Welcome to True North by Meredith Bethune
Hey, it's me, Meredith. I'm still here!
“Are you still writing?” That’s a question I’ve been getting off and on for a few years now.
Still Writing, Just Different
The short answer is: Yes, I never stopped.
But I get why people ask me this—my visibility as a writer has decreased during the past few years as I’ve switched to writing more for travel and lifestyle brands and less for consumer publications.
Why did I make that shift? Well, the hamster wheel of press trips, pitching stories, and churning out enough articles to make a living was no longer working for me.
Life Changes and New Directions
That’s because the context of my life has shifted over the past five years. Sure, the pandemic played a role, but that feels minor compared to everything else.
After 15 years of near-constant moving, I’ve finally settled in Albany, NY and bought a house. It’s been a time of big life changes—pregnancy, becoming a parent, and dealing with major illnesses and deaths in the family—which prompted me to reevaluate various aspects of my lifestyle. I even picked up a few hobbies I never thought I’d try, partially in the name of health.
The pandemic did highlight one key realization for me: Airplane travel is actually quite stressful! Before 2020, I was so used to the hurry-up-and-wait routine of flying that I didn’t notice how draining it was.
The compulsory time at home helped me reflect, establish a regular exercise routine, cook more, and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. In fact, I feel so much better that I’m now avoiding plane travel as much as possible.
Finding Adventure Closer to Home
But that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped having adventures! Of course my travels are less glamorous these days as I’ve discovered the joys of exploring closer to home. I’m not committing to this as my forever travel style (I mean, I did just return from a whirlwind trip to Northern Ireland), but it feels right for now.
That’s where this newsletter comes in. You’ll mainly find travel stories (mostly related to food, wellness, and outdoor adventure) from around the Northeast, along with the occasional piece about destinations farther afield. You can also read a bit more about my intentions here.
Not based in the region? No worries! I’ll also share personal updates, links to my recent work, and occasional wellness tips.
I plan to publish monthlyish. But, since it’s a labor of love, who knows what might happen?
Anyway, I hope you’ll stick around!
What I’ve written recently
AAA Northeast, Where to Go Whitewater Rafting in the Northeast
Wine Enthusiast, What’s the Difference Between Wine Grapes and Table Grapes?
Matador Network, A Sustainable Travel Guide to Vermont’s Legendary Green Scene
Wine Enthusiast, The Best Wineries (and More) to Visit in Maryland Right Now
Matador Network, 4 Vermont Road Trips Perfect for Your EV
REI Co-op, Hiking Safety: When to Turn Back
How to work with me
Check out my portfolio of writing clips from over 40 publications.
Learn more about my content creation services. I’ve worked with more than 50 brands and organizations to produce and/or edit web copy, branded content, blog posts, articles, travel itineraries, email newsletters, print ads, and more.
Reach out for specific samples or inquiries about collaborations—I’d love to hear from you!
Connect with me on Substack or LinkedIn, or drop me an email.
Albany! I lived there for 7 years (up until this summer) and absolutely loved it. Can't wait to see the adventures you find there. If you need hiking tips, I've got plenty!