Where To Visit The U.S. Homes Of Some Of Your Favorite Authors

Have you ever wondered about the clapboard farmhouse that inspired Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women? Or the ocean air that stirred John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row? Or the “nothing but land” prairie landscape at the heart of Willa Cather’s My Ántonia?

No need to ponder any longer, because the homes of all three American authors are preserved and open to visitors in Concord, Massachusetts; Salinas, California; and Red Cloud, Nebraska, respectively.

And these represent just a small sample of the author-centered museums available all over the country.

Whether your interests center on 19th-century poets, 20th-century novelists, or humorists for the ages, you will find towns and cities that celebrate their famous literary sons and daughters.

Here are 10 places where you can breathe the air, walk the hallways, and take in the views that inspired some of your favorite American authors.

Amherst, Massachusetts — Emily Dickinson

Although nearly 150 years have passed since her death in 1886 at the age of 55, Emily Dickinson never seems to go out of vogue.

In fact, the reclusive American poet is currently having a pop-culture moment with the new Apple TV+ comedy-drama Dickinson, starring Hailee Steinfeld as the young Emily.

Fans of Dickinson’s work can get a taste of what her life was really like at the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts. There, two Dickinson family homes are preserved: The Homestead, the birthplace and home of Dickinson, and The Evergreens, the next-door home of her brother and sister-in-law, Austin and Susan Dickinson.

“The museum is dedicated to sparking the imagination by amplifying Emily Dickinson’s revolutionary poetic voice from the place she called home,” says the museum’s website.

The house of John Steinbeck. — Cindy Barks

Salinas, California — John Steinbeck

California’s varied terrain — from the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean to the rolling hills of the Salinas Valley — was a recurring theme in Pulitzer- and Nobel-Prize-winning author John Steinbeck’s works.

“The Pacific is my home ocean; I knew it first, grew up on its shore, collected marine animals along the coast. I know its moods, its color, its nature,” Steinbeck wrote in Travels with Charley.

So, it is appropriate that Steinbeck’s birthplace of Salinas, California, just 10 miles inland from the Pacific Coast, serves as the location for the author’s museum.

The midsize city is home to both the informative and interactive National Steinbeck Center and the Steinbeck House Restaurant, located in Steinbeck’s restored Victorian boyhood home.

Zane Grey's cabin in Payson, Arizona. — Cindy Barks

Payson, Arizona — Zane Grey

Few authors sum up the adventurous American West as does early 1900s novelist Zane Grey, known for Riders of the Purple Sage and The Call of the Canyon.

The inspiration for many of his novels can be traced to the high-country forestland of Northern Arizona where he had a cabin, which is now open to visitors as the Zane Grey Cabin Museum on the grounds of the Rim Country Museum in Payson, Arizona. (The original 1920s-era Zane Grey cabin burned in the devastating Dude Fire of 1990, but the cabin was recreated several years ago on the museum grounds.)

Museums memorializing Grey also exist in Ohio and Pennsylvania, where the author grew to adulthood. But the Arizona high country loomed largest in his work. Of the 57 novels Grey penned, 28 of them had an Arizona theme.

Portland, Maine — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Walk along the narrow and slightly damp hallways of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s boyhood home in Portland, Maine, and you will instantly gain insight into his poem The Rainy Day, which famously reminds readers, “Into each life some rain must fall, / Some days must be dark and dreary.”

The 19th-century author and poet hailed from Portland, and his family home now serves as the Wadsworth-Longfellow House & Garden, a museum operated by the Maine Historical Society.

The historic brick house lies in the midst of the bustling city and serves as a reminder of the nation’s early years, when Longfellow’s grandfather, General Peleg Wadsworth, built the family home in 1785.

home to Louisa May Alcott in Concord, MA — LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

Concord, Massachusetts — Louisa May Alcott

Generations of readers have immersed themselves in the 1868 classic Little Women, which explores the lives of the four March sisters growing up in New England during the American Civil War.

The story is so enduring that at least eight movie adaptations have been made, including the latest, which was released in late 2019.

A real-life look at the family that inspired the March sisters is available at author Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts.

The 1660s-era farmhouse was the home of Alcott’s family from 1857 to 1877 and is said to be the setting for Alcott’s classic story.

The Mark Twain house in Hartford. — f11photo / Shutterstock

Hartford, Connecticut — Mark Twain

When it comes to American classics, Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn consistently rank among the best.

The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, is a classic of its own. Billed by Twain as “a house with a heart and soul,” the American High Gothic-style mansion on Hartford’s Farmington Avenue served as the home of Twain (author Samuel Clemens) and his family for nearly 20 years in the late 1800s.

Along with the restored house, the center also includes a museum, which opened in 2003.

