Following our first official stop in Nashville, we took a pit stop in Memphis to grab some lunch and visit the land Elvis Presley called home. We toured his mansion with iPads hung around our necks and headphones on our ears – John Stamos was the virtual tour guide – and even got to step aboard his famous Lisa Marie aircraft as well as a smaller jet. At the end of the mansion tour,​ we passed through the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and other family members are now laid to rest, to pay our respects. We weren't sure what we were in for, but from the world famous Jungle Room to Elvis' racquetball court, middle school report card, and everything in between – Graceland seriously delivered.

Today was about love. Equality. Diversity. Inclusion. Respect. Progress. Science. Hope. Today was about understanding that women's rights ARE human rights. Today was about taking a stand instead of sitting in silence. Today was about marching for women. Men. LGBTQ. Children. Senior citizens. Activists. Immigrants. Refugees. YOU. Today was about worldwide solidarity. Today I felt empowered, and like many others who were lucky enough experience the Women's March first-hand, I am struggling to put that palpable feeling into words.

On the bright and chilly Maryland morning that my 2016 began, wanderlust steered me right out of town. I was in a sleepy, groggy haze in the passenger seat of an old Toyota Camry, yet I couldn’t have felt more invigorated to set my sights on something new. Until that day, I had only traveled as north as New York City and as south as Sarasota, but I wanted to set a precedent for the year ahead – one that was oozing with discovery, adventure, spontaneity, and action.

As I mentally close out on a year of gleefully witnessing many of my friends exchange vows solidifying their futures, I wanted to make some vows to myself to solidify my future as the person who I want to be. Just over a month ago I embarked on my 28th year, and with that, I vow the following...

Even though the Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls is one of the most well-known hikes in the DMV and I'm here to encourage you to hit the trail. It is divided into three sections, but Section A is known to be the most difficult because it requires quite a bit of rock scrambling up and over boulders. The beauty of the location paired with Maryland's fall leaves in full transformation provided an unforgettable backdrop to watch the Potomac River falls crash and carry on downstream. Take a look at this photo/video gallery and find out what you can expect on your next visit.

Currently in its 69th year, "Miracle on 34th Street" in Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood has steadily been attracting spectators from all over the world. Each rowhome is decorated differently, celebrating unique aspects of Baltimore culture and beyond. From Natty Boh angels and Old Bay ornaments to a Christmas tree made out of hubcaps (cue Nacho Mama's signature hubcap margarita), there is no shortage of holiday pride this year on 34th Street. Take a look for yourself.