Your summer guide to Mount Mitchell, aka Attakulla

Only a short drive from Asheville waits a mammoth of a mountain. Mount Mitchell, aka Attakulla, is the tallest peak in Appalachia at 6,684 feet.

Surrounding its peak is the Mount Mitchell State Park and Pisgah National Forest. Both are part of UNESCO’s Southern Appalachian International Biosphere Reserve as world heritage sites. Ain’t that fancy?

Despite the fact that South Carolina tends to steal North Carolina’s thunder in terms of summer vacation destinations, Mount Mitchell is a staple for fans of camping and hiking. Think: fields of wildflowers, spruce trees, and blackberries ripe for the picking.

Sounds like an American dream to me. Best of all, it’s only 35 miles from downtown Asheville. Let’s explore how you can experience this beautiful mountain and its surrounding parks this summer.

Enter Attakulla

You can visit Mount Mitchell at any time of the year. A paved road leads straight to its summit, letting you enjoy the view regardless of the season. But this summit truly comes alive once spring arrives.

The summit includes restroom facilities, a small shop, and a museum. At the museum, you can learn about local topography and local Cherokee culture (where the name ‘Attakulla’ comes from).

Most people also hang around enjoying the benches and general view. It’s a popular spot for picnics, as well. Groups are able to lounge, eat, and gear up for a hike. Several trails leave from the summit area.

Hiking trails at Mount Mitchell

A handful of hiking trails carve through Mount Mitchell. As mentioned above, several trails are accessible from the summit parking area.

The first, the Summit Trail Hike, leads to an observation deck at the mountain’s true peak. The trail is easy to follow, though it is steep. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be able to see a full 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. (And Asheville!)

If you want to get closer to nature from the summit area, you can take the short Balsam Nature Trail (loop, .75 miles). Many hikers enjoy the earthy musk of the fir trees that grow densely in this area. The trail is considered moderate, but thanks to mature tree cover, you’ll feel entirely immersed in the forest.

If you’re in search of a challenge, take the Deep Gap Trail (one-way, 11.3 miles). This leads down Mount Mitchell from the summit area, into a deep valley, and up the adjoining mountain (Mount Craig, 6,647 feet). It’s considered the most difficult trail available, as hikers must descend and climb on steep terrain.

If you want to hike up Mount Mitchell, then park your car at the State Park office further down the mountain. This gives you access to the Old Mitchell Trail (one-way, 2 miles), which winds up the mountain, eventually depositing you at the summit area.

It’s a great choice for those who want to bird-watch and try their hand at identifying some of the Black Mountains’ most unique flora. (This would be my choice of hike!)

When to go to Mount Mitchell

As mentioned up top, Mount Mitchell is open to the public year-round. However, the park’s opening hours change seasonally.

In summer, the park is generally open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Keep in mind that this is the high season for hikers. You might want to head there early in the morning or later in the day to avoid peak crowds.

In spring and fall, you won’t face high temperatures. Autumn visitors will be able to enjoy the changing color of the leaves, while springtime visitors can enjoy the wildflowers.

Camping at Mount Mitchell

If hiking isn’t your thing, I’d still recommend passing through Mount Mitchell and Pisgah National Forest. Like Mount Mitchell, the forest is open to the public. You can hike or camp. Many camping sites in Pisgah are also arranged close to Mount Mitchell, which means you can walk to the hiking trails.

If camping isn’t your thing, then drive over from Asheville. It’s close enough that you can hike during the day and then head back to your lodging. It’s a fantastic option for those who are leaving Asheville to head deeper into the Black Mountains.

Just keep in mind that there’s a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy—and that you’re walking through a UNESCO-protected biosphere.

Travel Rewards Tips: Beyond Flights & Hotels

Travel rewards programs help millions of people experience the world. The setup is simple: spend on travel costs with a specific credit card, then earn free flights and lodging along the way.

The setup might be simple, but the fine print within travel rewards programs can be dizzying. Most people stick to programs that match their lifestyle. Frequent travelers focus on heftier rewards and savings, while fans of luxury might target programs that revolve around business-class flights and four-star hotels.

