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5 Amazing US Road Trip Ideas

Start making the playlist; we're hitting the road!
March 15, 2016
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Travel

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I’m a roadtripper. I’ve always thought that people are either roadtrippers or they’re not. Some people dread the thought of hopping in the car for a few hours, but not me.  I learned my love of a good road trip after piling into the car with my family for years growing up. With a few cross-country moves under our belt, and extended family in different states, we learned the ways of true Road Warriors. 

With the music (gotta have a good playlist) the sights and the conversation (even the delirious rambling while trying to stay awake in those final hours), I think that the journey becomes just as enjoyable as the destination. A great road trip can offer up some pretty monumental memories, and it can help you cross off a few key items on the travel bucket list. Some of my favorite vacations of all time have involved a stretch on the open road, even if it involved a wrong turn or two along the way.  Because of this, I knew I was in for a treat on last summer’s WOM road trip around South Carolina (read about it here, here and here), and boy did it not disappoint! 

So in honor of it being the start to road trip season, I’ve rounded up five of the best US road trip ideas for all of you adventurers out there (think the “Mother Road“, Skyline Drive and my personal favorite, the Pacific Coast Highway). Check the full list out in the slideshow above, but feel free to let me know your favorite, too, in the comments below!  Cheers, Kat

P.S. Looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out this list; I have my sights set on the Bayou Cruise through Louisiana next. xo

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Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway, aka California's Route 1, is simply something you have to see in your lifetime. It stretches down the entire California coast, but the middle part is where you're in for a treat; catch Big Sur (a 90-mile stretch) and its picturesque views as you carve alongside seaside cliffs, stopping in at Carmel and Pebble Beach.

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VIA ONE BROAD'S JOURNEY
The "Mother Road"

The "Mother Road"

This legendary road on Route 66 can be traced from Illinois to California, and the full drive is not for the faint of heart (clocking in at 2,451 miles). But there's a reason this original historic two-lane highway is at the top of everyone's road trip lists; it's quintessential Americana. You'll find rusty neon signs, old motels and cafes, and touristy stops.

But perhaps the best part of the drive? The mountainous stretch west of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River.

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VIA ARTHUR NEWBERG
Overseas Highway

Overseas Highway

Strap in for this stretch of 120 miles on US Route 1 as you find your way from Miami to Key West through the string of sunny Florida Keys. Most of the drive is on a two-lane road, so be prepared to be a little patient as you glide through the pretty ocean views. And if you're on this road trip, hopefully it means you're on your way to a relaxing vacay!

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VIA CONDE NAST TRAVELER, BY GRACIELA CATTAROSSI
Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive

This 105-mile stretch runs north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. It takes about three hours to travel the length of the park, but be ready for a slow ride. The speed limit is 35 mph (perfect for rolling down your windows and experiencing every curve and turn of this pretty drive!). Be sure to stop and stretch at a few of the 75 overlooks along the way, each offering a stunning view of the Shenandoah Valley to the west or the Piedmont to the east.

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VIA TRAVEL CHANNEL, BY MAISNAM
The Loneliest Road

The Loneliest Road

The Loneliest Road is the stuff road trip dreams are made of. As part of US Highway 50, this stretch looks like a barren dessert, but don't worry, there are plenty of gas stations and cafes along the way. If you really wanted to do it right, take this 3,200 trek from coast-to-coast, passing hundreds of timeworn towns and soaking up all of the US history you can find.

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VIA THE MODERN DAY EXPLORER

Featured image, The Modern Day Explorer

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7 Simple Ways to Become a Better Morning Person

Easy Things to Add to Your Daily Morning Routine
March 8, 2016
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Everyday

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I’m definitely guilty of waking up on the wrong side of the bed some days. Other days, I wake up and practically sing a song as I draw back my blackout curtains to start my day. So lately I’ve wondered, what’s the secret to becoming a better morning person?

I read up on secrets morning people swear by and learned about the morning routines of ten of our favorite GIRLBOSSES (I’m currently following after goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow and trying to start my day with a glass of hot water and lemon), and think I’m onto something. The key is choosing a morning task that you enjoy, so that you’ll look forward to starting your day. Currently, I look forward to sipping on my hot lemon water because I know I’m doing something good for my body by rehydrating and resetting my digestive system (I’m on a bit of a wellness kick if you haven’t noticed). I’ve also started to get myself to 6 am barre classes that aren’t incredibly cardio-focused…I’ve found that I enjoy this slow but steady wakeup for my muscles. Now if I had a Barry’s Bootcamp class planned at 6 am…well, that’s a different story if I’d ever make it there or not. 

What would you enjoy doing in the morning? Hearing your favorite tunes?  Reading a few pages of your devotional or your current book club recommendation? Taking a few minutes to yourself to meditate or journal?  Consider a few simple tasks that could help you get out of bed in the morning with a pep in your step and welcome the day with a positive outlook. But also remember to start slow; the odds of becoming a better morning person with five new tasks before you set foot in the office are pretty slim.  Check out the slideshow above to find seven ideas to become a better morning person, and be sure to tell me any others in the comments below!  Cheers, Kat 

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Featured image, House of Jade Interiors by Kate Osborne

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5 Things I Learned from Reading Love Style Life

A Light, Relatable and Downright Lovable Read by Garance Doré
March 6, 2016
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > 5 Things

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Love Style Life, Takeaways from Garance Dore's book - Waiting On Martha

At the end of January, we dished on a few books on the WOM reading list, and at the top of mine? Love Style Life by the fabulously chic and entertaining Garance Doré.  With the new year, I was in the mood for a little style inspiration, and lately I’ve been taking a few notes from the ever-chic Parisians to define my own look with timeless essentials (and a lot less makeup).  I did, after all, obsess over How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are, so I knew I’d be in for a treat with the first book by one of my favorite Parisians-turned-New-Yorkers. 

In Love Style Life, Garance’s points are kept light in her lovable and totally relatable way.  She talks about growing up, her failures and successes.  She jokes about a few extra lbs, unruly hair, and stresses the importance of knowing your body and understanding what works (high-waisted pants don’t work for Garance, and neither do they for me!). She shares style essentials for your wardrobe and beauty routine, while giving a few personal recommendations of picks she’s loved for years (I’m even closer to ordering a pair of investment pumps now, and I can’t wait to try out her favorite bronzer that’s not too shimmery).  

But my favorite part of Garance’s philosophy on love, style and life?  She doesn’t take herself too seriously, and her voice throughout the book is both endearing and refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book cover to cover (and I’m sure I’ll read it again soon), and I must say it looks gorgeous on my #shelfie.  Until you have a chance to flip through its pages (find Garance’s fabulous illustrations throughout), check out a few things that especially resonated with me in today’s slideshow (click on the image above to view). 

Already raced through your copy of Love Style Life?  I’d love to hear if you, too, were inspired by Garance’s take on style, and any recommendations for my next read.  (I also just finished All the Light We Cannot See, and OH it was sooo good!)  Cheers, Kat

P.S. Be sure to read what Garance shares with Harper’s Bazaar about her favorite topics in Love Style Life. xo

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Featured image original to Waiting on Martha | Love Style Life by Garance Doré

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