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Seconds to Go

Mother-Daughter Travel Bloggers

Exploring New England, Oregon and Everywhere in Between

Get Out and Explore with Seconds to Go

We’re a mother-daughter travel blogging team, sharing our experiences adventuring, from coast to coast across the US. Although we're a travel blog, we aim to help the last-minute day tripper as well as those planning a vacation.

We’re turning our experiences into a series of “trips”, to help like-minded travelers easily find things to do. Explore each “trip” individually or string them together for a longer adventure.

If you need Disney World vacation planning advice and tips, we’ve got you covered as well. We’re drawing from over a decade of Disney World travel to provide you with all of the planning information you’ll need.

So, why not take a look around, and then, Get Out. Explore

ABOUT

Meet Kat and Ali

Mother-daughter travel bloggers exploring the U.S. coast to coast.

In the Solitude of Nature

Oregon Travel

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An Oregon Foodie’s Guide to the Best Corvallis Restaurants

When it comes to Oregon food, many people think of Portland, but when visiting Oregon, food in Corvallis can be just as delectable and zany, only a little closer to home for many of us in this college town! Come with us on a food journey around Corvallis, Oregon. Bo & Vine Burgers BO and … Read more

Horsetail falls Oregon from viewpoint

Horsetail Falls Oregon to Ponytail Falls, Mother and Daughter on the Trail

A recent trip to the Columbia River Gorge had us—as it does many—chasing waterfalls, most notably Horsetail Falls Oregon and the nearby Ponytail Falls, also known as Upper Horsetail Falls. This duo of plunging cascades offers everything for travelers of all abilities, from the view-it-from-the-roadside sort to the more avid hiker. If you haven’t traveled … Read more

View looking up at Multnomah Falls Columbia River Gorge bridge

Visit Multnomah Falls Columbia River Gorge, But Don’t Make Our Mistake

Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge is one of the world’s most iconic waterfalls. Revereed for its two-tier plunge and picturesque appeal, the double cascade sees two million visitors a year, most during the summer months. If you’re planning to visit Multnomah Falls in Oregon, it’s best to go prepared. Due to the sheer … Read more

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Bohemia Mine: Haunting Oregon Ghost Town in the High Umpquas

Our first attempt to visit the Bohemia Mine Oregon ghost town took place in 2014, right after I got married. My mom, sister and I took the dog and headed out into one of the most scenic places in Oregon, the Umpqua National Forest, in a Ford Focus. The choice of vehicle turned out to … Read more

Kathleen Hesketh hiking Ponytail Falls Oregon's Columbia River Gorge

Best Hiking Trails in Oregon to Tackle in a Day or Less

The Pacific Northwest is known for its amazing outdoor activities, and Oregon is no exception. The best Oregon hiking trails feature waterfalls, stunning views, and excitement. Take a journey with us through the beautiful state of Oregon to explore the best places to take a hike. Our Favorite Oregon Hiking Trails Tokatee Falls- Greatest Views … Read more

The Spruce Goose at the Air Musuem in McMinnville

Air Museum in McMinnville Oregon Features Legendary One-Flight Plane

The Air Museum in McMinnville Oregon, called the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, offers an up close and personal view of planes and space equipment. This museum is perfect for any aviation fanatic, aspiring astronaut, or just plain history buff. The large windowed building also holds one of the most unique planes ever created—the one-flight … Read more

A Wild and Woolly Weekend

Yellowstone National Park

Exploring the beauty and majesty of Yellowstone in a single weekend.

History and Charm

Things to Do in New England

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Lowell National Historic Park: Bringing the Industrial Revolution Back to Life

By Ali Patton | April 11, 2024

A visit to Lowell National Historic Park is a visit back in time to the 19th century during the peak of the Industrial Revolution. Located in the heart of the city of Lowell Massachusetts, Lowell National Historic Park doesn’t provide views of nature and wildlife like other national parks, but rather a deep delve into … Read more

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Fort Wetherill Jamestown: Exploring Semi-Secret Tunnels and Other Things You Can’t Imagine

By Ali Patton | March 28, 2024

Abandoned on Rhode Island’s shores, behind overgrown trees, often overlooked, or just plain forgotten, sits Fort Wetherill in Jamestown. Once a proud active fort, Fort Wetherill’s many tunnels and structures are now covered in multicolored graffiti. Fort Wetherill Jamestown’s History In 1855, President Grover appointed the Endicott Board. Made up of members of the Army, … Read more

