For some reason, in the fourth grade, I had a dream I lived in Portland, Maine. Ever since then, I’ve wanted to visit Portland so badly. Now that I have visited, I can say it’s because of not only the energy and beautiful scenery, but also the incredible food! Being celiac and pescatarian makes eating while traveling exponentially harder, but it felt like Portland, Maine was made for me.
Here are some of the best meals we had during our time in Maine:
Gluten free lobster, crab and shrimp rolls at Luke’s LobsterAlex enjoying his cocktail and chipsFound a salty lobster on the beach; did not eat!Alex’s lobster roll at The Bait ShedLinley trying to eat said lobster roll…Alex before…Alex after…Lobster bisqueMy fresh oystersFully gluten free Orange Bike Brewing beer!The birds outside Orange Bike didn’t like Alex’s Mazda…Our last evening out; cheers!
Photos taken Friday, July 10 & Saturday, July 11, 2026
Before heading east, one of my clients said I couldn’t pass through Vermont and New Hampshire without visiting the White Mountains. I felt super ignorant, but I didn’t even realize the White Mountains were a thing! Apparently, we have a mountain range on the east coast that looks exactly like the Alps and I had no idea until a couple months ago…
Needless to say: I’m grateful for the recommendation and it was worth the extra day of the trip!
After our Franconia Notch hike, we cooled down with a drive up Mount Washington. We could’ve hiked it; however, to our surprise, it’s the most dangerous mountain hike in North America. While only slightly above 6,000 feet in elevation, the weather can change on a dime and people constantly get stranded, blown off the mountain from a wind gust or get hypothermia from the drastic changes in weather. I love Alex and Linley too much to risk anything crazy happening! It was smarter to drive, especially after the “moderate” hike we’d already done that morning.
The drive up was beautiful and I soaked up every moment of it. We saw the temperature drop from 85° to about 59°, and saw the Sunny sky turn to an ominous fog. Even though I’ve jumped out of a plane at 18,000 feet, there was something about the foggy drive up that made me feel like we were going to fall off the edge (Alex is a great driver though!)
Once we got to the top, we parked by the couple and their dog we’d seen at dinner the night before. Great minds think alike! We enjoyed some photos and videos of our 360° views around us. It really did feel like I was back in Norway or somewhere else in Europe when we were up there.
Yes, Linley was begging for food at the top!Double trouble!Bumper sticker we received on the way up
The drive down was absolutely stunning as it warmed and cleared up. I took much more videos then, as Linley was loving the fresh air and as I was comforted by us using lower gear…
Toys for Linley we bought on the way down: Douglas and Tanner!
We will definitely be in the area again while we travel to upstate New York next summer!
Media taken Friday, July 10, 2026 at Mount Washington Summit
The views we saw in New Hampshire were worth the steep and hot hike, that’s for sure! Before we drove up Mount Washington, we wanted to move a little when the rained cleared. Alex found a “quick,” “moderate” hike that really turned out to be a difficult, long one – but it was worth every second. Navigating through tree roots, embracing the post-storm heat and sun, and crawling up parts of the trail were unexpected challenges. Luckily, Linley had been through agility training recently, so he was extra ready to jump over and walk under things!
At the top, we met a kind couple from Rhode Island who recommended we camp there next time we visit. I’m going to follow through on that next summer, and maybe with kayaking and a stroll around the lake. 😌
After a bittersweet goodbye to Alex’s family, we hit the road toward Maine. I was sad to leave Clayton, Alex’s family and all the memories from Linley’s and my second visit, but was excited to have a “Tracey Trio” part of the vacation.
Driving through Vermont and New Hampshire, two states none of us had ever visited before, was absolutely beautiful! Taking in the Green and White mountain ranges were gorgeous and transported be to a new world.
I can’t wait to spend more time on the east coast next summer!
Taking the ferry from NY to VT!Burlington, VTLin leaving his tracksA peaceful night in NHLin was salty that I took his photo!
Media taken Thursday, July 9 and Friday, July 10, 2026 in VT & NH!
From strolling around downtown, to lazy mornings looking at the water at our rental, and swimming at the lake house, Clayton never disappoints. As sad as we were to miss the family trip last year, it was certainly worth the wait.
We’ll be back next summer, Clayton! ✌️
The swans said good morning to us
Lin exploring by the waterThe star of the show!Our last sunset from downtownLin doesn’t appreciate the sunset like we do…View from our rental homeReminds me of our Chicago dog beach days!
Lin got the zoomies!
Good morning from Lin!Our favorite morning spot!Ship from the main rental homeA great afternoon in Alex BayFloating on the St. Lawrence RiverAn afternoon napThe best view aroundOne last photo before hitting the roadHad to!Lin taking in the view before the drive
Media taken Tuesday, July 7 – Thursday, July 9, 2026 🌊
Foreign exchange and study abroad programs have changed my life, even since before I was born. In the 80s, my grandparents wanted to host a foreign exchange student so my mom and uncle could experience a new culture right at home. They welcomed Kjell into their family, and I finally got to meet him in person in 2016 (our photo together was taken in 2022 during my second visit).