As mentioned up top, programs are focused on transportation and lodging, since these are typically the priciest part of a trip. But what about rewards programs that extend their reach beyond the scope of flights, hotels, and airport lounges?

Interesting question.

Over the last few years, more companies have started to expand their rewards offerings. Not only can members apply points to hotels and flights, but also for adventurous experiences and beyond. And, on the other end of the spectrum, some non-travel companies have started to enter the rewards space.

Want to elevate and evolve your approach to travel rewards? I’ve got a few travel rewards tips that go beyond the standard formula. Let’s see what sorts of truly unique programs are out there and how they could work for you.

Earn rewards points from Airbnb

Officially, Airbnb doesn’t offer any type of structured rewards or loyalty program. However,

when you use certain travel rewards credit cards to book Airbnb stays, you can earn points toward other rewards.

Capital One offers three rewards programs that allocate points for Airbnb stays. These include its Capital One Venture Rewards, Capital One Venture X Rewards, and Capital One VentureOne Rewards cards.

Two airlines also offer miles in exchange for Airbnb bookings made through their platform. These include Delta Air Lines and British Airways. To earn miles, make sure that you book Airbnbs that are offered directly on the Delta and British Airways websites.

Bundled rewards programs like One Key Rewards

Let’s venture into unique territory: hybrid rewards models. One Key is a new rewards program launched by Hotels.com, Expedia, and VRBO. Users sign up and start booking on these platforms, which allows them to collect One Key Cash and ‘trip elements’.

As program members book, they’ll progress through various tiers, starting at Blue and ending at Platinum. Blue Rewards includes perks like free price tracking for flights on Expedia, while Platinum includes experiences like room upgrades and price drop protection.

Costco members: join Costco Travel

Costco truly knows no bounds. I’m sure I’m late to the game on this one, but I was floored to realize that Costco has an entire travel department. If you’re already a member of Costco, then check out their travel program.

The company wields its massive retail power to bring its members exclusive pricing on hotels, flights, cruises, rental cars, and more. I’ve taken a look around the website and can assure you—the options are incredibly varied, from European cruises to adventures in Maui. The resort stays, in particular, are worth a gander.

Retail & meeting rooms with Accor Live

Accor Live has one of the most expansive and varied rewards programs in the travel sector. This hotel group offers a loyalty program that isn’t dissimilar to other rewards programs from leading hotel groups like Hilton. But there’s a lot more on offer than exclusive hotels and cheap flights.

One of its more unique elements is allowing rewards members to spend points on general purchases. From Apple Air Pods to rice cookers, members can choose to spend their hard-earned points on those mundane things they haven’t gotten around to purchasing. I haven’t seen this shopping in many other places.

Another unique feature is the option to book event spaces and meeting rooms. Accor’s travel rewards program includes access to over 20,000 offices around the world. I personally don’t envision a future in which I would use this—but I think it’s worth shouting out as a remote worker.

Travel rewards tips: Conclusion

Your approach to travel rewards should be focused on your lifestyle. But there’s plenty of flexibility in how you access rewards, whether leveraging your Costco membership or using points to shop on Accor. So if you’ve been feeling a little underwhelmed, then dig a bit deeper for a new program.

Where to Eat in Miami: Little Haiti, Little Havana, & Beyond

It seems like everyone has Miami on their radar—and for good reason. It’s not quite like any other US city due to a variety of factors.

The first thing visitors notice is its tropical climate and sprawling sand beaches. After that, it’s likely the prevalence of Spanish language and cultural influences from the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Miami is also a mecca for sports lovers and the home of Lionel Messi. It’s a favorite for celebrities of all stripes, along with tourists. And it’s distinct from the rest of the Sunshine State thanks to its intercultural identity.

In fact, to say that Miami is a cultural melting pot might be an understatement.

