A Family Adventure in New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region

This summer, our family set out to explore New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region as part of a partnership with Visit Monadnock. What we discovered is that this corner of the state is the perfect destination for active families. Between the hiking, biking, farm adventure, and family-friendly attractions, we barely scratched the surface of what the region has to offer.

What is the Monadnock Region?

The Monadnock Region is located in the southwest corner of New Hampshire, centered around the iconic Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the world. But it’s more than just a mountain - this area includes charming small towns like Keene, Jaffrey, and Peterborough, plus countless lakes, forests, and cultural gems. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or downtown strolls, it’s a beautiful spot for families to slow down and connect.

Our Family-Friendly Itinerary

Friday: Arrival at the Inn at East Hill Farm

We kicked off our trip at East Hill Farm, an all-inclusive, family-focused getaway at the base of Mount Monadnock. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel at home. We toured the property, swam in one of their three pools, and sat down to a hearty turkey dinner. That evening, the kids loved the glow party that was fun with dancing, lights, and plenty of energy burned off before bed. 

View from the pool in front of our room at East Hill Farm in Troy, NH

East Hill Farm had animals to meet, amazing meals (all included), and family-friendly activities.

Saturday: Farm Fun and Downtown Keene

After a made-to-order breakfast (literally anything you can dream up), the kids jumped into farm life. They had the option to milk cows and goats, pet bunnies, pet goats, and check in on the chickens. We spent the morning pedaling a boat around the farm’s pond and joining activities like ice cream making and friendship bracelet crafts. Lunch was included before we packed up and headed to Keene.

Our first stop in town was the Keene Bike Park, a pump-track-style park where the kids zipped around on bikes and scooters. Then we checked into the Carriage Barn Inn, a cozy inn right in downtown Keene. We explored the charming shops, grabbed burgers and fries at Fritz, and treated ourselves to frozen yogurt at YOLO Café. To top it all off, we listened to live music at the town bandstand - a perfect summer night in Keene.

Keene had a ton to offer - shops, food, culture, and nature.

Sunday: Mount Monadnock & Spofford Lake

We set alarms for an early start to hike Mount Monadnock. Parking reservations are required ($16) at the park headquarters, so we reserved in advance. We hiked the White Dot Trail up and descended the White Cross Trail. It is a 3.9-mile loop with 1,774 feet of elevation gain. It’s a challenging climb with open slab and spots that require a bit of fancy footwork, but our family made it to the summit and back in about four hours. The views stretched across all of New England and were worth every step.

Afterward, we celebrated with giant portions of ice cream at Kimball Farm in Jaffrey, then headed to Ware’s Grove Beach on Spofford Lake. Non-resident admission costs a small fee, but it was well worth it: a sandy beach, concessions, playground, and warm, clear water with a sandy bottom made it a family favorite.

That evening, we returned to Keene and had dinner at Buba Noodle Bar. The kids devoured bao dumpling sandwiches and crab rangoon spring rolls, while Matt and I enjoyed pho and ramen. 

Mt Monadnock is a challenging, yet rewarding climb.

This small ice cream from Kimballs was HUGE!

Monday: Bookshops & Rail Trails

On our final morning, we checked out of the inn and enjoyed a hearty breakfast at Yellow Bell Café. Before heading home, we stopped at Toadstool Bookshop, an independent bookstore where the kids picked out new reads. Our last adventure was biking a section of the Ashuelot Recreational Rail Trail, a flat, scenic path perfect for families. 

Delicious huevos rancheros at Yellow Bell Cafe

Best Things to Do with Kids in the Monadnock Region

If you’re planning your own family trip, here are some highlights we recommend:

• Stay at East Hill Farm – a perfect mix of farm fun, activities, and relaxation for families.

• Hike Mount Monadnock – best for older kids who can handle a moderately challenging hike.

• Swim at Ware’s Grove Beach – sandy shores, playground, and clear lake water.

• Bike the Keene Rail Trail – flat and family-friendly, great for all ages.

• Visit Keene Bike Park – a fun spot for kids on bikes or scooters.

• Explore downtown Keene – from live music on the green to shops and kid-approved eats like Fritz and YOLO Café.

