What is True North?
True North is a newsletter where I’ll be sharing my favorite destinations in the Northeast U.S.—ideal for day trips or weekend getaways—with a focus on wellness, outdoor fun, and great food and drinks.
Every destination recommended in this newsletter has been personally vetted by the writer (that would be me, Meredith Bethune), so you can trust that you're getting reliable and authentic suggestions.
My picks tend to be more down-to-earth than luxury, though I’ll throw in an upscale hotel or restaurant here and there. If I recommend a place—whether it’s a hotel, restaurant, or activity—that I haven’t personally tried but comes from a trusted source, I’ll let you know. I’ll also be upfront about any potential conflicts of interest.
Not based in the Northeast? Well, I’ll also share personal updates, links to my latest published work, and occasional wellness tips.
Who are you?
I'm a freelance writer and editor passionate about exploring and sharing the good things in life: delicious food, exciting travel and outdoor experiences, and insights into improved health, wellness, and fitness.
For over a decade, I've had the pleasure of writing about these topics for over 40 publications, including the New York Times, Outside, Wine Enthusiast, Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, and National Geographic. I’ve also worked as an associate editor at Eater DC.
I’ve reported from over 15 states and 25 countries over the course of my career, which has helped me develop a keen eye for travel destinations that are truly unique and worth visiting.
If you’re still curious about me, you can check out my full bio on my website.
Why are you doing this?
After moving across the country—and across the world—seven times in 15 years, I’ve finally settled in upstate New York and also visit my hometown in Rhode Island quite often.
Along the way, I’ve collected tons of recommendations and ideas for places to see and things to do within driving distance of my home in New York’s Capital Region. But, thanks to some not-so-exciting shifts in the media world, they haven’t quite found a home in traditional publications. So, I’m sharing them here instead!
How often do you publish?
I’m aiming for monthlyish. We’ll see how it goes!
How did you find me?
If you didn’t subscribe, then you probably used to receive the (now defunct) Tinyletter I used to send a few years back. So I’ve brought you along for the ride!
But if that’s not cool, feel free to unsubscribe—no worries at all. I get it, we all get tons of emails, so I won’t hold a grudge!