And one of the best ways to dig into local culture (pun intended) is through a city’s restaurants and street vendors. Wondering where to eat in Miami? You’ll have access to so many diverse options that you can leave behind the standard American menu.

Here’s what you need to focus on.

Little Havana

Separated by around 150 miles, Cuba’s capital of Havana and the city of Miami are worlds apart. But you won’t fail to notice many similarities—especially when it comes to food. Debates rage about which of the historical and newly launched restaurants in Little Havana are worth exploring.

Officially speaking, Versailles Restaurant is listed as the most famous Cuban restaurant in the world. Other hits include Sanguich de Miami and Café La Trova.

But if you can’t be bothered to create your own itinerary—don’t worry. There are food tours galore that will take you around Little Havana. I recommend going with Miami Culinary Tours if you want an up-close look at this neighborhood and its staples.

Little Haiti

Little Haiti doesn’t get quite as much publicity as Little Havana in discussions about where to eat in Miami—but I’ve been swept away by the colorful, Caribbean-style streets and positive restaurant reviews.

In Little Haiti, you can find some of the best Caribbean staples the city has to offer. That includes Haitian treats and hits from other Latin American countries.

Chef Creole and Naomi’s are some of the most famous Haitian locations. I’d personally spend my time at Naomi’s thanks to its lush green garden.

There’s also Chez Le Bebe, a laidback spot that focuses on griot. Griot is a Haitian dish that includes fatty pork along with rice and beans. As a rice-and-beans fan, sampling griot would be a priority for me.

But don’t forget about smaller eateries. Piman Bouk is a classic Haitian bakery where you can sample delicacies from the country, like Haitian patties and peanut brittle. Then there’s Lakay Tropical, a Haitian-centric ice cream shop.

Other options in Little Haiti

As mentioned above, you can find other multicultural meals in this neighborhood. Fans of Argentinian food can sink their teeth into pizza at Sur or a larger (and likely meat-centric) meal at Fiorito.

If Jamaican is a priority, then head to Clive’s Café. This classic spot seems to be a cult hit in the city—which means it should be high on your list. I’d go for the oxtail, as it seems to be their highest-rated meal.

Little Haiti is still a bit under the radar for tourists, which means walking tours are harder to find. I recommend checking out this tour from TripAdvisor or this one from Viator.

Miami specialties

I could keep rambling about where to eat in Miami. Before I log off, I’m going to leave you with some of the most intriguing little morsels I found during my research.

If you head to the city, sample these delicacies, too:

Fried gator. It’s a native thing, I’m told. Locals like to eat fried gator at Kush Wynwood or The Pit BBQ.
Late-night sandwich at La Sandwicherie. This place dates back to Miami’s absolutely insane (and neon-tinted, I imagine) 90s club scene. The sandwich consists of pate, brie, lettuce, tomato, and French vinaigrette. (You try it and tell me how it is.)

East Coast Coffee: Cities That Get It

Coffee culture in the US has overwhelmingly been associated with Seattle and Starbucks. It’s also subject to the latest trends.

I’ve lived through the cappuccino craze of the ’90s, and then through the frappuccino fanaticism in the early 2000s. We seem to have just crested the cold brew hype and are headed into single-origin and small brew territory.

Clearly, the coffee hype in the US isn’t going to die down any time soon.

We drink cold brew, we drink americanos—we drink whatever the hell gives us the energy to get through another workday.

But there is one interesting development. Over the last decade, the coffee locus has started to spread away from the Pacific Northwest. Though Seattle and Portland are renowned for their cozy little cafes, East Coast coffee capitals are starting to take the limelight.

Let’s go on a coffee tour of the best hotspots around the East Coast. (No Dunkins’ allowed—sorry.)

The Big Apple

You can find great coffee across the five boroughs. Though the average New Yorker tends to get their coffee from a bodega (and usually light’n’sweet), locals also have access to a handful of world-class cafes.

In terms of sheer numbers, New York City has the highest number of coffee shops per block in the US—even beating out Seattle.

