Welcome to A Whitney Detour.

If you’ve heard that we’re rarely home, the rumors are probably true. We finally decided to stop just talking about our trips and start documenting them—mostly so we can remember how we ended up in half these places.

The “Cast”

• Whitney: The Wanderer. I’m the one with the maps, the saved pins on Google, and the “Wait, let’s see where this road goes” attitude. I believe the best views aren’t on the highway, and the best stories happen when you’re slightly lost.

• Tim: The Wonderer. As Tim says, it’s rumored we travel a lot, but he’s usually the one wondering how we got here and—more importantly—where the nearest snack is located. He’s the logic to my “let’s go,” and he’s surprisingly good at carrying camera gear.

• Miley & Dolly: The Bosses. Miley (our mini blue Merle) and Dolly (our standard red tri) are the real stars. They’ve got more miles on them than most suitcases. If there’s a trailhead, a creek, or a window to stick a head out of, they’re in.

What is a “Whitney Detour”?

It’s not always about the five-star destination. It’s about the “oops” moments, the hidden local gems in places like Hillsboro and beyond, and the beauty of taking the long way home.

The name A Whitney Detour wasn’t born in a boardroom; it was born on a dusty road somewhere between Las Vegas and Pahrump, Nevada.

During a trip with our moms, I attempted a “shortcut” to Mount Charleston that somehow landed us deep in the Spring Mountains Recreation Area. As the pavement changed and the scenery shifted, the moms officially coined the term. To them, a “Whitney Detour” means you might not end up where you planned, but the views will be spectacular and the story will be even better. Today, Tim and I embrace those unexpected turns, seeking out the hidden gems and unique stays that you only find when you’re willing to get a little lost.