Alison Rose Alison Rose

Roadtrip #1: Cross Country

Roadtrip #1: Cross Country

My entire life I have lived in Maryland. It is time to uproot as I am now a traveling hand therapist and travel blogger! I hope you enjoy following me along this journey, as our country and this world is a BEAUTIFUL place. My family helped me along this first cross-country road trip, and we have dubbed this the "Rose-Family Relay”.

 

My entire life I have lived in Maryland. It is time to uproot as I am now a traveling hand therapist and travel blogger! I hope you enjoy following me along this journey, as our country and this world is a BEAUTIFUL place. My family helped me along this first cross-country road trip, and we have dubbed this the "Rose-Family Relay”.

 
Featured
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz

The minute I walked into Santa Cruz, the best words I could think of to describe this small surfing town were “chill beach vibes.” The more I got to know this artistically-inclined place, the more special it became with its environmentally-conscious atmosphere, good-hearted outdoorsy and adventurous people who are very aware of the world as well as their immediate surroundings, the strikingly-beautiful cliffs on the beach views, the environment, and its love for surfing.

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Napa Valley
Napa Valley

Having lived on the east coast for the majority of my life, the two places in central California I had heard of were the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the wineries in Napa Valley. Little did I know the history of Napa, which I learned from the sommeliers at many of my weekend wine tastings during my time living in Santa Cruz, and also from the movie “Bottle Shock.” This movie features Alan Rickman and Chris Pines and how the Judgment of Paris in 1972 put Napa on the map.

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Redwoods’ Avenue of the Giants
Redwoods’ Avenue of the Giants

Redwoods are the tallest trees in the WORLD. It makes sense that many movies have been filmed here, including Star Wars’ Episode VI, A New Hope. In this movie, the redwoods were depicted as the Forest Moon of Endor. Along the 101 there is an exit you can take that is a 31-mile route called the Avenue of the Giants.

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Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park

The deepest lake in the United States is nestled in a volcano due to its eruption more than 7000 years ago in southern Oregon called Crater Lake. It is hard to imagine the magnitude of how large this lake and volcano is until you see that there is another smaller volcano in the middle of the lake. We had many breathtaking moments at this national park during our road trip from Washington to California.

Read More →
Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon is an up-and-coming small town with a fun main street, along the Deschutes River. It is also in close proximity to several famous outdoor adventuring spots: Crater Lake National Park (2 hours away), about 30 minutes from Mt. Bachelor ski resort, and 30 minutes from hiking trails at the Three Sisters, which are mountains a part of the Cascade Range. I came here for my second long-distance road trip with my friend Mander. To us, Bend felt like a quaint town on a river, for an easy weekend escape from Portland.

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Olympia
Olympia

Olympia, the capital of Washington state, is a small city on the Puget Sound with backdrop views of the Olympic National Park mountains. This town is filled with coffee shops, bakeries, and scenic water views! It is about 1-2 hours away from Olympic and Mt. Rainier National Parks, which made it a great location to work as a traveling hand therapist.

Read More →
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Multnomah Falls and Angels Rest trail are two attractions at the Columbia River Gorge near Portland, Oregon. Multnomah Falls was an incredible stop along my cross-country road trip. It is the most-visited natural recreation area in the Pacific Northwest, and I understand why!

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Alison Rose Alison Rose

Roadtrip #2: Washington State to California

Roadtrip #2: Washington State to California

As a travel therapist, this is my second road trip! My first placement was in Olympia, Washington. Follow along my journey south with one of my best friends to see where I will be working next! We hit some top spots and have good tips along our route.

 

As a travel therapist, this is my second road trip! My first placement was in Olympia, Washington. Follow along my journey south with one of my best friends to see where I will be working next! We hit some top spots and have good tips along our route.

 
Featured
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz

The minute I walked into Santa Cruz, the best words I could think of to describe this small surfing town were “chill beach vibes.” The more I got to know this artistically-inclined place, the more special it became with its environmentally-conscious atmosphere, good-hearted outdoorsy and adventurous people who are very aware of the world as well as their immediate surroundings, the strikingly-beautiful cliffs on the beach views, the environment, and its love for surfing.

Read More →
Napa Valley
Napa Valley

Having lived on the east coast for the majority of my life, the two places in central California I had heard of were the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the wineries in Napa Valley. Little did I know the history of Napa, which I learned from the sommeliers at many of my weekend wine tastings during my time living in Santa Cruz, and also from the movie “Bottle Shock.” This movie features Alan Rickman and Chris Pines and how the Judgment of Paris in 1972 put Napa on the map.

Read More →
Redwoods’ Avenue of the Giants
Redwoods’ Avenue of the Giants

Redwoods are the tallest trees in the WORLD. It makes sense that many movies have been filmed here, including Star Wars’ Episode VI, A New Hope. In this movie, the redwoods were depicted as the Forest Moon of Endor. Along the 101 there is an exit you can take that is a 31-mile route called the Avenue of the Giants.

Read More →
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park

The deepest lake in the United States is nestled in a volcano due to its eruption more than 7000 years ago in southern Oregon called Crater Lake. It is hard to imagine the magnitude of how large this lake and volcano is until you see that there is another smaller volcano in the middle of the lake. We had many breathtaking moments at this national park during our road trip from Washington to California.