The Hemingway Home on Key West. — Robert Hoetink / Shutterstock

Key West, Florida — Ernest Hemingway

Pulitzer- and Nobel-Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway’s penchant for living large is on display throughout the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida.

From the massive 60-foot-long swimming pool that is said to have cost $20,000 in 1937 (more than $350,000 in today’s dollars) to the six-toed cats that still roam the property, the Florida home sums up the bold and adventurous author of such masterpieces as The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, The Old Man and the Sea, and The Moveable Feast.

Red Cloud, Nebraska — Willa Cather

The United States prairie was the specialty of Pulitzer-Prize-winning author Willa Cather, and she brought the flat, empty terrain to life in works such as My Ántonia and O Pioneers!

“There was nothing but land; not a country at all but the material out of which countries are made,” Cather wrote in My Ántonia of the fictional Black Hawk, Nebraska.

Today, the National Willa Cather Center stands in the author’s honor in her hometown of Red Cloud, Nebraska, which inspired Black Hawk.

Jack London's Wolf House Mansion in California. — Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock

Glen Ellen, California — Jack London

Extreme endeavors were the hallmark of Jack London, and the Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, California, pays tribute to that spirit, along with the works of the famous early 1900s author and social activist.

Known for shocking tales of the Klondike Gold Rush in his novels The Call of the Wild and White Fang, as well as in the short story To Build a Fire, the San Francisco-born London called a ranch on the eastern slope of Sonoma Mountain home for the last decade or so of his life.

The ranchland, which includes the remains of London’s Wolf House mansion, today features a visitor center in the House of Happy Walls that was built by London’s widow, fellow author Charmian Kittredge London. The ranch became a California Historical Landmark and State Park in 1960.

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum. — Taylor E Williams / Shutterstock

Walnut Grove, Minnesota; De Smet, South Dakota; Mansfield, Missouri — Laura Ingalls Wilder

Anyone who remembers hearing bedtime stories that featured tales of little Laura navigating the frontier with her family would probably enjoy visiting several museums that honor author Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Famous for wholesome stories like Little House in the Big Woods and Little House on the Prairie, Wilder has been a mainstay for generations of young readers. Her stories were transformed into the popular Little House on the Prairie TV series in the 1970s and 1980s.

The museums include Wilder’s childhood home in Walnut Grove, Minnesota; the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes and first school of Laura and her sister Carrie in De Smet, South Dakota; and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum at Rocky Ridge Farm in Mansfield, Missouri, where Wilder is said to have penned her books.

9 Lessons Learned During My Ancestry Travel

People obsessed with ancestry reel off names and dates until their friends’ eyes glaze over. But the best stories — the heart and soul of history — are found not on a computer but through travel.

My research took me to Stourbridge, England, and the ancestry lessons I learned are applicable to all, whether your family comes from Galway, China, or Timbuktu.

The writer's mother, May Myatt. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

1. Contact Local History Societies

When I first arrived in Stourbridge, I couldn’t imagine my mother’s era: the 1920s to ’50s, when she peddled an old bicycle down country lanes humming “In the Mood” or “Little Brown Jug.” But slowly the past emerged despite the busy ring roads and dense housing estates.

I knew she absconded from the area in the 1950s. She was 35 and pregnant with me when she eloped, leaving her history and a previous marriage behind.

The local history society wound up doing most of my research. They receive lots of queries from overseas and seem delighted to help. In Stourbridge, history is a local pastime.

During one visit, my helper passed on local knowledge. “A hay cutter!” she tutted, noting my great grandfather’s occupation on the census. “That’s seasonal work. He was basically unemployed!”

Knocking on doors to learn more information. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

2. Tap On Doors

Armed with addresses, I knocked on doors. Sometimes I knocked on the wrong door and was still asked in. It’s not every day an Aussie comes calling, and the popularity of shows like the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? means people love helping.

Eventually, I was shown into a house where my mother once lived, and the owners even gave me a few minutes alone to dwell on the past and let my emotions settle.

The clock tower at the old workhouse. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

3. Visit Sites (Even When They Have Changed)

Some of the sites I visited were unsettling. My mother’s mother was unmarried and had four children out of wedlock. The first two she raised, but when she was seduced or worse while working as a maid, she became pregnant with twins. It was the Depression, she came from a poor family, and she ended up in the workhouse slogging away in the laundry.

By the time I got to Stourbridge his old workhouse had been redeveloped into a housing estate. But the Brits value the past, and developers kept the laundry furnace chimney and the original clock tower that chimed the girls’ long working days.

