adventure – Sharonda Shariee

If you travel even a few times a year, you’re probably already spending enough to make the Costco Executive Membership pay for itself, and you just haven’t done the math yet.

When booking trips, Costco Travel is always my first stop for price checking. Rental cars are almost always less expensive booking through Costco Travel, and the thing that catches me off guard is not the deals themselves, it’s how quickly the 2% reward adds up without us changing a single habit. We book trips, rental cars, groceries, and household shopping the way we normally would.

Here’s how it actually works, broken down for people who travel and just function in a family household.

The Basics

The Executive Membership costs $130+tax per year. In return, you earn 2% back on most Costco purchases, including Costco Travel bookings. At the end of the year, Costco sends you a reward check. You can use that check to renew your membership for the following year, which means after Year One, the Costco Executive membership can essentially cover its own cost.

The catch everyone gets stuck on: you need to spend about $6,500 annually to earn that $130 back. That sounds like a lot until you think about what travel actually costs and how regular runs to Costco on a busy Sunday afternoon add up.

Where Costco Travel Earns Its Keep

Vacation packages. This is where the value gets real. Costco bundles flights, hotels, and sometimes rental cars or excursions into packages that are genuinely competitive often less expensive that what you’d piece together on your own. One vacation package can easily run $2,000 to $4,000 for two people. Book one trip like that, and you’re already a third to halfway to the break-even number without trying.

Rental cars. For us, rental cars alone can push the reward faster than expected, especially when we’re stacking road trips, business, and family travel throughout the year.

Cruises. Costco doesn’t always beat all cruise fares, but they frequently include Costco Shop Cards as part of the deal, which adds value on top of the base price. Book, cruise, and when you return you could have up to a couple hundred dollars on a Costco Shop Card sent to you. It’s worth comparing Costco Travel before booking anywhere else.

The Math

The number that matters isn’t really the total $6,500. If you already plan to keep a Costco membership, the Executive upgrade is only $65 more than Gold Star, so the real break-even point is $3,250 in eligible yearly spend. For most traveling families, that can happen faster than you think.

One vacation package, a few rental car bookings across the year, a trip here and there, and regular Costco shopping on top of that, groceries, household supplies, less per gallon on gas (note: gas doesn’t count toward the 2% reward) and you’ve more than likely passed the $3,250 upgrade break-even without even trying.

The reward check shows up. You hand it to the membership desk or to the cashier at checkout, and next year’s membership is covered. You keep shopping and traveling the way you already were.

Honestly, we’ve reached the 2% cash back $130 reward check without booking a single travel trip. And in the years we don’t quite hit the full amount, the reward still covers the majority of the upgrade cost, which makes it worth it either way.

What Else Comes With It

The 2% back is the headline, but the Costco Executive Membership also includes perks that are easy to overlook: discounts on home and auto insurance, Executive Member shopping hours, which I’ve used to dodge the infamous Costco crowds, and access to deals that aren’t available at the standard Gold Star tier. None of these alone justify the upgrade, but stacked on top of the travel value, they round out the picture.

The Honest Take

Costco Travel isn’t going to beat every deal on the internet every time. But it’s consistently competitive, the booking process is simple, there are live customer service representatives if you need assistance, and the 2% back makes it worth checking here first before you book anywhere else. I chase the best possible value on every trip, building a habit of checking Costco Travel as part of my booking routine and letting the reward take care of itself.

You’re already spending the money. You might as well get the membership back for free.

Go. But go correctly.

Arizona Travel, Coon Bluff Trail, Exploration Guide, Field Guide, Living, Salt River, Salt River Wild Horses, Things-to-Do, Trails

Salt River Wild Horses: How to See Them Before They’re Gone

March 13, 2026March 24, 2026 sharondashariee

Fathom the Journey – Paths & Patterns Series

Salt River Wild Horse Herd: (Photo credit: Patrick Smith)

HOW IT STARTED

Wild horses have never been high on my list of must-see animals. But after years of hearing how people go out of their way and even travel from neighboring states to track down the Salt River wild horses in Arizona, I kept filing the hike away under eventually. Then I started to wonder what I was missing. Then curiosity got the best of me, and as part of my Paths & Patterns series, I had to go investigate for myself.

