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Last WordPress Blog And Where To Find Me Now!

Hi friends! Thank you so much for all of your show support through the blog and videos! It's been an exciting few months gearing up for some big adventures in 2019 as well as honing in on the business side of things by hiring a business coach! She's been incredible and helped me get a …

10 Things To Do In Lansing Michigan

I’ve been traveling full on for the past 3 years around the U.S. and around the world but most times I get 1-7 days to explore each destination. So getting to come back and take another deep dive into my hometown of Lansing Michigan has been an incredible treat. Every time I do, I’m blown …

Goat Yoga – The Latest Fitness Craze Is Pure Joy!

If you haven’t heard of goat yoga just yet, don't worry you will! It’s the newest fitness craze and it’s exactly what it sounds like…yoga with goats! And it’s every bit as amazing as it sounds too! Goat yoga started back 2016 and it’s starting to pop up all over the country, and sell out …

Michigan State University – So Much More Than Football and Farming

Growing up 10 minutes down the road from Michigan State University I knew it for two things; farming, and football. I never really came to explore the campus or check out the festivals and art that it had to offer. So I was blown away to discover the artistic side to this Big 10 University. …

I Quit! Leap of Faith Time…

I quit my job. What an odd thing to say. And an even odder thing to do! Especially when I've barely started making money with the show after 3 1/2 years of an uphill climb. But do you ever hear a voice and get a gut feeling that you just can't explain but KNOW in …

My Best Adventure – Snorkeling The Siflra Fissure In Iceland

I truly believe that adventure is everywhere and comes in all forms. I love to find unique things to do when I travel so snorkeling in Iceland seemed just about crazy enough for me. And, double whammy, it was something I was terrified to do! Not because there's anything that can kill you down there, …

Lancaster California – Adventuring To New Heights

Adventure is defined as "an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity." So an Air Show in Lancaster seemed the perfect place to experience something new! I headed there a day early to see what the town and surrounding area was like and to get into some nature. Lancaster, California is about an hour …

Another Ride Around The Sun

I love milestone markers, holidays, resolutions, and checklists. They give me a chance to step back, reflect on what's come before, and check in with myself to see if I'm still on a path I enjoy. So, as I come into another year on this earth, there's a lot to reflect on. This past year …

The Devil’s Bridge Hike – Sedona Arizona

When I began planning out my road trip to Colorado, I knew there was one hike I wanted to do in Arizona, the Devil's Bridge. Since we ended up staying at the Lost Dutchman campground for an extra night, we didn't get to Sedona until late and went straight to camp with a plan of …

Superstition Mountain – Beauty, Tragedy, and One Heck of a Hike!

Planning my road trip from LA to Denver I wasn't really sure where to start. I knew we'd be taking the southern route since it's winter and I don't trust my mountain snow driving skills. My natural instinct is to look for national parks and national forests so taking Highway 10 South I was drawn …

It’s Ok To Not Be Ok

The travel life is exciting, exhilarating, and constantly adventurous and sometimes it's just hard. Being an entrepreneur is incredible on paper - no boss, make your own hours (spoiler alert they're about 16 hour days on top of the money-making job you need to survive), and doing what you love! But it's HARD! And sometimes …

Help & Humility – Cancun.com CEO Search

Humbled. It's a word that I've said a lot over the past year. Along with "grateful" and "blessed". In so much uncertainty in life, I have found refuge in the support and love of others; family, friends, and many times almost-strangers. Going after my dream job has taken this humility and gratitude to new levels. …

5 Foods to Try in Lansing Michigan

There's a lot that can be said about Lansing Michigan, it's the capital of the state, it's growing neighborhoods have a lot to offer, the MSU campus is gorgeous, etc. But I never would have expected it to be such a foodie town! Spending a few days sampling some of the Midwest's finest, here are …

Jamaica’n Me Relax!

Working in the travel industry has a downside. I know, pull out the world's tiniest violin because yes, it's still completely awesome. But the part that people don't always realize is that it's still WORK, and a lot of it! When I travel for the show there's months of prep work and planning that goes …

Lansing – The Next Up & Coming Capital City

Have you ever visited a place that you felt like you knew completely but when you go back this time it's a million times more than you could have expected. That was Lansing for me. I grew up in Holt, which is about 15 miles south of Downtown Lansing so I thought I knew everything …

Traverse City – Where Life Is A Bowl Of Cherries

Traverse City has so much to offer! Between it's incredible food and drink, to it's beautiful rolling dunes, and tree covered backroads. It's Pure Michigan with a cherry on top!

Channel Islands National Park – Two Parks in One!

