip throughout the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska.

This episode is sure to put you under the spell of the north. Join Jon and me as we enjoy the Kenai peninsula as an adventure-loving local would!

Our discussion is chock full of outdoor experiences, including sea kayaking, flying ourselves to epic fishing locations, hiking, and fat tire biking the beach! Also, as you would expect, there's tons of mountain, glacier, bear, and Alaskan National Park chat along the way!

About Jon Taylor

Jon is a pilot, traveler, musician, and the Creative Director for the Strategic Marketing Agency known as Divining Point.

He started his career as a commercial photographer. During that time, he discovered the camera often unlocked access to some of the most beautiful places.

His talents include brand strategy, photography, videography, and graphic design for businesses in multiple industries.

He is known for his vision and creative eye, which give him the ability to conceive stunning visuals and rich storytelling that are sure to evoke emotion from the viewers.

Also, being a pilot, Jon gets to go where no roads will take you, which, turns out, is actually most of Alaska!

He has a lot of passion for hiking, camping, biking, bourbon tasting, and snow machining, and he says he's married the most beautiful Alaskan that's ever emerged from the snow.

If you've ever dreamt of exploring Alaska like a local, don't miss this episode! He does an incredible job of explaining why Kenai is the perfect place to home base from for all of your future Alaskan adventures!

Follow Jon on Instagram and learn more about Kenai, Alaska at ILoveKenai.com.

What We Cover in This Episode

• The draw to Alaska that's stronger than moose, bears, and mountains.
• What makes Alaskans "the most independent people in America," and why it matters.
• Why Alaska is a great place to start a business.
• How photography can open doors for creatives.
• What makes the Kenai peninsula stand out from anywhere else in Alaska!
• Kenai's sister cities on the peninsula, and what each one has to offer.
• How traveling in Alaska compares to how you are probably used to traveling, and what makes it so different.
• Where to go to see otters, seals, and to sea kayak.
• Why Kenai is "the perfect place to start your Alaskan adventure."
• What it's like to live in Alaska in the winter.
• How to book an early morning fishing excursion – the quintessential Alaskan experience – where you also get to fly the plane!
• The best way to view mountains, glaciers, and bears.
• How cruising Alaska is different than seeing Alaska via the car or a small plane.
• What times are better for a car in Alaska, and what times are better for a small plane.
• The best way, and time of day, to view Denali.
• A local's favorite Alaskan national park – with tips – including – why, the best way to get there, and what to do when you arrive.
• The best place to stay in Kenai, Alaska.
• The best restaurant to get breakfast in Kenai, Alaska, and what to order.
• "The most intense one and a half mile hike you have ever done in your life."
• A great lunch spot near the above-mentioned intense hike.
• A few recommended beach activities to take part in back in Kenai.
• A delicious locally sourced bistro recommended for dinner, and "the only place [Jon] recommend[s] getting a cocktail in Alaska."
• Another dinner option, perfect for anyone who wants an excursion combined with their dinner.
• Why you should be careful going to Alaska in July.
• Where to get the best Instagram photos in Kenai.
• What Jon thinks people most miss out on when visiting the Kenai peninsula.
• A few additional hike recommendations on the Kenai peninsula.
• How to best prepare for hiking in Alaska.
• How to protect yourself from Alaskan bears and moose.

Quotables

The real draw for Alaska wasn't necessarily the mountains or the bears or the moose or the rivers. It was the people. As a very independent people, they consider themselves the most independent in America, and that's debatable, but really, I mean, they're furthest away from everybody else, and there's certain self reliancy, but with that comes a certain dependence on other people. And so you'll never be turned down if you need help.

Jon Taylor

I tell anybody that's planning to live in Alaska, don't be afraid to just put yourself out there because everybody's waiting for you.

Jon Taylor

So when people are going to be going to Alaska, they're planning a vacation, a lot of times they'll send me a quick message. Hey, got any tips, any plans, anything. And I always tell them the same thing. You're going to land in Anchorage, and as you are starting your descent (flying up from the lower 48) look out the window. It's absolutely beautiful. And then you land in Anchorage and all those beautiful things you saw when you were landing, that's all down on the Kenai peninsula. That's where it's at.

