Gates50States

About

We’re the Gates, a family of five. We’re planning to visit all 50 states by the time our oldest finishes college. Jenn’s the planner. Ryan’s the photographer. Lincoln, Lydia & Henry round out the bunch. Sometimes Jenn writes. Other times Ryan writes. Sometimes we specify, other times we don’t. We love traveling, our individual tastes and senses of adventure vary, but we make a good team together. Live vicariously through us via our writing, but then be sure to forge your own adventure!

Follow along on here and on Instagram: @rggates, @jlgates126

Hello,

from the Gates Family!

Way back, we formed a plan to visit all fifty states with our kids before our oldest finished college. Simply passing through a state wouldn’t count as a visit. Instead, we’d investigate places and themes that make each state unique to the union.

This required choosing age-appropriate states and activities all along the way, and the plan has always been fluid. Our only obligation is to ourselves and our kids (there are no outside rules for this project) and the most difficult part of this project has always been saying, “No,” to so many cool and interesting things in so many states because there’s just not enough time.

The adventures we do plan? Wonderful!

The adventures we’ve stumbled upon without planning? Amazing!

Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own family, or you’ve crossed paths with us and you’re following up with our own brand of craziness, take your time as you peruse the posts. We really hope you enjoy them.