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Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve in Connecticut Is a Small Hike with Big Surprises

By Kathleen Hesketh | March 21, 2024

It was a balmy 4o degrees when we set out for a hike in the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve in North Granby, Connecticut. Not a beach day by any means, but the sun was flirting with some billowing clouds, and the weather forecast promised more frigid temperatures for the weekend, so it seemed the perfect … Read more

Clydesdale Stables at Budweiser Brewery in Merrimack, NH

Budweiser New Hampshire Brewery Tour Merrimack: A Non-Drinker’s View

By Kathleen Hesketh | March 17, 2024

Taking a Budweiser Brewery tour in Merrimack, NH isn’t just for beer lovers. It’s also an experience for history buffs and anyone who likes to understand the ins and outs of how things are made. While you can no longer visit the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales at this location, you can tour the facilities and sample … Read more

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Abandoned Becket Quarry, the Land that Time Forgot

By Kathleen Hesketh | March 8, 2024

Heading out for a hike in the snow can be an adventure in and of itself, but searching out abandoned Massachusetts quarries adds an extra element of mystery. That’s particularly true when the destination is one where the workers walked off the job and left everything just as it was at quitting time more than … Read more

Young woman and golden retriever walk in front of Hearthstone Castle ruins

The Enigmatic Hearthstone Castle of Danbury: Once Grand, Now Abandoned

By Kathleen Hesketh | March 8, 2024

Visiting Hearthstone Castle in Danbury is a less a trip than it is an exploration. For us, it tied some peculiar history into an outdoor adventure that left us a bit nostalgic for the past. Note: Since our initial visit to Hearthstone Castle Danbury in 2020, the fence around Hearthstone Caste Danbury has been closed … Read more

Our Sidekicks

Dog-Friendly Travel

Places to go with your furry friend and the gear you need when you get there.

Our Happy Place

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Spooktacular Fun Is Back: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2024

By Kathleen Hesketh | May 6, 2024

Boo! It’s that time of the year again – and what better way to celebrate than by attending the Walt Disney World Halloween Party in 2024, also known as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? If you’re looking for a frightfully good time, look no further than this must-attend event at the happiest place on … Read more

guests enjoying Big Thunder Mountain Railroad on their first time at Disney World.

15 Essential Tips for Your First Time at Disney World: Harness the Magic Now

By Kathleen Hesketh | May 5, 2024

After our first time at Disney World, I lamented to a friend who lived in Utah that a four-day trip hadn’t been nearly long enough. As a long-time veteran of Disneyland in California, she was puzzled by this. How could I possibly spend more than four days at Disney parks? Her first misconception was that … Read more

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Expert Tips for Navigating the Disney World Monorail System: Top Questions Answered

By Kathleen Hesketh | May 5, 2024

The Disney World monorail system is a quintessential part of a Disney vacation and one aspect that sets the resort apart from other theme park experiences. As such, guests planning a trip to Disney World have a lot of questions about using the Disney World monorail. So, we’re answering the most common questions, based on … Read more

EPCOT monorail decked out for Disney World's 50th anniversary

The Walt Disney World Monorail- What It Is and Why You’d Use It

By Ali Patton | May 2, 2024

Is it a vital piece of Disney World transportation, or just a futuristic novelty? The Walt Disney World monorail is a bit of both. History of the Disney World Monorail The Walt Disney World monorail is part of the complimentary internal transportation. This futuristic vision of Walt Disney incorporates train-like vehicles into a raised track … Read more

Disney World secrets

50+ Unbelievable Disney World Secrets Uncovered

By Ali Patton | April 29, 2024

Disney World Secrets are something every Disney fan wonders and even dreams about. The house of Mouse is known for keeping more than a few. From new and abandoned projects to affordable dining, secret clubs and more, we’ve got the dirt on the secrets of Disney World. Disney World Secret Places 1.  Tri-Circle-D Ranch It’s … Read more

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The Ultimate Checklist for Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Success

By Kathleen Hesketh | April 29, 2024

You’ve finally decided to take the most magical of family vacations and have started your Walt Disney World vacation planning. Suddenly, the enormity of the task becomes real as you begin encountering tips for everything from finding the best airfare, to purchasing park tickets and making dining reservations. There is even a new language to … Read more

Incredible Hikes

Explore 16 of the Best Oregon Hiking Trails

We love to get out and explore the unpaved path and even some paved ones. We've found some of the best hiking adventures in Oregon.

