Back in Minnesota, Halloween meant bundling a winter coat over your costume. This year, Matt and I spent a warm October night walking the streets of downtown Pensacola, holding ghost-hunting gadgets and listening for spirits. Yes, really. Pensacola is one of the oldest cities in the country, so it makes sense that it has a few ghosts hanging around. When I made my fall bucket list, a haunted history tour was at the top. Here's how it went! The tour we picked We booked the Pen

If someone asked me to plan the perfect Pensacola weekend, this is exactly what I'd hand them: a slow Saturday morning wandering Palafox Market, an afternoon with sand between my toes and a walk out over the Gulf on the Pensacola Beach Pier, and a sunset dinner on the bay at Jaco's. When Matt and I traded long, gray Minnesota winters for the Gulf Coast, this is the kind of weekend I daydreamed about. Sunshine, good food, cute local finds, and no rush to be anywhere. Whether y

When we moved from Minnesota to Pensacola, I knew hurricane season came with the sunshine. Back home, we knew blizzards, ice storms, and how to dig a car out of a snowbank. A hurricane? That was a whole new kind of weather. This month, we went through our first one, Hurricane Isaias, and I wanted to share what it was really like and what we learned along the way. The Days Before: Getting Ready A few days out, the forecasts made it clear the storm was probably headed our way.

There's a part of starting over that doesn't make it onto Instagram. It's not the "we did it!" moment or the big reveal. It's the middle. The learning-which-way-to-turn, figuring-out-which-grocery-store-we-like, sorting-out-all-the-housing-stuff middle. The finding-a-new-vet-and-groomer-for-our-babies middle. (I did find a hairstylist, so I'm calling that a major win.) Matt & I left Minnesota for the Florida Gulf Coast, and our new home is still being built. Some days it feel

Living on the Gulf Coast means we're always just a short drive from somewhere fun. A couple weekends ago, Matt and I took a day trip from Pensacola to Ocean Springs and Biloxi, Mississippi, and it was so easy and so good that I had to share it. We wandered Ocean Springs, checked out a few casinos, ate some great food, and soaked up the Gulf Coast sunshine. If you're looking for an easy day trip from Pensacola, here's exactly how we did it. The drive Ocean Springs is about 112

Turning 46 changed how I think about wellness. I'm not chasing perfect anymore. I want to feel good, have steady energy, and keep dreaming big for the next chapter. After years of trying everything, here's what has stuck. Energy: Start Simple, Stay Consistent Sunlight, movement, and my Ignite. That's my morning. I used to run on dirt coke, Alani drinks and willpower. Now I focus on the basics that make energy last: A real morning routine. I wake up, get sunlight on my face, a

Hi friends! If there's one thing I've learned since moving to Pensacola, it's that I will always find the good coffee. ☕️ Exploring a new city is one of my favorite parts of starting over, and we've been doing it one weekend at a time, usually with a latte in hand. We're still new here, so think of this as my growing list of favorites. I'll keep updating it as we find more. 🌴 ☕️ Maker's Cafe & Espresso 📍 422 S. Palafox St., Downtown Pensacola, FL 32502 · Closed Sundays This

If you’ve been around here for a while, you may have noticed things look a little different — both on this website and in my life. And if you’re new here, hi! I’m Kari, and I’m so glad you found your way here. I recently gave Kari Me Away a little refresh, and it felt like the perfect time to reintroduce myself because, honestly, life looks pretty different than it did when I first started this blog. So, who am I? I’m Kari — wife to Matt, pet mama, travel and lifestyle creato

If you would have told me a year ago that I’d be this passionate about plant-based wellness products—or sharing them with other women—I’m honestly not sure I would have believed you. Wellness has been part of my life for years. I’ve tried different products, supplements and routines, and like so many women, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure out what actually helps me feel better. But as I’ve gotten further into my 40s, that has taken on a whole new meaning. Energy. In

