Tag Arctic Circle Roadtrip

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Travel Date June 2023: Welcome back to my van life adventure! As I continue my journey towards the Arctic Circle, the open road beckons with promises of new experiences and discoveries. This leg of the trip took me through the states of Ohio and Indiana in the Midwest, and it was a captivating ride.

Cincinnati, OH: A Smashburger Reunion:

My road led me to Cincinnati, Ohio, where I had the pleasure of meeting an old work friend for dinner. We decided to savor the moment with some mouthwatering smashburgers at Heyday, but not before enjoying a few beers at Woodburn Brewing. Our decision to indulge in burgers down the street at Heyday stemmed from a casual conversation where I mentioned my fondness for burgers. The combination of good company, delicious food, and a relaxed evening at the brewery made for a memorable stop on my journey.

Columbus and Bexley, OH: Exploring Culinary Delights and Music in the Midwest

The charming town of Bexley, Ohio, along with nearby Columbus, invited me to stay a while. During my visit, I had the privilege of staying with my sister in Bexley. One evening, we explored the vibrant scene in Columbus. We savored live music and craft beers under the open sky at Land-Grant Brewery, where we also had the chance to savor the flavorful BBQ from Sweets & Meats BBQ food truck—a delightful treat to satisfy my taste buds. On another night, we ventured to a new Cajun-inspired restaurant in town called Noahla Seafood, where we enjoyed a delightful culinary experience. And, of course, I couldn’t leave Bexley without indulging in Graeter’s ice cream, a sweet treat that perfectly complemented my van life adventure. It was the ideal way to wrap up my stay in Bexley, Ohio, and prepare for the next leg of my journey.

Sweets & Meats BBQ Columbus, OH

Land Grant Brewery Columbus, OH

Crawfish from Noahla Bexley, OH

Carmel, IN: Lunch and Sculptures:

My journey continued to Carmel, Indiana, where a lunch stop with a cousin at Joe’s Butcher Shop provided me with delicious sandwiches to enjoy in the great outdoors. Wandering through the town, we marveled at the artistic sculptures that added a unique charm to Carmel’s streets. It’s amazing how van life allows me to immerse myself in local culture and discover hidden gems like these.

Heading North Towards the Great Lakes:

With each mile, I inched closer to the Great Lakes, a majestic destination on my road to the Arctic Circle. The anticipation of what lay ahead filled the air, and I couldn’t help but feel the excitement of the journey.

My van life adventure continues to unfold, taking me through the Midwest of America, one memorable stop at a time. From the flavors of Cincinnati to the quaint charm of Bexley and the artistic allure of Carmel, each destination adds a unique chapter to my road trip story. As I head north towards the Great Lakes, I’m reminded that the beauty of van life lies in the journey itself. Stay tuned for more adventures on the road to the Arctic Circle!

(Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take an action through these links, I may earn a commission. This helps support my van life blog and my journey.)

Travel Date May 2023:

As I bid farewell to the mesmerizing Coral Castle in Florida, my van life adventure continued to unfurl. This next leg of the journey led me through a series of delightful stops, each contributing its unique charm to the grand tapestry of my year-long road trip to the Arctic Circle.

Exploring Charleston, SC

My journey embarked on its inaugural milestone as I found myself amidst the cobblestone streets of Charleston, South Carolina. It was here that I stumbled upon the enchanting embrace of Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, a place that beckoned me with its old-world charm and timeless Irish aesthetics. Nestled within its cozy confines, I was serenaded by the melodic tunes of a gifted two-man acoustic band, adding a harmonious layer to the already warm ambience. The genuine Southern hospitality of Charleston welcomed me with open arms, as I basked in the vivacious spirit of this historic city, marking the perfect initiation of the next leg of my remarkable road trip adventure.

Family Time in Charlotte, NC

Next on the map was Charlotte, North Carolina, where family awaited with open arms. Reuniting with loved ones and sharing stories of my travels was a heartwarming pause in my journey. The highlight of our time in Charlotte was attending the unforgettable Dead & Company concert at PNC Pavilion, which added a special musical touch to my nomadic voyage.

Exploring Knoxville TN’s Artistic Charms:

In Knoxville, Tennessee, my journey led me to explore both Krutch Park and the vibrant Market Square, an inviting hub of local culture and culinary delights. I admired captivating sculptures in Krutch Park, adding an artistic dimension to my travels, while Market Square beckoned with its bustling square. There, I immersed myself in the creative energy that seemed to flow through every corner, savoring delicious treats from food vendors. I then drove across town to a restaurant formerly on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, Pizza Palace, where I indulged in their onion rings! I highly recommend them.

Boz Scaggs in Lexington, KY

My adventure reached an unexpected crescendo in Lexington, Kentucky. I hadn’t initially planned to see Boz Scaggs, but when I heard he was in town, I couldn’t resist the opportunity. I secured a last-minute ticket and had the pleasure of attending his performance at the historic Lexington Opera House. The intimate setting and Scaggs’ soulful melodies created a night to remember, punctuating this leg of my road trip with an unexpected and harmonious note. Stay tuned for an upcoming post where I’ll delve deeper into the captivating charm of the Lexington Opera House and the magic of that memorable evening.

As I continued my northward journey toward the Arctic Circle, these stops provided not only diverse experiences but also the reminder that the road holds endless surprises. With each mile, I inched closer to my ultimate destination, eager for the next chapter of my van life adventure to unfold. Stay tuned for more tales from the road as I continue north.

