Hi, I’m Stacey. we need a few more words here.
My love for the outdoors started young, back when my dad would take me camping and teach me the ways of the woods.
From building fires to taking in the quiet of a forest, he showed me how to live simply and find beauty in nature. Those early days taught me to appreciate the calm and clarity that only nature can give.
As I grew up, I realized how deeply I needed to travel and reconnect with that peace. New York City is my home, but there’s always been this pull in me to break free from the city’s noise and find something quieter, something real. That pull led me Upstate—specifically to the Hudson Valley. It’s become my sanctuary, my home away from home, a place where I can exhale and just be.
I used to travel with friends or dates, but I eventually found myself going solo. It began with day trips, then grew into overnight stays at Airbnbs I’d book for myself. At first, people thought I was crazy—why would anyone want to travel alone? But they didn’t understand the beauty of it, and at that point, neither did I. It was only through these solo adventures that I discovered the kind of peace I’d always been searching for.
The process of preparing to leave, packing my bag, waking up before dawn—it all makes me feel alive. I’ll happily get up at 5 a.m., fill my gas tank, grab water and snacks, and start driving just as the sun begins to rise. There’s something about watching the city fade in the rearview mirror, seeing the buildings turn to mountains, and feeling the air clear as I head north. It’s a reset for my mind and soul, leaving behind any stress or clutter that built up during the week.
Every part of the journey feels intentional. I’m fully in the moment, focused on the views, the music playing, the open road ahead. And then there’s the little rituals—the stops to stretch at rest areas, the scenic overlooks you just have to pull over for. They’re not just breaks in the trip; they’re part of the experience. Each one reminds me that there’s so much more out there, a world of my own making that I can explore at my own pace.
This love for exploring Upstate, for discovering new towns, talking to strangers, tasting local foods, and finding one-of-a-kind treasures along the way—this is what lights me up. There’s an entire world beyond my everyday bubble, and I want to help others see it too.
