#155 Bucket List: See Affordable Private Gardens in the U.S. for a Limited Time
Everyday Bucket List: Travel Ideas, Local Adventures & Money Hacks
Release Date: 04/09/2026
Everyday Bucket List: Travel Ideas, Local Adventures & Money Hacks
#155 Hidden Garden Escapes: Exclusive Open Days & Budget-Friendly Spring Adventures In this episode of Everyday Bucket List, we’re stepping into a world that most people never get to see—private gardens, tucked behind gates and usually off-limits, now open to the public for a limited time. Here’s what we get into: Exclusive private garden access Regional garden highlights nationwide Unique styles and landscapes Picture this: fresh blooms in the air, bees humming, and thoughtfully designed spaces that change with the seasons. These aren’t your typical public gardens—these are...
info_outlineEveryday Bucket List: Travel Ideas, Local Adventures & Money Hacks
#154 Exploring U.S. Natural Wonders: Outdoor Bucket List Trips from Financial Experts In this episode of Everyday Bucket List, we’re exploring incredible U.S. outdoor adventures—through the eyes of personal finance experts who know how to make travel happen, evenin their own backyard. Here’s what we get into: Cave adventures: Mammoth Cave National Park and underground experiences National parks: Yellowstone National Park & Grand Teton National Park highlights and wildlife tips Coastal escape: Martha's Vineyard travel ideas and local favorites From massive cave systems in Kentucky to...
info_outlineEveryday Bucket List: Travel Ideas, Local Adventures & Money Hacks
#153 Planning a trip to Washington, D.C.? Start with this itinerary! In this episode of Everyday Bucket List, we’re heading to Washington, D.C., with a walkthrough of my time exploring the National Mall. Here’s what we get into: Hands-on museums: Immersive vs. classic exhibits D.C. must-sees: Capitol, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial Travel tips: Planning, getting around, tickets Washington, D.C. offers something for every kind of traveler. From free attractions to world-class museums, the National Mall is packed with memorable stops. It’s an easy place to turn a long-standing...
info_outlineEveryday Bucket List: Travel Ideas, Local Adventures & Money Hacks
#152 Want an easy, fun spring bucket list? You’re in the right spot! It’s been a long, rough winter across the U.S., and with gas prices all over the place, planning fun outings can feel stressful and expensive. You might be itching to get out of the house, but the cost and effort of planning something “worth it” can keep you stuck in the same routine. That’s where this episode comes in—with simple, affordable ideas to help you enjoy spring without overthinking or overspending. In this episode, we cover: Spring bucket list inspiration Budget-friendly activities Outdoor...
info_outlineEveryday Bucket List: Travel Ideas, Local Adventures & Money Hacks
152 Quirky Bucket List Ideas — Travel Inspiration You Can Try Close to Home We cover: Unique destinations around the world How they inspire everyday bucket list adventures A few quirky stops in the U.S. In this episode of the Everyday Bucket List Podcast, we explore how unusual places around the world can inspire simple bucket list ideas you can try whether you’re traveling or staying close to home. From a glowing bike path inspired by Vincent van Gogh in the Netherlands to writing a letter to your future self at Café Pli, we look at creative experiences that turn ordinary moments...
info_outlineEveryday Bucket List: Travel Ideas, Local Adventures & Money Hacks
#150 Looking to visit Nationals Park in Washington DC? Listen in! In this Everyday Bucket List episode, we talk about our visit to the Nationals Park! We cover: Stadium Tour Highlights Dining and Hotel Options Travel Tips and Savings Today, we’re sharing our visit to Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. Touring major league ballparks has long been part of our baseball bucket list. Over the years, my husband and I have attended games at several stadiums across the country. This time, however, our trip to D.C. didn’t line up with the game schedule. Even without a game, the...
info_outlineEveryday Bucket List: Travel Ideas, Local Adventures & Money Hacks
#149 Do you have to be a superfan to love the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum? Not at all! We cover: Our trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame Reasons to visit Some drawbacks In this episode of the Everyday Bucket List Podcast, we’re exploring why a visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum belongs on your bucket list — even if you’re not a die-hard sports fan. This isn’t just a museum about baseball. It’s a place where history feels personal. From legendary artifacts and iconic moments to powerful exhibits honoring figures like Jackie Robinson and the Negro...
