In April 2018, I visited Charlottesville for a long weekend and enjoyed spending time as a tourist in a town that used to be mine. But it also led to some interesting reflections on how the city has always been and how it has changed, as well as how my own view as an adult has evolved.
Read MoreThe annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival held at Ferrum College in Ferrum, Virginia, has been my window into learning more about the history of my local region: Appalachia. There is an entire culture of mule jumping, clogging, and more that I had no idea existed until my three visits over the last decade to this event.
Read MoreShenandoah National Park has some amazing campgrounds that we have enjoyed over years and years. Read about our favorite spots and hikes here!
Read MoreAs a lover of hiking, the outdoors, and history, the Harkening Hills and Johnson Farm trails near Peaks of Otter along the Blue Ridge Parkway are a perfect blend for a perfect day!
Read MoreDid you know that running through the hills and valleys of Virginia and North Carolina is the 469 mile long Blue Ridge Parkway? Chances are if you live in one of those two states, you do, but if you are from outside of the area, you may not be aware of this hidden gem that offers back-road scenery through beautiful vistas and interesting hikes and historical sites along the way.
Read MoreMabry Mill construction began around 1903 by Edwin Mabry. Within a few short years, it was an operating gristmill. Today, the mill sits off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and is one of the most photographed mills with large numbers of people visiting it per year.
Read MoreI do not like winter - whether it is the actual winter season or a neighboring season playing at being winter on any given day. But, I do appreciate the beauty that can be unique to the season in the form of snow and ice. In my mind, a gorgeous snow is winter's crowning achievement. A few years ago in late winter, some friends and I (and a couple of dogs) trekked out to Cascades waterfall in Pembroke, VA on a warm day and discovered that the shade rendered huge chunks of the 4-mile round-trip hike dangerously slick and icy.
Read MoreHilton Head, SC is a beach destination that we visited for some family time and relaxation.
Read MoreWhile many people who travel to New York do so for work or the myriad of excellent cultural attractions, there exist within the city limits some wonderful natural areas where you can take a breather from the bustle and congestion of the streets. Find out more about The High Line and Central Park.
Read MoreMost photographers have a that-time-my-memory-card-crapped-out-on-me story. This is mine. Did I learn a lesson here? Yes. When your 6-year old non-professional grade memory card displays some weird warnings on the screen, and you also have several back-up cards at the ready, use them.
Read MoreAsheville is a mountain town in two senses of the word: its downtown is hilly and the city is tucked closely against the larger surrounding mountains. Due to this location, there are gorgeous vistas in every direction. Whether it was unique to our visit or seasonal/geographical due to the mountains, each morning started out with low clouds that took several hours to burn off and each evening, low clouds began moving back in and stirring up a bit of a cool breeze.
Read MoreTo understand Biltmore, you must first understand the breadth of the estate and the size of the house. The house was completed in 1895 and is the largest home in America even today with a whopping square footage of over 178,000 sq feet split into 250 rooms, including 43 bathrooms in an era where any indoor bathrooms were uncommon. The estate includes the home, gardens, a shopping village with winery, and more.
Read MoreWant to make the most of your Biltmore experience? Here are some of our tips!
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