Patrick Smith, friend and professional photographer, is an expert explorer and frequents the many hiking trails in the Tonto National Forest area exploring the native wildlife. I randomly asked if he had been out to see the Salt River Wild Horses, and he replied he had, and he photographs the horses often. Over weeks, he debriefed me on how to navigate the area, and finally I felt equipped enough to make the trek through Coon Bluff Trail.

Salt River Wild Horses Scuffling (Photo credit: Patrick Smith)

A NOTE ON THE TRAIL NAME

Now, you may think the name Coon Bluff Trail is a little suspect, but hold on, the name is short for Raccoon. The trail was given its name back in 1919 when a group of boy scouts trapped a raccoon on the trail and pranked their parents into believing it was a different type of meat. The name has since been controversial, even The U.S. Board on Geographic Names’ Domestic Names Committee considered changing the name, and the USDA Forest Service already formally refers to the trail as Raccoon Bluff Day Use Area. So, since we have cleared that up, the trail is accessed via the Coon Bluff Recreation Area. You will need a Tonto National Forest day pass to park.

FINDING THE HERD

The face you make when the Salt River delivers. (Photo Credit: Sharonda Shariee)

I immediately knew that I would not even have a chance of seeing the Salt River Wild Horses until I reached at least one mile into the hike, Patrick said do not even start looking until then. I kept close watch on my fitness tracker, and at the one-mile mark we started asking others on the trail walking from the wilderness we were approaching if the horses had been spotted. First couple: no horses. Second group: no luck, better chance at dusk or dawn. Third couple: “Yes, we saw them. Stay close to the river and when you feel the trail start to ascend, stay low.” I checked my fitness tracker, and 1.21 miles in, there they were. The investigation ended. I felt like the trail had finally decided to let me in on its secret. Let me warn you, there is a chance that you will not see the Salt River Wild Horses. If you go in knowing this, it lessens the disappointment, but also, be persistent and do not be afraid to ask other trail hikers if they have seen the Salt River Wild Horses, it is a normal banter on the trail.

Salt River Wild Horses taking a Hydration Break. (Photo credit: Patrick Smith)

TIP: This hike will take more out of you than you expect. Eat a solid meal before you go, hydrate well before you hit the trail, and bring more water than you think you need. The terrain is uneven, the sun is relentless, and the mile back feels longer than the mile in. A hydration pack is your best friend out there. I used my hydration pack the entire way.

UNDERSTANDING THE BANDS

Finding the bands matters more than you might think. The Salt River Wild Horses are not stationary, they are constantly on the move, following their natural grazing behavior and daily roaming. They come down to the river to drink, graze along the banks, and then retreat back into the forest as part of their routine movement patterns within their home range. Catch them at the wrong moment in that cycle and you will walk the entire trail and see nothing but beautiful desert landscape along the moving Salt River, which there is nothing wrong with that.

Salt River Wild Horse Band: (Photo credit: Patrick Smith)

WHO IS PROTECTING THE SALT RIVER WILD HORSES

What helps sustain the bands between those cycles is the work of the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group, an Arizona-based 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to monitoring, studying, and protecting the Salt River wild horses. They supplement the horses’ grazing with additional feeding, helping the bands maintain their health and numbers in an environment that, similar to the Butcher Jones Trail, you can read here, is feeling the same pressure of growing human presence.

Salt River Wild Horses Grazing: (Photo Credit: Patrick Smith)

WHAT’S COMING FOR THE SALT RIVER WILD HORSES

What makes this moment particularly urgent is that the Salt River wild horses are at a crossroads. Patrick has photographed these horses for years, and he has watched the numbers fluctuate dramatically, and with that, watched the forest floor change beneath them. More horses mean more grazing, more wear and tear on the forest floor, more pressure on the habitat that both the horses and the surrounding wildlife depend on. He does not advocate for or against what comes next. He just knows what changes he has seen.

The community is divided, but what I have learned is the herd must be reduced from approximately 274 horses down to about 120. That is more than half. Roughly 25 horses per year will be relocated to pre-vetted sanctuaries, with fertility control slowing future growth in the meantime. Relocation will begin in September 2026, which means this summer is the last time visitors floating the Salt River will see the herd at its current size.