Read More →
Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon is an up-and-coming small town with a fun main street, along the Deschutes River. It is also in close proximity to several famous outdoor adventuring spots: Crater Lake National Park (2 hours away), about 30 minutes from Mt. Bachelor ski resort, and 30 minutes from hiking trails at the Three Sisters, which are mountains a part of the Cascade Range. I came here for my second long-distance road trip with my friend Mander. To us, Bend felt like a quaint town on a river, for an easy weekend escape from Portland.

Read More →
Olympia
Olympia

Olympia, the capital of Washington state, is a small city on the Puget Sound with backdrop views of the Olympic National Park mountains. This town is filled with coffee shops, bakeries, and scenic water views! It is about 1-2 hours away from Olympic and Mt. Rainier National Parks, which made it a great location to work as a traveling hand therapist.

Read More →
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Multnomah Falls and Angels Rest trail are two attractions at the Columbia River Gorge near Portland, Oregon. Multnomah Falls was an incredible stop along my cross-country road trip. It is the most-visited natural recreation area in the Pacific Northwest, and I understand why!

Read More →
Read More
Alison Rose Alison Rose

Roadtrip #3: California to Utah

Roadtrip #3: California to Utah

My third road trip as a traveling hand therapist was from Santa Cruz, California, to Salt Lake City, Utah. I took a round-a-bout way to get there in the heart of winter to see friends and family along the way, as well as a few spectacular national parks.

 

My third road trip as a traveling hand therapist was from Santa Cruz, California, to Salt Lake City, Utah. I took a round-a-bout way to get there in the heart of winter to see friends and family along the way, as well as a few spectacular national parks.

 
Featured
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City

I am lucky enough to call Salt Lake City my home for 6 months! This town is known for having an international airport in town, and the most incredible skiing mountains in the world just a short drive away. There are a few other noteworthy spots to see in this picturesque city.

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Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

One of my all-time favorite national parks, this was the first “wow” moment I’ve ever had when it comes to thinking land is beautiful. I visited Bryce Canyon before when I was 11 years old and have never forgotten the feeling of seeing the contrasting-colored white snow on the tall and skinny bright orange/red rocks, and wondering how such “hoo-doo” structures exist in the world. I drove through here on my third road trip in the heart of winter, from Santa Cruz, California to Salt Lake City, Utah. I also visited multiple times while I was living in Salt Lake City!

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Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park

While Redwood trees are the tallest trees in the world, Sequoia trees are the largest mass of trees in the world. It is quite hard to comprehend just how large they are until you get up close and personal with them on the Congress Trail.

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South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe

Since I can remember, Lake Tahoe has been on my bucket list! I envisioned going here in the summer because tire chains are recommended during the winter months. However, I got there safe and sound in January 2023 with my 4-wheel drive Jeep Cherokee and totally enjoyed being flanked by snow banks piled up on the sides of the road while heading there. I met up with one of my friends' daughters who lives in South Lake Tahoe, and she gave me the locals’ insight. You won’t want to miss some of these food suggestions in the “Where to Eat” section.

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Henry Cowell State Park: Redwood Grove Loop Trail
Henry Cowell State Park: Redwood Grove Loop Trail

When asking my patients, coworkers, and landlords the #1 thing to do in Santa Cruz, the Redwood Grove Loop Trail in Henry Cowell State Park was frequently mentioned. This state park is just north of Santa Cruz in a small town called Felton. You will enter this park, pay the entrance fee (bring cash!) and park in the parking lot near the visitors center. This breathtaking, 1 mile easy loop trail highlights the tallest trees in the world.

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Yosemite
Yosemite

The grandeur of Yosemite is showcased throughout many parts of the park. The most iconic moments are in Yosemite Valley. Everywhere you look is a “wow” moment. However each of the sections gives you a different feel of the park. Tuolomne Meadows provides more leisurely, sprawling adventures, whilst Yosemite Valley is the more thrilling moments most people are looking for.

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Highway One: Davenport to Mavericks
Highway One: Davenport to Mavericks

A drive-through mini town on what the locals call “Highway One,” Davenport is great for a stopping point for food or if you are wanting to relax or surf by the jaw-dropping beach cliffside. Drive about an hour north to Half Moon Bay, which is a bigger small-town that has a main street with lots of shops and places to eat. In between are several breathtaking moments that you won’t want to miss!

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Capitola
Capitola

One of the most popular destinations on the west coast, this southern-Italy style scenic beach is small, with lots of cutesy beach shops and restaurants right up to the sand.

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Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea

The beautiful, quaint, artistic town of Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for many reasons. The famous people who live here, the gorgeous homes along the streets, the delicious food, scenic Carmel Beach, and tons of shops. I also visited a vineyard close to downtown Carmel because “when in central California…” ;-)

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Point Lobos State Park
Point Lobos State Park

Point Lobos State Park in Santa Cruz County is my landlords’ favorite state park in the region. After visiting, I can concur that it truly is a special place! I got a private tour with a state park ranger who showed us what whale blow holes look like. We counted about 30 blow holes in the time we were at the park! Typically there are other sea creatures there as well but we did not spot any others. The views of Big Sur were astounding from this South Shore Trail.

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