Welcome to SummerofBeth!

@summer_of_beth

Miles, Status, and Brand Love

Over the summer it dawned on me that travelers are some of the most loyal customers I’ve ever met; they won’t hesitate to let you know where they stand.  From airlines to cruise ships and every hotel in between travelers normally have a brand and they don’t like to stray.  It makes me wonder how…

Beth Mattern's avatar by Beth Mattern

Every summer tells a story

A few summers ago on my quest to visit all 50 states my bestie and I went on a road trip along the coast of Oregon.  We stopped in a cute town called Florence.  While in Florence we did some shopping and I purchased a card holder for my wallet that said every summer tells…

Beth Mattern's avatar by Beth Mattern
Cruised thru summer of 2026. Ready to plan 2027!! #cruising #summerofbeth #norwegianjewel A road trip for the books! Unlimited family members, unknown number of stops, 19 days, 14 states, 5 movies, 3 Presidential libraries, 1 amusement park, multiple rounds of golf, bridges, landmarks, national parks, road construction and traffic! Honestly, couldn’t ask for a better trip! #summerofbeth #toadtrip #dollywood Summerofbeth Days 17 and 18- part 3- Woodrow Wilson was anti-war as he grew up in the aftermath of the Civil War. Yes, I realize he was the president who got us into WW1. He tried hard not to enter the war. Wilson also hoped the war was going to be the war to end all wars. Spoiler alert- there was a second WW! The bottom floor of the museum had a great exhibit on WW1. Summerofbeth Days 17 and 18- part 2- Woodrow Wilson is conflicting to learn about. The son of a pastor and his mother was an immigrant from England; his childhood was impactful on his beliefs as a President. WW grew up living in manses. Manses are homes for Protestant Pastors. His Dad made a great living at $1,000k/month and the home came with 3 slaves for the property. 1 was a cook, 1 worked out on the farm/garden, and 1 was a maid. Wilson only lived in Stanton for 18 months as his father took a position with a church in Augusta, Georgia for $3k/month. Summerofbeth Days 17 and 18- Part 1- The last two days were the last full days of the road trip home. Tomorrow I will be back sleeping in my own bed and settling back in to my summer routine. Lots of chores to do when I get home but that seems like a Monday problem! We began today’s adventure in Louisville, Kentucky and have completed the day in Dollywood and/or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Tomorrow, we have a whole day here for Dollywood and the pool! Springfield, Illinois to Louisville, Kentucky! Caption coming in the comments! Some pictures from our smallest National Park- Gateway Arch National Park. #summerofbeth #roadtrip We started this morning in Kansas City. We drove past the library to see the parking garage and then went to Independence to visit Truman’s library. We spent most of the day driving across Missouri to stop in Saint Louis to visit the arch and then made our way to Springfield. Spoiler alert: I’m very excited for tomorrow!