Where in the World is Jessica Nunemaker?

Ever considered zig-zagging across the country in pursuit of the perfect place to live?  Well, Jessica Nunemaker, our fearless “Viscape Artist of the Week,” did just that.  Her life started in a small town in the Midwest and, like many small town kids, she couldn’t wait to escape—to get out and see the world.  Her first stop was the big city of Indianapolis (size is relative when you’re from a town with three traffic lights), and from there—by plane, train, and automobile—she visited and lived in many other towns and cities across the United States. 

Jessica proudly touts her “gift for gab,” which served her well on her journey.  Talking up locals helped her make friends and scope out the best non-touristy hot spots.  Lucky for Viscape, Jessica has incorporated many of her adventures into the 16 reviews she has written on Viscape. 

After her years of exploring, where did Jessica end up?  Well, let’s just say there is nothing like “home, sweet, home” when you are starting a family!

I recently connected with Jessica to ask her a few crazy questions about her life and her travels.

If you could pick a travel writer pen name, what would it be?

Plugging “Jessica Nunemaker” into a random pen name generator gave me: Suzanne D. Coldfeather.  Looks like I need to quit travel writing and start kicking out impossible romance novels filled with long haired, oily skinned, half-naked men, and radiant damsels constantly in distress.  Definitely NOT my style!  

If you found yourself in Paris, all alone, no other human being anywhere to be found—what is the first thing you would do?

I would totally raid the bakeries for scrumptious French pastries, then roller blade inside The Louvre.  How fun would that be!

What is your craziest late night travel adventure you have ever had?  PG please!

Driving down very, very dark and very, very winding mountain roads in Idaho.  I was a very large and slightly emotional five months pregnant woman accompanied by my less than chipper mother-in-law who had wanted to stop for the night many, many hours before.  There was hardly anybody on the road, and it was more than a little creepy.  But, I was absolutely determined to get to the Washington state line!  Needless to say, I didn’t make any friends that night but, hey, I did reach my goal!

Craziest daytime?

Ever ridden a Greyhound Bus from Charleston, South Carolina to Indianapolis, Indiana?  Don’t do it!  Not only was it terribly uncomfortable, cramped, and bumpy, but they lost our baggage on our return trip—for over a week!  Our luggage was transferred from bus to bus and apparently circled around and around the eastern portion of the US the whole time.  It saw more of the country than we did!

Taxi cab wisdom:  Tell us something someone told you on your travels that you “carry” with you to this day?

“You never really leave a place you love.  You take part of it with you, leaving a part of you behind.”  How true is that!  Certain places work their wily ways into your heart and soul forever. 

“Bowl of Butterflies”—A photograph from Jessica’s journey!
Visit Jessica on Viscape to see more travel photography and to read her travel stories.

Props and benefits of being chosen as the “Viscape Artist” of the Week include a new Viscape t-shirt, future public recognition and esteem, and crazy bragging rights. If you find yourself inspired by Jessica’s story, share your travel stories by entering  Viscape’s “Be a Travel Writer” contest for a chance to win a trip to Belize or Key West!