Raleigh-based travel notes, guides, and road-tested escapes.

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The Cubeless ChroniclesRaleigh-based travel notes, close escapes, and longer adventures from North Carolina and beyond.

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

Marcel Proust

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Recent travel notes from Raleigh, North Carolina, and farther afield.

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“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.”

Anita Desai

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Sam Adams Tap Room sign in Boston.

DomesticMay 24, 2025

On the Freedom Trail: Boston and Concord, MA

In April, we headed north to Boston for our friends Joe and Lily’s baby shower. The last time we were up that way, we were celebrating their wedding in Providence, Rhode Island (see our blog on that trip). This visit felt like a full-circle moment—reconnecting with them and their families as they prepare to welcome...

Featured image from our 11-day trip to Ireland.

GlobalApril 13, 2025

St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland: Our 11-Day Adventure

In March 2025, we packed our bags, loaded up the car, and headed to Dulles International Airport to begin an unforgettable 11-day trip to Ireland. We timed the journey to celebrate both St. Patrick’s Day and Daniel’s birthday.

Featured image from my work travels through Iowa and Utah.

DomesticApril 1, 2025

Sustainable Travels: Conservation and Connection from Iowa to Utah

In my latest work travels, I had the opportunity to visit Dubuque, Iowa, and Salt Lake City, Utah—two places that offered not only valuable professional experiences but also meaningful personal connections and memorable moments along the way.

Featured image from our European adventure through Bavaria, Venice, and Prague.

GlobalNovember 3, 2024

Alpine Peaks, Bavarian Castles, Venetian Music and Prague Spires: A European Adventure

This past month, we embarked on a European adventure alongside Daniel’s parents, a chance to prioritize the gift of quality time together after his mother’s recent retirement. Traveling through the EF Go Ahead Tours, with an extra adventure day on our own before the tour, we explored stunning landscapes and historic cities, from the towering...

Featured image from our trip through West Virginia.

DomesticSeptember 9, 2024

Discovering Hidden Gems in West Virginia: A Journey Home

Recently, I had the joy of revisiting my beloved home state of West Virginia and sharing its magic with Daniel. We traveled over the Fourth of July weekend to celebrate the founding of our country surrounded by natural beauty and the warm hospitality that defines the Mountain State. Music and Mountains Our adventure began as...

Featured image from our holiday trip to Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens.

DomesticJuly 27, 2024

Christmas in July: Exploring Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens During the Holidays

Happy Christmas in July! Daniel and I were reminiscing about last year’s Christmas the other day, and we realized we never shared last year’s holiday trip to Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens with you. We are not big on presents, so our Christmas gifts to each other the last few years have been trips, like...

Featured image from our time exploring Lexington, Kentucky.

DomesticJuly 2, 2024

Exploring Lexington, Kentucky: A Perfect Blend of Work and Fun

Lexington, Kentucky is a city that seamlessly blends vibrant culture, rich history, and modern charm. My recent work trip for the Southeast Grain Gathering turned into an unforgettable adventure as Daniel elected to come with me and we extended our stay to explore some of Lexington’s hidden gems. From strolling through lush gardens to experiencing...

Featured image from our visit to Congaree National Park.

DomesticMarch 15, 2024

Embracing the Underrated Swamp: Congaree National Park

After buying our parents and ourselves a National Park Wall Hang for Christmas, Daniel and I have made it a goal to travel to as many national parks as possible. As readers of this blog will know, we are off to a great start after visiting the Great Smoky Mountains and New River Gorge in...

Featured image from our whirlwind weekend in Manhattan.

DomesticNovember 18, 2023

Manhattan Marvels: A Whirlwind Weekend of Parks, Plays, and Unforgettable Moments

Embark on a captivating journey with us through the heart of New York City, where history, humor, and theatrical hijinks intertwine to create an unforgettable weekend. From the serenity of Central Park’s autumn splendor to the eccentric delights of Drunk Shakespeare, join us as we navigate the urban oasis of Midtown Manhattan, uncovering hidden gems...

Featured image from our Great Smoky Mountains backpacking trip.

DomesticNovember 5, 2023

A Hike to Remember: Our Adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains

Amid the vibrant tapestry of fall foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains, our backpacking journey on the Appalachian Trail unfolded. Our grand plan was to hike 40 miles on the Appalachian Trail from Fontana Dam to Newfound Gap. For me, it was an opportunity to discover if I could embrace the ruggedness of backpacking on...

Featured image from our time in Providence, Rhode Island.

DomesticOctober 20, 2023

Discovering the Heart of History: A Stroll Through Providence, Rhode Island

Providence, Rhode Island, may be known as the “Creative Capital” and the home of prestigious institutions like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, but it’s also a city steeped in history and charm. Recently, Daniel and I had the opportunity to explore this captivating city during a long weekend trip for a...

Featured image from our Shenandoah National Park trip.