But there’s something a little different about coffee in the Big Apple: a blend of hipster mindset and venture capital. It’s not just a place where locals love their local coffee shop. It’s also a place where daring new commercial coffee projects take flight.

Get a drink here:

Bean Town

It’s hard to find a bad brew in Bean Town. Similar to New York City, coffee shops dot every neighborhood in Boston. Most are mom-and-pop establishments—something that seems to hold true throughout the East Coast coffee capitals listed here.

In Boston, you’ll notice the highest-rated coffee shops are located around Cambridge where universities are located. There are a few really interesting projects going on in this area. Barismo 364 blew my mind with its coffee taps. That’s right—coffee on draft.

Get a drink here:

Steel City

Fragrant coffee, blazing steel. What’s not to love? Pittsburgh might be one of the least likely candidates to pop into someone’s mind when they imagine a great cup of Joe.

However, there are dozens of quality cafes dotting the city’s varied neighborhoods. In fact, WalletHub named Pittsburgh as No. 10 on their list of US’s Best Coffee Cities.

Many of these coffee shops have a hybrid approach to business. At night, they shift to focus on wine sales. (Love it.) This was one way for certain cafes to survive the pandemic but has since become a hit in popular neighborhoods like the Strip.

Drink here:

PVD

Providence, Rhode Island is one of the nation’s smallest capitals nestled inside the borders of its smallest state. What spells cozy coffee shop culture better than a charming, old capital? Given its size, locals take a lot of pride in their city’s culture—and that’s true for coffee, as well.

In fact, Providence’s top coffee shops have tried to focus in on the classic days of café culture. Think: fewer laptops and Wi-Fi routers, more hardcover books and hardboiled discussions. It’s a city that looks to be reaching back to restore a long-lost, coffee-centric ethos.

Drink here:

DC

The greater the hustle, the greater the need for coffee. In the US’s capital city, coffee shops aren’t solely responsible for providing for locals. They’re also serving coffee to some of the world’s most powerful leaders.

So it’s not just a city-wide or national affair—coffee in DC needs to hold up to global standards. That means you can find some of the best coffee shops in the country right on Capitol Hill.

Over the last few years, multiple publications have started to focus on the resurgence of coffee culture in Washington DC. At the top of the article, I mentioned that the US is starting to focus on micro-roasting and single-origin coffee—which seems to be high on the priority list for DC’s top cafes.

Drink here:

Yerevan (this Armenian spot doesn’t have a website; learn more here)
Peregrine Espresso

Tour Companies in Europe: Adventures for All Budgets

If Europe is at the top of your bucket list, you aren’t alone. The continent welcomed around 700 million tourists in 2023—a number that, surprisingly, hasn’t quite reached its pre-pandemic heights.

Most tourists stick to the same tried-and-true routes, jumping around a handful of countries before heading home. Still, despite the hype and sheer number of happy tourists, organizing a trip to Europe can be complicated.

Do you need to speak the local language? Which larger-than-life landmarks are actually worth seeing?

What happens if you miss your train? Are you really not supposed to tip?

As an American living in Europe, I could offer some helpful advice. But let me suggest something even better—

Join a tour and leave the worrying to someone else. That way, you can focus on what matters most: enjoying every single morsel Europe has to offer.

Tour companies in Europe: are they right for you?

It’s not absolutely necessary to go to Europe on an official tour. You can find day tours galore in every major European city. All you need to do is plan the big stuff, like where you’re going, where you’re staying, and how to get there. From there, you can book whichever tours pique your interest.

Not only is this a great way to experience a location, but it’s also a good way to make friends.

A few years back, my partner and I traveled to Poland during low season. Fewer tourists meant we were solo on one of our tours around Warsaw. We ended up becoming close friends with our tour guide (shout out to Art!). The next year, we were back in Warsaw celebrating my birthday at a cigar club with Art and his fiance.

So, opting for day tours is far from a bad idea.

That being said, if you’ve never left the US before, I recommend joining a tour that will take you across Europe. The primary reason is logistics. The second is ease of travel. (The third, which I’ll get to below, is specialized interests.)