Jon Taylor

In Alaska, there is a very high possibility that things won't go the way you planned. Alaska does want to kill you. So you have to come prepared for that. And don't just wander off into the wilderness. Stay on the trails, hike with a friend, bring your bear spray. Even if you have a GPS beacon, even for the easy trails, just bring it because I've had too many friends that have had very close encounters. So, my suggestion is, play it safe. If you're going to hike in Alaska, it's not like hiking in other places. … I think that sometimes there's an effort to say, you know, come to Alaska it's for everybody, and it is. But I think it's also important to say, come to Alaska and please be careful. This isn't like your normal tour of Carlsbad Caverns, where you've got a tour guide, and you're riding in a Jeep. This is a serious place where serious things can happen. And that's why you should come here in the first place because you're actually getting the real experience of nature.

Jon Taylor Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode Kenai, AK Area Itinerary Destinations Mentioned in the Episode:

• Miller's Landing Sea Kayaking – The company Cindy went out with from Seward
• Tanalian Falls Trailhead
• Kenai Aviation
• Alaska West Air Inc.
• Cooper Landing
• Skyline Trail
• Quartz Creek Airport-Jia
• Kenai Beach
• Ismailof Island
• Old Town Kenai Park
• Holy Assumption Russian Orthodox Church
• Russian Lakes Trail Upper & Lower – Designated backcountry campsites at Russian River Rendzvous, Barber Cabin Trail, mile 5.7, mile 7.7, Upper Russian Lake (mile 11.9), mile 17, and mile 19.2 (distances from lower end).
• Russian River Falls Trailhead

Kenai, AK Area Restaurants Mentioned in this Episode:

• Louie's Steak & Seafood
• Custom Seafoods
• Sunrise Inn
• The Flats Bistro
• Kenai Joe's Taphouse
• Seven Glaciers Restaurant
• Captain Pattie's Fish House
• The Saltry Restaurant
• Veronica's Cafe

Other Further Away Destinations Mentioned in this Episode:

• Kenai Fjords National Park
• Denali National Park and Preserve
• Wonder Lake Campground – Where Cindy Camped in Denali NP
• Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
• Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Thanks for Listening!

We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part!

If you've been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It's super easy; click here and go to "ratings and reviews." I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!!

Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best Podcast on Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.

Today, I'll be speaking with Sam To about how to make the most of an outdoorsy trip to Flagstaff, Arizona.

Join Sam and me on a "choose your own level of adventure" summer day! Options range from hiking, biking, and swimming, to car touring and leisurely taking in Flagstaff's beauty from up in the treetops.

About Sam To

Sam works on the COVID-19 response team for the state of Arizona in a position that is 100% remote from home, which she has found to be pretty fantastic!

She lives with her husband, Will, her daughter, Lucy, and dog Pop.

Lucy is 1-year-old and has already joined them on numerous day trips, camping trips, and vacations all over Arizona! She's even gone paddle boarding with them!

While Sam loves to spend time outdoors playing disc golf, hiking, kayaking, and sledding, she also equally enjoys beer tasting, pizza, and vegging on the couch while binging tv!

It quite honestly sounds like the epitome of balance to me!

In this episode, she does a great job of explaining why Flagstaff is the perfect place for all of those activities and more!

Connect with Sam about Flagstaff on Instagram!

What We Cover in This Episode

• What makes Flagstaff an excellent snowbird destination for Arizonans.
• The landscapes that make Flagstaff so different than the rest of Arizona.
• Why a Flagstaff winter is different than an east coast winter.
• The variety of destinations that are located within a couple hours drive of Flagstaff.
• What makes Flagstaff so incredible for outdoors lovers!
• The best and worst times of year to visit Flagstaff.
• Where to stay in Flagstaff – including a haunted hotel and a free spot!
• How easy it is to get around Flagstaff.
• The best spots for coffee and breakfast in Flagstaff.
• A fantastic way to spend your morning outdoors in the area, including long and short hiking options, as well as a driving adventure option.
• The best spots in the area to see waterfalls, petroglyphs, and wildflowers.
• Beautiful outdoors destinations that are also historical and educational.
• A butcher shop with delicious sandwiches.
• A gondola ride perfect for immersing yourself in nature.
• The best spots for dinner and happy hour in Flagstaff.
• All of the local lakes, creeks, and amazing summer water activities in the surrounding area.
• Alternatives to discover when Slide Rock State Park is packed.
• The most popular Flagstaff winter activities.
• A few of the best Instagram spots in the area.
• The most overrated hike in Flagstaff and where you should be hiking instead.