My mother was sent to an orphanage. She’d scrawled an account of her first memory in an exercise book which I found after her death:

The sobbing was uncontrollable, and I vividly remember being assuaged by a tempting crust of bread, and butter smothered in golden syrup. The bread looked as thick as the doorstep on which I sat — that was my earliest memory. It was taken for granted by me that we were placed in the homes because our mother being unmarried could not afford to keep us…

Locals told me the orphanage had been demolished, and like any place with acreage, turned into a housing estate.

The housing estate built around an old playing field. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

But I found the houses built around an old playing field. My mother wrote of how she would stand at a window and longingly watch her twin brother Frank kicking a ball. The sexes were strictly segregated, so she was unable to talk to him for 12 years.

Instinct drew me to a path behind some bushes. There was the old receiving house and the doorstop where she sobbed. I sat on that blockbuster of a doorstep and cried. She had been ripped from her mother, just as I now had lost her.

The door to the derelict building mysteriously swung open revealing long, soulless halls, scuffed linoleum, and barred windows. Even though trespassing, I walked in to find a frame with photos of some of the orphans and their cottage parents.

Terence Herbert's letter in the old orphanage. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

Pinned in the center was a note: If anyone would like information on what it was like at the cottage homes, please contact Terence, who was an orphan here in the 1930s.

When phoned, Terence he said he’d placed that note there 18 years previously when he first retired. He was astounded that someone had finally contacted him — especially someone from overseas.

Terence near the old downpipe. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

4. Search For Contemporaries

I drove Terence to the site. He asked me to take his photo in front of the downpipe, which had been his cricket stump. “No toys,” he said. “Instead, we had hours of fun with a piece of string forming shapes between our fingers.”

He pointed to the empty bookshelves. “There were books, but we were not allowed to read them — they were for show. And school wouldn’t give us homework because ‘homers’ weren’t expected to get on in the world.”

His depictions of orphanage life explained much about my mother, who despite being a great beauty had extremely low self-esteem.

The sign for Hope Street. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

5. Hang Out With Locals

I walked down a street ironically called Hope Street looking for the house my grandmother worked in as a maid.

There was no house significant enough to have warranted servants. I asked a local walking his dog if he knew one. “If you want to know anything around here, Love, you have to ask in the pubs.”

So began my fortnight of drinking endless pots of cloudy cider and spilling my mother’s story to barmaids. My mother had worked as a barmaid, and these women felt an affinity with her story. They introduced me to old-timers on the off chance they might know something.

The Glasscutters Arms had a bowling club behind it, and one of the old men there excitedly told me he had known my mother’s first husband, Bill Hopton, a glassblower.

“He died on the green,” he said. “Had a heart attack. But he lived with his sister, and she had a son, and he was like a grandson to him. He drinks at the Cat.”

Tracking him down, he opened the door to me in his moccasins and skinny jeans. It was the only doorknock where I wasn’t invited in. The past was the past, and he didn’t want to know about it.

The old Wordsley Manor house. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

6. Try All Doors

There was a warmer welcome at the manor house where my mother’s older sister and aunt had lived in as servants. The eccentric owner had built a cinema in his attic.

The manor house was still in the family, and I had written a letter to the present owner. I was almost heading home when I received the email. Would you like to come to supper?

We dined at a table on expansive lawns. Dessert was a meringue loaded with blackberries picked from the garden.

As I sipped champagne, I thought of my ancestors who were once his family’s servants, and of how gobsmacked they would have been to see me hobnobbing with the aristocracy.

After dinner came the grand tour. There was a coat of arms over the door, family portraits in each room, and an impressive main staircase so rickety we were forced to use the servant’s staircase — quite fitting given my family’s background.

Three flights took us to the attic where there was a now run-down art deco cinema and a ticket booth where my 16-year-old mother sold tickets after leaving the orphanage.

Old washing supplies. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

7. Heed The Lessons Well

On my trip to the Black Country, I did not find any relatives. Yet, I did find out much more about my mother. Her orphanage background set her on a course for life. When she became pregnant with me, there was no way she was going to suffer the indignities of having a “bastard” child.

She changed her name by deed poll and ran away with my father. They boarded a cargo ship for a new life in Australia, marrying some seven years later.

A wing of the Wordsley Manor that fell into disrepair. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

8. Go Before It’s Too Late

My trip made me realize the importance of visiting the lands of our forebears before more evidence is lost.

That was three years ago. Since then the manor, after being in the same family for generations, has been sold and turned into apartments, and perhaps a house has already supplanted the old receiving house.

Terence at the fields where he used to play. — Nadine Cresswell-Myatt

9. You Can Address Past Hurts

My mother loved words, but with a meager education, she could only find kitchen jobs after my father left her. So, like her mother, she struggled to raise children on her own.

In her 80s, before dementia set in, she wrote down her memories, perhaps knowing one day I would follow the clues.

One of the local history ladies I befriended in Stourbridge suggested I send my mother’s reminiscences to a history journal, The Blackcountryman.

