TRAVEL
The Big Chill - Wrightsville Beach, NC in Winter
I land at the same familiar Outer Banks, North Carolina, destination each summer. I eat at the same restaurants, shop at the same shops, book the same dolphin tour and visit the same attractions year after year. Breaking tradition can feel uncomfortable for me, but staying in my silo of routines makes it difficult for me to discover new things. That’s why visiting Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, in the offseason — with smaller crowds, shorter waits and unobstructed beach views — was eye-opening.
Small But Mighty - Lexington, VA
A two-hour drive from Richmond — slightly more if you take scenic country roads — Lexington is close enough to be a perfect weekend getaway. But with so much to see, do and taste, you’ll wish you had more time in this charming and robust city.
Head to the Beech: Beech Mountain
Having never heard of the town before, I didn’t know what to expect as I drove up the winding, narrow roads that comprise the home stretch leading up to Beech Mountain, North Carolina. As a lover of the mountains, a good view, and the great outdoors, I wasn’t to be disappointed.
Happy Trails - Nelson County, VA
Though Wintergreen Resort and Crabtree Falls Hiking Trail continue to attract thousands of tourists annually, Nelson County has much more to offer. It’s an easily drivable destination for all manner of adventure seekers.
Stay a Little Longer - Culpeper, VA
The town of Culpeper is no longer just a day-trip destination from Richmond: It offers a range of attractions and activities that will entice all ages.
A Capital Experience - Washington DC
For Richmond residents, a trip to our nation’s capital is just a two-hour drive or ride on one of Amtrak’s trains away. Since Washington-area traffic can be awful, and driving and parking downtown can be cumbersome and expensive, taking the train is a convenient option: Historic Union Station will place you in the middle of the action.
Fall on the James River in Lynchburg, VA
After a sweltering summer, Autumn’s vibrant colors and crisp air have rushed in, and the falling leaves from trees lining the James River are calling me back to Lynchburg.
I will never forget my first visit… I checked my GPS, perplexed, as I wound slowly through a sleepy industrial area. I had carefully researched my accommodations and directions to my destination - the upscale Craddock Terry Hotel.
Think Floyd (Floyd, VA)
When I announced that I would be traveling to Floyd, I received a mix of “Where?” and “oh yeah, FloydFest”, which actually takes place in neighboring Patrick County. I came to find that Floyd is an idyllic haven for artists, musicians, and just good-hearted folk.
I stayed at The Pine Tavern Lodge, a unique hotel constructed in 1927 as a motor lodge.
Hit the Trail (Farmville, VA)
At just over an hour’s drive southwest of Richmond, Farmville is an easy road trip with an array of activities – like its convenient access point to the High Bridge Trail State Park and renowned home-shopping paradise Green Front Furniture. While there, check out some of this college town’s trendy spots for food and drink.
Naturally Cool: Door County
If the words “visiting Wisconsin” conjure images of cheese and of Green Bay football fans milling about in Cheesehead hats, you’re in good company. The truth is, my trip to Door County – although dotted with the occasional cheese curd – was filled with outdoor adventure, fantastic food and drink, and an idyllic setting perfect for a relaxing getaway.
A Cabin in the Woods (Claytor Lake, Radford, and Pulaski, VA)
I have always loved the mountains, but add a lake, and I’m in heaven. After passing Blacksburg, I arrived at Claytor Lake, which stretches 21 miles along the new River in Pulaski County. Claytor Lake State Park borders the lake along a 3-mile stretch of waterfront. The park features accommodations ranging from RV and tent camping to yurts and lodges. The cabins that I checked into are #lakelife embodied, and I didn’t hesitate to curl up in a rocking chair on the porch overlooking the water.
Pony Time (Chincoteague and Assateague Islands)
Ah, Chincoteague… on my bucket list since my youthful, horse-crazy days of reading Marguerite Henry’s “Misty of Chincoteague” series. The 7-mile-long resort island of Chincoteague falls between Virginia’s coastline and Assateague Island, where beaches and wild ponies are an international tourist draw. The Chincoteague experience is one of oyster beds and weathered fisherman, of gorgeous seashore and bird-filled marshes - all flavored by the unique heritage of the island’s colorful locals.
Small Town Virginia: The Luster of Lovingston
Hanover Lifestyle, River City Magazine, Chesterfield's Best | January / February 2019
It is thought that once the word gets out about a hidden gem, it loses its luster. However, it would be downright selfish to not share my most recent small-town Virginia find. So, with the passing of my moment of hesitation, I give you Lovingston, Virginia. Although my latest trip to Lovingston was on perhaps one of the coldest, wettest days of 2018, the winter weather advisory could do nothing to dampen the warmth that I experienced with each of the wonderful, down-to-earth people whose paths I crossed.
Small Town Virginia: The "New" Farmville
River City Magazine | March / April 2019
As a touring musician, self-proclaimed gypsy, and travel trailer-owning adventurer, I have seen my share of small towns, and made it my goal to explore as many areas within an hour or two of home as possible. Upon hearing of the town of Farmville, I racked my brain for any adventures that I may have had there. I couldn’t come up with much… In 2005, while singing in a band called Sin City Revival, I played a frat party at Hampden-Sydney College. This is the one and only trip I’ve ever made to Farmville, and I must admit, I didn’t exactly see the sights.
Checklist: A Weekend In Virginia Beach
River City Magazine | July 8, 2019
‘Tis summer! As a Richmond resident, chances are that Virginia Beach is on your list of vacation destinations. Even for those who visit other beaches for longer summer trips, Virginia Beach is a great weekend destination. Before heading east, it pays to do your homework.
Prior to hitting the road, consider your transportation options. If you don’t own a spacious vehicle, it may be