Salt River Wild Horse Foal: (Photo Credit: Patrick Smith)

WHAT I LEFT WITH

I came to Coon Bluff Trail curious and left with insight into a world that I was not necessarily interested in but left enlightened to the joy that these horses have brought the community near and far, and a sense of quiet urgency within our wildlife environment. These horses are a wild family navigating the same pressures the rest of us are, shrinking space, growing crowds, and forces beyond their control making decisions about their future.

Salt River Wild Horse: (Photo Credit Patrick Smith)

Go this summer.

Go before September.

Go while the bands are still whole.

Seeking out the Salt River Wild Horses may not have been high on my list, but I will forever keep up with their story and how they are faring.

Salt River Wild Horses Grazing in the Open: (Photo Credit Patrick Smith)

This is part of my Paths & Patterns series, where I investigate how the places we love and the creatures that inhabit them are shaped by the world closing in around them.

A note on the photography: The images in this story were taken in collaboration with Patrick Smith, a professional photographer based in the Phoenix area. Whether you’re looking for wedding coverage, family portraits, events, or birthday sessions, Patrick is available for bookings at (602) 989-3601 or pat@ddifotography.com.

Field Guide, Intentional Living, Travel

How to Explore Any Place Like a Local: 5 Meaningful Travel Tips

February 21, 2026February 21, 2026 sharondashariee

There’s a difference between visiting a place and exploring it. Tourists rush through landmarks, checking boxes on an itinerary. But true exploration? That happens when you slow down, pay attention, and let a place reveal itself to you.

No doubt I’ve been guilty of checking the boxes, at least a couple of days out of the itinerary. After years of wandering with intention, I’ve learned that the most meaningful travel moments don’t come from seeing the “must-dos.” They come from noticing the small details — the rhythm of daily life, the taste of something you can’t pronounce, the conversations that happen when you’re genuinely curious.

Here are five ways to explore a place deeply, no matter where you go.

1. Eat Where the Locals Eat (and Ask What They’re Having)Skip the restaurants with menus in five languages posted outside. Instead, look for:

Places packed with locals at lunchtime
Hole-in-the-wall spots with old-school typewriter menus
Markets and food trucks where people are actually eating (not just taking photos)

Tip: Don’t just order the “safe” option. Ask the server or the person next to you what they recommend. Some of my best meals have come from pointing at someone else’s plate and saying, “What are they having?”

2. Walk Aimlessly (Yes, Really)

Put away the map for an hour. Turn down side streets that look interesting. Follow the smell of fresh bread. Notice the murals, the storefronts, the way other people are strolling around.

Wandering without a destination is how you stumble upon:

Local bookstores tucked between apartment buildings
Social lounges and local clubs
Parks where residents are actually relaxing along with a little Instagram posing

The Rule: If you see locals doing something — sitting in a plaza, browsing a farmer’s market, lingering at a café — join them. That’s where the real rhythm of a place reveals itself.

3. Use Public Transportation (Even If It’s Confusing)

Renting a car or taking Ubers everywhere keeps you isolated from the actual city. Buses, trains, and trolleys? That’s where life happens.

You’ll see:

Commuters heading to work
Students chatting on their way to class
Elderly couples running errands together

Tip: Locals are usually happy to help, if you let them know you’re trying to find your way. Some of the best conversations I’ve had started with, “Excuse me, does this trolley go to…?”

4. Shop at Neighborhood Markets (Not Souvenir Shops or Major Chains)

Want to understand a place? Go where people buy their groceries.

Farmers markets reveal what’s actually in season
Corner stores show you what locals snack on
Bakeries, butcher shops, and fish markets tell you how people cook at home

You don’t have to buy much — a piece of fruit, a fresh pastry, or a bottle of local wine. But you’ll learn more about a culture in 20 minutes in a market than an hour in a museum gift shop.

Tip: Picking up groceries, food items, coffee are almost always less expensive when you shop local.

5. Talk to People (Even If It Feels Awkward)

This is the one that changes everything. My friends and family can depend on me to ask questions and get the scoop from the locals. It’s become one of my favorite parts of traveling.

Strike up conversations with:

Baristas making your morning coffee
Shopkeepers who seem passionate about their craft
Fellow diners at nearby tables
People sitting next to you on the public transportation

Ask simple, genuine questions:

“What’s your favorite thing about living here?”
“Is there a spot locals go that tourists don’t?”
“What should I definitely try while I’m here?”

