Category Archives: America

Guide to Pisgah National Forest & Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

Posted on August 15, 2017 by julieovaltrades

I spent two glorious weeks in Asheville, North Carolina and I can’t think of a city in America I’ve ever fallen in love with harder. It’s a nature lover’s paradise. June was the perfect time to visit because rhododendron, mountain … Continue reading →

Posted in Asheville, North Carolina | 3 Comments

Hike Surprise Lake, New Jersey

Posted on August 14, 2017 by julieovaltrades

Vistas, rhododendron, PINK rocks, and scrambles. There is never a dull moment along the circuit around Surprise Lake. The hiking trail is located within Abram S Hewitt State Park very close to the state line between New Jersey and New … Continue reading →

Posted in New Jersey | 3 Comments

Play Pinball at Yestercades, New Jersey

Posted on August 13, 2017 by julieovaltrades

New Jersey has a great pinball scene, fitting with its nostalgic never changing feel. If you can pull yourself away from the beach and boardwalk arcades, head inland to experience Yestercades. Pay by the hour or grab a day pass … Continue reading →

Posted in New Jersey | 2 Comments

Giant Stairs Hike: Palisades Interstate Park, NY-NJ

Posted on August 12, 2017 by julieovaltrades

If you want a hike with it all, head to Palisades Interstate Park which spans for miles along the shores of the Hudson River. Giant Stairs is an exhilarating rock scrambling trek spanning two states with dramatic panoramas, palisade cliffs, … Continue reading →

Posted in New Jersey | 5 Comments

Deep Cut Gardens, New Jersey

Posted on August 11, 2017 by julieovaltrades

The best things in life are free. Deep Cut Gardens [152 Red Hill Rd, Middletown, NJ 07748] is a treasure in New Jersey, an expansive and enchanting garden open to the public at no cost. Paved paths pass pretty flowering … Continue reading →

Posted in New Jersey | 6 Comments

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, New Jersey

Posted on August 10, 2017 by julieovaltrades

A powerful 77-foot waterfall is a sight to see on the side of the road. Pull over to stop and visit the overlook park to admire its majesty. Great Falls is not your average waterfall revered simply for its beauty … Continue reading →

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Thomas Edison National Historic Park, New Jersey

Posted on August 9, 2017 by julieovaltrades

“To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.” Thomas Edison is one of the most celebrated inventors in American history and for good reason. There are so many daily reminders we should be thankful for his … Continue reading →

Posted in New Jersey | 9 Comments

Guide to Sandy Hook: Gateway National Recreation Area

Posted on August 8, 2017 by julieovaltrades

So close to Manhattan, yet a world away – and that’s just the point. The Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area is a place for people to get away from the city. This barrier island is lined with … Continue reading →

Posted in New Jersey | 3 Comments

Stairway to Heaven Trail, New Jersey

Posted on August 7, 2017 by julieovaltrades

A hike that has it all: a stunning boardwalk through the Pochuck Valley flooded with wildflowers, the excitement of a suspension bridge, numerous wildlife sightings, a climb up the side of a mountain, a vista spanning for miles, and one … Continue reading →

Posted in New Jersey | 9 Comments

Guide to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area

Posted on August 6, 2017 by julieovaltrades

It’s hard to believe I had never heard of a place so beautiful, just an hour and half outside of NYC. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area straddles the New Jersey/Pennsylvania border along the Delaware River. It is dotted … Continue reading →

Posted in New Jersey, Pennsylvania | 6 Comments