Author: Chad Thompson

Fall is here and so is the opportunity for some beautiful photography! Perhaps you are looking to head out on an Autumn leaves photo adventure and you want to take the best possible images. Here are our tips on getting the best pictures this Fall (and any time of year). Location, Location, Location Location is extremely important when taking landscape photos. Sure, there are many beautiful locations stretched across the region, but finding those sweet spots is...

Fall is here and perhaps you are looking for the perfect sightseeing locations for the changing leaves. While there are no bad views in Southwest Virginia, there are some locations that really stand out. We've gathered a list full of great sightseeing locations from across the region. Molly's Knob, Hungry Mother State Park   View this post on Instagram   Today’s #virginiacities feature: Molly’s Knob near Marion VA by @lost_hiker_ A post shared by virginiacities (@virginiacities) on May 21, 2020...

No matter what type of trip you're looking for, Southwest Virginia has a lot of great options for a short weekend getaway. Enjoy some scenic drives, visit a winery, or even rent a country cabin. Whether you're traveling solo or with the family, we know you'll have a great retreat. Here's a few ideas to get you started. Scenic Drives If there is one thing Southwest Virginia is known for, it's our scenic drives and road trips....

I've spent my entire life living in Southwest Virginia. I have traveled to other states and even other countries, but never have I found a place quite like my home. Living here, it's often easy to take things for granted. The quaint small towns, the mountainous landscape, and the vast scenic views. I'm lucky to be surrounded by such beauty on a daily basis, but sometimes I find myself overlooking it. It's easy to get caught...

"Fall" in LOVE in Southwest Virginia Fall in Southwest Virginia is a very special time of year. It's a time when the landscape begins to change and take a rest until Spring. The air begins to cool and the leaves begin to turn beautiful shades of red, yellow, and orange. Fall is also a great time to enjoy fun activities with your significant other. Here's a list of fun Fall things for couples in Southwest Virginia. Visit...

Autumn is a special and magical time of year. The air begins to cool, the days become shorter, and the leaves begin to change. In Southwest Virginia, we are fortunate to have some of the most spectacular views of the season. For this list, we have compiled some of the best locations and itineraries to enjoy this Fall. Scenic Drives A popular Southwest Virginia Fall-themed plan is to go on a scenic drive, or two! The region...

A Summer without Children The year is 1950 and all is seemingly well. You spend your weekend shopping downtown, enjoy a baseball game, and maybe catch a movie at the local theatre. Before you know it, things suddenly start to change. Something new is in the air and little is known how to stop it. You live in a relatively small community where everyone knows you by your name. Suddenly, your friends and family become isolated, and...

What is ecotourism you might ask? noun tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife. In this episode, we had the opportunity to speak with guest Austin Counts from Appalachian Voices. Appalachian Voices is an organization located in Southwest Virginia that aims to reclaim abandoned lands within the region. Their goal is to claim these lands which were once used for things such as mining and turn them into...

This Summer and Fall, it's WanderLOVE in Southwest Virginia! We are making lists of fun road trip ideas for you and your friends and family to enjoy. This week, we're taking a look at The Blue Ridge Parkway and two locations along the way, Floyd and Stuart, Virginia. Blue Ridge Parkway   View this post on Instagram   Today's Motto Monday is special to the parkway; More than a Road. The Blue Ridge Parkway is so much more than a...

As a part of our Summer and Fall WanderLOVE series, we have come up with 6 Road Trip ideas you’re going to want to do. Each one will take you to incredible locations within the region and give you plenty of things to see and do! Fill up your tank, pick your destination, and hit the road! Back of the Dragon Our second road trip location is Back of the Dragon. This road trip connects Marion, Virginia...