Quotables

The smell of the pines, the sound of the wind through the trees. I don't think that you could experience that anywhere near us. This little gem of a town in the middle of all of these giant forests in Arizona, I think, is the biggest surprise. It's a nice little treat, in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by desert.

Sam To

It's a nice little community that you get to feel a part of when you come to visit. It takes you to a different place, whether you live here or whether you're just visiting. I think it's just cozy all around.

Sam To Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode

Where to Stay in Flagstaff, AZ:

• Hotel Monte Vista
• Nordic Village Yurts
• Boondocking Near Flagstaff

Flagstaff, AZ Area Outdoor Activities Mentioned in the Episode:

• Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
• O'Leary Peak
• Lockett Meadow
• Picture Canyon Trailhead
• Walnut Canyon National Monument
• Snowbowl Scenic Gondola
• Humphreys Peak
• Lake Mary
• Slide Rock State Park
• Crescent Moon Picnic Site
• West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead
• Kendrick Peak
• Lava River Cave
• Elden Mountain

Flagstaff, AZ Area Restaurants & Breweries Mentioned in this Episode:

• Matador Coffee Roasting Company
• Macy's European Coffeehouse & Bakery
• Late For the Train
• MartAnnes Burrito Palace
• Proper Meats + Provisions
• Fat Olives
• Go Sushi
• The Annex Cocktail Lounge

Thanks for Listening!

We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part!

If you've been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It's super easy; click here and go to "ratings and reviews." I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!!

Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best Podcast on Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.

Today, I'll be speaking with Laura Grier about all of her favorite outdoor adventures throughout Western Los Angeles. We'll primarily focus on the span along the coast between Marina del Rey and Malibu, including stops in Venice, Santa Monica, Culver City, and Topanga.

And then, before wrapping it all up, we'll also be taking a quick second-day trip over to Catalina Island!

Join Laura and me as we paddle, bike, jeep, hike, wine taste, and even take an extra day island adventuring all in West LA!

About Laura Grier

Laura has lived in Venice Beach and Los Angeles for 20 years.

Living abroad from a young age and working for the CIA at age 18, Laura turned her life of travel, adventure, and exploration into a profession as a photojournalist.

She has been to all 7 continents through her work, shot weddings in over 15 countries, and has even been called the Indiana Jones of Adventure Travel Photography.

Laura was also featured on Discovery Channel UK's "20 Richest People in the World List," – highlighting people rich in life experiences.

Passionate about mentoring, women's education, photography, and travel, Laura leads travel workshops and expeditions and serves as an ambassador for sustainable travel brands like Lokal and Impact Travel Alliance.

The most satisfying work so far in Laura's career has been during the last 8 years with Novica, National Geographic's global artisan catalog that represents artisans from around the world who are practicing "Vanishing Arts."

With NOVICA, Laura has especially fallen in love with the culture and people of Peru.

Currently, Laura has joined forces with Pats Krysiak to create Andeana Hats, a sustainable fashion company that sources alpaca wool hats hand-made by Quechua women in the Sacred Valley of Peru.

The mission of Andeana Hats is to invest in women's skills, empowering them to continue their vanishing crafts by connecting them to global marketplaces and supporting their leadership to increase their income and transform their communities.

Learn more about Laura Grier (and see more of her beautiful photography) at LauraGrier.com and learn more about Andeana Hats at AndeanaHats.com.

What We Cover in This Episode

• What leads young people living in Los Angeles to move to the beach.
• What gives the westside more of a "little villages" feeling.
• What makes the westside of Los Angeles optimal for outdoors lovers.
• An urban bike path with art that should not be missed.
• How to get to the best 360-degree view of all of Los Angeles – from downtown to the beach!
• The best and worst times of year to visit west LA.
• The must-stay hotels.
• A new crowd favorite hotel with the most happening rooftop bar and marina views.
• Which neighborhoods on the west side allow Airbnbs, and which don't.
• The best spots for breakfast in west LA.
• Laura's favorite activities to do in the morning around the beach.
• The best area to do a little shopping and grab a bite for lunch in west LA.
• A hidden hike, 15 minutes from the beach, with incredible rock formations and caves.
• A spot where you can taste wine and see a wild zebra, all in one visit!
• Two excellent westside dinner options.
• A second-day adventure to Catalina Island! Including how to get there and what outdoors lovers can do once they get there, for all budgets.
• A brief tangent all about Mackinac Island, MI – and the activity missed most often on that island!
• A few best Instagram spots in the area from a professional photographer!
• The most overrated tourist spots in western Los Angeles.