When I think of California National Parks, I tend to think of Yosemite, or Sequoia, or the Redwoods. I never even knew that there was a park so close to Los Angeles, and so completely different than any other national park I've ever been to. Channel Islands National Park is located just off the coast …

To Raft or Not to Raft…

The Killer Kern. That's what they call it. The Kern River has claimed over 280 lives since 1968 and another 8 this summer alone. When I met Ed from Mountain and River Adventures back in February at the LA Travel and Adventure show, white-water rafting seemed the perfect fit for Monica Goes. It was something …

Second Chances and Facing My Fears

One year ago my life changed. One year ago I began what I should call chapter 2 (or chapter 237 but who’s counting the amount of times I’ve started over now). And it all began at the Devil’s Punchbowl… I started Monica Goes back in December of 2014 for three main reasons. I was a …

Why YouTube Scares Me

I've been creating and hosting Monica Goes for over two years now and I have a confession...YouTube scares me. This entire social media, blogging, and vlogging world scares me! I feel a bit old and late to the game. When I started, I had to google "how to use twitter". All I ever wanted to …

10 Things To Do in and Around Dublin

This is a copy of the photo essay that I wrote for Matador Network. Their beautiful version can be seen here https://matadornetwork.com/network/dublin-experiences/ There is just something about Ireland. The music, the people, the culture. I have wanted to visit ever since I missed an opportunity when I was backpacking back in 2006. So when I had …

Pushing Out of My Comfort Zone…and Beyond!

I started Monica Goes because I find my greatest life moments come from pushing out of my comfort zone. In whatever way that means for you! For a long time, for me it was simply going out to eat by myself, or trying a new hike, or moving states. So, an adventure show seemed like a …

Monica Goes…Let’s Keep Going!

When I started this show I had no idea what it would become. All I knew was that taking adventures, pushing out of my comfort zone, and inspiring people to do the same was something that meant a lot to me and that this was a way for me to share that. I had no …

The Power of Chicago

There's something about Chicago. It's sort of like the mean neighbor you tried really hard not to like but there's just something about him that you can't stop thinking about...and before you know it you're in a full on love affair! At least that's how this city was for me. When I was 18, I …

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times – 2016 Reflection

Reflecting back on 2016 brings tears to my eyes. And not in the way people would expect. This year has bent, twisted, and broken me in more ways than I can count. One year ago I never would have imagined that the future I was planning would never come to pass and that all of …

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

When people think of Costa Rica they think of adventure. So what better place to go and do as much as possible than Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. It's a one-stop shop for adventure! To kick things off, I started with the hanging bridges. The iconic Costa Rican view that you always see in pictures. …

The Springs Resort & Spa – Costa Rica

I never believed that where you stayed could make the trip. I always figured the destination was the only thing that mattered and then give me a motel, a tent, my car, or even just the ground to close my eyes in between adventures. And then I stayed at the Springs Resort and Spa in …

Pura Vida! The Costa Rican Way

Have you ever dreamed of something so long that you worry that the dream is better than the reality is going to be? That was Costa Rica for me. I had always dreamt of seeing the rainforest and ziplining above the trees. It was one of those far-off “someday” dreams. Until last year at the …

National Park 100 – For the Newcomer…

As I sit here and I think about how a few years ago I didn't know anything about the national parks, how I could barely list 5 of them, and how now I've fallen in love and made a passion out of exploring them, I'm blown away! Who knew the national parks had an anniversary, …

Mighty Mongoose, Mighty Adventure

I am constantly on the lookout for new adventures to feature for my show. It's easy to dream about all the countries, national parks, and huge adventures I want to take for Monica Goes. But sometimes I just want to find a unique local adventure to mix it up and show people that you don't …

Shooting a Webseries on an iPhone

For me it was a way to start. A way to learn about this whole hosting thing and taking videos when I'm out and about. I never could have dreamed the show would take off and get to the point where it is today. And all shot on my iPhone! When I first went out …

32 Things I Learned While 32

I'm turning 33 tomorrow and it got me thinking...32 was a HUGE year for me and I learned more than any in other year of my life. It's funny, I still feel 25, and some people tell me I should lie and stick with that age but I'm proud to be 33! I've worked my butt …

I Hate Blogging! So…

I hate blogging! I know, you're thinking "Wait, what?!? You're blogging right now!" Let me explain. I like to write and I LOVE to talk (ask my husband!) but for some reason I could not get into blogging! I started this blog when I started my web series Monica Goes (shameless plug...click here to watch!) simply …

Humanity Is Not Dead

Yesterday was the most inspiring and emotionally fulfilling day I've ever had. I witnessed the most beautiful acts of humanity and even though the world can seem like a dark, heartless, and scary place right now, I felt the need to let you know, we're still ok. I was working the Rock N Roll Marathon in …