DomesticJuly 8, 2023

Exploring Nature’s Treasures: A Memorable Journey through Shenandoah National Park

Introduction: Embarking on an adventure through Shenandoah National Park, our five-night stay in the picturesque town of Luray, VA, became a gateway to unforgettable experiences. From breathtaking hikes along scenic trails to indulging in local flavors and immersing ourselves in the region’s rich history, our travel escapade left us with cherished memories and a deeper...

Featured image from our Patagonia W Trek.

GlobalMay 15, 2023

Journeying through Patagonia’s W-Trek: A Trekker’s Dream Come True

Trekking along the W Trail Imagine standing at the foot of towering granite peaks, surrounded by glaciers and turquoise lakes. This breathtaking beauty is what awaits trekkers on the W Trail in Torres del Paine National Park, located in the vast and rugged region of Patagonia at the southern tip of South America. A UNESCO...

Manta ray statue outside the Florida Aquarium in Tampa.

DomesticFebruary 26, 2023

A Long Weekend in Tampa, Florida

Welcome to Tampa, Florida! Located on the Gulf Coast, Tampa is known for its sunny weather, stunning beaches, and lively atmosphere. Daniel and I traveled to Tampa recently and we must say that the inexpensive flights from RDU make for a memorable weekend getaway. For our Valentine’s Day weekend trip, we hit some of the...

Sunrise over North Myrtle Beach with the shoreline and Cherry Grove Pier.

DomesticFebruary 4, 2023

North Myrtle Beach, SC

Living in the Triangle has many perks, but perhaps our favorite is the proximity to both the beach and the mountains. Last weekend, Daniel and I traveled to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to visit his parents and to take in the salty seaside air. If you are interested in taking a trip to North...

Sunset aerial view of a vineyard and winery in North Carolina's Yadkin Valley.

North CarolinaDecember 3, 2022

Taking a Ride on the Elkin Vine Line

Once a bustling town steeped in the textiles industry, Elkin has pivoted to become the premiere wine hub in North Carolin’s most popular viticultural region, the Yadkin Valley AVA. We were fortunate enough to spend a weekend in Elkin with friends a few weeks ago and highly recommend this area for the budding oenophiles among...

Aerial view of downtown Wake Forest and the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary campus.

North CarolinaNovember 8, 2022

Spending A Day In Wake Forest, NC

Introduction North Carolina is acclaimed for its awe-inspiring Appalachian mountains, pristine beaches, and abundance of rural farmland; however, some of the lesser-known charms of NC are the small-town main streets that dot the state. One such place is Wake Forest, North Carolina, located about 30 minutes from both Raleigh and Durham. Last year, I bought...

Featured image from Nocturnal by Nature at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

North CarolinaOctober 31, 2022

Nocturnal by Nature: Halloween at NCMNS

Halloween is a time for dressing up, for spooky and chilling thrills, and for things that only come out at night. In Raleigh, there is no better place to celebrate this holiday than the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Held every year, the museum’s Nocturnal by Nature event offers adults the chance to experience...

Aerial view of fall color across the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina's High Country.

North CarolinaOctober 20, 2022

A High Country Long Weekend

Autumn in North Carolina’s High Country feels like something out of a dream. The reds and oranges of the deciduous trees set the sky on fire in an otherwise steady sea of green pines and moss. Daniel and I were fortunate enough to spend a few days during peak leaf season this October, and below...

Colorful oversized chair sculpture in downtown Raleigh with a seated visitor.

North CarolinaOctober 11, 2022

An October Week in Raleigh, NC

The other day Daniel remarked on how active we stay, even during a typical October week in Raleigh. While this may have something to do with my inability to sit still most nights, I choose to believe that some of my exploration habits are due to the fact that I moved to Raleigh at the...

Banjo-playing statue outside the Raleigh Convention Center during IBMA World of Bluegrass.

North CarolinaOctober 6, 2022

IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival

The IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival is a three-day event that features bluegrass music, workshops, and more. The festival features live bluegrass music from some of the most talented musicians in the world, as well as up-and-comers in the scene. This year’s festival was moved indoors to accommodate Hurricane Ian’s arrival in North Carolina. Raleigh...

Pullen Park entrance sign in Raleigh under an evening sky.

North CarolinaOctober 3, 2022

A “Short Little Walk” to Pullen Park

Introduction One of the things I love most about Sydney is how active she is. As a former collegiate cross country runner, a day rarely passes where Sydney isn’t partaking in some form of vigorous exercise. That being said, a lifetime of intense running can take a bit of a toll on one’s body, so...

Forest-covered cliffs in New River Gorge National Park under a partly cloudy sky.

DomesticSeptember 26, 2022

New River Gorge National Park

Growing up in West Virginia, you might think I would have explored and enjoyed all the Mountain State had to offer before leaving the state at twenty-one. However, there are some parts of my home state I could not have appreciated until I was older and certainly not until I was able to experience its...