• Pick out books at Toadstool Bookshop – a cozy local spot perfect for rainy-day browsing.

• NEXT TIME - We didn't get a chance to visit the Keene Children's Museum, participate in the rail trail passport program, or visit some of the other, small hikes in the area. I'd also love to go back and visit the town of Peterborough because I've heard such good things! 

  

  Swimming at Ware's Grove Beach was a big hit.

  
  

  

  We could have easily spent a week at East Hill Farm - so many activities!

  
  

Why Families Will Love the Monadnock Region

This trip proved that the Monadnock Region is a playground for active families. From swimming and biking to hiking one of the most famous peaks in the world, there’s something for every age and ability level. Add in charming towns, delicious food, and family-friendly accommodations, and it’s a destination we can’t wait to return to.

We only just began to uncover all that this region has to offer, and we’re already planning our next trip back.  Visit Freelance Adventurer or Visit Monadnock instagram for more photos and videos!

You might also enjoy these similar adventures:

- Family Friendly Northern White Mountains Weekend 

- 24 Hour Affordable Getaway in the White Mountains with Kids

- Ogunquit Maine for Families

A Week on the Papagayo Coast in Costa Rica: Relaxation Meets Adventure

 

Back from my annual Friends-Trip!  This summer, I spent a week in Costa Rica with two friends, and all of us flying in from different parts of the country. We wanted a trip that balanced active adventures with plenty of downtime, without the stress of constant planning. 

My main goals for the trip were:

1. Zipline in the rainforest

2. Hike to a waterfall

3. Snorkel and/or go whale watching

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Ziplining over rainforest at Buena Vista in Costa Rica

Why Did I Choose an All-Inclusive Resort?

This was my first time staying at an all-inclusive resort, and we chose Planet Hollywood Costa Rica.  I wanted beach access (the property sits on a gorgeous black sand beach), a variety of food options without decision fatigue, built-in entertainment, and an easy place to coordinate with friends traveling from different states. The resort features terraced hotel buildings on a hill overlooking the water, a huge pool with a swim-up bar, and multiple restaurants, bars, and cafés. Evenings come alive with performances by singers, dancers, and sometimes fire performers.  I decided Pacific-side Papagayo coast area was my preferred area to stay due to the ocean access and easy one hour drive east to rainforest and volcanoes. Planet Hollywood checked all the boxes.  It was my first time staying at a resort like this and I really enjoyed it!

By booking excursions directly through my resort’s partner, Nexus Tours, I got transportation included and did not need to rent a car. This let me focus entirely on enjoying myself. It ended up being the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. My catamaran tour was also booked through the resort and they used the company Catamaran Ocean Tours.  I recommend both!

We saved money by having all three friends in one room.

The pool area was a favorite!

Bathroom

Swim up (and walk up) bars for drinks (included/free). My fave was the pina coloda.

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My Costa Rica Itinerary

Sunday, Aug 3: Travel Day

We landed in Liberia on a Sunday afternoon, just a quick forty-minute drive from the resort. The resort offers a pick up shuttle (for a fee), but since my friend Matt rented a car for his own excursions, he gave me a ride to the resort.  Leanne took the shuttle. Within the hour of arriving, we were walking into the air-conditioned lobby, welcome cocktails in hand. After checking in, we wandered around to get our bearings - we loved the powder soft black sand beach, giant pool with DJ and music, and the stunning bay views from the terrace of the main building. Dinner that first night was at the buffet, which offered everything from fresh salads to sushi, followed by an incredible fire performance that instantly set the bar high for the week’s evening entertainment.

One benefit of a resort was evening entertainment.

Monday, Aug 4: Relax at the Resort

Monday was a slower day. My friend Matt, who had rented a car, set off early for a scuba diving trip, while Leanne and I opted for a more relaxed schedule. We lingered over breakfast at the buffet, floated in the pool, and enjoyed burgers from the poolside café. That night, we dressed up for dinner at the resort’s Italian restaurant, savoring pasta and drinks before heading bed.

Monday was all about decompressing and relaxing!

