Adventures in Vacation: Becoming Bailey Guest Post

One thing I just love about blogging is meeting new friends! 

So a few months ago when Mallory @ From California to Kansas 

started the Bigs & Littles Blogging Network

I knew that I wanted to join in. 

I totally thought Adventures of D and V would fall into the "littles" category, but this first round I got the chance to be a Big! (every 2 months you get a new partner). I didn't think I would have much blogging advise or experience to share, but it turns out that I do! I have learned a lot about myself as a blogger as I have been getting to know my 'blogging little' Since we are on vacation and 'unplugged' this week, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to let my new friend (and blogging little buddy) take over here and post for me today!   

Hi everyone! I'm Bailey and I blog over at Becoming Bailey. While my lovely "blogging big," Veronica, is enjoying the sun and sand of Myrtle Beach, I will be living vicariously through her and thinking about my own favorite vacation spots.

Top 10 Favorite Vacation Spots

10. Clearwater Beach, Florida. Close to Tampa, this city is perfect for escaping the world-- and escape the world I did. On my visit there in 2006, I stayed in a beachfront hotel… and spent all day enjoying the sun and sand.

9. Flagstaff, Arizona. This is the “gateway” to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. I didn’t spend much time enjoying the city, but I do remember driving on the remaining part of Route 66.

{source}

8. Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This city is located in the Smoky Mountains. Close enough to the great outdoors, for activities such as hiking and horseback riding, and to also enjoy all of the fun city activities, like riding a ski lift, visit the Ripley’s Aquarium, and going to Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, this is a popular vacation spot for… nearly all of Kentucky. I know of at least 4 couples who chose this destination for their honeymoon, as well as numerous college kids who have vacationed here.

7. Lancaster, Pennsylvania. My family vacationed here in the fall of 2002, when I was going on a “Little House on the Prairie” phase. We stayed on a Mennonite’s farm and took an Amish buggy tour. It was a great escape from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives.

{source}

6. Branson, Missouri. Branson is the “Gatlinburg” of the Ozarks. We took a tour of the area on an amphibious landing craft from WWII—I was even able to steer it for a brief minute while we were on the water!

5. Orlando, Florida. Everyone should visit Disney World at least once in their lifetime. On my second visit to Orlando, I opted to go to Universal Studios—and enjoyed it more than Disney.

4. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We visited for a family reunion, but stayed an extra few days to enjoy the sights on a river tour. We also visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum in remembrance of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Even as an 8 year old, I could comprehend the solemnness of this location.

3. Gulf Shores, Alabama. Yes, another vacation spent entirely on the beautiful beach. Well, except for a trip to Lambert’s Café—the home of the throwed rolls—and the USS Alabama warship.

2. Washington, D.C. I’ve actually been here twice—once as an 9 year old and again for the 2009 inauguration. There's just so much to do here and not enough time. I would love to go back again someday.

1. Charleston, South Carolina. I visited this historic city in 2011 and didn’t want to go home. Seriously- I cried on the plane ride home. This city is full of Southern charm and beautiful beaches. I will definitely be returning someday. (Hopefully for good!)

While you are dreaming about your own vacations, stop by Becoming Bailey and let me know where you love to visit!