American Nomad Blog
About this blog
American Nomad covers the best of U.S. travel—from vacation deals to festivals, weekend getaways, travel tips, and more. A seasoned traveler and Moon author, Laura is the perfect guide to help discover new gems when traveling domestically.
Recent Posts
- A Southern Girl's Wintertime Adventure in Yellowstone
- One Novelist's Odyssey Across America
- Gearing up for a Family Camping Trip
- Mint Juleps and More at Oak Alley Plantation
- Avoiding Identity Theft While on Vacation
- Money-Saving Travel Tips from Nomadic Matt
- Fashion, Fun, and Convenience for the Modern Traveler
- In Search of Irish Museums Across America
- The Inspiring Journey of a Solo Kayaker
- Getting Fit for Treks in Yosemite and Elsewhere, Part 2
- Getting Fit for Treks in Yosemite and Elsewhere, Part 1
- Experiencing Yosemite with YExplore
- Two Travel Contests Worth Mentioning
- A Word About the TSA's No-No List
- A Reader's Advice About Airport Security
Historic Taverns Across America, Part 2
On Thursday, I mentioned two of my favorite historic taverns – Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, a National Historic Landmark in the New Orleans French Quarter, and Captain Tony’s Saloon in Key West’s Old Town district. Both are rich with history and atmosphere, and each were once the preferred hangouts of some of my favorite American writers, including Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, and Robert Frost. more >>
Historic Taverns Across America, Part 1
Traveling through Europe can be an incredible history lesson. No doubt I learned more from experiencing landmarks like the Tower of London and the Roman Coliseum firsthand than reading about them in my old high school textbooks. But, while Europe might boast several centuries' worth of historic battlefields, castles, and other impressive edifices, the United States offers a great deal of intriguing history, too – especially when you consider how young this nation is. From Independence Hall in Philadelphia to the Spanish missions of California, America encompasses a wealth of amazing locales, rich with the history of the varied peoples that have populated this diverse land. more >>
Helping to Restore Louisiana’s Coastal Wetlands
Yesterday, most Americans probably celebrated Thanksgiving in a traditional way – with family dinners, football games, and all-American delicacies like turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and the like. I was certainly one of them, spending much of the day at my father’s house, gabbing with relatives, scarfing down yummy, non-diet foods, giving thanks for the people in my life, and dreading the possibility of Black Friday crowds at stores and shopping malls around the city. more >>
Truck Stop Oases on the American Road
As a travel writer, I embrace all sorts of transportation options, from boats and bicycles to horses and trains, but most of my favorite memories revolve around the open road. Whether venturing to Disney World with my mom, touring the California coast with a childhood friend, or exploring the country with my husband, Dan, I’ve always relished traveling by car – or motorhome. What’s not to love about it? There’s the ever-changing scenery, the odd roadside attractions, the eccentric people, even the truck stops with their region-specific gift shops. more >>
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.