To my delight, the editor thought my mother’s story well-written enough to publish.

It seems strange that my mother’s homecoming should be in print, and that the daughter she left her birthplace for, in order to shield her from gossip and innuendo, paved the way for her return.

So, yes, “the past is a foreign country,” but it’s a place you can certainly travel to.

How To Spend A Day In Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne, Indiana, is Indiana’s second largest city and is two hours northeast of Indianapolis. This city is home to arts and culture, sporting events, and much more. Boutique shopping is offered in many areas of Fort Wayne, and the experiences will not disappoint you.

If you have one day to spend in Fort Wayne, here is how you can make the most out of it. I recently visited as a guest at some of the establishments and attractions below. My meals and admission fees were comped, but all of my suggestions are based on my honest opinion and nobody else’s!

Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center

Fort Wayne is proud of the fact that it is home to the nation’s largest public genealogy collection at the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center. This center is open seven days a week and is free to visit. While in Fort Wayne, I had the opportunity to work with a genealogist who helped me answer some family questions I had. If you have any questions in regard to your family history, you will want to spend a minimum of two hours here. There is no cost for these services, and it’s much easier to use than going online to search your family history.

When you visit the genealogy center in Fort Wayne, you will have a personal assistant working alongside you. This center is handicapped accessible and is located in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne near hotels, restaurants, and boutique shopping.

Promenade Park on the Fort Wayne riverfront. — Visit Fort Wayne

Riverfront Fort Wayne

Promenade Park is where you can rent a kayak, listen to music, and stroll along the Fort Wayne riverfront. This is also one of the newest attractions in Fort Wayne, and it’s something that you will want to experience. What you want to do along the riverfront will determine how long you spend there. If you book a boat tour, you will want to allow a minimum of two and a half hours in the area. You can also rent bikes and explore the riverfront’s 100 miles of trails. The Rivergreenway Trail is very popular, and it runs 25 miles from Fort Wayne to New Haven. In my opinion, the best way to enjoy this area is to grab lunch at a nearby restaurant and take it to the riverfront as there’s nothing like dining outdoors with a river view.

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is located in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. Three indoor gardens cover 25,000 square feet and showcase more than 500 species of plants. The tropical garden features a beautiful waterfall and is surrounded by ferns, orchids, and even banana trees. The outdoor gardens offer another view of the city, plus sculptures and seasonal plants. There is a small admission fee and the conservatory is closed on Mondays. Free parking is provided in the Civic Center Parking Garage with paid admission to the gardens. Depending on the season, you will want to spend one to two hours here.

Eating In Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a food-lover’s paradise. Steaks, pizza, sushi, burgers, and steak and eggs are popular menu items. You will not go hungry on your visit to Fort Wayne as the selection of restaurants is abundant. None of these restaurants require a special dress code, but I would suggest wearing nice, comfortable, casual clothing at Proximo and Copper Spoon.

Proximo

Proximo is located downtown and offers a fun, relaxing atmosphere. They are open seven days a week and, in my opinion, offer one of the best breakfasts in the Midwest. Your day will start off right as you wake your taste buds up with a chorizo or quinoa Bowl. Mixed-berry pancakes are also a popular American breakfast item served with eggs and bacon. The Garbage Skillet is most likely the most colorful dish on the menu and is guaranteed to fill you up for the day.

Copper Spoon

Copper Spoon offers the best ribeye in Fort Wayne as it’s smothered in chorizo butter. The menu items are locally sourced and the cocktail menu is sure to win you over. The bartenders at Copper Spoon are award-winning, as they have had three bartenders ranked in the top 100 in the country in the USBG World Class bartending competition.

This intimate dining experience is sure to win you over. Parking is available on Ewing Street and is free after 5 p.m. Paid parking is available at both the Marriott and Ash parking garages, which are also nearby. Reservations are recommended for parties of four or more.

Hop River Brewing Company

Hop River Brewing Company is a microbrewery and taproom that offers terrific food. I would not typically recommend a brewing company for meals, but I highly recommend this one. I had the White BBQ Chicken Sandwich and it was some of the best barbecue I have ever had. The Vegan Sloppy Joe (topped with mustard vinegar collard slaw) is also a local favorite. Order up a flight of four beers and pair it with the Caramelized Onion Dip served with colored carrots, watermelon radishes, and celery. It’s fair to say that this microbrewery won me over.

Shopping In Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne is home to several boutique shopping experiences. Downtown offers numerous shopping opportunities, and you will be sure to find something that interests you. Fort Wayne is home to Vera Bradley, which offers a distinctive line of superior handbags, travel bags, and the like. It should be no surprise that you will find Vera Bradley products in many specialty shops throughout town.