I embarked on an ambitious year-long road trip that kicked off in Boston in November 2022, and it’s set to conclude right back where it began in November 2023. The prospect of this grand journey filled me with a unique blend of anticipation and excitement, knowing that I would be traversing the diverse landscapes of North America, experiencing the ebb and flow of the seasons from coast to coast.

For the initial leg of the adventure, I strategically planned to chase the sun, leading me through the warmth of the southern states and up the breathtakingly scenic west coast. This part of the trip allowed me to soak in the balmy rays of the southern winter, exploring charming coastal towns, vibrant cities, and natural wonders along the way. As the seasons shifted and the days grew longer, my route veered northward, transitioning into the summer phase. It was during this time that I embarked on a truly epic journey, navigating through the heart of Canada, crossing into the rugged wilderness of Alaska, and ultimately aiming for the elusive Arctic Circle. The stark contrast between the winter and summer segments of my voyage promised a wealth of diverse experiences, each chapter offering its own unique tapestry of sights, sounds, and adventures.

I have been asked multiple time where I went in my first six months. Below is a fun little video recapping where I went on the first six months of the trek. This leg took me down the east coast to Florida, across the country to California and back to Florida.

Leaving Boston on Nov 15, 2022 and arriving back in Boston Nov 15 2023.
Leaving Key West, FL on May 15, 2023 and arriving in the Arctic Circle on Aug 8, 2023

After completing my previous road trips, which had me on and off the road for about 3 to 4 months at a time over the past two years, I found myself contemplating my next adventure. Alaska, a place I had never explored, beckoned to me as an exciting destination. During my research, I stumbled upon a fascinating possibility: the opportunity to embark on a road journey to the Arctic Circle. The moment this idea took shape, I knew deep inside that this was the adventure I had been searching for. It was a decision made with unwavering excitement: ‘THAT’s what I want to do!’

A part of this journey will take me from one corner of the country to the other. The plan is to drive from Key West, FL to the Arctic Circle in Alaska.

I’ll be periodically adding posts to this thread from the journey.

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  Embracing Minimalism: Letting Go of My Apartment After a Year on the RoadJune 12, 2024
  Join me on a journey of letting go as I share the profound decision to part ways with my apartment after returning from a year-long road trip. Learn about the transformative power of minimalism and decluttering in the face of loss and uncertainty, and discover the freedom of owning less and experiencing more.
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  Windswept Beauty: Racine Beach and Wind Point Lighthouse AdventureOctober 30, 2023
  Join me on a weather-worn adventure along Lake Michigan’s shores as I visit Racine Beach and Wind Point Lighthouse. Despite the uncooperative weather, I discover the serene beauty of these extraordinary places, hidden from the crowds. Find out why these destinations, one a ‘best of’ gem and the other a historic marvel, left me feeling deeply grateful amidst the cold winds and rain.
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  Kenosha Chronicles: Jazz, Breakfast, and a Cheese Castle AdventureOctober 26, 2023
  Explore the musical charm of Kenosha, where I groove to lakefront tunes, enjoy jazz at Sazzy B, savor a famous Garbage Plate at Frank’s Diner, and discover the unique Mars Cheese Castle. Join me on this delightful journey through this Wisconsin gem.
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  On the Road Again: A Superdawg Pit Stop in Wheeling, ILOctober 15, 2023
  Join me on a delicious detour at Superdawg Drive In, where I savor the history and flavors of their iconic hot dogs. A pit stop that adds a dash of nostalgia to my van life journey. Come hungry!
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  Exploring the Midwest En Route to the Arctic CircleOctober 14, 2023
  Join me on a Midwest van life road trip as we continue our journey through Cincinnati’s vibrant scenes, explore the culinary delights of Ohio, and savor the charm of Carmel, Indiana. From savory bites to delightful discoveries, this leg of the adventure has it all.
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  Exploring Georgetown, KY: A Culinary Journey at Fava’s RestaurantOctober 8, 2023
  Discover the charm of Georgetown, Kentucky, as I indulge in the iconic Hot Brown at Fava’s Restaurant during my van life adventure north. A culinary journey awaits in the Bluegrass State!
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  Coral Castle to Concert Halls: My Road Trip Continues NorthOctober 5, 2023
  The road trip adventure unfolds! From Charleston’s live music to family reunions in Charlotte, discover the next leg of my journey to the Arctic Circle.”
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  Road Trip Through Coral CastleSeptember 27, 2023
  As I embark on my road trip North, I have months ahead of me, with countless adventures awaiting. One of my first stops on this journey is the enigmatic Coral Castle in Florida, an attraction crafted by the meek and mysterious Ed Leedskalnin. Here, you’ll delve into the mysteries, history, and unique feats of this incredible site.
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  Choosing the Arctic Circle RouteSeptember 23, 2023
  Follow my Arctic Circle road trip journey as I explore routes and plan the ultimate adventure. Discover key insights for driving to the Arctic Circle and unlock a world of northern wonders.
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  Year Long Roadtrip – First 6 MonthsSeptember 19, 2023
  Embark on a year-long road trip adventure starting from Boston, reaching the Arctic Circle, and back. Watch the thrilling video recap of the first 6 months, covering coastal towns, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes.
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  Driving to the Arctic Circle – My 12 Month TrekSeptember 19, 2023
  I stumbled upon a fascinating possibility: the opportunity to embark on a year-long road trip to the Arctic Circle. The moment this idea took shape, I knew deep inside that this was the adventure I had been searching for.