Most people love sharing their city with someone who’s genuinely curious. And those spontaneous conversations are the stories you’ll remember long after you return home.

The Heart of It

Traveling like a local is about showing up with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to slow down.

You don’t have to choose. You can get the shot and still stay present. You can build the itinerary and leave room for connection. It’s about content and connection. Photos and feelings.

Because the truth is, the best parts of travel aren’t the places you go to, they’re the way those places make you feel. And that only happens when you step off the tourist track and into the actual rhythm of a place on a day-to-day basis.

So next time you travel, ask yourself: Am I just visiting, or am I actually here?

What’s your best tip for exploring like a local? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear how you explore new places.

USA Today Wine & Food Experience Review: Should This Festival Make Your Annual List?

February 7, 2026February 7, 2026 sharondashariee

Your Field Guide to the USA Today Wine & Food Experience

I went. I experienced it. Here’s what you need to know.

“If Gus’s Fried Chicken is at the festival, get in that line first.” A seasoned festival-goer shared this rule with me while we waited at the gates of the USA Today Wine & Food Experience, and she was right. One bite of the piping-hot chicken leg, perfectly seasoned with a hint of spice, set the tone for everything that followed.

Spring and fall kick off the festival season here in Arizona (we skip summer for obvious reason 😅), but the USA Today Wine & Food Experience deserves a spot on your list every year, no matter the season.

After see the USA Today Wine & Food Experience advertised on every social platform, I finally gave in and bought tickets to see if the hype was real. General Admission tickets were $65.00. Worth it.

TIP: Always take advantage of presale pricing. In some cases, you can save up to $20 per ticket.

Location, Parking, and Arrival Experience

The festival takes place at an outdoor venue space on High Street in Scottsdale, Arizona. We arrived about an hour early to get in line, which turned out to be a great move.

Parking was easy and stress-free. We parked in the surface lot for free, and there was also a parking garage available for overflow parking. That was complimentary for the event day as well—no validation required.

Entry Process and What’s Included with Admission

While waiting in line, the couple behind us asked if we’d attended the USA Today Wine & Food Experience in previous years. We hadn’t—but they had.

We asked if early entry was worth the extra cost as we watched early entrants already enjoying the festival. Their answer? No.

After finishing the festival ourselves, we completely agreed. Everything is still available during standard entry hours (1 PM–4 PM), and the lines move surprisingly fast. You won’t miss out by skipping early access.

Entry Process and What’s Included With Admission

Before the gates opened, vendor staff walked the line to check IDs and place wristbands on everyone. Once security opened the gates, we were handed plastic wine glasses—and just like that, we were on our way.

Once inside, there are no additional costs. All wine and food samples are included with admission, which makes it easy to relax and enjoy without constantly pulling out your wallet.

TIP: Restrooms and hand-washing stations were easy to find, but also bring your hand-santizer.

Food, Wine, and the Gus’s Fried Chicken Rule

Most vendors offered small bites and wine samples—except for Gus’s Fried Chicken.

Gus’s was by far the most popular vendor at the festival, handing out regular-sized chicken thighs and legs. A seasoned festival-goer shared an important rule with us: If Gus’s is at the festival, get in line first.

Even though the line looked long, we were through it in about five minutes. At first, I thought the portions were small… until I realized we hadn’t even made it halfway around the festival and I was already full.

There were plenty of seating areas and tall, stand-up tables scattered throughout the venue, making it easy to take breaks as needed.

The festival also had a well-curated playlist that set the vibe without overpowering conversations. Just enough energy to keep you moving in between booths.

TIP: Complimentary bottled water is provided. Bring a small bag to stash vendor freebies.

Standout Bites and Favorite Festival Moments

One of my standout moments was having one of the best lamb chops I’ve ever eaten. The Country Financial sponsored lounge-style seating had lamb chops straight off the flamed grill from the steakhouse, Ocean Prime.

I took one bite and immediately took a photo to remember the moment.

Some vendors featured at the festival included:

1000 Stories
Benovia Winery
California Fish Grill Casual Kitchen
Casamigos
El Bandido Yankee Tequila
Fetzer
Frasher’s Steakhouse & BBQ
Gus’s Fried Chicken
Humble Bistro
Modelo
Nosh & Por
Ocean Prime Seafood & Steak
Rancho La Glforia
San Simeon Wines
Titos

And Many More!