Quotables

And then, as you get older, like 30 plus, usually people sort of migrate west to the beach, which is just a little bit more relaxed, like flip-flop lifestyle.

Laura Grier

And then the entire hike is just all the way up this red rock road to the top of the mountain with incredible views. And it's just, it looks like you're on a different planet, like parts of it. And it doesn't look like Los Angeles at all, and it's all wooded and rocky formations, and it's such a beautiful hike.

Laura Grier

The greatest part about living on the westside is that we have the best outdoor activity that people come from all over for, which is the beach. And I take it for granted at times because I live literally on the beach. Like I can walk out barefoot and be on the sand and, you can hear people like cheering at sunset for the sunset. Like it's actually an event that people want to sit and watch.

Laura Grier

What I love about Los Angeles is that there's all these hills and canyons. And there's all these windy mountain roads that are stunning. And there's hidden forests and canyons and like overlooks and waterfall hikes and all kinds of things that are literally 15 minutes out of the city. So I think that's the part that people don't realize. They like want to jam in all the city stuff, and I think you definitely need more time to see the natural wonders.

Laura Grier Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode Where to Stay in the West Los Angeles, CA Area:

• Santa Monica Proper Hotel
• Hotel Erwin
• Residence Inn by Marriott Marina Del Rey

West Los Angeles, CA Area Outdoor Activities Mentioned in the Episode:

• Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
• Venice Fishing Pier
• Red Rock Canyon Park
• Saddle Peak
• Santa Catalina Island
• Catalina Express
• Tuna Canyon
• Venice Canals
• Muscle Beach
• Dockweiler Beach
• Venice Public Art Walls
• Abbot Kinney Boulevard
• Two Harbors
• Trans Catalina Trail
• Hermit Gulch Campground
• Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden

West Los Angeles, CA Area Restaurants & Wineries Mentioned in this Episode:

• The Cow's End Cafe
• Zinqué
• Gjusta
• Great White
• Gran Blanco
• Mercedes Bar & Grille
• Cabo Cantina
• Baja Cantina
• Malibu Wine Safaris
• Malibu Wine Hikes
• Moonshadows Malibu
• Geoffrey's
• Wabi on Rose
• Descanso Beach Club
• Cafe Intelligentsia
• The Butcher's Daughter
• Gjelina

Thanks for Listening!

We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part!

If you've been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It's super easy; click here and go to "ratings and reviews." I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!!

Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best Podcast on Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.

Today, I'll be speaking with Sam Starns about all of her favorite outdoor adventures around the North Umpqua area, with notable stops in Roseburg, Oregon, and Crater Lake National Park.

Join Sam and me as we wake up and watch the sunrise in Crater Lake National Park. Then, we proceed with a packed day, full of paddling, hiking, exploring countless waterfalls, soaking in hot springs, fishing, and even mushroom foraging. Lastly, we wind down with a glass of wine in the "new Napa Valley" – Roseburg, Oregon.

About Sam Starns

Sam is an adventure elopement photographer who takes stunningly beautiful photos.

She's also the author of the book "Elope Your Life" and a TEDx speaker.

As an elopement expert, she travels the world, empowering others to elope in wild and beautiful places.

Sam grew up on a ranch, working in and exploring the great outdoors.

She also used to be a park ranger, as well as a naturalist on a whale-watching boat.

Currently, she home bases out of her hidden gem hometown — Roseburg, Oregon.

Due to its rugged mountains, countless waterfalls, and easy access to Crater Lake, she considers the area one of the most beautiful places the Pacific Northwest has to offer!

And she's not wrong! If you love waterfalls, you're going to love this episode because this area is chock full of them!

I know from experience that the sheer amount of waterfalls that can be seen in this area can be very overwhelming!

Sam does an excellent job of divulging which ones are worth your time and which ones are not.

