One thing I love about Maine is the culture of public bath houses and saunas.

Two places to eat:
1. Chase's Daily in Belfast
2. MK Kitchen in Gorham

Three must-see destinations:
1. Common Ground Fair in Unity Maine (September 20, 21 and 22 2024)
2. Maiden Cliff Trail in Camden Hills State Park
3. Taking the Casco Bay Lines Ferry to small islands

One thing I love about Massachusetts is that we have four *full* seasons. There is always something to look forward to with the change of seasons. Just when you are getting too cold and worn out from the winter months, you see the first signs of spring with the buds on the trees, which bloom to beautiful flowers and lush trees in the summer, then transform into a beautiful pallet of oranges and yellows in the fall, leaving you in anticipation for the first snowfall again in the winter. It’s a beautiful cycle that keeps me going.

Two places to eat:
1. My favorite local takeout spot is a small hidden jem downtown Beverly called La Victoria. They serve amazing tortas and Mexican fare that I never get sick of.
2. My favorite sit down place to eat is the Beauport in Gloucester. The atmosphere and food is amazing. Go when the weather is nice and sit on the outdoor deck that overlooks the ocean. It never gets old!

Three must-see destinations:
1. Castle Hill on Crane Estate. Absolutely beautiful gardens and a private hidden beach.
2. Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester has the best tide pools, white sand, and perfect waves.
3. I always love visiting the North End in Boston. Between the food and the hustle and bustle of all the people it’s a fun way to experience the city.

One thing I love about Minnesota is there is such a great culture of being outside in beautiful places year round. 

Two places to eat:
1. Isles Bun & Bakery for Puppy Dog Tails (mini cinnamon rolls) in Minneapolis.
2. Bread and Pickle on Lake Harriet in Minneapolis while taking in live music at their bandshell. (Open Seasonally)

Three must-see destinations:
1. So much to see and do on the Northshore, but Split Rock Lighthouse (Lighthouse Open Seasonally), Gooseberry Falls State Park and all of Grand Marais are family favorites. 
2. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska.
3. The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory on a Sunday night in the winter for free live music!

One thing I absolutely love about Missouri is the color that comes with the changing leaves in the fall. The Ozark Mountains, especially around Branson, have the most gorgeous red, orange, and yellow hues in October!

Two places to eat:
1. Lambert’s Cafe in Ozark- the home of throwed rolls!
2. Osage Restaurant at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale- one of the best meals I’ve ever tasted and a very unique atmosphere.

Three must-see destinations:
1. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis
2. Silver Dollar City in Branson
3. Lake of the Ozarks

One thing I love about Oregon is that it is green year round, then in the Spring, many trees and shrubs burst into magnificent color.

Two places to eat:
1. Oswego Grill in Lake Oswego - our favorite local eatery.
2. Sarah Bellum Bakery in Portland - operated by and for people with traumatic brain injuries.

Three must-see destinations:
1. Canon Beach —one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. 
2. Tulip Festival at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm—beauty and fun for all ages!
(March 22 - May 5, 2024)
3. Forest Park—in the middle of the city of Portland, it’s a huge park with miles of walking/hiking trails. It feels like you are on the mountain!

One thing I love about living in the smallest state is the coastline! We have access to the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay. My walks on the beach are the best!

Two places to eat:
1. An absolute favorite (with a reservation) would be Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown. Always a delicious meal - lobster rolls, calamari, and, of course, oysters!
2. If you are in Providence, you must get tickets for The Providence Performing Arts Center, every performance is outstanding! Make sure to stop into Circe for dinner before or after the show (it's within walking distance) and enjoy the best braised boneless short rib, and being in Rhode Island, the lobster ravioli.

Three must-see destinations:
1.  If visiting Rhode Island in the summertime one must stop in beautiful Watch Hill. A summer village with great boutiques, The Ocean House, Napatree Point (great walks and sunsets), a lighthouse and of course a favorite of all ages, The Flying Horses Carousel.  
2. Newport is another favorite with Gilded Age mansions that one can tour. Ocean Drive and the Cliff Walk are a must.
3. If interested in a 30 minute ferry ride (or a short 12 minute plane ride) Block Island has lots for all ages. Mohegan Bluffs is a must see!  2 lighthouses, lots of restaurants, wildlife refugees, gallery’s, walking trails - and of course beaches!