Travel, Adventure, Outdoors, International, Canada Monica Ortega Travel, Adventure, Outdoors, International, Canada Monica Ortega

Mountain Mike and One Serious Canadian Adventure

After meeting briefly in Los Angeles and realizing immediately we hit it off, Michael Dietrich and I planned on a hiking adventure in Alberta in August. Michael decided to put together one of his infamous “Hike with Mike” meet ups for the same time so that I could experience the kind of community he had built. I was also told to “start training immediately”.

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Travel, North Carolina, Adventure, Gear Monica Ortega Travel, North Carolina, Adventure, Gear Monica Ortega

7 Inspiring North Carolina Outdoor Brands You Should Know

I’m all about companies that collaborate and want to give back and the Outdoor Gear Builders do exactly that. They’re a collection of North Carolina based outdoor brands that collaborate and inspire with one another to help the entire community rise together. Here are 7 outdoor brands that are changing the gear game.

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Travel, California, Adventure, Food and Drink Monica Ortega Travel, California, Adventure, Food and Drink Monica Ortega

Guide to Autumn Attractions In San Diego

One of the best times to visit San Diego is in the fall. The weather is a little cooler than in the summer, but still very pleasant. Generally, there are fewer crowds because kids are back in school. If you have kids, you’ll find a lot of special deals in October because kids rule. The San Diego Zoo and many other local attractions offer free admission to kids under 11 years old. Some restaurants have free meals for kids as well. Some of the best whale watching San Diego months are in the fall. If you’re looking for something fun to do this fall, make sure to check out these activities and places.

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Travel, Adventure, Food and Drink, Virginia Monica Ortega Travel, Adventure, Food and Drink, Virginia Monica Ortega

Mountains, Mystery, and MOONSHINE! Why Franklin County Distilleries is a must-stop at Virginia's Blue Ridge

One of my favorite things about traveling to local food and drink destinations, are the stories behind the businesses. Hearing how they got started, why they’re passionate about it, and the history of the region is fascinating to me. The combination of Franklin County’s epic backstory, and the history of Moonshine is so good, they even made the movie “Lawless” about it!

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Travel, Adventure, Montana Monica Ortega Travel, Adventure, Montana Monica Ortega

8 Things to Do in Billings Montana

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I visited Billings Montana. I guess I thought it would be completely flat and maybe have good burgers. Man, was I wrong! I mean not about the burgers…but we’ll get to that. Billings blew me away with its variety of things to do, places to eat, and adventures to go on. Here are some of my favorites.

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Travel, Dogs, Food and Drink, California, Adventure Monica Ortega Travel, Dogs, Food and Drink, California, Adventure Monica Ortega

The Most Dog-Friendly Destination in Central California

I love any opportunity to get to travel and adventure with my dog Millie, but it’s definitely not always easy. From restaurants, to adventures, to hotels, it’s a LOT to coordinate and figure out where to go. Luckily, Monterey, California took care of EVERYTHING and made it SO easy for us to travel! Here are some great dog-friendly places in Monterey.

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Travel, Hiking, Adventure, California Monica Ortega Travel, Hiking, Adventure, California Monica Ortega

10 Amazing Hikes Around Southern California

There are SO many hiking trails around Southern California that this list could be endless! And I have only explored a small section in my eight years living in Los Angeles. Going off of the many places I’ve had the pleasure of hiking, here are my top 10 favorite hikes around Southern (and a couple in Central) California!

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Travel, Adventure, California Monica Ortega Travel, Adventure, California Monica Ortega

Mountain High - My Favorite SoCal Ski Resort

When I was invited to try my hand at skiing again last year at Mountain High Ski Resort, I was excited but cautiously nervous as well. I love that there’s a variety of beginner slopes and they are all nice and wide to provide plenty of space for beginners like me. We also kicked the day off with an amazing ski lesson! Our instructor literally walked us up the hill further and further until, before we knew it, we were skiing down from the top!

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Travel, Adventure, Arizona Monica Ortega Travel, Adventure, Arizona Monica Ortega

10 Things To Do In Tempe Arizona

Every time I go to or through Arizona I just fall more in love with that state! From the desert wilderness, to the red rocks, to the mountaintops, it just gets more and more beautiful! But when I had the chance to visit Tempe last month I wasn’t sure what to expect other than a fun little college town. But, like the rest of the state, it completely took me by surprise; full of adventure, fun, and good food! Here are 10 things to do in Tempe, Arizona.

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Travel, New York, Food and Drink, Adventure Monica Ortega Travel, New York, Food and Drink, Adventure Monica Ortega

5 Reasons You Should Book A Trip To Central New York

When most people think of New York they think of the city. But I had the luxury of spending two weeks exploring the central part of the state and couldn’t get enough! The diversity of adventure, food and drinks, and culture left me blown away and wanting more! Here are 5 reasons you should go see for yourself!

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Snorkeling The Siflra Fissure In Iceland

The Silfra Fissure is located in Þingvellir National Park and is the only place in the world where you can snorkel in between two tectonic plates. In some places you can even touch both the North American and Eurasian plates at the same time. You can see up to 260ft. down making it some of the clearest water in the world and one of the world’s top diving locations.

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The Devil's Bridge Hike - Sedona Arizona

The final push to the top was a bit of a rock scramble and lots of "stairs". And then I saw it. The Devil's Bridge. The bridge is the largest sandstone arch in the Sedona area and stands just over 50 feet tall. The narrow walkway out onto the bridge is terrifying and my fear of heights almost won out and prevented me from trying it. It's wide enough for two people to easily walk out on but it's more of the mental game knowing both sides have a steep drop off. After some quick photo ops it was time to head back.

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Superstition Mountains - Beauty, Tragedy, and One Heck of a Hike!

We later learned a bit more about the incredible Superstition Mountains. First off, this hike is considered strenuous and only for experienced hikers so it’s definitely a good thing I turned back with Millie (and heck yeah Kristin for making it up to the top!) Secondly, there are a lot of spooky things that seem to happen in this place! It all began with the legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine.

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