Over the last several weeks, I’ve wandered through one beautiful place after another, soaking in crisp fall air, colorful streets, and quiet moments that remind me why I love this season of life so much. While I haven’t written full posts about each stop, each one left an impression worth sharing.
During my time in Sackets Harbor, I fell into a sweet rhythm of daily walks along the waterfront. The town feels made for strolling—small shops to peek into, inviting restaurants to pause at, and sailboats resting gently in the harbor. The fall air was crisp, and every turn offered another burst of color. Leaves drifted across the sidewalks, and the whole town seemed wrapped in a warm, golden glow.
A little farther inland, the town of Croghan charmed me in its own unique way. It’s known for its famous Croghan bologna, and the local meat market proudly carries on that tradition. I wandered past the library with its mural, paused at the old train tracks and station, and lingered at the Croghan Island Mill—officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2010. Main Street is lined with small businesses that feel loved and well-worn, each carrying its own story. There’s a sweetness to towns like this, where time seems to move just a bit slower.
Over several visits while I was at Amy’s, I spent time photographing the old barn in her backyard. It has probably stood there for over a century, weathered and strong, full of the kind of character only age can give. The light kept changing—soft in the morning, golden in the evening—and every shift brought out something new in the wood and the surrounding landscape. It’s one of those places that feels peaceful just to stand near.
Throughout northern New York, the fall color was absolutely spectacular this year. I found myself pulling over more than once just to capture a hillside glowing with reds and oranges, or a quiet backroad lined with trees dressed in their brightest shades. It didn’t matter where I was—the beauty kept appearing around every corner.
While traveling through West Virginia, I made a brief stop at the New River Gorge. The bridge there is breathtaking—soaring 876 feet above the river, the third-highest bridge in the United States, and the longest single-span steel arch bridge in the country. I paused at the visitors center and at a highway overlook where the mountains were dotted with fall leaves, capturing a few photos along the way. Standing there, looking out over the river and the colorful mountains, I felt that familiar mix of awe and gratitude. This world truly is filled with incredible places.
I’ve loved this first part of my travels. Every town, trail, and quiet moment has offered something beautiful. As I move forward, I’m excited to keep exploring, noticing, and collecting the little moments that make this journey so meaningful.
– Kari
