OffBeat Pathfinder Basecamp

Grew up around salt and sea, but nothing hits like Islay’s air after a dram. The seafood platters at the Islay Hotel might be the best I’ve had—scallops that melt and crab so fresh, it might pinch you back. That smoky whisky? Took my breath away—literally. Visited during the jazz fest, and let me ...

Camped on the river, woke up to hot air balloons floating past—felt like I was still dreaming.

I just wanted to see a bear. Saw squirrels, lots. Bears, none. Disapointed.

Maine kid here. Whole place reminded me of a lobster pound except swap salt for cedar. Saw a snake, panicked, tripped into a wildflower patch, got pollen in my teeth. 10/10 would embarrass myself again for those views.

Did a river trip on the Kickapoo last summer—three sunburns, two fish, one lost paddle. Worth it.

Love this! Last time I was there, I stumbled into a bluegrass jam at a coffee shop off Kirkwood—total Hoosier hospitality. If you get a chance, the Indiana University Art Museum is a must (that glass ceiling!). Anyone kayak Monroe Lake at sunset? Unbeatable views.

Pro tip: Don’t try to hike Inferno Cone barefoot. Ask me how I know.

I’ll be honest: Highlands, NC, was supposed to be a “quick stop”—turned into a four-day accidental vacation. It’s one of those places where the roads wind like spaghetti and your GPS gives up around the third waterfall.


First impression: fresh air, fancy cars, more “for sale” signs than I’ve ...