When you’re on an official tour, you don’t need to think about museum tickets, meals, train schedules, translation errors, and so on. All you need to do is show up well-rested and full of curiosity. The older I get, the more attractive that offer is.

More than meets the eye

For some, the idea of joining an official tour sounds too dry or basic. In reality, however, many European tours are highly specialized.

If you’re heading to Europe for a specific reason, then look into tours that meet your interests.

Here are a few examples of what I mean by specialized:

Ancestry tours. You guessed it—these tours dive deep into your family tree. Usually, ancestry tours involve you passing along your research to a local expert who then crafts a specialized tour just for you. Last year, I did an ancestry tour in Ireland with my mom. It’s easily the happiest she’s ever been with me.
- My Ireland tour was organized by Éamonn of ChaperoneVIP, who I’d highly recommend
- Ancestry.com also has a solid list of European ancestry tours
Country-specific tours. Have you been dreaming of Italy since childhood? Does it feel like one trip simply won’t be enough? Get into the granular details of a specific nation or region with a structured tour. I promise, you’ll uncover hidden gems along the way.
- Artur (my guide from Warsaw) offers specialized tours around Poland and Europe, which I highly recommend
- Check out Taste & Slow Italy for in-depth tours of this legendary country
Women’s tours. Quite a few tour companies (including Intrepid, mentioned below) are starting to offer women-only adventures. These are a great option for women who want to socialize and build a community while they travel.
- Intrepid (below) offers a range of women-only tours
Boat tours. Who cares about trains? You can ride the Danube to the Elbe and back again on a lovely vessel. Though they’re usually priced at the luxury level, I still think they’re worth pointing out. I would be at the helm doing the Titanic spiel if I could afford them.
- Avalon Waterways (below)
- Viking Cruises (a lot more affordable than Avalon)
Accessibility. I’ve even found a company that offers tours for deaf people around Europe (and other global locations). Check out Kerstin’s Deaf Travel to learn more.

Tour companies in Europe for all budgets

One of the biggest reasons travelers don’t look into tours is because they’re viewed as expensive. But I’ve taken a look at some of the highest-rated tour groups that trek across the continent, and I’ve got good news.

There’s a tour for every type of budget.

Here are a few options that I would personally join based on positive reviews, scope of travel, and experience:

Very affordable: G Adventures, Intrepid
Affordable: Contiki, Travel Talk
Pricey: Avalon Waterways, Jacada Travel

Martha’s Vineyard Alternatives in Maine: Summer Guide

Martha’s Vineyard is one of the most exclusive and popular summer destinations on the East Coast. Residents take great pride in keeping the town in its classic Americana glory. From picturesque malt shops to coastal walkways to white picket fences, it paints a truly idyllic portrait.

Unfortunately, you might be waiting a while before booking your Vineyard trip.

Not only is Martha’s Vineyard a pricey destination, but it’s also highly exclusive. The population jumps from around 50,000 to 200,000 every summer, which makes finding lodging (especially affordable lodging) even more difficult.

In other words, you might not make the cut—but that might not be a bad thing.

After all, who wants to rub elbows with over 200,000 tourists during high season? If you’re anything like me, you want all the cute charm of the Vineyard without any of the fuss or noise. Thankfully, it’s far from being the only classy island destination on the East Coast.

I’ve found some of the best Martha’s Vineyard alternatives for you—all of which are located in Maine. It might not be the first state that pops into your mind when you think of refined getaways, but the state’s slogan is ‘the way life should be’—and I think that’s about all the introduction this highly rural and northern outpost needs.

Feeling a little blue about missing out on another summer getaway to the Vineyard? Don’t be. You’re going to Maine, baby!

Monhegan Island, Maine

This tiny island has a population of around 60 year-round residents. The picturesque landscape has lured in artists for well over a century. In fact, this is one of New England’s most prominent stopovers for painters—so bring your easel, if you’re so inclined! You can set up anywhere, and you’ll likely spot other creatives doing their thing.