Tuesday, Aug 5: Rainforest Hikes and Wildlife

Tuesday brought our first big adventure. I had booked the “Rio Celeste and Sloth” excursion, an all-day trip about two hours from the resort. A small bus picked us up, and our guide, Esteban, kept us entertained with stories about the region as we drove. We started at a cocoa and coffee farm, where we learned how both are grown and processed. Next, came a nature walk through lush forest, where Esteban spotted wild sloths high in the trees. He set up a scope so we could get a closer look and even helped us take photos through it. After a hearty "casado" lunch of rice, beans, and grilled chicken, we headed to Tenorio Volcano National Park to see the spectacular Rio Celeste Waterfall. The bright turquoise water looked almost unreal, and even a brief rain shower couldn’t dampen our mood. That evening, we returned in time to catch a Queen tribute band at the resort before a late-night hibachi dinner. 

Rio Celeste Waterfall

Got a close up look at this mama and baby sloth.

Frogs!

Casado Lunch (included in tour)

Wednesday, Aug 6: Nature Walks, Pool Time, and Kayak

Wednesday was another easygoing day. We started with lattes and pastries from the coffee shop, then joined the free Eco Nature Walk offered by the resort. Our guide pointed out howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and taught us about the area’s unique trees and plants. After some time lounging by the pool and another round of poolside burgers, we tried our hand at kayaking in the bay (free to borrow). The water was choppier than expected, so we didn’t stay out too long, but it was still a fun way to see the coast. We ended the day with a Tex-Mex dinner and a beautiful sunset on the beach. 

Kayaks are free to borrow at the resort and easy to put in on the beach!

Saw monkeys on our morning guided nature walk (free).

Thursday, Aug 7: Mega Adventure!

Thursday was all about adrenaline at Buena Vista Eco Park. After about an hour’s drive, we started with a short horseback ride, followed by a demonstration of traditional sugar cane grinding and pottery making. Then came the 1,375-foot jungle water slide - a wild ride that had me screaming the whole way down. From there, we zipped across the rainforest canopy on a series of ziplines before enjoying an authentic Costa Rican buffet lunch. The day wrapped up with a relaxing soak in thermal hot springs before heading back to the resort for dinner at the steakhouse and an “Oscar Night” themed performance. 

Horseback riding at Buena Vista.

Cultural demonstration on sugar cane.

Friday, Aug 8: Catamaran Sunset Snorkel

Friday, our last full day, was pure magic. We enjoyed a slow morning at the buffet and a few final hours in the pool before heading to the beach for our sunset catamaran excursion. The boat took us to a remote beach where we snorkeled with a guide (I saw a stingray, pufferfish, and lots of tropical fish), then returned to find fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, and chips waiting for us. On the cruise back, dolphins played alongside the boat as the sun dipped below the horizon. It was the perfect ending to our Costa Rica adventure. 

Amazing sunset in the Gulf of Papagayo

Saturday, Aug 9: Time to Go

Saturday morning came too quickly. After one last breakfast, we packed our bags and said goodbye to Planet Hollywood before catching our flights home.

To-order omelets at resort breakfast buffet.

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Recommendations & Tips

• Make dinner reservations on the PH app as soon as you arrive since spots fill quickly. The buffet is always an option without reservations.

• The resort food was delicious but not particularly authentic Costa Rican cuisine. You will taste more local flavors on excursions.

• No Spanish required since resort staff and tour guides speak excellent English.

• Bring an insulated water bottle. Staff will happily fill it with ice water.

• Money: No need to exchange for Costa Rican colón if you follow this itinerary. USD, credit cards, Apple Pay, and PayPal were accepted everywhere I went.

• Weather in August: The Papagayo Coast is a dry tropical forest, so rain was minimal with only one quick shower during a hike. Expect mid-80s and humid.

• Booking excursions through the resort made transportation easy and stress-free.

All Inclusive meant cocktails every night!

Make reservations for all (except buffet). 
The hibachi was the hardest to get reservations for.

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Final Thoughts

This trip was exactly what I needed, a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Between poolside cocktails, sunset sails, ziplines through the rainforest, and encounters with monkeys and sloths, Costa Rica delivered on every level. Planet Hollywood made logistics effortless, so all I had to do was enjoy the pura vida lifestyle.