info_outlineEveryday Bucket List: Travel Ideas, Local Adventures & Money Hacks
#148 Looking for fewer regrets? In this episode of the Everyday Bucket List Podcast, we’re diving into something we don’t always say out loud: travel regrets. The trips we postponed. The experiences we assumed we’d “get to someday.” The bucket list ideas we quietly ghosted. But here’s the good news — skipped dreams don’t disappear. They wait. And sometimes, all it takes is one decision to turn regret into action. You’ll hear about: Karen’s regret about missing the Yayoi Kusama exhibit at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden — and how she turned it around by planning...
info_outlineEveryday Bucket List: Travel Ideas, Local Adventures & Money Hacks
#147 Are travel credit cards worth the hype?? In this episode of the Everyday Bucket List Podcast, we break down whether travel credit cards are truly worth it and how to maximize travel rewards without overspending. You’ll learn how to: Use travel rewards credit cards to earn points and miles, including a comparison of cards with annual fees vs. no-fee travel credit cards Take advantage of flexible travel rewards programs that make trip planning easier Apply smart credit card strategies to balance costs, perks, and long-term value Be sure to take notes as you listen so you can...
info_outlineEveryday Bucket List: Travel Ideas, Local Adventures & Money Hacks
#146 How do you turn a long weekend into the ultimate Upstate New York bucket list trip? In this episode of The Everyday Bucket List Podcast, we’re sharing how a three-day Upstate New York getaway turned into a perfectly balanced mix of art, nature, history, and smart travel planning. From driving to Buffalo for a must-see Yayoi Kusama exhibit to experiencing Niagara Falls in the quiet of winter and wrapping up in Cooperstown at the Baseball Hall of Fame, this trip proves you don’t need weeks off to create unforgettable memories. You’ll hear about: The Yayoi Kusama exhibit at the...
info_outline#155 Hidden Garden Escapes: Exclusive Open Days & Budget-Friendly Spring Adventures
In this episode of Everyday Bucket List, we’re stepping into a world that most people never get to see—private gardens, tucked behind gates and usually off-limits, now open to the public for a limited time.
Here’s what we get into:
- Exclusive private garden access
- Regional garden highlights nationwide
- Unique styles and landscapes
Picture this: fresh blooms in the air, bees humming, and thoughtfully designed spaces that change with the seasons. These aren’t your typical public gardens—these are deeply personal, creative environments that reflect years of passion and care.
We also explore how the Garden Conservancy Open Days program unlocks hundreds of private gardens across the U.S., from Connecticut gems to Midwest design at the Turkel House and stunning West Coast landscapes.
We also share practical tips to help you plan your visit, including what to expect, how to find locations near you, and why this can be a perfect low-cost weekend activity. With many budget-friendly tickets, it’s an easy way to explore somewhere new without breaking the bank.
Plus, in honor of Financial Literacy Month, we’re talking about how gardening at home can actually save you money—from planting perennials to creating a low-maintenance, budget-friendly outdoor space that keeps blooming year after year.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day trip, seasonal inspiration, or a unique experience close to home, this episode will help you turn an ordinary weekend into something memorable.
🎧 Tune in now to discover hidden gardens, and simple ways to make the most of spring—without overspending.
CLICK THE LINKS BELOW OR CUT AND PASTE THEM INTO YOUR BROWSER:
Binge-listen to my USA Travel Podcast Episodes https://bit.ly/4fyfh53
Binge-listen to my Seasonal Bucket List playlist https://bit.ly/3SPiiVN
Listen to these episodes next:
- 6+ Quirky Bucket List Stops & Everyday Adventures Inspired By Them Spotify & Apple (Ep 151)
- 19+ Cheap Ideas to FULLY Enjoy Spring and FINALLY Escape Winter Spotify & Apple (Ep 152)
- Creative Bucket List Ideas in Hollywood, CA (including Frank Lloyd Wright's work) (Ep 6)
RESOURCES:
- Grab a copy of The Everyday Bucket List Book https://amzn.to/3vwxz2K
- If you'd like to support my work, check out https://buymeacoffee.com/edbl
- Open Days Program https://gardenconservancy.org/open-days
- Open Days Tickets and Participating Gardens https://gardenconservancy.org/open-days/ticket-release-dates
Connect with me:
Website: KarenCordaway.com
Twitter (X): @KarenCordaway https://x.com/karencordaway
Pinterest: @Everyday_Bucket_List https://www.pinterest.com/EverydayBucketList/
Tiktok: @Everyday_Bucket_List https://www.tiktok.com/@everyday_bucket_list
If you're enjoying this podcast, please rate and review it here. Let me know what you like about it so I know exactly what content to keep creating for you.
Disclaimer: Some of the outbound links financially benefit the podcast. Using our links is a small way to support the show at zero cost to you. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. I appreciate your support.
https://karencordaway.com/disclaimer/