Blog Posts
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Discovering Hidden Gems in West Virginia: A Journey Home
Recently, I had the joy of revisiting my beloved home state of West Virginia and sharing its magic with Daniel. We traveled over the Fourth of July weekend to celebrate the founding of our country surrounded by natural beauty and the warm hospitality that defines the Mountain State. Music and Mountains Our adventure began as…
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Christmas in July: Exploring Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens During the Holidays
Happy Christmas in July! Daniel and I were reminiscing about last year’s Christmas the other day, and we realized we never shared last year’s holiday trip to Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens with you. We are not big on presents, so our Christmas gifts to each other the last few years have been trips, like…
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Exploring Lexington, Kentucky: A Perfect Blend of Work and Fun
Lexington, Kentucky is a city that seamlessly blends vibrant culture, rich history, and modern charm. My recent work trip for the Southeast Grain Gathering turned into an unforgettable adventure as Daniel elected to come with me and we extended our stay to explore some of Lexington’s hidden gems. From strolling through lush gardens to experiencing…
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Embracing the Underrated Swamp: Congaree National Park
After buying our parents and ourselves a National Park Wall Hang for Christmas, Daniel and I have made it a goal to travel to as many national parks as possible. As readers of this blog will know, we are off to a great start after visiting the Great Smoky Mountains and New River Gorge in…
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Manhattan Marvels: A Whirlwind Weekend of Parks, Plays, and Unforgettable Moments
Embark on a captivating journey with us through the heart of New York City, where history, humor, and theatrical hijinks intertwine to create an unforgettable weekend. From the serenity of Central Park’s autumn splendor to the eccentric delights of Drunk Shakespeare, join us as we navigate the urban oasis of Midtown Manhattan, uncovering hidden gems…
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A Hike to Remember: Our Adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains
Amid the vibrant tapestry of fall foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains, our backpacking journey on the Appalachian Trail unfolded. Our grand plan was to hike 40 miles on the Appalachian Trail from Fontana Dam to Newfound Gap. For me, it was an opportunity to discover if I could embrace the ruggedness of backpacking on…
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Discovering the Heart of History: A Stroll Through Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island, may be known as the “Creative Capital” and the home of prestigious institutions like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, but it’s also a city steeped in history and charm. Recently, Daniel and I had the opportunity to explore this captivating city during a long weekend trip for a…
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Exploring Nature’s Treasures: A Memorable Journey through Shenandoah National Park
Introduction: Embarking on an adventure through Shenandoah National Park, our five-night stay in the picturesque town of Luray, VA, became a gateway to unforgettable experiences. From breathtaking hikes along scenic trails to indulging in local flavors and immersing ourselves in the region’s rich history, our travel escapade left us with cherished memories and a deeper…
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Journeying through Patagonia’s W-Trek: A Trekker’s Dream Come True
Trekking along the W Trail Imagine standing at the foot of towering granite peaks, surrounded by glaciers and turquoise lakes. This breathtaking beauty is what awaits trekkers on the W Trail in Torres del Paine National Park, located in the vast and rugged region of Patagonia at the southern tip of South America. A UNESCO…
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A Long Weekend in Tampa, Florida
Welcome to Tampa, Florida! Located on the Gulf Coast, Tampa is known for its sunny weather, stunning beaches, and lively atmosphere. Daniel and I traveled to Tampa recently and we must say that the inexpensive flights from RDU make for a memorable weekend getaway. For our Valentine’s Day weekend trip, we hit some of the…
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North Myrtle Beach, SC
Living in the Triangle has many perks, but perhaps our favorite is the proximity to both the beach and the mountains. Last weekend, Daniel and I traveled to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to visit his parents and to take in the salty seaside air. If you are interested in taking a trip to North…
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Taking a Ride on the Elkin Vine Line
Once a bustling town steeped in the textiles industry, Elkin has pivoted to become the premiere wine hub in North Carolin’s most popular viticultural region, the Yadkin Valley AVA. We were fortunate enough to spend a weekend in Elkin with friends a few weeks ago and highly recommend this area for the budding oenophiles among…
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Spending A Day In Wake Forest, NC
Introduction North Carolina is acclaimed for its awe-inspiring Appalachian mountains, pristine beaches, and abundance of rural farmland; however, some of the lesser-known charms of NC are the small-town main streets that dot the state. One such place is Wake Forest, North Carolina, located about 30 minutes from both Raleigh and Durham. Last year, I bought…
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Nocturnal by Nature: Halloween at NCMNS
Halloween is a time for dressing up, for spooky and chilling thrills, and for things that only come out at night. In Raleigh, there is no better place to celebrate this holiday than the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Held every year, the museum’s Nocturnal by Nature event offers adults the chance to experience…
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A High Country Long Weekend
Autumn in North Carolina’s High Country feels like something out of a dream. The reds and oranges of the deciduous trees set the sky on fire in an otherwise steady sea of green pines and moss. Daniel and I were fortunate enough to spend a few days during peak leaf season this October, and below…
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An October Week in Raleigh, NC
The other day Daniel remarked on how active we stay, even during a typical October week in Raleigh. While this may have something to do with my inability to sit still most nights, I choose to believe that some of my exploration habits are due to the fact that I moved to Raleigh at the…
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IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival
The IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival is a three-day event that features bluegrass music, workshops, and more. The festival features live bluegrass music from some of the most talented musicians in the world, as well as up-and-comers in the scene. This year’s festival was moved indoors to accommodate Hurricane Ian’s arrival in North Carolina. Raleigh…
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A “Short Little Walk” to Pullen Park
Introduction One of the things I love most about Sydney is how active she is. As a former collegiate cross country runner, a day rarely passes where Sydney isn’t partaking in some form of vigorous exercise. That being said, a lifetime of intense running can take a bit of a toll on one’s body, so…
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New River Gorge National Park
Growing up in West Virginia, you might think I would have explored and enjoyed all the Mountain State had to offer before leaving the state at twenty-one. However, there are some parts of my home state I could not have appreciated until I was older and certainly not until I was able to experience its…