Hey There, Mama! 👋
You know that feeling when your kid asks “Where are we going this weekend?” and your brain immediately calculates:
- ✅ Will it exhaust my patience? (Probably)
- ✅ Will it exhaust my wallet? (Definitely not happening)
- ✅ Will it create those magical memories that make the chaos worth it? (Please, universe!)
I’m Shwetha, and I GET IT.
I’m the constantly-caffeinated mama behind Purple Highways — your new best friend for turning “we’re broke but bored” into “we’re broke but having the BEST time!”
From California Rock Cliffs to Jersey Boardwalks 🌎
I am traveling across the United States, from the Rock Cliffs in California to the charming neighborhoods of New York, armed with nothing but determination, a camera, and my 5-year-old sidekick Wyom (professional snack critic and dinosaur expert).
Plot twist: I discovered that exploring America with kids doesn’t require a trust fund — just creativity, a sense of humor, and knowing where to look!
What Makes Us Different?
We’re not your typical “luxury family travel” blog. We’re the “holy cow, we actually pulled this off for under $50” kind of family. We believe:
- 🎨 Adventure comes in all budgets (yes, even the “ramen noodle” budget)
- 🦕 Kids don’t need five-star resorts — they need dinosaur fossils and playgrounds
- 🌮 The best family memories happen at roadside diners, not Michelin restaurants
- 📸 Every mom deserves to be IN the photos, not just behind the camera
What You’ll Discover Here
Ready to become the mom who always knows the coolest spots?
🗺️ Budget-Friendly Family Adventures across Connecticut, New York, New Jersey & the tri-state area — because who said fun has to be expensive?
🎪 Seasonal Events & Quirky Attractions that’ll make you the neighborhood hero mom (think: pumpkin patches, holiday light shows, indoor trampoline parks on rainy days)
🥗 Vegetarian-Friendly Eats and hidden café gems (because finding decent veggie options with a hangry 5-year-old is an Olympic sport)
🎒 DIY Travel Hacks that keep everyone happy, comfortable, and Instagram-ready (without the Instagram budget)
📚 Comic-Style Family Stories featuring Wyom’s hilarious observations and our multicultural adventures (spoiler: kids say the darndest things at the worst possible moments)
Meet Your New Adventure Squad
Shwetha (That’s me!) — Former Bangalore girl, current Connecticut mom, eternal optimist who believes there’s always a playground within 10 miles
Wyom — 5-year-old explorer, dino encyclopedia, comic book enthusiast, and the reason we pack 47 snacks for a 2-hour trip
Dad — Our designated driver, planner, official photographer, and supplier of dad jokes that make everyone groan (but secretly smile)
Why “Purple Highways”?
Purple = imagination and creativity (like your kid’s ability to turn a cardboard box into a spaceship) Highways = the open roads we explore together (even if it’s just to the next town over)
Together? Colorful journeys filled with wonder, laughter, and the occasional meltdown (from kids AND parents — we’re honest here!)
Ready to Join Our Adventure Club?
Stop scrolling Pinterest boards of places you “someday” want to visit.
Stop feeling guilty about saying no to expensive family outings.
Start creating those magical memories your kids will actually remember (and you’ll survive financially).
👉 Follow @PurpleHighways on Instagram for daily dose of family adventure inspiration
👉 Email me at purplehighways.sr@gmail.com — I love chatting with fellow mamas about travel dreams and budget realities
👉 Bookmark this site and become the mom who always has the perfect weekend plan
Because life’s too short for boring weekends and too expensive for broke bank accounts!
Let’s explore this beautiful country together, one budget-friendly adventure at a time.
Trust me, your kids won’t remember the price tag — they’ll remember the fun. And isn’t that exactly what we’re going for? 💜
P.S. — Currently based in Connecticut with the entire tri-state area as our playground. Where should Wyom and I explore next? Tell me in the comments!
Purple Highways 