What to Expect

My Core Values at Tanglewood Hideaway

At Tanglewood Hideaway, travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you experience it. Whether you’re a Brown County local or a visitor, my goal is to help you find beauty in the everyday, embrace adventure with curiosity, and create a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

I approach life with an open mind, a love of discovery, and a deep curiosity for how things actually work—and I bring that same energy to everything I share here. I don’t just research and reshare blindly; I test, I explore, and I figure things out firsthand so you don’t have to. Whether it’s a hidden gem in Brown County, a travel tip I’ve learned the hard way, or a recommendation for something I genuinely love, you can trust that what you find here is real, practical, and rooted in experience.

These core values shape how I travel, how I write, and how I share the best of Brown County and beyond. They guide everything from the stories I tell to the resources I create—all with the goal of helping you travel better, experience more, and build a life filled with what matters most.

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You Don’t Have to Go Far to Get Away

Adventure, beauty, and connection aren’t reserved for far-off places—you can find them right where you are.

We’re often taught that travel means going somewhere distant, somewhere exotic—but I believe some of the best experiences happen close to home. I’ve found that Brown County, Indiana, has just as much magic as any faraway destination—and I want to help others see that, too.

Whether you’re a local looking for a fresh perspective or a visitor hoping to make the most of your trip, Tanglewood Hideaway exists to help you explore with intention—to slow down, appreciate the little details, and find adventure wherever you are.

At its heart, this value is about mindset over mileage—travel isn’t just about how far you go, but about how deeply you experience a place.

A family plays giant Jenga in Antique Alley in Nashville, Indiana and laughs as the tower falls over.

Community Over Competition

Good things happen when we lift each other up.

Tanglewood Hideaway is built on the belief that sharing knowledge, supporting others, and celebrating local businesses makes us all stronger. I don’t believe in keeping the best spots or experiences to myself—I want to highlight and promote the incredible work people are doing in this community so that more people can experience and enjoy it.

From locally owned restaurants and shops to artists, makers, and small businesses, the people behind these places are what make Brown County special. By sharing their stories, recommending their work, and helping visitors discover them, I hope to contribute to a thriving and connected community.

Rather than seeing others as competition, I believe in collaboration, connection, and an abundance mindset. There’s plenty of opportunity to go around, and when we support and cheer each other on, we all win.

Because in the end, a strong community benefits everyone—locals, visitors, and small businesses alike.

Life is Wanderful

Stay curious, explore often, and say yes to new experiences.

Adventure isn’t just about faraway places—it’s about embracing curiosity wherever you are. The best moments happen when you follow a hunch, take a detour, or try something new—even if it’s something as simple as stepping into a shop you’ve never noticed before or ordering the dish you’d usually skip.

I believe the most fulfilling experiences come when you keep an open mind. That means embracing the unexpected, seeking out new perspectives, and finding joy in the journey itself.

Some of my favorite experiences have come from spontaneous choices—the unplanned stop, the side street I almost didn’t turn down, the restaurant I tried on a whim. And those moments? They’re what make exploring exciting.
Because when you say yes to curiosity, you open the door to the kind of experiences that make life truly wanderful.

More of What You Love, Every Day

You don’t need permission to build a life that excites you—start now, not someday.

There’s no reason to wait until a special occasion to do the things that bring you joy. The best life is one where your favorite things aren’t rare treats, but everyday experiences.

I believe in creating more of what you love right now, not in some far-off future. That might mean planning a weekend getaway instead of waiting for the “perfect” vacation, or making the most of whatever time you have with loved ones, instead of waiting until your schedule clears.

And it’s not just about the big things. The little things become your life. The morning coffee ritual, the sunset walk, the time spent doing what lights you up—those moments add up to something bigger.

Waiting for the “right time” is a myth. Now is the right time.

Selfie-style photo of Kara (that's me!) while hiking in November, in front of a trail sign for the Tecumseh Trail.

Real, Practical Travel Advice—Because the Details Matter

The best travel advice comes from real experience, not just research.

I started Tanglewood Hideaway because finding accurate, up-to-date information about Brown County was frustrating. Hours were wrong, shops were miscategorized, and visitors were left piecing together outdated blog posts and generic travel guides.

So I started creating the resources I wish existed. And that philosophy extends beyond Brown County—whether it’s recommendations for travel gear I actually use, itineraries I’ve tested, or tips I’ve learned the hard way, you’ll always get honest, firsthand advice here.

That means:

  • No fluff, no filler—just useful, real-world insights
  • If I’ve done it, tested it, or used it, you’ll know
  • If I haven’t? I’ll tell you that too.

Because the little details make or break a trip, and I want you to feel confident, prepared, and free to enjoy the journey.

Want to Explore More?

Whether you’re planning a trip to Brown County or looking for ways to bring more adventure, connection, and joy into your daily life, Tanglewood Hideaway is here to help.

From insider tips and local recommendations to practical travel advice and curated resources, everything I share is designed to make your experiences richer, easier, and more memorable.

Kara sits in a green chair in the dining area of the 3-West unit at the Brown County Barn Burner. A colorful 'crazy quilt' hangs in the background

A Life (and Business) Built on Values

These values aren’t just words—they guide every decision I make.

From the way I write about travel to how I share recommendations, these principles shape everything Tanglewood Hideaway stands for. Because great travel—and a great life—isn’t just about the places you go. It’s about how you experience them, who you share them with, and the joy you create along the way.

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