Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are hot spots during the summer, but are just as beautiful during the fall and winter months.  I spent two Thanksgiving weekends here over the last few years and this was the perfect little getaway.  These parks offer good hiking trails, stunning vista views, and a chance to get up close and personal with some of the world's largest trees.  Since most campgrounds are closed during this time of year, book a rustic cabin in Grant Grove and you'll get a warmer, more comfortable experience in the woods.

LOCATION: Sequoia + Kings Canyon National Park

DATE: November 2008 + November 2009

We all know how fun it is to travel the world and part of the fun is finding cool and unique souvenirs to bring back home.  Unfortunately, there are times when we lack the time or money to do the traveling, but find ourselves wishing we could decorate our homes with these unique finds. Lucky for us, we have Giselle Hernandez, owner of Someware Goods, to do the finding for us.  To shop Someware go here

It's too bad we couldn't spend hours driving through the Painted Desert.  We were bound and determined to reach Phoenix by evening and all we could do was drive.  I urged Isaac to stop at the side of the road so I could snap a few photos of these pastel formations.  If someone dropped me off in the middle of the desert, I'd be too busy snapping away to realize no one else was around.  I'd be happy to get lost here for a day (or a couple hours, lets be real).

LOCATION: The Painted Desert, Arizona

DATE: September 2013

After scouting out a few campgrounds, we decided to camp at Convict Lake.  We had the perfect little spot with the best view of Mount Morrison. During the day, we hiked around the lake and relaxed by the water.  Everything seemed so serene as the wind passed through the trees and whisked across the water.

LOCATION: Convict Lake Campground

DATE: May 2013

The three hour drive from Bend to Portland is best kind.  You pass through tunnels of trees, thick fog, and a feeling that makes you never want to leave.

LOCATION: OREGON

DATE: FEBRUARY 2013