What Is Seconds to Go?

Travel Tips and Trips for people on the go.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you have time to adventure out and explore, or maybe you want to take a trip, but don’t know what to do or where to go?

It used to happen to us all the time. We’d scour the web for ideas and suggestions but could never get the level of detail we needed to know if the experience was right for us.

As a result, we started “exploring”. That’s what we called our adventures when we’d get in the car and head out on a drive, just looking for something new and unique to do.

After years of traveling New England, Oregon and taking vacations to Disney World, we decided to share the knowledge and insights we gained from our adventures in a coast-to-coast blog of the U.S.

The result is a series of blog posts, each providing a no-hassle “trip”.

We are dedicated to low hassle travel, so even if you only have a few seconds before you go, each trip will quickly explain:

  • The time it takes to experience each trip
  • Special tips for making the most of each trip
  • Nearby destinations that you can visit

What you won’t find in a Seconds to Go trip:

  • Trips written about places we’ve never been
  • Trips based only on internet research with no personal point of view

So, if you’re looking for something to do, or want to plan a vacation, take inspiration from our trips and travel tips. You can even string our trips together for a longer day on the road. Maybe even a full vacation.

As coast-to-coast travel bloggers, it’s our goal to inspire you and provide the knowledge you need to quickly and easily create your own travel adventure.

We currently have a number of "trips for New England and Oregon. Look for detailed itineraries covering our other adventures coast-to-coast.

exterior of living rock museum, Oregon's museum dedicated to stone art.

Living Rock Studios, Chiseling Oregon Art from Stone

By Kathleen Hesketh | February 12, 2024

Nestled into a forgotten corridor of the Over the River and Through the Woods Scenic Byway is Oregon’s Living Rock Studios one of the most unique things we’ve found to do yet in a state offering a lot of variety. Creating Unusual Oregon Art out of Stone The state of Oregon is rich in geologic … Read more

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Rock House Reservation: Visit Massachusetts’ Slot Canyon

By Kathleen Hesketh | January 26, 2024

Travel across New England is filled with surprises, particularly when you stumble across Rock House Reservation. I never expected to find the equivalent of a slot canyon (Think Zion National Park and southern Utah) in the woods of Central Massachusetts, but Rock House Reservation features a similar, if much smaller, geographical phenomenon. Nestled amidst the … Read more

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The Murderous Tragedy of Spooner Well in Central Massachusetts

By Kathleen Hesketh | January 23, 2024

Few people realize that the small town of Brookfield in Central Massachusetts is responsible for raising the first woman to be executed in the new America republic. However, Spooner Well, a sad and lonely spot on the old Boston Post Road, commemorates the occasion with a single lone marker. It’s the place where Joshua Spooner … Read more

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Rescued Animals Find a Ray of Light in Connecticut

By Kathleen Hesketh | January 22, 2024

It isn’t every day that you find an interesting travel destination that also offers hope for rescued animals, but Ray of Light Farm in Connecticut is just such a place. Nestled in the back roads of East Haddam, not far from the famous Gillette Castle mansion, the farm offers sanctuary to abandoned animals as well … Read more

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The Trail of the Molten Land- Newberry Volcano

By Ali Patton | August 24, 2023

The Trail of the Molten Land, located outside of Bend, is an easy trail that brings hikers to an alien planet. In reality, you stroll through a roughly one-mile of lava flow, at the bottom of an ancient volcano, but your eyes will surely convince you that you’ve entered an alien realm. What is the … Read more

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Trekking the Shimmering Path: A Guide to Oregon’s Big Obsidian Flow Trail

By Ali Patton | August 16, 2023

The Bog Obsidian Flow Trail winds through the youngest lava flow in Oregon. The roughly one square mile area is made up of glossy black obsidian and pumice stone. This hike is one of the most unique experiences in all of the diverse state of Oregon. What is the Big Obsidian Flow? The Big Obsidian … Read more