The 7 Best Train Rides for Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Christmas Train Rides in North Carolina

Train rides for Christmas chug back into our lives with a payload of nostalgia on board. Railroads come from a historic era before automobiles and airplanes had been invented. Yet they come rumbling in from afar with an odd sense of odd familiarity, even for those who’ve never been on a train ride before. In our … Read more

30 Facts About Mennonite History, Culture & Amish Connections

Mennonites at Natural Bridge State Park in Natural Bridge VA

My wife, Heather, and I both grew up in the Mennonite community and attended Mennonite churches and schools. If you met us, you’d see that we live a modern (a.k.a. “mainstream”) Mennonite lifestyle. We both drive cars, have college degrees, and dress according to current fashion. But still we have a great appreciation for our … Read more

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol TN/VA

Birthplace of Country Music Museum - Outside

While Nashville may be considered the home of country music today, many experts consider Bristol TN/VA to be the birthplace of the genre. After all, it was in Bristol where the earliest recordings of country music took place. To my pleasant surprise, rather than being a museum focused on modern music, The Birthplace of Country … Read more

The 15 Best Christmas Tree Farms in Virginia (2023)

Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Farms in Virginia

[Updated November 24, 2023] Boone NC is the undisputed king of Christmas trees in the Appalachian Mountains region, annually providing millions of Frasier firs for families from Georgia north to New England. But there are lots of great Christmas Tree Farms in Virginia too.  The Virginia mountains are nothing to sneeze at when it comes to … Read more

The 10 Best Things to Do in Charlottesville VA

The Rotunda at University of Virginia in Charlottesville VA

[Updated January 31, 2024] The historic town of Charlottesville is at the center of the State of Virginia, both geographically and historically. Here you’ll find presidential homes, college hangouts, a vast array of great restaurants, and stunning natural beauty. C’ville (as it’s known among us locals) is home to the University of Virginia, which was started … Read more

The 10 Best Corn Mazes in Virginia to Visit

Best Corn Mazes in Virginia

In our experience, a good head-scratcher of a Fall corn maze really makes it feel like Autumn (much like leaf-peeping, pumpkin patches, and apple picking).   Thankfully, there are an array of Virginia corn mazes to choose from spanning the entire state. From kid-friendly story mazes (where little ones wander around looking for the next piece … Read more

Fall in Shenandoah National Park: 10 Places to See Fall Foliage

Fall in Shenandoah National Park

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

Fall in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia: 10 Places to See Fall Foliage

Shenandoah Fall Colors

“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