Ocean Adventuring

One of the big things I love to do is show people some doable adventures. Trekking across foreign lands is wonderful but most people can only do that every of couple years. I believe that adventure is everywhere and doesn't have to break the bank. So, for my first Monica Goes adventure of 2016 I …

Boatin’ on the Bayou

One thing I try to do no matter where I go, is find a unique adventure; and if I can, something outdoors. For my trip to New Orleans, I had one goal: go on an airboat ride! Mission accomplished! And it was everything I'd hoped for and more! Airboats are flat-bottom boats with aircraft propellers …

Riley’s Farm – Fall-Fun Adventure

I don't know about anyone else but I love seasonal and holiday traditions! And fall is my favorite season of all. There is a place in Michigan called Uncle John's Cider Mill that is an annual staple of my childhood. The season just wasn't complete without a pumpkin patch, apples galore, and delicious farm food. …

American Oktoberfest at Alpine Village

Let's see, I love October, dancing, food, and beer, so when I wanted to create an episode that encapsulated a fall adventure, finding a local Oktoberfest seemed a winning choice. I didn't expect to have one of the USA Today's Top 10 American Oktoberfest's so close! Three years ago I found a local Oktoberfest and …

Yosemite Ziplining!

When I was planning my trip to Yosemite, I knew the big hikes I wanted to do; Half Dome, a sequoia grove, and an alpine lake. I also knew that I wanted one unique adventure to show people. That's when I discovered Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch. Talk about unique! This family owned and operated …

Hiking to Half Dome

When I decided to head to Yosemite to shoot two episodes for my show there was no doubt in my mind that I had to attempt to climb Half Dome! I say attempt because...well...I didn't get picked from the lottery for a cable permit for the last 400 feet to the summit. Don't stop reading! …

Bridge to Nowhere Hike

The Bridge to Nowhere hike was one of those mysterious, must-do hikes that I seemed to hear about as soon as I moved to Los Angeles. I tried to stay off the beaten path and avoid the trail crowds in the mountains but finally, I couldn't resist anymore; I had to see what all the hiking …

Facing Fear and Soaring to New Heights

I am afraid of heights, always have been, always will be. Yet, it's never stopped me from attempting to conquer them. From jumping off buildings in stunt shows to hiking to the top of Angels Landing, I've managed to drag my jello legs to staggering heights and do my best to not to look down. …

Hidden Valley Hike – Joshua Tree National Park

Only having one day at Joshua Tree National Park, I wanted to make a point to see as much as possible in the short amount of time. The first hike that I did was the 49 Palms Oasis hike. For an in depth look at that gorgeous trail check out the blog A Desert Oasis. …

A Desert Oasis – 49 Palms Oasis at Joshua Tree

For four years now I've had the privilege of teaching line dance at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio California which just happens to be a mere 27 miles from Joshua Tree National Park...and I had yet to go! Well, that all changed this year, I made a point to check out this beautiful …

Emerald Pools Hike- Zion National Park

The last stop that I made on my Zion adventure was the Emerald Pools hike. This is an easy and quick hike that is great for all ages and hiking abilities. There are three stops along the way; the lower, middle, and upper pools so you can plan your hike accordingly or hit all three …

Angels Landing Hike, or SCARIEST HIKE EVER!

I am terrified of heights. I love adventure and pushing myself but this is one fear I've never gotten past and it only seems to get worse the older I get. In my 20's I jumped off buildings in stunt shows and I hated it every time; in fact, half the time I would end …

The A-Z’s of Marathon Training (That I Learned the Hard Way)

I am no expert on marathons. In fact, I've never run one before. Still reading? I ran my first half marathon last year and finally saw myself as a runner...and then didn't run again for 7 months! But for Team World Vision I have signed up for the full 26.2 L.A. Marathon this year (You …

From Saddle to Paddle – Kayaking Marina Del Rey

One of my favorite things to do is go to sites like Groupon and Living Social to find new adventures. There's always something completely random like pilot lessons, race car experience, or hot air balloon wine tasting. Sure, sign me up for all of them! My latest adventure took my kayaking at Marina Del Rey. Believe it …

Water-Fall in Love! Sturtevant Falls Hike

Who knew that a gorgeous 50-foot waterfall existed within 30 minutes of LA? This girl! Sturtevant Falls was my favorite hiking discovery when I moved to Los Angeles. Being a Midwest girl who moved here from Tennessee, I missed all of the luscious greens and quiet wilderness. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t have …

Farm, Fun, and Freaky Birds!

I spent four summers working at the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury Michigan and had no idea that five minutes down the road there was this incredible gem! Lewis Farms takes both farm and petting zoo to new levels! I'd heard of it before but hearing "petting zoo", I assumed it was no different than …