Learn more about Sam Starns and her adventure elopements at SamStarns.com, from her Elope Your Life book on Amazon, or from her TEDx talk on YouTube.

What We Cover in this Episode

• Why the North Umpqua area is an excellent add-on to a Crater Lake, Bend, or northern California vacation.
• The perks of hiring an elopement photographer who also used to be a park ranger!
• What makes Roseburg, Oregon worth a visit, including a growing food and wine scene.
• The best (and worst) times of year to visit this part of Oregon.
• Also, the best time of year to get the best views at Crater Lake National Park.
• One of the most unique ways to experience Crater Lake National Park.
• The lodges that are a must-stay when in town.
• The best drive-thru coffee stands in the area, as well as the best local coffee roasters worth buying grounds from.
• The most beautiful lakes in the area to kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard on.
• All of the best waterfall peeping spots along the North Umpqua Highway, including lesser-known options.
• A bit of Instagram vs. reality chat, including a few instafamous stops along the North Umpqua Highway that may end up disappointing, and where you should go instead.
• A silver lining activity that resulted from the Archie Creek wildfire.
• A world-famous fly fishing area.
• The best burgers and milkshakes in Glide, Oregon.
• A dirt road worth traveling to avoid the crowds and see many lesser-known waterfalls.
• A campground that is best kayaked in to.
• Why Roseburg, Oregon is known as the "new Napa Valley."
• A winery where you can stomp grapes!
• The best places for wine, beer, mead, and dinner in Roseburg, Oregon.
• A few of the area's most beloved summer activities.
• The best Instagram spots in town. And professional photographer tips on how to get the best picture at each spot!

Quotables

I really think that Roseburg and the surrounding area is just sort of an untapped potential for outdoor exploration.

Sam Starns

So there's this little bit of almost like a vortex in Oregon where people don't realize that we're here. … We're the gateway to Crater Lake, along with Medford. We're the two main ways from the west to get there. And there's a whole highway and a whole mountain range that you're exploring.

And not only that, our food scene has grown. We have so many amazing breweries, and we're constantly growing in that respect. We are the new Napa Valley and the new Willamette Valley. We have award-winning wineries here.

And we have the North Umpqua trail, which is known for hiking, known for biking. Famous people, celebrities come up here to bike. And then, we're two hours away from the Crater Lake rim.

And we just have so many things here that people don't realize that are within easily a day's drive of each other. So, you can easily spend multiple days here and still not see everything.

Sam Starns

I would say a decent amount of people come for wine, or they pass through to go to Crater Lake, and they don't realize how many waterfalls are out there. It's definitely a stop along the way, or people just tootle on pass it on I-5 going to another destination, and they just don't realize everything that's here.

Sam Starns

I think sunrise at Crater Lake is the absolute coolest thing because you have less people around, and you are seeing the first rays of light on that day.

Sam Starns

So one of my favorite things to do is to go along the North Umpqua Highway, which is Highway 138, and check out all of the waterfalls. Well, maybe not all, cause there's a lot of them! But check out a lot of the waterfalls and some you probably have seen on Instagram or in travel magazines.

Sam Starns

The reason I tell people that the North Umpqua and the Roseburg area, and Crater Lake is a must-see is because, number one, you're not going to have those crowds like you do at places like Yosemite or very modernized, commercialized places like Bend. It's beautiful, but now there's a ton of people. So if you're wanting to get away from crowds but still see that beauty, this is a relatively undiscovered and untrafficked part of Oregon.

And then, on top of that, it's so rugged and so beautiful. I have never seen a mountain peak aside from like the Matterhorn that looks like Mount Thielsen. And it is just so, so beautiful. We have such an amazing, concentrated selection of waterfalls that you're bound to find something that you love. And it's within not even a half a day's drive of day drinking at a winery.

I think that's really the best of all worlds.

