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You are currently reading posts about:

Amanda Anderson

I'm a New York native who left my home to explore the world slowly and thoroughly. I’m just a little obsessed with photography, scuba diving, and reading guidebooks to countries I have no immediate plans to visit.
Howdy from @hoteltupelo, my home in #mytupelo! I Howdy from @hoteltupelo, my home in #mytupelo!

I couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome to my 26th state, Mississippi, than this chic brand new boutique hotel! 

As you may recall, my girl Katie of @travelingspud and I were on a three state road trip through the South ending in Memphis. I couldn’t think of a better stop on the way to the Home of the Blues than Elvis’s birthplace in Tupelo!

Hotel Tupelo had nods to the King, of course, as well as the area’s surprising number of other draws — which I’ll share loads more about tomorrow!

From free bikes to a fabulous gym to an incredible onsite restaurant, the amenities here were popping and we loved every unique and local touch.

Katie and I commented a few times that this hotel was a big part of making this stop special for us — a great boutique hotel is more than just a place to sleep; it’s part of the travel experience, I think!

Thank you so much for the Southern hospitality, @mytupelo! I can’t wait to share more from this sweet hidden gem…

Are you team hotel or team rental? Comment 🔑 for hotel and 🏠 for rental!
My my, Mobile made me 🤩 Alabama was my 25th st My my, Mobile made me 🤩

Alabama was my 25th state — an exciting halfway mark on my journey to someday experience every state in America! 

I only had the vaguest notions of Alabama before my arrival and yet @visitmobileal still surprised me.

Here are some of my favorite Mobile memories with @travelingspud and our hostess with the mostess @scatherinemackey!

🍵 All the morning treats! Grabbing beignets at @mobaybeignetco, breakfast tacos at @nova_espresso, and iced tea and coffees at @knuckleboneselixirco.
 
🌅 A sunset sail! After a busy workday, we were so lucky @scatherinemackey arranged for a friend to take us for a quick sail out on the Bay.

🎨 Strolling Dauphin Street for the cutest colorful murals all over town — and spotting the painted oysters!

🍹Party bus! We had a mega Mobile-style Sunday Funday on a party bus hopping super local bars along the bay and then back in town. It was a blast… and if you swipe to the last slide you’ll see how that day ended ha ha!

🎉 Learning that Mobile is actually home to the first Mardi Gras! While of course we weren’t there at the right time of year, we did stroll through the cute @mardigrasmuseum for a nod to that impressive fact!

💪🏼 And of course, sweat! I loved our morning outdoor fitness pop up with @crewfitness1.

Have you been to Alabama? Tell me about your trip! And if not… is this what you expected?
You know that old saying — or country song — l You know that old saying — or country song — live like you were dying? 💭🤍

I was writing out a birthday card for a friend today and lovingly thought of the countless birthday cards and letters I found in my mom’s things, both received and sent. She was the Queen of communications — and beautiful paper products.

And then a profound thought popped into my head: I’m 32. My mom died at 64. At this age, she was halfway through her life. 

And what if I am? 

I read a quote recently that I thought of immediately.

“Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” — Steve Jobs

Life is so short. If today truly were the halfway point, is this exactly how I want to be spending my precious time on this planet? Are there changes I need to make? Relationships I need to focus on? Priorities I need to reshuffle?

It’s true, there is no reason not to follow your heart. Right now I’m in a season of trying to hear what mine is telling me again.

🤍
Two week, three states, countless friends… and a Two week, three states, countless friends… and a whole Southern vibe 🌸

I have traveled far and wide but there’s a lot of my own country I’ve missed out on! I don’t really have a desire to go to every country in the world but I DO want to go to every state in the US. 

On this trip, I got a little closer! Here’s where I went:

🌅 Mobile, Alabama
🌼 Tupelo, Mississippi
🙌🏼 Memphis, Tennessee

I couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome than landing exhausted from New York into the warm Mobile night air and @travelingspud and @scatherinemackey drinking bubbles in the parking lot waiting for me.

Excited to show you more from each and every stop!

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