When I was in high school, I met Saskia, who was a foreign exchange student from Germany, and instantly became my best friend. 15 years later, she’s still my bestie and I can’t wait to see her get married in Germany this October! Here we are also pictured in 2022.
Speaking of weddings, I can’t forget to post about Carolyn! Carolyn and I were roommates when we studied in France, and we’re from completely different walks of life. She’s been my best friend for 12 years now, and I’ve seen her get married (I was even her MoH!), seen her have two daughters… I can’t wait to see her next month!
My grandparent’s openness toward other cultures and people encouraged mine, and that’s something I wish I could thank my grandpa for today. 🥹
Nervous about hosting a foreign exchange student? Do it anyway! It can benefit you for generations, like it has with my family. Nervous about taking the trip? Go anyway! You never know who you’ll meet; it could be a bestie for 12 or 15 years, like the two that I have!
It’s hard to believe that we returned from one of my favorite places over a week ago. Asheville, North Carolina has been such a special place for me ever since I first volunteered there in 2015. Asheville is where I’ve had some of my best hikes, have met some of my closest friends and even considered it to be a potential home.
Last weekend Alex, two of our best friends, Linley and I all headed to the mountains for what was supposed to be a weekend full on sunshine, hiking and outdoor time. Instead, we got rained on 95% of the time and had to deal with that during most of our hikes. We still made the most of it and it was fun to get away for a long weekend.
We hiked some new spots, some of my previous favorites (including Cedar Mountain, which I wrote about in my latest post!) and enjoyed quality time together. We even ate at a newer place downtown called Posanas, where Linley got to enjoy his own doggie dinner, too!
Rain or sun, I would highly recommend heading to Asheville for your next mountain getaway! I can’t wait to go again.
We all do it: we compare ourselves to others, we compare present day to the past… it’s human. And last weekend I couldn’t help but compare where I’m at now vs. where I was at in 2022.
Linley and me hiking in Asheville (2022)
On my trip back at Chicago from Asheville in 2022, Linley was by my side through some hard times. One of my best friends called me on my drive to tell me that she was expecting her first child, meanwhile I was telling her that a divorce was in my foreseeable future. I was so excited for all my close friends going through such amazing milestones in their lives, meanwhile I was at the loneliest point in my marriage and physical location of Chicago.
Linley, Alex and me hiking at the same spot in 2026
Last weekend I took Alex and some of our friends to the same spot Linley and I enjoyed four years ago. Although it was rainy, we made the most of it. And it’s really similar to my life right now: it’s a literal and metaphorical rainy season, but I’m making the most of every moment and am enjoying the rain as it comes.
To think in 2022 I was struggling in my family dynamics, certain friendships, my marriage, location and career. Now my biggest worry is that I won’t be able to make it as a solopreneur, but have never felt more loved and supported.
Photos taken in 2022 and 2026 in Asheville, North Carolina
Alex’s birthday was Saturday, and we had a great time in the mountains of North Georgia! We started our morning with a hike on Blood Mountain where we had stunning views all around us. It was a nice spot to rest, and we even saw a blue lizard scurry nearby.
After our hike, we grabbed lunch at a local spot in downtown Dahlonega that we love so much. We sat outside, enjoyed some sweet tea and seafood, and Linley got even more attention than our birthday boy.
After realizing that Linley had a tick on him in the car (we’re all good, thank goodness!), we enjoyed more stunning views at a winery Alex loves. I’m doing an alcohol-free year but I enjoyed a Sprite while Alex enjoyed a glass of red wine. All three of us were basking in the sun and enjoying the moment together.
Before we knew it, it was time to head home. We look forward to next time!
Carolyn and I started as blind roommates in France, and we’ve been best friends ever since. Cheers to dozens and dozens more years of friendship and even more after that! 🥰
Messing around in Paris (2014)A baseball game in D.C. (2016)First time in Boston! (2018)Maid of Honor speech (2019)D.C. round two (2020)Spontaneous fun in Virginia (2021)Carolyn’s baby shower for Lily! (2022)Our visit in Alexandria (2024)
Between 404 Day and now, it’s been a solid month here in Atlanta. We’ve explored new places, revisited some favorites and felt a sense of community with our neighbors (especially Amy because we got to watch her sweet girl, Larkin, this month!)
I look forward to what the rest of April and beyond has in store!
On Friday, I wasn’t feeling the best, but I knew a hike with Linley would help me sweat out my cold in addition to making my heart feel good. We revisited Sweetwater Creek State Park for some light hiking and beautiful views. My mom also had the day off, so we talked on the phone like the good ole days. And as usual, Linley got lots of attention and four young women were adoring him, so I gave them each a treat to give to Linley. He was in heaven!
Being with Linley always makes my day, especially when we can be outdoors together.
And yesterday’s 404 Day celebration in Atlanta was a ton of fun! We strolled through our favorite neighborhood in the city, watched Linley play at Piedmont Park, picked up some plants at Flora and Fauna, and enjoyed an afternoon in our own neighborhood.
I’ve been beating myself up all week about random sh*t, and honestly, I need to stop because I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Media taken Friday, April 3 & Saturday, April 4, 2026 in Atlanta, GA.
Traveling with the Traceys 