Sam Starns Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode Where to Stay in The North Umpqua Area:

• Crater Lake Lodge
• Steamboat Inn
• Hemlock Lake Campground

North Umpqua, OR Area Outdoor Activities Mentioned in the Episode:

• Live Crater Lake Webcams
• West Rim of Crater Lake
• Wizard Island
• Phantom Ship Island
• Crater Lake Cleetwood Cove Trail
• Diamond Lake
• Lemolo Lake
• Toketee Falls
• Umpqua Hot Springs
• Watson Falls
• Fall Creek Falls
• Susan Creek Falls
• Whitehorse Falls
• Clearwater Falls
• Lake of the Woods Falls
• Yakso Falls
• Hemlock Falls
• Clover Falls
• Shadow Falls
• Cavitt Creek Covered Bridge
• Music on the Half Shell
• Roseburg Graffiti Weekend Classic Car Cruise

North Umpqua, OR Area Restaurants, Breweries, Wineries & Meaderies Mentioned in this Episode:

• Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room
• Steamboat Inn Restaurant
• Java Run Harvard, JavaRun Stephens, or Java Run Green
• Gathering Grounds
• Takelma Roasting Company
• Colliding Rivers Drive-In
• Abacela Winery
• JosephJane Winery
• Henry Estate Winery
• Spire Mountain Cellars
• Oran Mor Artisan Meadery
• North Forty Beer Company
• Draper Brewing
• Backside Brewing Company
• Two Shy Brewing

Thanks for Listening!

We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part!

If you've been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It's super easy; click here and go to "ratings and reviews." I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!!

Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.

Today, I'll be speaking with Mel Harrison about all of her favorite outdoor adventures around Livingston, Montana.

Join Mel and me as we spend a winter day cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, hiking, skiing, and ice skating all around Livingston, Montana.

Then, in the end, we'll also dive into a few summer-weather outdoorsy activities, including fishing, floating, and hiking, that can be enjoyed in the Livingston area!

About Mel Harrison

Mel is an expert on Montana and Yellowstone outdoor recreation and has spent years exploring both for work and pleasure.

She and her family are unschoolers who have shaped their life to include year-long travels, overnight rafting trips, weekly hikes with their homeschool group, backpacking into the wilderness, cross-country skiing, and more.

At TravelingMel.com, Mel writes about her family's adventures in Montana and worldwide.

She has also authored two guide books focusing on hiking and skiing in the Greater Yellowstone area.

Learn more about Livingston, Montana from Mel's website: Traveling Mel

What We Cover in this Episode

• What it entails to be considered a Montanan "local."
• What makes Livingston, Montana "eccentric" and "quirky."
• What makes the wilderness in Montana different than wilderness elsewhere in the world.
• Why you should be ready to be a bit "self-sufficient" when driving through Montana.
• The difference between visiting Montana during the winter or summer and why a winter visit should be considered.
• A historic hotel that's a must-stay when in town.
• The best spot to get coffee in Livingston, Montana, where everyone knows your name – and your order.
• A breakfast destination with no menu items to order from.
• The best groomed and ungroomed nearby trails for cross-country skiing.
• How to create a feeling of "hygge" in the winter months in Montana, and why you should.
• Hiking, snowshoeing, dog sledding, downhill skiing, ice skating, and forest service cabins spots are all worth exploring nearby.
• The best places for lunch and dinner in Livington, Montana.
• Two amazing hot springs locations worth exploring in both winter and summer.
• A local bartender you should visit with and order a drink from.
• Where to fish and raft in the area.
• The best bear deterrents to have with you when hiking in Montana.
• A biking path that will take you from Livingston, Montana, all the way to Yellowstone National Park.
• The best Instagram spots in town.
• The difference between what defines a trail as popular and overrated in Livingston for this local, compared to others in more populated areas.
• Why this iconic cowboy town should be explored.

Quotables

And as having only lived in Livingston for 20 years, we're relative newcomers. People would not consider us locals who've lived here, you know, generations.

Mel Harrison

Livingston has a great community. We love the people here. We love… it's eccentric. There are some quirky folks out there. But that's really what makes it pretty fun too.

Mel Harrison

And the other thing that I've really realized from traveling all over the world and other places … there aren't a lot of places that have kind of the wilderness that we have here. Where you can go into the mountains and not see anybody or see any sign of humans other than the trail or a sign for kind of a long time. And I just haven't found places like that on our travels. So that kind of always… the wildness of it, always brings me back.

Mel Harrison

That's a good point, though, that I usually try to bring up is that there are a lot of places where you won't get cell service. And so you need to download your Google Maps, and you need to come ready to be a little bit self-sufficient. I mean, it's not the wild west out here, but you can't always get what you want right away.

