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A Snowy Long Weekend In Canada
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We flew from Richmond to Toronto the morning after getting engaged on my birthday and drove north to Muskoka for a snowy three-day escape at JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. From a four-course fondue dinner in the snow-filled Ice Caves and Valentine’s Day ice skating at Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh to snowshoeing Scenic Caves and a –15°C Crystal Head Vodka Ice Bar tasting, this Canadian winter getaway was equal parts adventure and romance. If you’re looking for the perfect Muskoka winter itinerary, this long weekend guide covers where to stay, what to do, and why we’re already planning our return.
Watching the Monks Walk for Peace Through Virginia
We waited four hours in the cold to witness Buddhist monks walk for peace through Virginia. Rooted in the teachings of Thích Nhất Hạnh and the Plum Village tradition, this post reflects on walking meditation, presence, and the quiet power of slowing down.
When Winter Shows Up Hard at Home
Life on a Virginia homestead during a winter ice storm meant frozen water for the animals, hauling buckets through snow and ice, running on emergency heat, and finding quiet joy snowshoeing our own trails. A real look at winter preparedness, resilience, and rural life.
Snowshoeing the Blue Ridge Parkway: Cold Miles for a Big July Goal
We snowshoed the Blue Ridge Parkway while it’s closed for winter to train for the 108-mile Tour du Mont Blanc trek in July. This post covers cold-weather endurance training, using weighted Osprey packs, the importance of proper backpack fitting at REI, and our favorite post-hike stops in Crozet, Virginia.
Our First Official Adventure: 22 Hours to Acadia National Park
We drove 22 hours to Acadia National Park, Maine for our first trip together, stopping in Salem, MA before exploring the Beehive Trail, coastal tidepools, Bar Harbor Fourth of July fireworks, a scenic plane tour, and a Cadillac Mountain sunrise hike with reservation tips for driving to the summit.
First Day Hike: Blue Suck Falls Trail to Tuscarora Overlook
We kicked off the year hiking Blue Suck Falls Trail to Tuscarora Overlook at Douthat State Park as part of Virginia State Parks’ First Day Hike program.
Hiking Havasupai Falls: A Journey to the Heart of Supai
Hiking Havasupai Falls on the Supai Reservation—trail details, permits, camping tips, waterfalls, and what to expect on this unforgettable desert trek.
A Very Roamsteaders Christmas: Cozy Stops, Festive Drinks & Holiday Traditions
A cozy Virginia Christmas roundup featuring festive lights, local coffee, holiday pop-ups, Wintergreen Resort, dog-friendly events, and seasonal drinks across Richmond.
Our Oregon & California Redwoods Road Trip
A road trip through Oregon and the California Redwoods—from Portland’s underground tunnels to Bend, Crater Lake’s Ride the Rim, coastal lighthouses, and redwood forests.
A Weekend in Roanoke, Virginia: Hiking the Triple Crown & Downtown Eats
Spend a weekend in Roanoke, Virginia hiking McAfee Knob and Dragon’s Tooth, staying in a cozy tiny house, exploring downtown Roanoke, and seeing the iconic Roanoke Star. Trail tips, parking advice, and food stops included.