Interested in this adventure?  Follow me on instagram or tik tok and check out similar adventures here:

- Bahamas Cruise
- Florida Keys Trip
- Iceland Road Trip

Six Hours Each Way for Dinner: A Pilgrimage to Au Pied de Cochon’s Sugar Shack

My third year making a pilgrimage to Quebec to visit a
 very special Sugar Shack for the best meal of my life.

Some meals are worth traveling for. And then there’s Au Pied de Cochon’s Sugar Shack, a seasonal feast so indulgent, so outrageously rich, that we willingly drive six hours each way just to experience it. This year marked our third time dining at this legendary maple season pop-up, but for the first time, we made a weekend of it—spending the night in Quebec instead of heading straight home.

The meat-heavy, decadent Quebecois cuisine is the brainchild of chef Martin Picard.

What Is Au Pied de Cochon’s Sugar Shack?

Nestled in the Quebec countryside, the Sugar Shack (Cabane à Sucre Au Pied de Cochon) is the brainchild of renowned chef Martin Picard. Known for his love of foie gras, maple syrup, and over-the-top Québécois cuisine, Picard first gained international fame with Au Pied de Cochon in Montreal. The Sugar Shack, open only during maple season, takes his signature excess to another level. Reservations open on December 1st and sell out fast—within hours, if not minutes. We first heard about it from Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown, and ever since, it’s been an experience we can’t resist.

The Feast: Maple, Foie Gras, and Everything in Between

If you’re picturing a casual pancake breakfast, think again. This is a multi-course extravaganza where every dish is a masterpiece of decadence. Highlights from our visit included:

• Foie gras-stuffed pastries drizzled with maple syrup

• Wood-fired meat pies drenched in rich, silky gravy, cheese, and organ meat

• Mouth-watering fish dishes like the shrimp and lobster omelet with hollandaise and squid ink sauce.

• Maple-smoked ham cooked to perfection

• A dessert spread that defied all logic—think maple taffy, maple crème brûlée, and crepes soaked in syrup and cooked in duck fat

Every plate arrives family-style, and by the end, you’re torn between never eating again and wondering when you can return. 

The sugar shack itself is a modest timber building - a one room dining hall.

Guests are seated for the time they sign up for - there are 1-3 serving sessions a day (Thurs-Sun during the season)

Getting There: Drive or Fly

For fellow USA adventurers willing to make the trek, here’s how to get there:

• By car: From Boston, it’s about a six-hour drive (longer with border crossings). From Montreal, it’s just over an hour.

• By air: Fly into Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) or Mirabel Airport (YMX) and rent a car.

** You need a passport to cross the Canadian border. Make sure you are familiar with border-crossing rules.

Stay

This year, we opted to stay overnight in an Airbnb in Saint-Julienne, a small rural town about 45 minutes from the Sugar Shack in Mirabel, and about an hour from Montreal. In years past, we've stayed in Vermont, and even driven back home on the same day.  Our friends have opted to stay in Montreal in the past since there's lots to do.

We shared an AirBnb about an hour from the Sugar Shack. 

Things to Do in the Area

While the Sugar Shack is the main event, there’s plenty to explore before or after your meal:

• Montreal’s Food Scene – If you have time, grab a meal at the original Au Pied de Cochon (we’ve dined there twice, and it’s always worth it).

• Old Montreal – Stroll through cobblestone streets, visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, and soak in the city’s charm.

• Mont Tremblant – If you’re up for skiing or outdoor adventures, this famous resort town isn’t far away.

Would we do it again? Absolutely. This wasn’t just dinner—it was an experience, a tradition, and a reminder that some meals are truly worth the journey.

Pro-tip: Bring your own tupperware/to-go containers. You will have leftovers!

Would you make a 12-hour round-trip for a meal? More video and photos at my Instagram: FreelanceAdventurer.

We've gone as a couple, a big group, and this time - good friends. Food is served family style - so it's fun to share!

Check out these similar adventures:

- Spring Weekend in the White Mountains
- Ogunquit, Maine overnight for families
- Affordable Family weekend in the Whites

Quebec's sugar shack culture and amazing food is as good as it gets

at Cabane à Sucre Au Pied de Cochon.