Vera Bradley Annual Sale

Every spring, Fort Wayne is home to the ultimate Vera Bradley Annual Sale. For five days, visitors will find 40 to 60 percent off of the retail prices of prized Vera Bradley items. This is the ultimate shopping experience in Fort Wayne, as it is held in a space of more than 100,000 square feet. If Vera Bradley is calling your name, this is the time of year you will want to visit Fort Wayne.

Maisie And Maude

Maisie And Maude is located at 1529 W Main Street in Fort Wayne and offers vintage clothing, restyled furniture, vintage and recycled jewelry, and linens. If you enjoy seeing things repurposed, this specialty shop is for you. Have fun discovering the vintage items that are stocked by this Main Street business.

The Hedge

The Hedge is where you can experience custom-printed items and maybe even sign up for a class to create your own artwork. Located at 1016 Broadway in Fort Wayne, you are sure to be inspired by this independent fine art shop. The fun thing about these boutique shops is that they will surprise you once you walk inside. The store windows are cute on the outside, but once you step in, you will be hooked. You will most likely walk out with one or two shopping bags, as much of the merchandise cannot be found elsewhere.

DeBrand Chocolates

A visit to Fort Wayne would not be complete without a visit to DeBrand Chocolates. You’ll find their downtown location at 878 Harrison Street. The gelato, ice cream cones, and gourmet chocolates are sure to please you. This store is closed on Sunday but is open daily at 10 a.m. otherwise. If you would like to see these fine chocolates created firsthand, tour the corporate headquarters at 10105 Auburn Park Drive. Tours last 35 to 40 minutes and are handicapped accessible. It’s important to note that tours are not available every day; look at the calendar for available tour dates.

The one thing that surprised me most about Fort Wayne was the fact that this city is very walkable. It’s easy to get around and I felt safe. The Hilton Fort Wayne At The Grand Wayne Convention Center offers safe and convenient lodging. Many attractions, shopping, and dining experiences are within walking distance of this hotel. You have choices of many things to do when you visit this city in Indiana. It’s an up-and-coming metropolis that you will want to pay attention to.

Debating where to vacation in Indiana? Here are eight reasons to visit Hendrick’s County, Indiana, plus the inside scoop on a weekend getaway in Bloomington: the best things to do.

7 Reasons To Add An RV Trip To Your Travel Bucket List

Peering out your tiny window at 30,000 feet as you shift uncomfortably in your seat on a plane, you see things below you, but can’t quite grasp the details. You see lakes or mountains and a winding road that goes into a forest. But you won’t be there; instead, you are headed for an airport — and the early morning frenzy of getting past security and dragging your luggage through the terminal, of course.

Maybe you would enjoy yourself more if you got out of the sky and got exploring on the ground. One way to do this: Put an RV trip on your travel bucket list!

I never knew how much fun an RV trip could be until I bought one and started traveling, which I now do full time. Here are the top reasons you should add an RV trip to your travel bucket list, based on my adventures.

1. It’s An Experience, Not Just A Destination

Taking an RV trip is first and foremost a travel experience. Whether you are towing or driving, your RV transportation is a unique experience for most of the traveling public. Choices range from small camping vans, travel trailers, or large fifth wheel trailers to all-in-one RV trucks and coaches. Each RV has a unique floor plan, modern conveniences, and a guaranteed glamping experience. Your travel options are endless.

Savor your travel and you will have miles to remember. Driving lets you see, smell, and taste the places you go through. Stop in small towns (away from the interstates). Find interesting main streets, kitschy cafes, or wineries that provide unique lunch experiences. You can picnic in a forest or at a scenic overlook. When you find an interesting place that was not on your itinerary, it’s never a problem to stop because your hotel is with you.

An RV road trip through Alaska. — Patrick Civello / Shutterstock

2. Create An Itinerary Of Unlimited Activities

RV travel is all inclusive. Bring your bikes, skis, kayaks, canoes, fishing gear, and a full range of clothes for any activity. There is no two-bag limit in an RV. You can park your RV inside a national park, hike every day, boat when you want, and opt to do nothing if you like. Stay at a premier RV resort and there are beautiful pools, lounge areas, and social activities galore. Build a trip that suits your desires.

3. Claim All The Views You Can

There really is nothing like coming over a crest on the road and seeing a vast landscape in front of you. Now imagine waking up to that view every day of your trip. Whether it is the vast plains in big sky Montana, the Rocky or Smoky Mountains, red rocks in the West, or ocean beaches, the vista is part of what makes this trip worthy of bucket-list travel.

Exploring adds to the fun. Get on the backroads in Iowa to see the Amana Colonies or into the Hill Country of Texas. There are five national parks in Utah, each more scenic than the next, and all can be visited by RV. Go fly fishing in Idaho at one of the dozens of RV parks on the Snake River or explore forests and lakes in the great north. Seeing it from an RV will mean a view you’ll never forget.

