Where my love for homes, history, and travel collide.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve traveled worldwide to several countries and in the US, up and down the East Coast. However, I didn’t truly start appreciating all of the unique travel opportunities here in the U.S. until a few years ago. A trip out west with family and friends took us through three western states, three National Parks, and a couple of historic stops along the way. Then in 2024, I packed up my dog Sampson and embarked on my first solo cross-country trip—four weeks, 19 states, 8 National Parks, and over 7,000 miles of unforgettable experiences. Now, my goal is simple: to keep exploring and share the journey.
Hey, I’m Heather — welcome to the travel corner of my site!
You might be wondering why I’m mixing travel with historic homes, but to me they go hand in hand. Exploring new places, especially those rich in history, feeds my love for old houses and sparks new inspiration. Plus, travel has quickly become my favorite way to step back from work and recharge.
Here you’ll find what I’m currently focused on, and you can follow along on social media to see where I’m headed next. Thanks for stopping by!
Most of my travels focus on exploring the U.S.—how long I’m on the road depends on what I can balance with running my business. I’m drawn to National Parks, historic homes and sites, and scenic backroads that always seem to lead somewhere unexpected. Big cities and food scenes? Not really my thing. Whether I’m traveling solo, with family and friends, or with my dog, I love sharing the details so you can plan your own trip—or simply come along for the ride through my Travel Blog Posts and Trip Guides & Maps.
Here are three priorities shaping my travels right now:
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After exploring 8 National Parks on my solo cross-country trip —and another three during a trip out west—I knew I’d found my favorite kind of destination. Now I’m on a mission to visit all 63. Whenever I plan a trip, I usually start with a region I want to see, then map out every National Park nearby. From there, I add in any historic sites or neighborhoods and the rest of the itinerary falls into place.
Visit All 63 Designated National Parks
02 / 03
I’m currently at 38 states and counting. The U.S. is so diverse that traveling across it often feels like visiting entirely different countries—each state has its own landscapes, history, and character. Some I’ve passed through quickly, others I’ve explored in depth, but every stop adds a new layer to the map. My goal is to experience all 50, whether it’s a weekend visit, a road trip detour, or a longer stay to really dig in.
Visit All 50 US States
03 / 03
Last year’s trip was extra special because Sampson was with me for the adventure. He’s no longer here, but those memories are a big part of why I keep traveling this way—and I know future journeys will include another four-legged copilot when the time is right. While I always enjoy traveling with family and friends, there’s something uniquely rewarding about hitting the road solo. I stopped waiting for everyone’s schedules to align and started going anyway, and it’s been freeing, empowering, and full of unforgettable moments.
After what I like to call my “champion” four-week solo cross-country trip, I realized there are certain items that make life on the road so much easier—whether I’m dashing in and out of hotel rooms with a dog or settling into a cabin or rental house for a longer stay. Here are some of my go-to travel essentials and recommendations.