Quintana Roo has long been one of our favorite places to unwind: a blend of tropical beauty, warm Caribbean waters, incredible food, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like family. It’s also home to the Riviera Maya, a coastline shaped by centuries of Mayan history and culture. The region may be famous for its 5‑star all‑inclusive resorts, but step outside the gates and you’ll find a world rich with stories, ruins, and experiences that reward anyone with a curious streak for the extraordinary. Home Base For this trip we traveled to Akumal, Mexico, and set up camp at the Grand Sirenis Resort and Spa Riviera Maya. It’s…
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A Day at the Old Idaho Penitentiary: Exploring Idaho’s Untold History
For most people, Idaho is known as the Gem State and for its famous potatoes, but in Boise there are a few other gems worth digging up. During a recent trip through the area, we stumbled upon the Old Idaho State Penitentiary Museum and the two museums that share the property: the Idaho Museum of Mining & Geology and the J. Curtis Earl Weapons Museum. It’s an unexpected mix, but together they offer a surprisingly engaging look at Idaho’s lesser-known history. With that in mind, we headed in to see what the place was all about. The Idaho Museum of Mining & Geology A Tiny Museum With Plenty to See…
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The Real Guide to Santa Clara Chowdown: Where to Eat before Super Bowl LX
Super Bowl LX is descending on Levi’s Stadium, and while the rest of the country argues about quarterbacks and commercials, let’s talk about what really matters: where to eat. Santa Clara and the South Bay have a lot more to offer than tech offices and sad hotel breakfasts. Whether you’re a visiting fan or a local dodging crowds, here’s your cheat sheet to flavor. 🍣 Rantei Japanese Cuisine – Franklin Square, Santa Clara Vibe: Cozy, casual, borderline addictiveGo For: Chicken Katsu, sushi rolls, and your new weekly ritual Tucked near the Santa Clara Mission and University, Rantei is one of our all-time favorites. We’ve eaten here more times than we…
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The Real Guide to South Bay Hikes & Nature Escapes
When visiting the San Francisco Bay Area for a major event, whether it’s the Super Bowl or the FIFA World Cup, or something else entirely – it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and forget to explore what else the region has to offer. Santa Clara County and the Greater Bay Area are packed with incredible outdoor escapes just a short drive from Levi’s Stadium. If you’d like to take a break from the roaring crowds and traffic, we’ve compiled a helpful guide highlighting some of our favorite local hikes and nature spots to help you make the most of your trip beyond the big game. So if…
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The Real Guide to Visiting the SF Bay Area for Super Bowl LX 2026
If you’re lucky enough to have scored tickets to Super Bowl LX 2026 at Levi’s Stadium, congrats. You’re about to experience one of the most misunderstood corners of California. This isn’t LA. This isn’t “San Francisco, but cheaper.” This is Silicon Valley, aka the South Bay—home of nerds, artists, small businesses, surprise microclimates, & 13 wildly different cities coming together as one metro area for the big game. And this is your insider’s guide, timed for the Super Bowl and possibly helpful for the FIFA World Cup tourists too. Expect real talk, myth-busting, and deeply biased opinions from these two locals who’ve survived rush hour, tech bros, and BART expansions…
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Salisbury Steak With Mushroom Gravy: Easy Comfort Food Recipe
We all have fond memories of our favorite dishes growing up. For us, one recipe that stuck with us throughout the years, and still shows up regularly on our household menu, is Salisbury Steak. Rich, hearty, and smothered in savory mushroom gravy, this nostalgic dish is pure comfy vibes on a plate. Often confused with Swiss Steak, which is usually a tenderized cut of round or chuck simmered in a tomato-based sauce, Salisbury Steak is all about that thick brown gravy magic. We like to take it a step further by serving it over our favorite mashed potatoes, turning it into a dish that’s as warm & cozy as it…
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Haunted Places & Dark Tourism in the San Francisco Bay Area
It’s that time of year again, when the air turns crisp and shadows stretch more than they should. Cobwebs, fog machines, and ominously positioned skeletons transform neighborhoods into elaborate theatrical sets. That time of year when the candy flows freely, and children, and more than a few adults, roam the streets in delightfully spooky disguises and costumes. Truly, the season for ghoulish parties and haunted hijinks. But here in the San Francisco Bay Area, haunted history stays hidden in the shadows. It whispers through local graveyards, clings to condemned buildings, and echoes off the walls of places where tragedy once made itself at home. These aren’t just mere tourist stops—they’re…
