Paddle boarding in Utah is one of the easiest ways to experience the state’s mix of mountains, desert light, and wide-open water. With dozens of reservoirs and lakes scattered across the state, it is one of the best places in the Mountain West for stand up paddle boarding. Whether you are looking for calm beginner-friendly water or more scenic, remote paddles, these are the best places to paddle board in Utah based on accessibility, scenery, and water conditions. Here are the

If there’s one thing I love about Colorado summers, it’s finding an excuse to get out on the water. Paddleboarding is one of my favorite ways to slow down, soak in the scenery, and enjoy everything from city lakes to mountain reservoirs. Whether you’re brand new to stand up paddleboarding or you’ve been doing it for years, there are plenty of amazing places to launch your board within an easy drive of Denver. Some spots are perfect for a quick evening paddle after work, while

Tucked between Long Island’s North and South Forks and only reachable by ferry, Shelter Island feels like one of New York’s best-kept secrets. It’s the kind of place where time slows down a little. Marshland and sea meet in quiet rhythm, and every beach, trail, and small shop feels like it belongs exactly where it is. It sits only a few miles from the Hamptons, but the energy couldn’t be more different. Where the Hamptons lean polished and busy, Shelter Island feels softer, m

Before we jump into this blog post, I just wanted to say thank you for being here. This marks my 100th blog post, and I honestly couldn't have reached this milestone without all of you. If you've been following along since the beginning, thank you for your support over the last four years. And if you're new here, welcome! I'm so happy you found Seven Seas and Winter Trees. If you enjoy travel stories, destination guides, and a little bit of adventure, I'd love for you to subs

Growing up, some of my most treasured memories come from sailing to Martha’s Vineyard. After hours of sailing, the moment the island’s shoreline appears on the horizon feels like a quiet celebration. The salty breeze, the gentle rocking of the boat, and the sight of the island’s familiar contours bring a deep sense of peace and excitement all at once. That first glimpse of Martha’s Vineyard always signals the start of an unforgettable escape to one of New England’s most charm

Every summer, I find myself pulled back to the same place, the gentle sway of the boat, the salt in the air, and the first glimpse of Block Island coming into view on the horizon. Some of my earliest memories are tied to sailing here, watching the shoreline slowly take shape after hours on the water, moving through the Long Island Sound as Block Island came into view. Arriving by boat is part of the experience. You don’t just show up. You ease into it. The beaches stretch out

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with mountain views, easy adventure, and quiet moments outside, Rocky Mountain National Park is such a beautiful place to spend it. I spent a full day exploring from dawn to dusk, and it ended up being one of those days that felt full in the best way. There was plenty to see and do, but there were also so many moments that made me want to slow down and just take it all in. If you’re planning a Rocky Mountain National Park day trip, these are

Some trips are fun because they are relaxing, and some trips stay with you because they pushed you in a new way. My trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida was definitely the second kind. This was my first real dive trip, the trip where I finished my SDI scuba certification, and the first time I traveled solo for something that felt this big to me. I stayed across the street from the ocean, spent my days diving, and worked with Scuba Network to finish my certification. It was excit

Spring break does not have to follow a formula. It does not have to be wristbands and crowded shorelines and the same three cities recycled year after year. It can be contrast. Movement. Fresh air. Saltwater. Snow spray. Red rock dust on your boots. If you are craving a spring break that feels intentional and immersive, these destinations lean adventurous without losing the fun. This is for the traveler who wants stories, scenery, and maybe a little adrenaline mixed in. Here

Spring break has a reputation, and honestly, it has earned it. Crowded beaches. Neon swimsuits. Music that starts at noon and somehow keeps going until sunrise. That version absolutely exists. But it does not have to be the only version. Spring break can also be the trip you talk about for years. The first time you see water that clear. The first time you book a flight with your friends and realize you are fully in charge of the itinerary. The week that feels a little chaotic

When I planned my recent trip to Zion National Park, I wanted a place that felt like a true escape, somewhere peaceful, surrounded by nature, yet comfortable enough to unwind after a day of hiking and exploring. That’s how I found the Preserve Cabin at Zion Mountain Ranch, a 2 bedroom cabin near Zion that perfectly balanced rustic charm with modern comfort. Staying here wasn’t just about having a roof over my head. It was about immersing myself in the quiet beauty of the moun

Immersed in the breathtaking wilderness of Utah's Ogden Valley, Causey Reservoir emerges as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an exceptional array of aquatic adventures and natural beauty. Delving deeper into the unparalleled experiences awaiting visitors, this hidden gem offers a diverse tapestry of activities to savor against the backdrop of awe-inspiring landscapes. Discovering Causey Reservoir One of the significant draws of Causey is that no motors are allowed. Thi

Camping under the starry skies, surrounded by nature's tranquility, is something every traveler yearns for. The rustic charm of Maple...

The Grand Canyon is an absolutely breathtaking natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors annually. This incredible location...

Welcome to Part 2 of my Chengdu, China blog! If you haven't read Part 1 yet, you can read it here! In Part 1, I talked about my first impressions of Chengdu, the incredible Sichuan food, and the biggest culture shocks I experienced when I first arrived in China. While the food was one of my favorite parts of my time abroad, there was so much more to discover. Living in Chengdu gave me the opportunity to see everyday life in China, explore places I never could have seen on a s

To stay at Aspen resort is extremely expensive, so I have found an alternative that requires more driving but is way more cost-effective....

Western Maine Yurts is hands down one of the most incredible stays we have been to. This yurt community I found on Airbnb was so close to...

Roatan Honduras is a place where I never thought I would travel, especially not to scuba dive. An opportunity for a dive trip arose with...

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have traveled to Cuba. Visiting Cuba as an American isn't as straightforward as traveling to many other Caribbean destinations, so the opportunity felt especially special. I had always imagined what the island would be like from movies and documentaries, but nothing prepared me for seeing it in person. When my scuba diving group planned a trip to Cuba, I couldn't pass up the chance. Flying to Mexico was relatively smooth, and from the

Traveling to China is an experience I'll never forget. While I was in college, I had the opportunity to spend the summer living in Chengdu, China, through a study abroad program where I studied International Business and Coding. Before arriving, I intentionally wanted to travel somewhere completely different from what I was used to. I wanted to experience a culture where I knew very little about the customs, daily life, or even the language. Looking back, I couldn't have pick