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

The Complete Madison Wisconsin Travel Guide - FREE Things To Do, Where To Eat, Where To Stay and More!

Madison Wisconsin is SO much more than a college town full of good beer and cheese. Although, yes, it has all of those as well! We partnered with Destination Madison, and headed to this capitol city to find some of the best year-round things to do. Here’s a complete guide of where to go, what to do, and where to eat!

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Travel, Adventure, Washington Monica Ortega Travel, Adventure, Washington Monica Ortega

Skydiving Into a Vineyard in Lake Chelan Washington

There are two ways I said I would ever try skydiving; if it was somewhere really beautiful or something really unique. Skydiving into a vineyard in Lake Chelan, was both! Skydive Chelan is the only company that allows regular jumps directly into a winery where you can end your adrenaline-pumping experience with a glass (or a bottle) of wine!

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Travel, Adventure, Washington, Food and Drink, Holiday Monica Ortega Travel, Adventure, Washington, Food and Drink, Holiday Monica Ortega

Leavenworth Washington Travel Guide - The Swiss-Like Village in the Cascade Mountains

Did you know that you don’t need to go all the way to Europe to enjoy this Bavarian experience? Just two hours outside of Seattle Washington, is the Alpine-Style town of Leavenworth; surrounded by the Cascade Mountains, and complete with German beers and lederhosen.

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

The Ultimate Wine Travel Guide to Lake Chelan Washington

Move over Sonoma, look out Napa, there is a new premier wine destination; and it’s not in California. Lake Chelan Washington is home to over 30 wineries and is a designated American Viticulture Area. Combined with the beauty and recreation options of the vast 50-mile Lake Chelan, there is a lot to do, see, and drink!

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

The Best Place To Eat On Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey California

Lunchtime at Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey can feel like a busy Saturday flea market with shops and restaurants clamoring for your attention and business. They all promise the best deals and views on the wharf. For fine dining food, Cafe Fina keeps the local feel and family history alive with photos of his dad fishing, historic newspaper ads, and signed celebrity photos of all of the people who have visited this amazing restaurant.

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Travel, Lifestyle Monica Ortega Travel, Lifestyle Monica Ortega

Traveling Like A Future Resident

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a love/hate relationship with Los Angeles. It’s a weird place to live and while great for the entertainment industry, I’m constantly waiting for them to realize I’m not cool enough for the party and kick me out. It’s basically a constant case of middle school insecurity.

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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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