Surfing the Web, Stumbling into Wanderlust

One of my guilty pleasures since being forcefully retired (yes, I’m still salty) is cruising around the internet. It’s a rabbit hole of weird and wonderful discoveries—and we all know if it’s on the internet, it must be true, right?

I especially love lists. Bucket lists, travel lists, “best of” lists—I devour them like popcorn. I scroll through to see what I’ve done, what I’ve missed, and whether I agree with the writer’s take. Recently, I stumbled across a list of “Hidden Gems.” I expected obscure spots I’d never heard of, but surprise surprise—I’ve actually been to a few!

❄️ Leavenworth, Washington: Alpine Charm Without the Prison

The list kicks off with Leavenworth, Washington—a mountain village with alpine architecture, festive vibes, and wintery fun like sleigh rides and snowshoeing. Sounds magical… if you like snow. I, however, am a blanket-loving, cold-avoiding creature. Sleigh rides? Maybe. Snow? Hard pass.

Oh, and just to clear up a common misconception: the infamous Leavenworth prison is in Kansas, not Washington. So no need to worry about bunking with inmates on your holiday getaway.

🏖️ St. Augustine, Florida: History with a Sea Breeze

Now this one I have visited. St. Augustine is described as “old world elegance meets coastal calm,” and I couldn’t agree more. It’s a dream for history buffs and beachcombers alike.

I wandered through the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (Ponce de León sightings: frequent), and explored Castillo de San Marcos—the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. It looked nothing like the northern forts I grew up with, and that made it all the more fascinating.

Castillo de San Marcos – Photo Credit Deb Neumann

🏜️ Village of Oak Creek, Arizona: Sedona’s Serene Sister

Been there, done that—and I’d do it again. Oak Creek is often overshadowed by Sedona, but it’s a gem in its own right. Rich red rocks, peaceful vibes, and spa-worthy stays make it a haven for nature lovers and photographers. I’ve visited more than once, and each time feels like a fresh discovery.

Red Rocks –photo credit Deb Neumann

🏞️ Eureka Springs, Arkansas: Victorian Whimsy in the Ozarks

I haven’t made it to Eureka Springs yet, but it’s on the “maybe” list. It’s described as a quirky small town with Victorian charm, winding hills, and upscale cabins tucked into the Ozarks. Kayaking and underground tours sound fun… though my joints might disagree. Still, never say never.

🌊 Mendocino, California: Cliffside Calm and Coastal Cuisine

Now this one has my attention. Mendocino promises cliffside inns, local vineyards, and oceanfront escapes. Food, wine, and waves? Yes, please. I could definitely get into that kind of coastal calm.

✨ What’s Next?

There’s still so much to explore—new places to discover and old favorites to revisit. Maybe I missed something the first time around. Maybe I’ll find a new favorite. Either way, the journey continues… one internet list at a time.