The ranch we stayed at in Flagstaff, Arizona deserves its own post. From location to views, appliances to coziness, this place was just what we needed and then some. We’ll be back and this was probably our favorite AirBnB of the entire trip.
The best parts? Our big, family breakfast, seeing the gophers dig in the neighbor’s yard, and seeing Lin run around and have so much fun!
Media taken Wednesday, March 19 & Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Santa Fe did not disappoint! From the food and drinks, to the beautiful hiking, and all the crazy weather in between: I highly recommend paying this unique town a visit.
Photos taken Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
Like the places we visited in Arkansas, Oklahoma City was a very underrated place with some really surprising, unique spots!
Media taken Sunday, March 16, 2025.
Our first stop on the honeymoon road trip was Arkansas, which may not seem super glamorous, but it didn’t disappoint! Here are some of my favorite photos and “highs, lows and buffalos” from the first state on our journey:
Photos taken Saturday, March 14, 2025.
March 14-27, 2025… what can I say! Those were the two best weeks of my life. Alex, Linley and I went on the honeymoon road trip of a lifetime.
As excited as I am to write alllllll about it, I probably can’t; it’d take too long and I’ll always have the memories in my heart. Instead, I’ll share stories “high, low, buffalo” style. Haven’t heard of this? Well, I’ll share a few highs, lows (or weird situations, I should say!) and “buffalo’s” are random things that happened on the trip.
What qualifies as a “buffalo?” Well, the fact that we encountered a severe dust THEN snow storm in Santa Fe, New Mexico in the same day definitely qualifies. More to come on that later 🙂
Stay tuned in the coming weeks! In the meantime, here’s some disposable camera photos from our trip of a lifetime.
Our best friends got married in Asheville, North Carolina this weekend, so of course we made a trip out of it! It was bittersweet seeing Asheville in its resiliency following the devastating flooding that happened due to Hurricane Helene. Although our trip wasn’t full of the usual hiking and nature exploration, we had a blast in the city itself.
We highly recommend Ginger’s Revenge and The Twisted Laurel if you’re in the mood for some good drinks and food!
The next morning, we had a blast at brunch and enjoyed the sunshine before Carolina’s and Matt’s wedding celebration. We even took Linley to the local Wag Bar—where he played and ran around like a maniac for hours! He also got attention from everyone – including little kids – at the local bars and restaurants…
After we tired Lin out, we headed back to our Airbnb so we could get ready and Linley could finally sleep.
The venue, ceremony and celebration were all beautiful and emotional given the delay since October. It was a lovely evening and wonderful to finally celebrate with Carolina and Matt!
The trip back on Sunday was smooth, and of course we had to enjoy some of our local spots in Atlanta given how beautiful of an afternoon it was.
Media taken Friday, February 28-Sunday, March 2 in Asheville, NC & Atlanta, GA. 💛
I can’t help but feel incredibly blessed lately. I have an amazing group of friends — afar and in Atlanta, I’m enjoying my new job at a different organization, therapy continues to go great and I’m seeing major progress with acceptance lately, and the quality time with Alex and Linley post Lin’s surgery couldn’t be better.
Last weekend, we hopped in the car (I was a little hungover from a fun night with Evelyn before, but I don’t regret it!) and drove down to Savannah, Georgia. It was a lovely belated birthday/early Halloween celebration and everything about the weekend away was wonderful.
After a long drive and some interesting OPL podcast episodes, we finally arrived and walked around Savannah while we waited to check into our Airbnb. We went to one of our favorite brunch spots, Collin’s Quarters, and grabbed a drink and lunch after a beautiful walk through historical Forsyth Park. Luckily Linley was exhausted, so once the Airbnb was ready, Alex and I were able to walk through a historical Civil War cemetery, enjoy a nice seafood dinner and some drinks — followed by a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the river. I love spending time together and walking around with Alex, laughing and getting excited about plans, and checking out new places together.
After a great night’s sleep at our Airbnb, we got ready for another great day at Hilton Head. We arrived at the beach where Linley could run free and enjoy the calm water. We met a lovely couple who Lin kept running up to, but for the most part he was by our side the entire time. I love taking Lin to the beach and it’s really special to share these moments with Alex, too!