4. Make A Base Camp And Take Fun Day Trips

Consider staying outside crowded national parks and instead make day trips to see the sights. There are many state parks and commercial campgrounds near the entrances to national parks. Stay away from the madding crowds and drive in when you are ready to see the sights like Old Faithful at Yellowstone, the Badlands, or Devil’s Tower. I did all of these trips from base camps that were magical destinations themselves. At your base camp, you’ll have quiet nights and plenty of space for a campfire. Lounge in your camp chair under your awning or around the fire while you sip your favorite beverage and marvel at how far away the everyday world seems to be.

An RV parked under the night sky. — Det-anan / Shutterstock

5. See The Night Like An Ancient Explorer

When you travel by RV and park far outside the city, you look up and the stars are too numerous to count. Constellations you learned about as a child are visible. I remember the first time I saw the Milky Way. I thought it was clouds and then realized it was the heavens. Night after night you will be surrounded by this light show. Here are the seven most incredible stargazing sites in the U.S. Set your GPS to any one of them and let your bucket list RV trip begin.

6. RV Travelers Know Something You Don’t

I’ve talked to many RV people during my travels. The most common refrains about why they love to RV are the freedom to go wherever they want, whenever they want and the friends they make along the way. There are no tours to join, no schedules to keep, no wondering what the next hotel will be like. Imagine camping on a beach, in a forest, in the mountains, in a desert — and maybe in the same trip! When was the last time you made great friends with people in a hotel?

Campgrounds compel camaraderie. Campfires, walking, hanging at the lake all create a common experience that people want to share with others. I’m thrilled with the new friends I’ve made with people who travel the world this way.

7. See Wildlife Up Close And Personal

When you stay in the wild, the wild comes to you. Stay near the Grand Tetons and you will have moose come sauntering through your campground. Deer are plentiful across the U.S., and they will come in small groups to graze or traipse to the water spot. Bears are plentiful in many locations, especially out West, and you must respect the rules about keeping food and garbage properly stowed. And don’t forget to listen and look up to see eagles, osprey, and owls. It’s a delight you won’t get at a hotel.

Consider including on your itinerary a wildlife refuge where migratory birds fly in by the thousands. Get a good pair of binoculars, and you’ll see cranes, ducks, and all manner in between. There are guided tours you can take and expert rangers and volunteers to help point out these beautiful creatures.

An RV camper in Montana. — Mark Holloway / Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Pro Tips For The First-Time RVer

Make sure your RV is outfitted with what you will need for cooking and having a good time. Are there bike racks and a blender? Understand how the stove works and where the lights are. RV electricity requires being “plugged in” to campground power. Make sure you know if your RV is 50 or 30 amp so you book the proper camping site.

Make sure you get a run through on tank monitors and tank hookups. You want to have a good time, not unwanted surprises. An RV toilet requires using a pedal to flush and refilling the water.

The best pro tip is to meet your on-site camp host and ask for any assistance you need, including getting your RV situated. You will find RV campers and glampers to be generous and friendly. They’re having fun and you can too!

Know that the open road is yours and you set your schedule. Get ready to wake up to your own coffee, a comfy couch or outdoor chair, and the great outdoors. In an RV, you get to see the world up close and personal.

Like what you see? Stay a little longer. Not what you were expecting? Then move on down the road. Whether you want to pack in a lot of iconic sites or drift along in scenic spots, an RV trip gives you a customizable travel experience that you will never forget.

RVshare is the world’s first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace. With thousands of satisfied customers and a broad inventory ranging from travel trailers to luxury motorhomes, RVshare has the perfect RV for your vacation, tailgate, or temporary lodging needs.

How To Spend A Perfect Day At Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument is the perfect day trip from San Francisco and a great place to reconnect with nature after you’ve spent some time in the bustling city or in Silicon Valley.

There are a few places in the world that have made us feel tiny — and Muir Woods, with its massive and ancient redwood residents, is definitely one of them. Between the trees, the fog, and the lush green underbrush, this spot stays with you long after your visit. It reminded us a lot of a Star Wars movie set, but it’s a real place, and one we’re still thinking about!

Here are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind to ensure a perfect day at this magical park.

The entrance to Muir Woods National Monument. — Robert Mutch / Shutterstock

Think About Transportation In Advance

First and foremost, you’ll need to decide in advance how you’re going to get to Muir Woods. This is easier said than done, and we learned this the hard way! We had no idea that parking spots at the monument are available by reservation only, and we were turned away the first time we tried to enter on the fly.

Be sure to go online and book your spot — the earlier the better for best availability. Parking costs $15 per car, and you can purchase your entrance tickets at the same time you purchase your parking space. Admission costs $15 for adults, and children enter for free.

