U.S.A. Archives - Page 3 of 5

Photo Diary: New Year’s Day in Atlanta

Icy wind whipped at our reddening ears and cracked hands as we shuffled down the empty Atlanta streets on New Year’s Day. Like the frigid weather, I was bitter that a trip to the deep south wasn’t all that warm—but very glad I checked the weather beforehand! Just hours before, I’d been sitting on a cramped bus with 50 of my closest friends on our 12-hour journey there. I spent 48 hours in Atlanta, and there honestly was not a dull moment—or a spare one for that matter. I absolutely love New Year’s Eve; the glitter, sips, conversation and...

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How to Spend a Day in Santa Monica

It truly astounds me how freakin’ big Los Angeles is. On my last trip there, I spent my time near Huntington, Laguna and Hollywood, but despite my two weeks, I only experienced a dusting of this West Coast hub. I recently spent a day at Santa Monica and fell in love with this urban city with a sprinkling of suburban charm. Here’s how to spend a day in Santa Monica. Lunch at Urth Caffé Ranked highly on Trip Advisor, this quaint cafe with its plant-lined patio was our first stop in Santa Monica. I finished every last bite of...

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How to Spend a Day on Catalina Island

Step into the life of the rich and famous on Catalina Island just miles off the coast of Los Angeles. The moment you step off the ferry from mainland California, a deep blue harbor, quaint shops, hilltop homes and a grand casino nestled on the coast. Bought by William Wrigley in 1919, this island was the home of spring training for the Chicago Cubs until 1951. Its beauty and idyllic charm enchanted me, and I’m so excited to share my adventures. Here’s how to spend a day on Catalina Island. Getting to the Island Although 100% worth it, the...

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Girls’ Weekend In Kansas City

Growing up with extended family who lived in Kansas City, I’ve been there more times than I can count. And it’s for that reason that I’ve taken the gem of a city for granted; I’ve only ever been to their houses and haven’t seen the city. But we recently had a girls’ weekend in Kansas City. And I jumped on the opportunity to travel (albeit still Missouri) and to see a city I didn’t really know despite many a visit. We didn’t get on the road till 10 a.m., which would give my father intense anxiety — we’re burning...

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Photo Diary: Small Town Hoppin’ in Mid-MO

Trying to explain to Europeans where I’m from is an adventure. Smack dab in the middle of the U.S. Six hours south of Chicago—ish. And if all else fails, I’d stick out my hand sideways, pointing to an imaginary Los Angeles and New York and then me—right in the middle. I’m grateful for growing up in Mid-Missouri and really appreciate its contribution to my childhood. But let’s just say Mid-MO has never swooned me. “How close it it to an ocean?” “They’re mountains there right?” Missouri’s far distance from the ocean and mountains make it less than glamorous when...

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Soul Searching on the Road: a Journey to the West Coast

With her teddy bear, her boyfriend and some photos, she left home and wouldn’t return for over five months. After a difficult year of panic attacks and a loss of motivation, Guinevere Sheafer knew she needed to stop her college studies to prioritize her mental health. “While I met some influential people and learned quite a bit during my time in school, my mental health was suffering greatly,” she said. “I isolated myself due to my constant state of sadness and feeling overwhelmed.” On June 16, 2017, Sheafer left Missouri with her boyfriend, Ryan Lupardus, in pursuit of the...

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6 Museums to Visit in Los Angeles

Los Angeles: Home of Hollywood, City of Stars, La La Land. L.A. is a city I fall more in love with every time I visit. Admittedly, it helps that several dear friends provide free room and board in a rather expensive city, but every time I start packing my bags to head back home, I start dreaming of reasons to miss my flight. While I can’t help you become best friends with someone who lives conveniently in that sweet spot between the 5, 10, 101 and 110, I can let you in on one my favorite parts of the...

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9 Things to Do in Waco, Texas

It has been entirely too long since I’ve been to the grand old state of Texas. Being a type A-planner personality (I promise I’m a fun person some of the time), I’m used to anticipating trips long in advance. But my weekend in Waco was a change of pace because this flight was booked two weeks before departure. And planned a few hours before booking my plane ticket. My spur-of-the-moment trip to Waco, Texas, to visit bestie Riley was jam-packed but all the while still enjoyable. Here are 9 things to do in Waco: 1. Heritage Creamery With flavors...

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A Trip to Mauhaus Cat Cafe

After parking on a quiet street in the middle of the neighborhood, I walked to the door. I’d been waiting for this moment for so long. Finally, I was back in St. Louis, and I had a chance to visit Mauhaus Cat Cafe. Oh, yeah, you read that right. Coffee AND cats all in the same room, baby. And it was every bit as wonderful as you’d think. Food and drink I was greeted by a countertop with a huge chalkboard menu behind it and a bar top with a large glass window looking into the cats’ playroom. Before...

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