I did not understand how a tree can be the basis for a national park until we explored Joshua Tree National Park. We hiked these four trails in Joshua Tree: Arch Rock, Skull Rock, Keys View, and Hidden Valley. Each of these trails were very different from each other.

A moderately easy hike starting from the top of the hills, the Beach Trail took us to these stunning cliffs which took our breath away. It cost $20 to park and was very much worth the price for these great views that make us feel oh so small. Here is a trail guide.

We were pleasantly surprised by the hike in Avalon on Catalina Island. It was about 9 miles in total and took us about 4 hours. Hermit Gulch trail starts at the back right corner of the campground, and continues to zigzag straight up. You need to be wearing appropriate hiking clothes for this adventure.

On the way to Keystone Ski Resort, there were beautiful mountains and scenery that took our breath away.

This was the first winery we stumbled upon and we were glad we stopped here.

We used Long Beach as our overnight gig on our journey to Catalina Island, but enjoyed their large downtown area on the water at Pine Avenue Pier. Long Beach is a huge city, we were not expecting that!

This historic town is known for the Mission, or Church, that was built in 1776 to convert Native Americans to the Christian faith. Saint Serra was known to have served at this church. This is the last remaining church of which he celebrated Mass. This church is also known for being destroyed during an earthquake when mass was being held, along with 40 members of the church.

There are sea lions and seals hanging out on different parts of the beach in La Jolla. It was incredible to see these animals living in their natural habitat; we even saw a baby sea lion that was just born a few minutes before we got there.

Swallow Falls State Park is in Western Maryland near Deep Creek Lake. It has a beautiful 1.5-mile trail along the water with spectacular waterfalls and is one of the best hikes in Maryland. Remember to bring cash to get into the state park.

This town is known as the site of John Brown's raid in October 1859. John Brown grew up in an anti-slavery family in Connecticut. He went to an abolitionist meeting in 1837 which set his sights on abolishing slavery. He led the raid at Harpers Ferry against federal troops and won.

During the summer, one of my favorite things to do is pick fruit, especially black raspberries, at Larriland Farms. We have been going to this farm since I was a kid and it brings back so many good memories. My dad has recently dubbed July 1st as "Berry-Picking Day." Check their harvest page to see what you can pick today!

On South Mountain Creamery's farm, there is an ice cream parlor with milks and cheeses to purchase. Their ice cream is on point! Across the street is a calf barn where you can make reservations with a small fee to feed the baby calves! The day we went, one calf was born that morning, and another was 2 days old and just learning to walk.

Before this winery closed for the evening, we had a chance to try one glass of wine with charcuterie. Inside, we felt like we were about to eat dinner with everyone else in the tasting room with us; it was very cozy and we loved the atmosphere!

We really enjoyed their wide selection of wines: dry wines for Chloe, and sweet wines for Marie and me. They usually have food trucks here, and there is also brewery on the premises that has snacks.

This winery has beautiful scenery with rolling hills and a windy backroad to get to it. The tasting rooms feel like you are in a Hobbits’ home: full of stone and wooden structures, fireplaces, and a garden roof.

Every year in the summer, our family has gone to Deep Creek Lake, MD for a long weekend of family bonding time. There are a lot of things to do in this lake area to keep you busy while you are here. In the wintertime, you can enjoy Wisp Ski Resort.

St. Michael's is the oldest town in Talbot County, dating back to the mid-1600s. It is known as the "town that fooled the British." As one of my favorite small towns, it has a lot to offer in a day or weekend trip.

The first Waterfowl Festival was in 1971, as a celebration of Eastern Shore heritage and to share its culture with visitors. Currently the festival has 6 locations in Easton, MD, each to celebrate wild birds (waterfowl) and the hunting sport it creates. The festival is at the start of goose hunting season each year (early-mid November).

The first Waterfowl Festival was in 1971, as a celebration of Eastern Shore heritage and to share its culture with visitors. Currently the festival has 6 locations in Easton, MD, each to celebrate wild birds (waterfowl) and the hunting sport it creates. The festival is at the start of goose hunting season each year (early-mid November).

We didn't get to explore much on Chincoteague Island since we arrived late. However, we did see a beautiful sunset at Tom's Cove on Assateague Beach.