Keep in mind that the trip up to the park is somewhat challenging and rugged, with winding, narrow roads and a few hairpin turns. If you want to leave that sort of driving to someone else, you can take the Muir Woods Shuttle. Again, you’ll need to make reservations online, but the shuttle will only set you back $3.25 for a round-trip ticket. The shuttles depart daily from both Sausalito, California, and Marin City, California; the trip to the park takes about 45 minutes. If the park is busy, make sure you queue up for your desired shuttle back to town early.

A word to the wise: There is no Wi-Fi whatsoever at the monument. Download your parking or shuttle ticket on your phone before you head up; you might be turned away if you can’t access proof of your reservation.

Redwood trees in Muir Woods National Monument. — Pete Niesen / Shutterstock

Dress For The Weather

Muir Woods is located right off the coast, and the ocean fog provides much-needed moisture to the massive redwoods. You’ll encounter that mysterious mist most mornings, along with cool breezes. Temperatures rarely exceed 70 degrees, and as you can imagine, there is a lot of shade.

You’ll want to dress in warm layers, with a waterproof outer layer in case of rain — which is quite likely from November through April. If you’re traveling to the park at that time, you’ll also want to make sure that you pack an umbrella if the forecast indicates showers. You don’t want to spend your precious time at the park soaked and uncomfortable.

A hiking trail through Muir Woods National Monument. — Sundry Photography / Shutterstock

Wear Sturdy Shoes

This simple tip can make or break your visit to the magical Muir Woods. While the main, lower trails are gentle, paved, and will lead you through the better part of the forest with barely an incline, it’s important to wear comfortable, supportive shoes — preferably those with good traction and grip in the soles — in case of rain.

Don’t skimp on this part of the prep! Your feet will thank you, and you’ll be able to enjoy the one-of-a-kind stroll much more without slips or skids.

Beautiful views in Muir Woods National Monument. — MNStudio / Shutterstock

Pack Snacks

If you plan to stay for the day, you’ll want to bring along nutrient-dense snacks to eat along the trail. This will help keep your energy level up. While there is a fine concession stand at the park’s entrance, we always prefer to bring our own food — along with a refillable water bottle — when hiking and trekking.

Just make sure you save a pocket or backpack space to tuck away any garbage you might have, and carry it out of the park with you. There are no garbage cans along the trails, and that’s by design to ensure this place stays as pristine and as close to its original state as possible. Littering is never okay, but in a place as grand and eco-sensitive as this, it’s a travesty. Bottom line: If you eat in the park (and you’ll likely work up an appetite, so plan to do so), take your trash with you.

The park ranger presentation at Muir Woods. — Sundry Photography / Shutterstock

Attend The Park Ranger Presentation

We know — sometimes tours can feel forced, obligatory and… well, not that great. That is not the case here! Unless you are a botanist, a biologist, an or eco-expert, chances are you don’t know that much about this amazing spot, all of the factors that make it so special, and just how incredible the biodiversity here actually is.

That’s why, if possible, you should pop in to the park ranger’s daily presentations — or tree talks — at Muir Woods. Whether you spend 15 minutes getting the history and science in a quick TED Talk-like session or take the hour-long guided hike, this is time well spent.

Check in at the front entrance for the day’s schedule.

Look, But Don’t Touch

Muir Woods has adopted a “Leave No Trace” stance, and for good reason. The policy is in place to protect the plant and animal life in the park. While it might be tempting to do so, do not venture off the trails or paved paths. Many of the species here are extremely fragile, and even a single step off the trail could trample and destroy some of them.

Gaze in awe, take photos, perhaps even sketch what you see, but do not touch anything or take anything from the area. Remember that everything you see at Muir Woods is protected under federal law, so leave it in its rightful place for others to enjoy.

Cathedral Grove in the Muir Woods National Monument. — My Good Images / Shutterstock

Go With A Purpose

This tip might be the strangest of the bunch. But if you’re familiar with the Japanese custom of forest bathing, you might better understand what we mean here. For many people, visiting Muir Woods is a hallowed experience, one that allows them to slow down and commune with nature at its most magnificent. The opportunity to completely disconnect (again, there’s no Wi-Fi!) and soak up such an incredible atmosphere is rare.

For that reason, we recommend visiting the park with a purpose. Perhaps it’s to contemplate life, to focus on gratitude, or to find peace as you take in nature’s grandeur on its terms. No matter your purpose, this is the perfect place to pursue it. Muir Woods is a place to open your mind and heart and enjoy the wonder of the natural world around you. Its gorgeous redwood giants are hundreds of years old and will live on for hundreds more with careful conservation.

