Books, Bites, and Sights

"I sha'n't be gone long. – You come too." – Robert Frost

Recent Posts

About Me

Hi, there! My name is Natalie Ray, and I am the creator of Books, Bites, and Sights.

This blog is space for me to focus more on the things that bring me joy: reading, yoga, spirituality, early mornings, travel, peanut butter, hot coffee, recovery, love, long phone calls, and more. I won’t be gone long— you come too.

Explore my authentic and unsolicited take on different books, bites, and sights from a variety of destinations by clicking on the drop downs. And don’t forget to leave a comment on your take, suggestions, or experiences.

Category: Uncategorized

  • American Samoa

    February 2nd – February 5th, 2026 Even after hours of research, I was unsure of what to expect when traveling to American Samoa. Using limited and outdated information online, I decided that this trip would be one where I had to be tentative and go with the flow – which is the exact advice I…

  • Joshua Tree, California

    January 29th – January 31st, 2026 I have always heard that a rolling stone gathers no moss, and, while Amory and I love to do all the things in all the places while traveling, when we made it to the desert town of Joshua Tree, California, we were both in need of moss gathering. Quick…

  • Saguaro National Park

    January 27th – January 28th, 2026 “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi The short term goal of my 63 in 365 journey is to visit all 63 national parks in 365 days or less, but my long term goal: continue to rediscover…

  • Big Bend National Park

    January 21st – January 23rd, 2026 After leaving out of Houston and heading down I-10 West for nearly nine hours, Amory and I finally arrived at the northern entrance of Big Bend National Park – the Persimmon Gap Visitor Center. We spent three nights camping in Big Bend – two nights at the Chisos Basin…

  • South Florida

    January 4th – January 11th, 2026 Hi friends, and welcome to the 8 day, 7 night itinerary of everything I did in South Florida including Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, Key West, and Dry Tortugas National Park. Gasp. The rumors are true. I officially live out of my car, am unemployed, and don’t have…

  • Hot Springs, Arkansas

    Haters gunna hate or whatever Plato said. November 24th – 26th, 2025 Low expectations. That is what I had when driving down I-40 on my way to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Hours of Reddit scrolling (yes, I know – don’t trust nor entertain strangers on Reddit, but I am only human and give easily into temptation)…

  • St. Louis, Missouri

    24 Hours in St.Louis November 7 – 8, 2025 Here is the gist: 63 in 365. 63 national parks in 365 days or less.  After nearly a year of planning, saving, and preparing, my boyfriend and I will be leaving our cozy Nashville west-side apartment in January to live and travel full time in our…

  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    October 16 – 18, 2025 Bites: The Camping Pancake For this post, I want to focus on a keystone food in my diet: the pancake. Over my fall break from school, I took two days to solo explore Great Smokey Mountains National Park and Fontana Dam. Fall leaves, winding roads, crisp air, and stillness. Thursday…

  • Gulf Shores, Alabama

    October 9th – 14th, 2025 Hello – and welcome to my blog (and my first post). My intention for this blog is capture more of what brings me joy: books, bites, and sights. By doing so, I hope to bring more joy into my life. So, if you also find joy in turning pages or…