2024 was a big year for me, as what started off as a solo retreat into the woods turned into a new career trajectory. I had been feeling burned out and uninspired with my life, as years of working for the corporate “man” just kept wearing me down. I knew that I was missing something, that I needed to figure out how to turn what I’m passionate about into a career – which is NOT as easy as all those motivational speakers make it out to be. So, I went into the woods on a personal retreat so that I would be forced to slow down and really think about my past, present, and where I wanted my future to go. Out of that contemplation came Nerdventures, and I’m so excited to take you all on this journey with me!

But where did I actually go in 2024? This is a travel company after all. Well, it wasn’t anything as exciting as my 2023 trip to Greece, since I was focused on getting Nerdventures up and running, but I still managed to fit some unique experiences in!

Mentone, AL

A small, quiet town way up in north Alabama. This was the perfect forest escape for me to relax and recharge, and is just an hour away from Chattanooga, TN if you want some additional adventures.

Where I stayed: Newly Renovated | Wooded Retreat with View Airbnb

Do I recommend this rental? Yes

Nerdventure highlight: The Hatter Cafe, an adorable Bed & Breakfast that I did not expect to find here! Review coming later this year.

Charleston, SC

Over Labor Day weekend my boyfriend and I visited his sister, who lives in Charleston, SC. This was a city I was very excited to return to, as I had only visited once before in college. Needless to say, I was not disappointed.

Nerdventure highlights:

• Charleston is a hub of pirate history, so if that is an interest of yours then I definitely recommend visiting!
• The Notebook’s famous boat scene was filmed less than an hour away from Charleston at the Cypress Gardens, a beautiful nature preserve where you can recreate the scene yourself, or go for a nice stroll around the swamp.

PITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh is a city full of surprises, and plenty of Nerdventure approved activities! You can read all about them in my upcoming Pittsburgh city guide, but here are some of the highlights from my last trip…

Nerdventure highlights:

• The Gepetto Cafe
• Jekyll and Hyde Bar
• Dawn of the Dead Museum

New Orleans

New Orleans is full of stories about restless spirits, ghostly pirates, witches, and most importantly, vampires. The was the trip I was most excited for this year, as it’s a city that holds a special place in my heart. It may not be the cleanest or ritziest city in the world, but this place has SOUL, and not to mention, AMAZING food.

Nerdventure highlights:

• City of the Dead tour
• Vampire Boutique
• Eat at the Vampire cafe
• Get a delectable drink and tarot reading at the Vampire Apothecary

Cumberland, MD

A small, sleepy town in western Maryland, we were in Cumberland over the holiday season visiting family. It is the perfect spot to go if you’re looking for an outdoorsy escape from the nearby big cities, and as a Floridian, I was thrilled to have a cold Christmas for once!

Nerdventure highlights: The Polar Express Train Ride

Thanks for tagging along, and looking forward to seeing you more in 2025!