The beach was extra special this year because I proposed to Alex. 💛 I’d known I’d wanted to do this for a while, and knew this trip – specifically on the beach – would be the perfect place. Unfortunately, I left my note and ring in the bag at our spot, but while walking with Alex, I told him my intentions — sharing that he’s the best gift I’ve ever been given. I don’t want to wait for our forever to begin. Alex said yes and after our family walk, I gave him the ring and letter from my bag. I could tell Alex was surprised but flattered; all I wanted him to feel was special. It was such a lovely morning all around!
We went to our favorite restaurant afterward: Hudson’s on the Dock. The drinks are delicious and the food is seriously amazing. It’s probably the best seafood I’ve had at a more casual, local place before. Linley enjoyed the sun and meeting other pups on the dock while Alex and I enjoyed some oysters, crab, and other delicious food.
After the hour-long drive back and a solid nap we all needed, we wandered around with Linley once more before heading out on our cemetery tour. Our guide at the Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah was incredibly knowledgeable and the cemetery itself was gorgeous and full of history. We heard stories about the Free Masons, different witch doctors in the south and sadly, how young children was buried there due to lack of medical advances leading up to the 1920s and 30s. I would highly recommend doing a tour of Bonaventure if you ever visit Savannah!
The rest of our evening was great! Alex and I ventured back to the Irish pub we visited last year, saw some friends from Atlanta and met their friends, and enjoyed a nice nighttime walk together. Next year, Alex and I decided that we’ll make our own pub crawl, and each pick a couple bars we want to check out one night.
The next morning was lazy but much-needed before the drive back home. We grabbed coffee then strolled through Forsyth Park once more and dressed Linley up as a ghost again. He did much better in the costume this year, and even got some encouragement from strangers who walked by!
Both trips to Savannah and Hilton head have been lovely, and I’m super excited for next year already!
Media taken Friday, October 25 – Sunday, October 27, 2024.
A few weekends ago, Alex, Linley and I drove from Atlanta to Nashville so I could celebrate one of my best friends during her bachelorette weekend! Turns out there was much more to celebrate — especially because this was Alex’s and my first roadtrip with Lin since his surgery.
The weekend was a perfect storm because the roadtrip to and from was smooth, and we also spent time with Alex’s cousin, Jason. He’s lived in Nashville since 2019 or so, and seeing him is rare (he’s usually traveling all around the world!) On Friday we grabbed dinner with him and laughed until we cried. I always enjoy spending time with Jason and Alex — and I’ll take the time I can get with them together!
Saturday was dedicated to the ladies, and Alex and Lin had some father-son bonding time during the day. It was awesome seeing Carolina and her friends again, and meeting a couple new ones, too! Even though I’m not a bridesmaid, it meant the world that Carolina included me in her weekend festivities. While Alex and Lin had their quality time together, us ladies grabbed brunch and some of us got flash tattoos before heading out at night.
Jason, Alex and Linley hung out the rest of the day and evening together. Meanwhile Carolina, Steph, Ellen, Asia, Chloe and I relaxed at their Airbnb, played drinking games and got ready for a fun night on Broadway. Normally going out like that and listening to country music all night isn’t my thing, but I embraced it and had a wonderful time.
I’ve been in a few weddings and I can honestly say that Carolyn’s and Carolina’s bridesmaids were the kindest. Everyone got along great and had such a lovely weekend celebrating one of the best friends I have in my life! I look forward to celebrating her in Asheville next month — and look forward to some October adventures with Alex and Lin!
Media taken Friday, September 13 – Sunday, September 15, 2024.
My mom visited Alex, Linley and me last weekend — and we had a blast exploring north Georgia! I’d been to some of the wineries before, but actually staying in a cabin in Ellijay and walking around Blue Ridge was so much fun with my mom, too.
The four of us enjoyed a beautiful cabin with a view of the mountains, and it didn’t disappoint. We made s’mores in the oven (because it rained both evenings we were there), played cards, watched the Olympics, drank coffee outside on the wrap-around porch and laughed until we cried. It was the perfect stay and I’d recommend for anyone who wants to escape city life for a weekend.
