Do you gain a lot of inspiration from travel? We do! PPR’s team has spent the spring and early summer taking trips across the country and beyond, exploring the sites and taking in local flavors (literally and figuratively).
Armed with fresh ideas and a suitcase full of inspiration, we’re more excited than ever to share our adventures (and put our new experiences and insights to work for our clients). Get the scoop on our team’s recent adventures.
UK Adventures (Sandy)
If you’ve been following along on the PPR blog for very long, you have seen that I enjoy travel. This latest adventure included somewhat of a whirlwind trip through Iceland and the United Kingdom. We covered a day in Iceland before heading to the UK, with highlights in London, Windsor, Bath, Stonehenge, York, and Edinburgh. Our timing aligned with Wimbledon, so we decided to spend the last full day of our vacation in the queue alongside all the other “Brits.” It was worth the wait as we got to enjoy a few hours of thrilling tennis action!
Beach Days (Mia)
PPR’s Public Relations Specialist and resident travel enthusiast Mia took on South Carolina this summer!
As a public relations professional, my passion for shaping narratives and building connections extends to exploring new destinations, hidden gems, and local small businesses in each new community I visit.
My aunt and uncle’s recent move to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has turned it into my family’s new go-to vacation spot. During our most recent visit, my family was immersed in the local charm by exploring coffee shops, visiting charming restaurants, soaking in the scenery that the area has to offer, and even checking out a local comedy club!
Texas Hold’em (Hannah)
Senior Content Writer Hannah took a late spring break in May to visit her boyfriend’s family for four days in Texas.
As an East Coast girl at heart, my trip to San Antonio was a deep dive into the heat of the South and the rich culture and history of Countdown City.
When it came to finding the best restaurant picks and classic local hotspots, there was no one better to turn to than a San Antonio native. The vacation was more like a four-day-long food tour as the group explored the culinary delights of the town. It was lovely to visit family on their ranch, see the historic missions and cathedrals, the Alamo, and experience the vibrant Riverwalk. San Antonio, in all its glory, was a beautiful place and an exciting adventure.
Rumble in Pottstown (Caleigh)
In June, PPR’s Communication Specialist, Caleigh, traveled to Pottstown, Pennsylvania, to play in the annual Pottstown Rumble Tournament.
With over 6,000 players, the Pottstown Rumble is one of the largest and toughest grass volleyball tournaments in the United States. This highly anticipated tournament attracts competition from all over the country and uses “old-school rules,” which means the tournament can last for hours. Some of my friends have played from 9 AM to 3 AM!
I played co-ed quads for the first time on Sunday with my dad, my best friend Olivia, and her dad. We began playing at 9 AM and finished around 9 PM. The day was filled with a tremendous amount of water breaks, laughs, and running into old volleyball friends we hadn’t seen in years. In the end, we finished 5th place out of 42 teams in our division! Next year, we’re hoping to go for gold!
Taking on Tennessee (Kayla)
Our Social Media Coordinator, Kayla, visited Tennessee with two of her friends in June for a six-day-long “girls’ road trip!”
We first explored Nashville’s culinary scene with a guided food tour of five locally-owned businesses. We then visited other must-try destinations on our own, including Goo Goo Chocolate Co., Five Daughters Bakery, and more! Our other highlights for this stop included exploring Broadway’s array of rooftop bars for nighttime views of the city and snapping pictures of iconic murals like the #WhatLiftsYou wings in The Gulch.
As we moved on to Chattanooga, my friends and I saw seven states from the highest point of Rock City Gardens (a group favorite destination that is technically in Georgia), took a walk to see public art displays in the Bluff View Art District, and then had a picnic with the statuesque versions of well-loved treats at Little Debbie Park. In the evening, we visited Unknown Caller Bar, where we met the kindest bartenders for delicious, unique drinks.
Our final destination was Gatlinburg, where we experienced a tourist staple at Sugarland Distilling Company: moonshine tasting! Our crew also hiked to see beautiful scenery atop Laurel Falls and attended a comedic murder mystery dinner in Pigeon Forge. To end the trip, we revisited a southern exclusive, Buc-ee’s, to stock up on snacks and try the hand-carved brisket before making the long drive back to Maryland.
Off to Portugal (Nishi)
Nishi, PPR’s Spring 2024 Intern, flew to Portugal for an international holiday in June!
I went to Portugal for around two weeks with my family this June and got to see so much of the country. In Lisbon, I visited Belém and Sintra, and also went to Porto, Faro, and Coimbra. Highlights were getting to try the famous Pasteles de Belém and visiting the southwestern-most point of Europe, Sagres Point. In true PPR fashion, I also visited the Chamber of Commerce in Porto!
Exploring West Virginia (Hanna)
Hanna, PPR’s Director of Client Relations, enjoyed the comforts of West Virginia with her family this summer.
Traveling with three kids is not for the faint of heart, but we try to pack in as much fun as possible throughout the summer!
Visiting local markets and festivals is perfect for quick afternoon outings, especially when that includes a trolley ride to see the old Barrackville Covered Bridge. We have also made frequent trips to our own escape in the mountains of West Virginia for a “staycation” on my parent’s farm. Each visit is full of swimming, tractor rides, endless adventures, and even a paddle boat ride around the pond.
During the 4th of July weekend, we visited some friends at the historic Pendleton County Poor Farm, a once-working farm now used as a family gathering place. It has been nostalgic to spend weekends in my hometown, enjoying activities and old stomping grounds, especially when we made our first trip to the drive-in with the kids.
Taking On Colorado (Sophie)
PPR’s Managing Director, Sophie, spent some time in Colorado this summer.
With wedding season in full swing, my fiancé and I recently had the pleasure of visiting Dolores, Colorado, to celebrate the union of dear college friends. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, the wild-west charm of a rural town, and the unhurried flow of the Dolores River, we fully embraced the area’s natural landscape. In true local style, I couldn’t resist sporting a cowboy hat for the festivities. Beyond the wedding and the joy of reconnecting with friends, it was a delight to travel and discover this beautiful part of the country.