There’s something about a field filled with thousands of bright yellow sunflowers that just feels like summer in Minnesota. 🌻 By late July and August, sunflower fields begin popping up around the state, creating some of the prettiest places for a summer day trip. Whether you’re looking for the perfect backdrop for family photos, planning a girls’ day, or simply want to wander through rows of flowers on a warm summer evening, Minnesota has some beautiful sunflower fields wort

Minnesota may be known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but some of my favorite places to explore are its charming small towns. Give us a walkable Main Street, a locally owned coffee shop, cute boutiques, beautiful scenery, and a great place to grab lunch, and we are happy! From historic river towns and lake-country favorites to tiny destinations surrounded by some of Minnesota’s prettiest scenery, there are so many small towns worth adding to your Minnesota bucket list. Whether

There’s nothing quite like fall in Minnesota. As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, families head out to apple orchards to enjoy crisp autumn air, fresh apple cider, homemade bakery treats, pumpkin patches, and unforgettable family traditions. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, looking for the best apple cider donuts, or searching for an orchard with plenty of activities for the kids, Minnesota has no shortage of amazing places to explore. He

If you’re looking for a charming Minnesota town that’s full of locally owned businesses, scenic parks, and relaxing outdoor adventures, let me introduce you to New London, Minnesota. Nestled in west-central Minnesota, this hidden gem makes the perfect day trip whether you’re planning a couples getaway, girls’ day, or family adventure. We spent the day exploring cozy coffee shops, browsing downtown boutiques, enjoying incredible food, and taking in some of the area’s beautiful

If you’ve been following along on social media lately, you’ve probably noticed I’ve been sharing more about a company called Bravenly. I’ve had quite a few people ask what it is and why I decided to join, so I thought I’d share my story. The truth is, this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. Over the last several months, I spent a lot of time researching, asking questions, trying the products, and learning everything I could about the company. I wanted to make sure it align

If you’re searching for one of Minnesota’s most unique dining experiences, make plans to visit Alpha & Omega Pizza Farm in Princeton, Minnesota. Just over an hour north of the Twin Cities, this charming family-owned farm combines wood-fired pizza, beautiful countryside views, friendly farm animals, live entertainment, luxury glamping tents, and unforgettable seasonal events. Whether you’re planning a family outing, date night, girls’ weekend, or even an overnight getaway, thi

Looking for a fun Minnesota day trip that combines delicious food, beautiful scenery, charming downtown streets, and hidden outdoor gems? Wadena, Minnesota, is the perfect destination. Located in central Minnesota, Wadena is one of those small towns that pleasantly surprises you. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend adventure or simply want to explore somewhere new, you’ll find plenty to do in this welcoming community. Here’s exactly how we spent the perfect day in W

There’s nothing quite like celebrating the Fourth of July in Minnesota. From charming small-town parades to spectacular fireworks over lakes and rivers, the Land of 10,000 Lakes knows how to celebrate Independence Day. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a fun day trip, these are some of the best July 4th celebrations happening across Minnesota. 1. Delano – Minnesota’s Fourth of July Capital If you’re looking for the ultimate Independence Day celebration, Delano s

There’s something special about summer in Minnesota. The warm weather brings communities together for parades, carnivals, live music, food vendors, fireworks, and hometown traditions that have been celebrated for generations. If you’re looking for fun weekend adventures, this guide highlights some of the biggest summer festivals happening throughout Central Minnesota in 2026. Whether you’re traveling with family, meeting friends, or simply looking for a reason to get out and

There’s nothing quite like packing up the car, hitting the open road, and exploring some of America’s most beautiful national parks with your family. Summer is the perfect time to visit national parks thanks to warmer weather, longer days, scenic drives, wildlife sightings, hiking trails, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether your family loves hiking, spotting wildlife, relaxing by lakes, or simply taking in incredible views, these national parks offer something fo

June is one of the best months to explore Minnesota. The weather is warm, lakes are coming to life, patios are open, and communities across the state are celebrating summer with festivals, concerts, art fairs, food events, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, a fun day trip, or a reason to explore a new Minnesota town, here are some of the best events happening throughout Minnesota this June. Grand Old Day – St. Paul June 7, 2026 One o