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
The Little Grand Canyon of Northern Texas
I remember the first time I ever saw Arizona’s Grand Canyon for myself. It was a sunny May afternoon several years ago, and the emerald-hued Colorado River glistened as it snaked between the multi-layered, reddish-brown cliffs that define the Grand Canyon – an ancient formation that many consider to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Witnessing that incredible place was truly one of the more breathtaking moments of my life – an experience that I wish everyone could have. more >>
A Trip to the Zoo, Part 2
In yesterday’s American Nomad post, I shared my love for zoo-gazing – and my particular affinity for the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. Although I’ve considered it my favorite for years, I’ve discovered another winning choice near Los Angeles, one of my part-time homes. South of that sprawling metropolis and north of San Diego lies one of the most innovative zoological parks of its kind – the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park (15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, 760/747-8702, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily mid-June-Aug., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Sept.-mid-June, $35 adults, $26 children 3-11, $6-14 parking), an 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary nestled within the San Pasqual Valley. more >>
A Trip to the Zoo, Part 1
When I was a little girl, I used to love visiting Audubon Zoo with my mom. Watching the chimpanzees frolic on their wooden structure, riding a runaway elephant in hot pursuit of a wayward peacock, searching for hidden alligators in the Louisiana Swamp exhibit – I never got bored observing the animals in their habitats – even in the humid summer months, when they spent most of their days napping. Even asleep, the lions and tigers were fascinating – and just a little bit scary. more >>
The Charms of an Urban “Farm”
In the July/August 2009 issue of Westways magazine, the official periodical of the Automobile Club of Southern California, writer James Bartlett extols the virtues of the Original Farmers Market (323/933-9211, hours vary daily) in Los Angeles. Situated at Third and Fairfax, the long-standing market celebrated its 75th anniversary this summer. more >>
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