The Everywhere blog

Boston, Massachusetts ---> Montreal, Quebec:
Approx. 5 hours, 22 min by car

Syracuse, New York ---> Montreal, Quebec:
Approx. 4 hours,13 min by car

Montpelier, Vermont ---> Montreal, Quebec:
Approx. 2 hours, 34 min by car

Looking for international travel but don't have the budget? If you live in the Northeastern United States than just pack the car and head North. In a few hours you will cross the border into Quebec, where French is the official language, the architecture is reminiscent of the old world, and the nightlife continues well past 2 AM.

So how does one make the most of a quick trip to Montreal? Everywhere member, Tim Borrego shares a obvious but underutilized tip on how to quickly navigate unfamiliar territory: Ask the locals! Read his article: Social Wayfinding in Montreal, to learn how he got the skinny on the city.


(Photo: Getting Directions, by Tim Borrego.)


For a slightly longer drive though the pastoral countryside, Quebec City has a certain "Je ne sais quoi" according to member Jessica Feis.

In her essay, Captivating Québec City, Jessica describes the romance and mystique of this beautiful destination. Cobblestone streets, packed restaurants, and a delectable french foods make US visitors forget how near they are to home. Read about her trip and see her fantastic photos.


(Photo: Chateau Frontenac and the St. Lawrence River, by Jessica Feis.)

The Amish way of life has a mystique to all who live outside of it. To we that surf the web and buy our butter and candles at the store, we marvel at the vitality and endurance of the Amish societies in the United States. There are Amish-Mennonite settlements in 27 states, with the largest in Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. Visiting one of them is equivalent to time travel... where buggies, farms, and handmade villages abound

Everywhere member, Laurie Frey shares wonderful stories and images of her tours through several Amish communities in the US.

In her travel story, Amish Family Values, Laurie shares her experience of being welcomed for lunch and an afternoon at the home of an Amish family with seven children in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.


(Photo: Sunday Night Party, by Laurie Frey.)

In her other essay, Cell Phones, Buggy Lights and Parties in an Amish Community, takes us to the Amish community of Daviess County, Indiana. To Laurie's surprise (and mine), the people there had electric lights in their buggies, and... cell phones? Read more about the things that surprised her there... especially the wild parties.


(Photo: Amish Farm. Holmes County, Ohio, by Laurie Frey.)

Washington has a bounty of beautiful forests, beaches, and countryside... but is not known for its abundance of sunshine.  However, to visit Washington in July and August is a different story. After a few days of sunlit hiking in the lush landscapes surrounding Seattle, one may be compelled to sell the family home in California. 

Summer in Washington is not to be missed.  Here are some recommendations for great  hiking and recreation from Everywhere members.


Snoqualmie Falls is located just a short drive outside of Seattle and is a nice place to go to when you're looking to get out of the city. At the Falls there is a park, hiking trails, deck (which is a great picture location), and gift shop.


(Photo: Falls, by Alison Reese .)

Twin Falls State Park is just a few miles East of North Bend, Washington along Interstate 90. If you like hiking and love to see waterfalls this is a must see. Especially since it is so easy to access and close to the city.


(Photo: Along the Trail Past the Falls , by Aaron Hatch .)

Cape Disappointment State Park does not live up to it's namesake.  It sits at the mouth of the Columbia River and boasts beautiful scenery.  If you want to spend a few days exploring the area and hiking, you can rent out rooms in one of the lighthouse keeper's homes and enjoy the surroundings.


(Photo: View South, by Niko Vujevic .)