Shenandoah National Park in the Fall invites you to experience panoramic views, cool breezes, beautiful birds, and leaves falling like colorful gems from above. In October, Shenandoah National Park is practically bursting with vibrant Fall colors! This natural attraction welcomes Fall foliage pilgrims every Autumn with towering summits, excellent hiking trails, flowing streams, and magical … Read more
[Updated October 19, 2023] In my 25+ years as a professional travel writer, I’ve been extremely fortunate to travel to some amazing destinations all around the world. But, as a lifelong resident of the state, I always come back home in time to spend Christmas in Georgia. I grew up in the city and spent … Read more
“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” This line from the Emily Brontë poem “Fall, Leaves, Fall” perfectly captures the wistful beauty of Fall in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The approach of Autumn stirs different expectations in everyone. I look forward to playing golf without intense Summer heat and tailgating … Read more
If you like brain teasers, love a good head-scratching mystery, or just enjoy playing pretend, there are some amazingly fun escape rooms in Virginia you can visit to challenge your mental acuity. Escape rooms are a great way to while away an hour with friends, family, or work colleagues. It’s an opportunity to prove … Read more
Every season of the year has its highlights, but Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains has to be my favorite. Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains at this time of year, as we do, is wonderful for a number of reasons. In our experience, nothing beats cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway in Fall for … Read more
Fall is finally here! In the state of Virginia, where we live, we’re already pulling out our flannel shirts and stepping out for a pumpkin spice latte. That’s a sure sign that the explosion of Virginia Fall colors won’t be far behind. In Virginia, Fall foliage typically begins to change colors at higher elevations in … Read more
[Updated on September 18, 2023] The Appalachian Mountains encompass a massive portion of the United States. They span 420 counties in 13 states, with foothills as far south as Alabama and all the up into New York State. Before the arrival of Europeans, the region was home to numerous indigenous tribes, including the Cherokee, Iroquois, Powhatan, … Read more
Staunton VA is one of the oldest mountain towns in the Shenandoah Valley, which lies just west of the Blue Ridge Mountains range. It’s a popular destination for travelers who appreciate history, good food, and old-fashioned charm. The town of Staunton is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains of VA to the east and the Alleghenies to the … Read more
[Updated September 15, 2023] The state of North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Appalachian Mountains are all well-known for their considerable musical influence. The music that took root in the Southeast– including bluegrass, blues, country, gospel, and old-time music– historically served as one of the foundations for popular culture in the United States. … Read more
As the sweltering days of Summer say their goodbyes, the nights and mornings get a little cooler, and the promise of changing leaves in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Fall is tantalizingly close. Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains (as we do) offers year-round treats, from Spring blossoms and Summer wildflowers to Winter wonderlands. … Read more