Mel Harrison

And there's just a really outdoors mindset here … most people who live here, not everybody, gets outside. Because I mean, what else are you going to do? Right. There's some great restaurants. There's a couple of small galleries. There's a great art community here in Livingston, too. But really, if you don't get outside, you would just go crazy here. Winters are long, and if you weren't outside enjoying them, that'd be kind of brutal, in my opinion.

Mel Harrison

So for such a small town of 7,000 people or 8,000 people, it's pretty foodie, and there's a lot of artists, you know, they say it's where Cowboys and artists meet.

Mel Harrison

And a lot of times, what we'll do is maybe we'll ski for a few hours and then come back to the car or somewhere nearby, and we'll have a fire … and then just kind of hang around the campfire in the snow for another couple hours.

Mel Harrison

I can't imagine skiing somewhere that had lift lines. I kind of forget that that's even a thing, but yeah, no lift lines.

Mel Harrison

That Pine Creek trail I told you, it is kind of popular, but I think I sometimes forget that what I think is a lot of people on a trail might not seem like a lot of people on a trail if you're coming from somewhere else. You know, if I see other people on the trail, it seems like too many other people on the trail, which is not, you know, which is crazy.

Mel Harrison

This historic downtown of Livingston is beautiful. Once you see it, you'll realize that, oh, I've seen this in other ads and commercials and things like that, because it's so iconic with this western downtown, big mountain in the background, the neon signs, and we just have such a great community. And like I've said a couple of times, you know, there's all these artists and cowboys and writers and foodies, you know, chefs and it's this combination of all these interesting people, creative people, in this big outdoor setting that inspires it all.

Mel Harrison Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode

• • Where to Stay in Livingston, MT:
    • The Historic Murray Hotel
    • A Stone's Throw Bed and Breakfast
    Livingston, MT Outdoor Activities & Rental Outfitters Mentioned in the Episode:
    • Livingston Depot Center
    • Dan Bailey's Outdoor Co.
    • Mill Creek Road
    • B Bar Ranch
    • West Boulder Campground
    • Bridger Bowl Ski Area
    • Showdown Mountain
    • Chico Hot Springs
    • Pine Creek Lake Trailhead
    • Yellowstone Hot Springs
    • Mallards Rest Fishing Access
    • Emigrant Peak
    Livingston, MT Restaurants Mentioned in this Episode:
    • Coffee Crossing
    • Faye's Cafe
    • Pinky's
    • Gil's Goods
    • The Murray Bar
    • Park Place Tavern

Thanks for Listening!

We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part!

If you've been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It's super easy; click here and go to "ratings and reviews." I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!!

Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best Podcast on Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.

Today, I'll be speaking with Kristen Glazer about how to make the most of a day outdoors in Northfield, Minnesota.

Join Kristen and me as we spend a late summer / early fall day hiking, boating, and kayaking.

Then, in the end, we'll cover a few winter-weather outdoorsy activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, that can be enjoyed in the Northfield area as well!

About Kristen Glazer

Kristen is a Minnesota-based travel writer.

She is also the founder of Expedition Kristen, a website that is chock full of thoughtful itineraries to help readers plan their next day trip or overnight stay while in Minnesota.

She started the site as a way to share her passion for the state and inspire readers to travel to and appreciate some of the state's best-hidden gems.

Kristen lives a very active lifestyle and constantly explores the great outdoors via hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, cross country skiing, boating, and snowboarding!

She also has a Masters of Science in Marketing, along with 10+ years of marketing communications experience.

Currently, she lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, Nic, and her giant Newfoundland, Ole.

Learn more about Minnesota from Kristen's website: Expedition Kristen

What We Cover in this Episode

• What would draw a New Yorker to put down roots in Minnesota.
• How Minnesotans make the most of winter.
• The best time of year to visit Northfield, Minnesota.
• A unique spot to stay in Northfield, Minnesota.
• A breakfast establishment with "New York bagel snob" approved bagels.
• What makes the colleges in town worth exploring.
• The best stops for burgers and brews in Northfield, Minnesota.
• A must-visit state park, and why you should venture beyond the main attraction.
• The best places to snap Instagram pictures in Northfield, Minnesota.
• A local's favorite destinations for fishing, boating, and kayaking around town.
• A brewery that works with local farms to create some interesting beet flavors.
• Yoga & Beer.
• The town's Jesse James lore – and how to be part of it.
• All of the ideal spots to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and sledding in Northfield, Minnesota.