24 Hour Bretton Woods Getaway

 

View from Bretton Woods Vacation Rental Living Room

Winter is long in northern New England, and I HAVE to have something to look forward to.  For me, that's a trip, but with a full time job, two kids, pets, and endless house projects - it's hard to find the time.  This winter, I decided the least I could do was plan an end-of-winter 24 hour getaway in the Bretton Woods area of the White Mountains.  I brought my sister along for hiking, skiing, margaritas, good coffee, and a hot tub.  I documented it on my social media and here's a rundown of my 24 hour Bretton Woods Getaway.

Day 1 - Drinks and Hiking

12:00 - Coffee and amazing sandwiches at The Met in North Conway.  

Coffee at the Met Coffeehouse in North Conway

1:00-3:30 pm - Hike Mount Willard in Crawford Notch State Park.  Read more about this hike here.  In winter, bring extra (non cotton) layers, snowshoes, and microspikes/snow cleats, in addition to the normal 10 essentials.

Mount Willard in Crawford Notch State Park

4:00 pm - Check into our Bretton Woods Vacation house (called 1800 ML).  Tour the house, pour a margarita and make tacos in the stocked kitchen.  Enjoy the amazing sunset on the mountains and stay up late watching movies.

Day 2 - Hot Tubs and Skiing 

8:00 am - Take a morning dip in the hot tub surrounded by fresh snow!  Sip coffee and check out to hit the slopes for first lift.

Morning dip in the hot tub outside my Bretton Woods Vacation Rental with coffee

9:00 am - Drive 5 minutes to snag a front parking spot at Bretton Woods Ski Resort - the largest ski resort in New Hampshire.  Ski fresh powder with on-and-on snow fall.  With the gondola, you never get cold!

Riding the gondola up in a snowstorm at Bretton Woods

12:00 - After nonstop morning of skiing, it's time to head back home.  

Amazing morning skiing at Bretton Woods in fresh powder

This was the perfect winter "staycation" for me in my home state of New Hampshire and one that I hope to make a early March tradition!

For similar posts to this, check out:

Family Friendly Winter Hikes in the White Mountains

Cross Country Ski in Maine, NH, and VT

Planning Guide for a Maine (or NH) Vacation

Willand Pond Nature Walk

Willand Pond

I literally drive past this walk everyday and up until last week, I had never actually gone.  I've mostly ignored it before because unlike my usually mountain hiking, it's a flat, easy nature walk.  This turned out to be the perfect outing with my friend Courtney and her 2.5 year old.  With the easy trail, and things to see like trees, beach, and bridges he (and we) were entertained.

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Willand Pond Trail

Getting there:  I accessed the trail on Rt 108 on the Dover/Somersworth Line.  The trail starts at the Willand Pond Boat Launch that is located across the street from Strafford Farm Restaurant.  There is a parking lot at the trailhead/boat launch but no bathroom facilities.

Bog Bridges

Trail:  The trail is a flat dirt path.  I would say it is fairly wheelchair accessible (and stroller accessible).  The trail winds along one side of the lake.  It is not a loop.  There are benches along the way as well as calisthenic stretching/exercise stations.  After (my guess) about a half mile, there is a picnic area on the lake.  We weren't able to travel the whole trail since the toddler got tired, but we crossed paths with families, singles, and dog walkers all enjoying the trail.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.0 miles one way (2.0 miles out and back)



Recommendations:

- Dogs are allowed on the trail if they are leashed, however, be prepared to see unleashed dogs.

- It is a popular local fishing spot.  Be prepared to see boats, fishermen, and recreationalists.

Photo courtesy of Willand Pond Facebook Page

- It can be crowded in the summer but was pretty quiet on a cool, November day.

- Consider enjoying breakfast at Strafford Farms before your walk - that's what we did!

- Parking is free. There are no bathrooms.

I enjoyed exploring this nature walk close to my house.  It's always refreshing to get a respit from the town/city with a little patch of nature.