Wine, Spirits, and Pacing Yourself

Toward the end, I was officially tapping out and found a shaded seat where I stayed for a while, while my husband continued his journey through bourbon, whiskey, and liquor tastings.

Even though it’s the Wine & Food Experience, there were definitely some heavy hitters in the spirits category as well.

TIP: Always designate a driver before participating in tastings.

How Long to Expect to Stay

After making our rounds—and doubling back to our favorites—we headed out.
Total time inside the event: about 2.5 hours.

It was the perfect amount of time to enjoy everything without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Final Verdict: Is the USA Today Wine & Food Experience Worth It?

The USA Today Wine & Food Experience is officially on our permanent annual list. We couldn’t stop saying how much of a good time it was—and honestly, that’s the best kind of review.

If you love great food, good wine, and a well-organized festival experience, this one absolutely delivers.

Subscribe so you never miss a Field Guide—and tell me, what’s your favorite festival?

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Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona Creek

Things-to-Do

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: Gilbert, Arizona’s Hidden Nature Escape (+Video)

October 19, 2025February 2, 2026 sharondashariee

riparian-preserve-at-water-ranch-in-gilbert-arizona-entry-map

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: Gilbert, Arizona’s Hidden Nature Escape

Whenever I discover a place that I love, I can’t wait to come back and tell you all about it. The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona was no different. We intended to take a quick one-mile walk, but ended up wandering over two miles. This place was just that captivating.

TIP: Bring a water bottle. You’ll need it!

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Gilbert, Arizona

The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a local park managed by the Town of Gilbert. Let me tell you, it’s a magical little world tucked right in the middle of the city. Think Bridge to Terabithia vibes: peaceful, lush, and full of surprises.

When you arrive, you’ll notice a small parking lot on the north side that fills up quickly. If you continue further west, there’s also a public library with plenty of parking. Yes, you can park there while exploring the Preserve. The parking is free.

A parking lot filled with various vehicles near the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona. — Parking near Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona.

Parked in a lot with several other vehicles, surrounded by green trees and a cloudy sky. — Parking near Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona.

What You’ll Find at the Riparian Preserve

Serene walking path surrounded by lush greenery at the
Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, Arizona.

We didn’t follow a specific trail; we just let curiosity lead the way. That approach turned out to be perfect because there’s so much to see. Here’s what you can expect:

110-acre wetland and wildlife sanctuary
7 ponds connected by scenic hiking trails
1 recreational urban fishing lake (fishing license required)
1 floating boardwalk
3 overnight campsites
2 reservable small ramadas
2 restroom facilities (north and south ends)

Serene walking path at the
Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, Arizona.

According to AZCentral, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch was created in 1999 to help recycle and replenish groundwater. The preserve also supports native riverside forests and wildlife habitats. Over 70 acres are dedicated to seven recharge basins, which are filled on a rotating basis with treated wastewater. I am always fascinated by how we can re-use our resources time and again.

Nature, Wildlife, and a Touch of Mindfulness

During our walk, we spotted several bird species, squirrels, rabbits, and turtles swimming through the ponds. Me and another trail-walker even discovered some wild mushrooms growing near the trees.

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in
Gilbert, Arizona – Turtles

One of my favorite features, were the posted Mental Health Tips along the trails. I thought the mindful health tips was such a thoughtful touch. It made me pause every time and really breathe in the calm of the space.

A sign offering a mental health tip about deep breathing at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona, surrounded by trees and a gravel path.

Sign at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch featuring a mental health tip about anticipating positive experiences, surrounded by green foliage.

Whether you are coming for exercise, photography, a quiet moment of reflection, or a family stroll, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch lets you choose your own pace. There are benches scattered throughout the trails where you can sit and take it all in.

Would I Go Back?

Absolutely. If you’re looking for peaceful outdoor thing-to-do, this preserve is an absolute must-visit. It’s beautiful, free, and full of life, literally and figuratively. Let the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, in Gilbert, Arizona, remind you how good it feels to just wander.

Plan Your Visit

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
2757 E. Guadalupe Road
Gilbert, Arizona 85234

Hours:
Sunday – Saturday: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona Creek