Quotables

"Northfield is a really special town. Just to start off, I want to brag about Northfield for a minute here cause they've won a lot of awards. So they've won number two for Best Small Town in the Country by Livability. They've won number one best place for a Well-Rounded Retirement by Money. And they've won Top 50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America by Country Living. And I think that that really captures it. It's a very quaint, just adorable, sweet little town on a river, two great colleges, close by state park, super, super affordable. It's super great for young people. There's a lot of huge companies here; Target, Best Buy, General Mills, 3M. Some of which we've actually both worked for. So there's a reason why it's won so many awards, and there's a reason why we lived there because it is really just a wonderful town. It's a great place."

Kristen

One of the big reasons that I've stayed here is Minnesota as a whole, but also, very specifically, Northfield is super affordable. Plus, I love being outside. I love the amount of outdoor parks here. We do a ton of hiking. We have kayaks, and I do cross country skiing and snowboarding. And it's just really wonderful.

Kristen

I always thought that it would be really amazing to live and work in New York City and be a young working woman. And I quickly found that it just wasn't exactly right for me. And although I like working in that exciting energy, I really need to get out of it when I'm done with work. And I really need to be in some quiet and some nature on the weekends and evenings. So the balance wasn't quite right for me in New York. So I love how easy it is to be in the Twin Cities, have access to amazing culture, restaurants, museums. And then you can so easily get outside of that and be in nature.

Kristen

I love to travel. I love to be outside and be active, and it's what I do naturally. So I started this blog, ExpeditionKristen.com, to just really share my love for Minnesota. It's heavily focused on outdoor things that you can do in Minnesota. … So it's a way for me to share my love of Minnesota and to help other people find some of the hidden gems that this, I think, very underrated state has to offer.

Kristen

I love that Minnesotans just like completely embrace winter, and that's how you get through it. People go ice fishing, and hunting and cross country skiing is really popular. And they'll have tons of different festivals on the frozen lakes. Ice hockey, golf events on frozen lakes, kite festivals. … So it's like, if you just have the right clothing and the right attitude, it's fine.

Kristen

For such a small little town, there's actually a lot of options for coffee and bakeries and all that kind of stuff. My first choice, though, is this place called Tandem Bagels. And the reason is because of their bagels. So I do have to admit, being a New Yorker, I am a little bit of a bagel snob. And tandem bagels is amazing. Easily they have the best bagels anywhere in Minnesota that I have come across. So I'm an everything bagel kind of girl, and it's like, they do it right.

Kristen

I keep using the word quaint, but that's exactly what it is. It's an adorable little town on the river with two beautiful colleges. In the summertime, there's farmer's markets. Which, I love going to those. They have live music and a lot of local vendors selling baked goods and crafts and homemade woodwork, and all kinds of really cool things. There's so many wonderful family-owned farms around town where you can pick blueberries or strawberries or pumpkins and apples. And there's a great yoga studio and a couple of breweries. I'm also a knitter, and there's a family-owned yarn store in town and an independent bookstore. There's just so much personality, and on top of all of it, you know, it's only 45 minutes away from Minneapolis, and it's super affordable. And they actually have excellent public schools. So it just is this all-around wonderful place, and it really, it really has it all!

Kristen

Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode

• Where to Stay in Northfield, MN:
  • Archer House River Inn
  • Contented Cottage B&B
  Northfield, MN Outdoor Activities & Rental Outfitters Mentioned in the Episode:
  • St. Olaf College
  • Carleton College
  • Cowling Arboretum
  • Cannon River
  • Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
  • Circle Lake
  • Buck Hill
  • Afton Alps
  • The Gear ReSource Outfitters
  Northfield, MN Restaurants Mentioned in this Episode:
  • Tandem Bagels
  • Froggy Bottoms River Pub & Lily PADio
  • Imminent Brewing
  • The Contented Cow
  • Chapati
  • Tanzenwald Brewing Company

Thanks for Listening!

We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part!

If you've been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It's super easy; click here and go to "ratings and reviews." I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!!

Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best Podcast on Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.