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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

Garibaldi Train Stattion on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Review: See More, Travel the Old-Fashioned Way

If you need a relaxing way to see the Oregon Coast while visiting Oregon, or if you have a kiddo that is obsessed with trains, The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad is for you and your family! The railway features a historical authentic Oregon steam train which takes you along the Coast and shorelines from Garibaldi … Read more

The Mosier Twin Tunnels hike leads to an amazing destination

Oregon’s Mosier Twin Tunnels Hike, Mother-Daughter Trek into History

During our mother daughter excursion into the Columbia River Gorge, we sought to avoid the crowds. While we did do the more touristy things such as Multnomah Falls, we also tried to stick to lesser known adventures such as the hike to Ponytail Falls and the Mosier Twin Tunnels hike. I’m sharing my adventure into … Read more

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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

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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Best Connecticut Hiking Trails: 7 Hikes that Will Knock Your Socks off

By Kathleen Hesketh | May 9, 2024

You don’t have to search long to come up with dozens of Connecticut hiking trails, but narrowing in on the best hikes in Connecticut often requires a little determination. Many are short, flat jaunts with little to pique your curiosity, while others dig deep into history or the ecological wonders of the state. These are … Read more

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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

Fort Wetherill entrance

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

Our Sidekicks

Dog-Friendly Travel

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

Our Happy Place

Disney World Halloween 2023 entrance to MK

Thrills and Chills Await at Disney World Halloween

By Ali Patton | May 16, 2024

Halloween at Disney World is always a frightfully good time. Whether you’re celebrating ghouls or goblins, villains or princesses, you’ll find that Halloween at Disney World offers the right combination of ghoulish and whimsey to create a perfect seasonal haunt for everyone. Here’s what’s currently expected for Halloween at Disney World, based on what was … Read more

Main ST USA during a Walt Disney World Christmas

Disney World Christmas Time Secrets and More

By Ali Patton | May 16, 2024

Disney World is known for being one of the most magical places on Earth, and at Walt Disney World, Christmas time is handled with the same magic. In a matter of days, or in some cases hours, parks and resorts transform into winter wonderlands, fit for royalty. If you and your Disney posse are holiday … Read more

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Disney Secrets and Little Known Facts About Classic Disney Rides- Splash Mountain

By Ali Patton | May 16, 2024

Splash Mountain is a Disney ride staple. No Disney Vacation is complete without a plunge into the brier patch. With the mountain being so popular, you may think you know everything about it, but the classic ride is hiding a number of the most mysterious of Disney World secrets. Splash Mountain’s Special Moving Parts Splash … Read more

Gondolas on the Disney World Skyliner as seen from EPCOT

The Walt Disney World Skyliner: A Whole New Highway in the Sky

By Kathleen Hesketh | May 15, 2024

If you’re planning a Disney World vacation, you might be excited to learn that there is a new member of the complimentary transportation system: the Walt Disney World Skyliner. You can think of it as another highway in the sky, a cousin to Walt’s original monorail, only this time, the parks feeling the special love … Read more

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Walt Disney World Boats: Using Water Transportation with the Mouse

By Ali Patton | May 15, 2024

When it comes to Walt Disney World transportation, boats seem to be the most underrated mode. In reality, Disney World boats are one of the best, and most relaxing ways to get around and enjoy the participating parks. Where do Disney World Boats Travel: Covering Boat Routes? Disney World boats, also known as water taxis, … Read more

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Should You Use Uber in Disney World? The Answer May Surprise You

By Kathleen Hesketh | May 14, 2024

Using either Lyft or Uber in Disney World is an easy way to travel from your resort to the parks or other destinations, but like anything when visiting the mouse, a little information can go a long way. What Is Ridesharing and Why Would You Want to Use It at Disney? Lyft and Uber are … 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.

dogs walking at MInto Brown Island State Park

Explore Minto Brown Island Park: The Most Dog-Friendly Place in Salem

By Ali Patton | March 16, 2023

Minto Brown Island State Park is the perfect dog lover’s paradise. This riverfront West Salem park offers walking, hiking, jogging, and swimming, all with the option to take man’s best friend with you! The Search for Dog Friendly Parks at the Halfway Point When I stumbled upon Minto Island Brown Park in Salem, I was … Read more

views from Rim Drive are what to do at Crater Lake

What to Do at Crater Lake-Best Bets for Your Visit

By Ali Patton | March 5, 2023

When thinking about what to do at Crater Lake, many people go right to the pristine, blue water of the lake itself, but the over 180,000-acre park has much more to offer. With historic lodges, dining, sightseeing drives and endless hiking trails, Crater Lake National park is an experience, not just a destination. We visited … Read more

Valley of the Giants feature

Valley of the Giants: Oregon’s Tallest Hidden Secret

By Kathleen Hesketh | February 26, 2023

When it comes to visiting the Pacific Northwest, adventurers have a lot of choices, but none are as humbling as the Valley of the Giants Oregon trail near the now defunct town of Siletz. Accessing this special, sacred old growth grove requires an intrepid spirit, perseverance, and if traveling on a weekday, possibly a death … Read more

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Silver Falls State Park in Oregon: 10 Awesome Waterfalls in a Single Day

By Ali Patton | February 8, 2023

Silver Falls State Park Oregon is the largest park in the state at close to ten thousand acres. It features moderate trails through dense Oregon forest that bring you to a total of ten different waterfalls. The well-maintained trails, paired with the uniquely beautiful falls, make Silver Falls hike in Oregon a popular place that … Read more

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Visiting Oregon: 11 Scenic Places You Don’t Want to Miss

By Ali Patton | February 1, 2023

When visiting Oregon, it may be hard to narrow down a list of things to do. So, we’ve put together this simplified visitor resource, a companion to our Oregon travel guide, to help you discover the top attractions, and scenic places in Oregon this magnificent state has to offer. Exploring the Outdoors: Scenic Places in … Read more

Royal Terrace falls on the McDowell Creek Falls trail

McDowell Creek Falls- A Mythical Oregon Hike

By Ali Patton | January 25, 2023

McDowell Creek Falls Oregon is a moderate hike located north of Sweet Home. It features beautiful forest views and serene boardwalk stairs leading to the base and summit of two waterfalls. Oregon Hike Views For us, the McDowell Creek Falls trail started out in a small gravel parking lot at the Royal Terrace Trailhead in … Read more