Enjoying the beach

You might also enjoy these similar adventures:

- Winnie the Pooh Trail in Barrington, NH

- Stonehouse Pond Loop in Barrington, NH

- Stratham Hill Park in Stratham, NH

The Best Road Trip - 15 nights in Iceland - Cost, Advice, and Itinerary

Godafoss Waterfall, Iceland

Hard to say something is the best, right?  I mean, I've been on some pretty awesome road trips - Newfoundland, California, Colorado, Michigan, Pacific Northwest, Southwest National Parks, Ireland....the list goes on and on.  But I can say - Iceland trumps them all.  The natural beauty is incomparable - it's AMAZING! Combined with the ease of foreign currency (all you need is a credit card), the delicious food, and the tourist-friendly attitude, makes this island THE BEST place to visit.  Yes, it's cold.  Yes, it's rural. No, there are no beaches to lay out in a bikini.  It's not that kind of vacation.  If you are looking for a natural wonderland and long roads where the only traffic is the sheep and horses on the side of road, then go here.  Below you'll get a review of our 15-night itinerary as well as some tips and tricks for your trip.  Happy Travels!

Dynjandi Waterfall, Iceland

THE BEST ROAD TRIP - 15 Nights in Iceland 

Outside of Reykjavik 

This trip wasn't cheap...but it was cheaper than I expected.  With a day job as a middle school science teacher, I don't have a huge slush fund for travel.  However, by saving $100 from each paycheck for three years (money that should have probably gone into some sort of Roth IRA retirement account), I saved $5,000 - my expected cost.  As it turned out, the trip cost - for everything - about $4,000 a person (3 person trip).  This included...

$760 - Round-trip Direct Flight from Boston
$1,936 - Payment to Iceland Unlimited (2 week budget car rental, 15 night budget accommodations, Ferry to Westfjords, Whale Watch Trip, Blue Lagoon Entrance, and Travel Agent Services [24-hour contact, map, meeting, cell phone, gps])
$421 - Expenses - 1/3rd of the gas, snacks, souvenirs, snacks
$569 - Food and Drink (Lunches and Dinners only. Breakfast was always included by guesthouses.  We often only went out for one large meal a day to save money)
$300 - Extra Excursions (Horseback Riding, Silfra Snorkel, Glacial Bay Boat Tour)
$160 - Third of cost for broken windshield (cracked along trip and had to replace)
______
TOTAL: $4,146

And it was worth EVERY PENNY!  I'm starting to save for a return trip (the Roth IRA can wait...)

5 Things I didn't know until I went to Iceland...

Hraunfossar waterfall

1.  There are waterfalls EVERYWHERE. - Yes.  I knew there were waterfalls there.  I had done my photography research on Godafoss, Gullfoss, and all the other "fosses".  What I didn't realize is that you can't throw a puffin in this country without hitting ten waterfalls.  Driving along fjords all day, we'd see literally hundreds of falls coming off the mountains and draining into the fjord.  It was amazing and beautiful.  Perhaps next time I go, I'll try to stop more often for the "little ones" (they aren't little by US standards) and spend less time at tourists favorites.

Lupines Everywhere!

2. In July, the country is covered in lupine flowers, sheep, and horses. - Oh my goodness! The beauty!  It's hard to describe, but we would drive for a full day through what looked like one massive field of purple lupines.  It's memorizing.  Icelanders also have large herds of sheep and horses that roam freely through the island.  Every glance is picture-perfect.


3.  Everyone speaks English. - Well, ok...I DID meet one woman who didn't at a rural gas station in North Iceland, but everyone else in the gas station did.  Since there are so many European tourists, English has become the "tourist language" and most menus, products, and signs were in English - even in rural areas.

Walking on ice - bring a jacket

4. The food is good. - I had expected food choice would be limited due to the remote and isolated location.  We found that restaurants served excellent and diverse menus.  Portion size was fair and so was cost.  Remember, you don't tip your servers in Iceland and tax is included in the cost of the food, so a $30 meal isn't that bad when you consider it includes tax and gratuity.  Oh...we also noticed there are a lot of pizza places.

5.  It's chilly. - I mean, I knew this I guess.  The summer prior, I had kept pretty close tabs on the daily weather in Reykjavik, but it was still surprising to be mid-July with a high of 55 F.  Bring lots of layered clothing and sunscreen.  The harsh northern sun will get you. Don't forget your swimsuit too - Hot tubs everywhere!