Prior to even seeing the cabin in the woods, we stopped by Roo Mountain Vineyards — which is now my new favorite winery in Georgia! The drinks were delicious, the view was incredible and the quality time was priceless.
Blue Ridge was another cute town we stopped in since it was super dog friendly! We checked out some shops, took Linley to Blue Ridge Adventure Dog for a good run, some photos and toys, and had good coffee under a patio during some rain. We had great food for lunch and dinner, too!
It was great having my mom here in Atlanta and up in north Georgia, and we can’t wait for next time!
Photos taken July 27 & 28, 2024
I’m full of giddiness today as it’s been one whole year ago since meeting Alex in person! I remember getting on that plane in Detroit and flying down to Atlanta — feeling excited and impatient and at peace with my decision. As soon as I got off the escalator and saw Alex’s beaming smile… I knew he was the one. 💛
More to come on that later! ☺️ Today I wanted to share more about my time in upstate New York with Alex and his family. We had such a wonderful time hanging out at their rental home along the river, exploring Alex Bay and other areas nearby. When first meeting Aunt Jean and Uncle Pat, I felt immediately welcomed. We talked about art and teaching and their sons… it was a big warm hug of a conversation. Later I met Aunt Mary Ann, Uncle Jim, Kayla, Randall and their girls, too — and it was so much fun hanging out by the water and playing cards in the evenings.
As much as I’ve enjoyed getting to know Alex’s parents here in Georgia, I loved talking with Bill and Cecilia in New York, playing games with them and getting to know their long-time friends, too! I can’t wait for more memories with them soon.
Until next summer, New York!
Media taken July 12-14, 2024
I struggled to write about my time in New York with Alex and his family because this was the first family trip I’ve taken in over 13 years. I remember feeling excited when talking with Alex about this trip last year – which was before we were even officially dating – and although it’s painful I don’t have these experiences with the family I was born into, it’s wonderful to have them with the family I now belong to.
Oddly enough, we never took family photos. We were living in the moment, enjoying each other’s company along the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, New York. Alex, Linley and I stayed in an awesome home on a little island — where Linley ran free and had the time of his life. The quality time with Alex and Lin meant so much to me, as did the time getting to know Alex’s extended family throughout the week.
I miss having coffee with Alex in the sun room every morning. I miss being outside with Lin and having lazy mornings together. I miss the walks into town as a trio and the places we’d see along the river. I miss hearing the waves crash against the rocks and I miss the sun on my skin — when I felt totally relaxed and at ease. I miss how Alex and I would look at each other and say “I love you,” knowing we were about to have a great day together.
I wish I could go back to those moments and vacationing with Alex and Linley all over again… until next summer 💛 I look forward to sharing more about the trip in the coming days!
Media taken July, 2024
I wrote about visiting my best friend, her husband, baby girl and pup in Alexandria last time. What a special reunion that was! And it was nice that Alex and I had a good chunk of the weekend to pop into DC and check out the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History together.
We had a blast in the museum learning about gems, our ancestors and even where the planet’s going (scary, for sure!). I loved having Alex by my side — commenting about what we saw and having a personal comedian along the way! Our favorite part by far was the butterfly pavilion, where I made a new friend Buddy.
Buddy the butterfly hung out on my hand for about 15-20 minutes! He was truly a friend by the end of the experience, and I was really sad when he finally decided to fly away. I’m grateful Alex snapped these pics to capture the moment and how beautiful Buddy was. Alex also had a temporary visitor, whose name goes unknown…
Honestly, it’s all the little things with Alex. It’s the butterflies landing on us. It’s the first subway ride we took together. It’s the realization that you’re walking in such a cool city together. It’s the fact that I didn’t have to visit Carolyn and Ryan by myself this time. All those “little things” truly add up to larger ones.
We headed to the wharf after strolling through the museum for a much needed seafood lunch and some good drinks. We may or may not have had three or four each — including the most expensive espresso martinis we’ve had (stupid bartender… but worth it!). What a great nap we had afterward haha!
Of course, Lin wasn’t too happy that we didn’t bring him along, but he probably would’ve panicked in the pavilion!
Until next time, DC!
Photos taken Sunday, July 7, 2024
Traveling with the Traceys 