One of our favorite spots inside the monument is Cathedral Grove. You’ll find signs urging silence, and you’ll enjoy a quiet stroll through the ancient, enormous trees, listening to the pure sounds of nature just 20 miles from one of our country’s largest urban sprawls. Setting an intention for the time you spend in a place so awe-inspiring will enrich your experience and make it even more unforgettable!

5 Tips For Working Remotely While Traveling

I’m a writer, and I often work freelance (which is, ahem, why you’re reading this). That means that I can work from anywhere in the world — and, whenever possible, I try to take advantage of that.

I spent a few hours on my laptop during my trip to Japan, and I sent more than a few emails to my editors while traveling to Mexico to see family. Over the years, I’ve visited the Grand Canyon, Beale Street, and the Las Vegas Strip while logging hours with my various employers.

Working remotely can be fun and engaging, but I’ve also learned that it can be a nightmare. After all, nobody wants to fight deadlines when they could be spending time at breathtaking landmarks during a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Still, with proper time management skills and a clear work process, remote work can open up some wonderful possibilities.

If you’re planning on a working vacation to some far-off destination, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Make Sure You’ll Actually Have Internet Access

These days, most hotels will offer you a somewhat steady internet connection, but to work consistently, you’ll also need a decent mobile connection. That’s not always possible — or economically feasible, since most standard cellular data plans have hefty roaming fees.

Before heading out on your trip, contact your cellular provider. Many offer inexpensive monthlong coverage extensions that will keep you connected.

Of course, while these plans can be a good value, you’ll need to check coverage maps to make sure that they’re worthwhile. My provider offered a simple $20 fee to extend my data plan to Mexico for a month, but they didn’t actually have coverage for the part of Mexico I was visiting.

2. Consider Buying A Local SIM Card

Instead of paying $20 for… well, nothing, I purchased a cheap SIM card from Telcel, Mexico’s largest wireless telecommunications company. I had several gigabytes of data, which was more than I needed, and I never had any issues connecting. I did something similar in Japan, paying about $20 for a month’s worth of wireless data.

If you go this route, be sure to keep your old SIM card in a safe place (along with any tools you need to eject the SIM card tray), since you’ll need to reinstall it as soon as you return to the United States.

3. Use Layovers To Your Advantage

I try to travel inexpensively, which usually means long layovers. I don’t mind, since layovers are a great opportunity to get some work done provided that you’ve got a nice, quiet place to hunker down.

Many airports charge for Wi-Fi access, so if you’re headed for a long layover, research the airport to determine whether or not you’ll need to pay for access. If that’s the case, consider paying for a one-day pass to an airport lounge. Lounges typically have free Wi-Fi along with comfortable seating, quiet work areas, and free food. Day passes typically cost between $29 and $75, which can be well worth the expenditure.

I wrote a more detailed piece about the various ways you can get into lounges without a membership, so if you’re headed for a long layover, check it out.

4. “Working Remotely” Doesn’t Mean “Working In The Hotel”

If you’re spending your working hours cooped up in your room, you’re probably missing out. Consider local coffee shops, parks, and other quiet areas where you can take in your surroundings while getting your work done.

If you’re prone to distractions, invest in some noise-cancelling headphones, and if you’re traveling internationally, make sure that you’re not breaking local rules of etiquette by opening up your laptop. In some parts of Japan, for instance, spending hours working or studying at a business is considered slightly rude, but in Tokyo, it’s perfectly acceptable (and you’ll see plenty of businesspeople and students doing the same).

When in doubt, head to a park or other public area. Double-check your internet connection before you hunker down, and make sure you’ve got extra power sources handy if you’re planning on spending a lot of time on your work.

5. Know When To Stop For The Day (And Set Your Boundaries)

Generally, when you’re working remotely, you’re less available to your clients or employer, especially if there’s a large time zone difference. You might find yourself working more productively than usual, since you’re not being bombarded with emails — or you might have trouble concentrating, since you’re working in a totally new environment. You won’t really know until you’re actually working.

Setting clear boundaries will help you manage the stress that comes with remote work. Schedule a few hours for work, sit down, and do what you can — but have a clear stopping point in mind before you get started. Keep notes about what you’re doing and resist the urge to overwork.

If I’m on an international trip, I set a strict limit of 2 work hours per day, and I keep detailed logs of what I’m able to do in that time. That helps me avoid feeling like I haven’t done enough, and it allows me to enjoy my vacation when I’m not on the clock. If I feel like I haven’t done enough, I can look at my log and see exactly what I’ve accomplished. If I feel like I’m in the zone and could get more done, I let the clock tell me when it’s time to quit.

The toughest part of working remotely is managing your psychology. By setting limits — and sticking to them — you can keep your career moving forward without limiting the enjoyment of the trip.