And now for the itinerary ... Click on the day and follow the link to the write up about that day.  

15 Nights in Iceland (in July)

Day 1 (July 8) - Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik Introduction - Arrive in Iceland at 6:30 am. Take Flybus to Blue Lagoon for opening at 8:30 am.  From Blue Lagoon, take Flybus to Reykjavik.  Check into Guesthouse Aurora and explore local spots.

Day 2 (July 9) - West Iceland - Lupines, Waterfalls, Hot Springs, and Craters - Get rental car from Enterprise and drive west.  Explore Hvakfjordur fjord and the Glymur waterfall. See other sights along the road. Stay at Hotel Borganes.

Day 3 - Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Day 3 (July 10) - Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Beaches, Churches, and Mountains -  Explore the Snaefellsnes peninsula and glacier.  Stay at Guesthouse Kast.

Day 4 (July 11) - The Wild Westfjords - Winding Roads, Mountains, Puffins, and a Ferry-  Take 9 am ferry  in Stykkisholmur alon Breidafjordur bay.  See Latrabjarg cliff and puffins!  Stay at Radagerdi hostel in Patreksfjordur.

Day 5 (July 12) - Westfjords Waterfalls and Coastal Villages  - Explore more of the Westfjords including Patreksfjordur, Talknafjordur, and Bildudalur.  Visit the Dynjandi waterfall and Isafjordur.  Stay at Hotel Edda Isafjordur.

Day 6 (July 13) - Westfjords Continued - Hot Tubs, Waterfalls, and Sorcery -  Explore the capital of sorcery and witchcraft while exploring more fjords and beauty.  Stay at Guesthouse Laugarholl.

Day 7 (July 14) - Northwest Iceland - Black Beaches, Driftwood and Icelandic Horses- Drive by fertile farmland and barren mountains roads.  Take an afternoon tour on Icelandic horses.  Stay at Guesthouse Holar. 

Day 8 (July 15) - Akureyri - Shopping, Food, and Drink - Drive to the capital of the north.  Explore the town and stay at Guesthouse Gula Villan.

Day 6 - Drangsnes Hot Tubs

Day 9 (July 16) - North Iceland - Whales, Waterfalls, and Nature Baths - Head for Lake Myvatan.  On the way stop and see Godafoss waterfall.  Go on 3 hour whale watching tour in Husavik.  Stay at Guesthouse Stong.

Day 10 (July 17) - Myvatn - Craters, Sulfur Pots, and Steam Vents - Drive to Eastern Iceland.  Stop to see Dettifoss - Europes most powerful waterfall.  Stay at Icelandair Hotel Herad.

Day 11 (July 18) - East Iceland - Hot Tubs, Lobster, and (more) Waterfalls - Drive through East Fjords and fishing villages.  Stay at Guesthouse Arnanes. 

Day 12 (July 19) - Southeast Iceland - Icebergs and Glaciers - See glacial lagoon through a boat tour.  Explore Vatnajokull National Park, Svartifoss Waterfall, and Vik.  Stay at Hotel Edda in Skogar.

Day 13 (July 20) - The South Coast - Waterfalls, Waterfalls, and Snorkeling - Drive the south coast and stop to see many waterfalls including Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui. Snorkel Silfa in Thingvellir National Park. Spend the night at Guesthouse Lambastadir. 

Day 14 (July 21) - The Golden Circle - þingvellir National Park, Geysers, and Gullfoss - Visit Thingvellir National Park.  See geysers and Gullfoss waterfall.  Return rental car and stay at Reykavik Hostel Village.

Day 15 (July 22) - Reykjavik- Hot Dogs, Happy Hour, and Sunshine City- Enjoy the last day in Iceland by exploring Reykjavik on foot. 

Day 16 (July 23) - Fly home - Morning flight back to Boston.

Day 12 - Glacial Lagoon

In conclusion, this trip might have been a "once in a lifetime adventure", but I can't accept that.  I HAVE to go back!  Who needs a retirement plan anyhow?

Please leave any questions and comments here.  Don't forget to like The Freelance Adventurer on Facebook and on Instagram @FreelanceAdventurer

Westfjords Selfie