For a little taste of the unknown, on the fringe of society, and definitely unique, a visit to these grassroots communities will leave you enthralled. Slab City, East Jesus, and Salvation Mountain are all within a couple of miles of each other. Each area is unique, yet they are bonded together by some unseen force that relies on a sense of togetherness, artistic and spiritual expression, and pure, unadulterated free existence.
The people here are friendly, eclectic, and on the outer edges of reality. When you come here, you will find hundreds, if not thousands of humble folks just hanging out and living off the land.
For a true off-the-grid living, the residents of this area have made their own way in the world and embraced this kind of living, which is refreshing in a strange way. Out here under the harsh sun of the California desert, the people have banded together to create a small society that is (mostly) peaceful, sovereign, and without waste. It is full of artists and other creative minds who love to turn everyday objects into art.
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- Written by Jeff Yelton
Do you like a big cosmopolitan city with small-town friendliness? Do you often wish that your slice of pizza was a little more substantial, as in not the flimsy New York pizza, but the hearty deep-dish variety?
Then you need to come to Chicago. It’s one of the best destinations in the U.S.
With its awe-inspiring architecture, beautiful scenery, and great food scene, the Windy City has as much to offer as any major town. And who can forget Lake Michigan? Even better, there are so many attractions here that are FREE. Millennium Park springs to mind - a veritable outdoor museum and gallery. Dozens of free museums are located throughout the city. If you happen to be here in July, do not miss the world’s largest food festival, Taste of Chicago. There is also a vibrant jazz scene here.
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- Written by Jeff Yelton
Since its designation as a National Park by Ulysses S Grant back in 1872, Yellowstone has been welcoming millions of visitors from around the globe.
As the great naturalist John Muir said, “The air is electric and full of ozone, healing, reviving, exhilarating, kept pure by frost and fire, while the scenery is wild enough to awaken the dead. It is a glorious place to grow in and rest in.”
That’s praise enough to peak most anyone’s interest.
Straddling the Montana border in northwest Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park will enthrall the most jaded of visitors. Despite the throngs of visitors every year, much of the park is kept natural, which is a rare and beautiful thing to experience.
The combination of unique geothermal activity, prolific wildlife, and sheer beauty of the landscape is unmatched anywhere else. Come see why this national treasure has captured the hearts and minds of every curious traveler, both young and old.
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- Written by Jeff Yelton
With its world-class art and beautiful beaches, Laguna Beach, CA is sophistication personified. Orange County has no shortage of gorgeous coastal towns, but Laguna Beach takes the cake among them and has quickly become a local favorite. With a thriving arts community and the downtown area nestled perfectly among rolling hills, the center of town is very walkable, and you can easily stroll from the shops to the beach without your car.
Enjoy the warm weather year-round with these activities.
Things to See and Do in Laguna Beach
Downtown Laguna Beach offers a quaint respite to the hustle and bustle of LA. Boutique shops, art galleries, and upscale restaurants paint of picture of elegant leisure. Everyone’s tastes are different, and this area seems to check all of the boxes, with funky surf shops, upscale art galleries, and other shopping to fit most any taste.
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- Written by Jeff Yelton
When you are eager to travel to a place that is a little less known (read: fewer crowds), there are surprisingly many to choose from, especially in this new travel climate. These destinations celebrate wide open spaces, beauty, and incredible and exciting history.
Boothbay Harbor, ME
Nothing is more charming than the North Eastern Seaboard, and Maine holds a vast array of options. One of the gems is Boothbay Harbor, ME, and a local secret (but probably not for long). Stroll the town center, grab a delicious lobster roll, or dine in one of several oceanfront restaurants. Sit back and relax. Use this as your home base for exploring the area. Take a boat ride and explore Maine’s rocky coastline and historic lighthouses. Or join a boat excursion for whale, seal, and puffin viewing. Then take a ferry trip to Monhegan Island, NY, and hike the many trails. Or leave the water and take a scenic road trip to Ocean Point, and watch the sunset.
Letchworth State Park, NY
When you step into Letchworth State Park, NY, it will be like you are stepping into an intricate painting. This gigantic State Park (14,427 acres, to be exact) is referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The Genesee River hosts three gorgeous waterfalls, and its twists and turns are responsible for the deep canyon walls that rise to 600 feet. Okay, not quite as deep as the real Grand Canyon, but still impressive.
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Santa Barbara is a laid-back beach town Garden of Eden. Thanks to its perfect location less than an hour north of Los Angeles along the iconic Highway 101 and straddling the Los Padres National Forest, CA, there is no better way to kick back from the hustle and bustle of city life.
It is nestled exquisitely between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, CA. Outdoor lovers will also appreciate the myriad of activities available in the way of coastal walks, gorgeous bouldering sites, and hidden hot springs.
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Whether you are visiting with a loved one, the family, or on your own, this incredible seaside town will bring out the romantic in everyone. When you are here, you will feel far removed from the “real world” as Carmel-by-the-Sea, California lends itself very much to a storybook setting. It is a 2-hour drive south from San Francisco.
The best way to experience this incredible seaside town is by walking it. And it is certainly a walkable town. By and large, Carmel does not use numbered street addresses, and this encourages wandering. But oh, what wonderful wanderings you will have, as you stroll by gorgeous Victorian buildings and tiny cottages. Many of the streets are narrow, especially in the residential areas and there are not many sidewalks, but even the drivers here are so relaxed, strolling along the street is not unheard of.
A fun fact: there are no street lights in the town.
If you’ve got a furry friend, all the better, for Carmel is a very pet-friendly town. Here are some of the best ways to experience Carmel.
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- Written by Jeff Yelton
Seattle, the Emerald City, conjures up visions of The Wizard of Oz. But the real reason for this nickname is because of all of the greenery that exists in and around Seattle. It does rain here quite a bit (although Atlanta, GA gets more rain!) The first time one rolls into the city of Seattle and lays eyes on the iconic Space Needle as part of the Seattle skyline off in the distance, one immediately gets the sense that this town will be unlike any other.
And it's true!
Seattle is a sprawling utopia of unique neighborhoods, with rolling hills that drop sharply as you approach sea level into Elliott Bay and Puget Sound. There are so many nooks and crannies that makeup Seattle, so much to explore and discover that you won’t find in any guide-book or blog post. Most people who come only visit the Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle), Pike Place Market and the waterfront. You really must find out what your Seattle is and embrace it!
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- Written by Jeff Yelton
Portland, Oregon is a collection of over 100 diverse neighborhoods, each with their own small-town feel. Together they weave a tapestry of everything that a big city has to offer. Portland has culture and entertainment galore, while also providing a sense of familiarity and friendliness found in smaller communities.
Most people are transplants. You have to look hard to find someone who was born and raised in Portland. They come from all over the globe. In this way, Portland is teeming with diversity; so many ideas and creativity in one place give the Rose City it’s life-force, it’s a subtle draw that makes you want to come back time and time again. Portland is a 60’s throwback or a hipsters paradise depending on your age and outlook. We going to start with the funky side of Portland and end with the tourist stuff.
I’ve been asked for Portland travel advice; if you had a weekend in Portland, what would you do? So, a ‘perfect weekend in Portland; If I had no obligations, nowhere to be and money was no object, what would that look like? My take..
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- Written by Jeff Yelton
Casey Barbles 
Jeff Yelton 