The island is home to a handful of inns and cottages, many of which are booked for summer. Keep in mind that this is a particularly remote getaway. There are no cars and little pavement, meaning social butterflies might not get their fill. Hikers can rejoice, though, as trails blanket the island.

Hotel & Airbnb recommendations:

The Island inn

The Monhegan House

John Sterling Harbor House

Contemporary retreat (Airbnb)

Monhegan Island Cottage (Airbnb)

Peaks Island, Maine

Photo by Peregrine Photography on Unsplash

This island is accessible straight from Portland, the capital of Maine. After a short boat ride, you’ll be transported into a wonderful and rugged little island town. Similar to Monhegan, there’s a strong (if smaller) artistic community.

However, the emphasis is on getting outdoors. Locals flock to the island during the summer months to watch birds, relax on the beach, kayak, and even ride horses. If you have limited time to enjoy summer island life, then this is a highly accessible Martha’s Vineyard alternative.

I recommend staying at:

8^th Regiment Lodge and Museum

The Inn on Peaks Island

Peaks Master Bedroom Suite (Airbnb)

Tiny Island Cottage Getaway (Airbnb)

Chebeague Island, Maine

North of Peaks Island and Portland is Chebeague Island. It’s one of hundreds of islands that make up Casco Bay, many of which are great for harvesting clams and mussels. So long as you avoid red tide season, you can gorge yourself on some of the freshest seafood the US has to offer.

That’s right—this is chowder country. If you’re thinking of heading to the East Coast in search of fresh food, then this is ground zero. Aside from snacking your way across the island, you can find plenty of outdoor and water activities. There’s also a nine-hole golf course that’s open to the public.

Here’s where to stay:

Chebeague Island inn

Inn at Diamond Cove

Mongolian Yurt (Airbnb)

Yurt on Chebeague Island (Airbnb)

Vinalhaven, Maine

When you arrive in Vinalhaven, you’ll probably notice a fleet of small boats first. These are some of Maine’s premier lobster-fishing vessels, which bring in some of the tastiest catches in the US. Aside from its seas, Vinalhaven is also known for its natural wonders.

This island is a bit larger than others on the list. You’ll have access to around two dozen nature reserves and hiking trails, along with three lighthouses. Aside from that, the island is home to two major rock quarries, which have since been filled in with water and opened for swimming. You can canoe, kayak, and otherwise enjoy these quarries-turned-oases.

Options for lodging in Vinalhaven:

The Tidewater

Charming Historical Island Home (Airbnb)

On the Harbor (Airbnb)

Kennebunkport, Maine

This historic fishing village has become one of Maine’s premier summer destinations. Unlike others on this list, Kennebunkport isn’t an island. Instead, it’s located on the coastline between New Hampshire’s Portsmouth and Maine’s Portland, which means the population stays high year-round.

The town center is very scenic for those in search of small-town charm. There are also plenty of bed and breakfasts and boutique stays to choose from. You’ll also notice plenty of favorites from Martha’s Vineyard, including antique shops, art galleries, coffee shops, and boutique stores.

Hotel and Airbnb recommendations:

Captains Collection

Nanatum Resort

Farmhouse experience (Airbnb)

Cozy getaway (Airbnb)

Which Martha’s Vineyard alternative comes out ahead?

I’ve checked the data and I’ve skimmed the hotel recommendations one last time. As a writer, the artsy and secluded vibes of Monhegan call to me. Plus, it’s a tiny island with no roads and no cars. That’s a huge plus.

Aside from Monhegan, I’m intrigued by the quarries-turned-swimming holes in Vinalhaven. I grew up in Missouri where this kind of repurposing happens, and the waters were always crystal clear. Plus, who doesn’t love a good water adventure?

But my ultimate selection has to be the Mongolian yurt on Chebeague Island. Aside from my interest in next-level clam chowder, I also love alternative lodging options, especially glamping-adjacent ones. I’ve stayed in yurts before and they’re wonderful. I’d love to stay here for a week or two (at least, in summer).