As a Southwest, Virginia Native, I really know and enjoy the area. Possibly one of my favorite pastimes is to take long drives around the area I live in. I just head out with my camera and my car and never quite know where I'll end up. I especially love doing this on pretty Sunday afternoons (much like yesterday). There is usually little traffic and less activities to worry about. It's a great time to relax...
“You don’t see too many people out here this time of year. I like the peace” It was a cool evening. The wind whispered the onset of fall and the only trace left of summer was the fading green leaves on the trees and the echoes of crickets below them. I had been on a quest to find a new place to watch the evening sun set that led me to Rural Retreat Lake. A place I...
Snow days are some of the best days in Southwest Virginia! Although we have not had the most snow this season, we did have a brief one the other day, which was perfect for a photographic adventure! I went out to Damascus, Virginia to the Creeper trail with my uncle to capture some of the rare beauty. It was a chilling 25 degrees outside, but that wasn't going to stop us from capturing some nice snow...
The Mercantile on Main in Wise, Virginia started as one business owner’s idea to maximize their Main St office space. Jessee Deloach of Koltown Properties wanted to use half of their leased real estate office space for the Mercantile. The Mercantile is a shop on Main Street where local or small business vendors can set up a physical retail display and pay monthly for their spot in the store. Currently the Mercantile houses 26 vendors...
When I was a child, my favorite treat was a fresh apple. You know the feeling. You wake up on the onset of a cool, crisp fall day. There’s just enough fog hanging in the air to keep dawn’s light from hurting your eyes but not enough to forewarn of a dreary day. You set out in your car for a drive through the countryside. You see the hills wake up as you pass them...
They say all art tells a story but you would be hard-pressed to find any kind of art that tells as many stories as does the work of Daniel Scott of Marion, Virginia. Though he doesn't call himself an artist. Preferring the term craftsman. You can find his work on Facebook and Instagram under the name of “Artistic Kindling”. Not only is it breathtaking to look at but also “burns and floats too”. I had the...
A Stroll Through Time The history in Southwest Virginia is multidimensional. It is not lacking. Virginia perhaps more than any other state is built on the foundations of a rich past. From the Jamestown settlement to Abingdon to the significance of the Cumberland Gap. There is as much history written in the hills around us as we choose to look for. We live in it but often we pass by it. One aspect of the history...
Abingdon, Virginia is home to many great things to do. Some of these adventures may lead you to the Barter Theatre, a fine dining experience, a walk down the creeper trail, or to a relaxing Spa. The Salt of the Earth Spa in Abingdon has to be one of my favorite destinations. With both quality and comfort you really can't beat the experience. [caption id="attachment_352510" align="alignleft" width="300"] Salt Spa Room at Salt of the Earth in...
Lonesome Pine Brewing Co. August 24th, 2019. A date that a dream ten years in the making had led up to, Southwest Virginia became home to Lonesome Pine Brewing Company. For owner and master brewer, Brenton Moseley, the grand opening coincided with The Forks in the Road Food Truck Festival in Downtown Lebanon, VA and served as a welcoming party and a chance for locals and travelers alike to get their fill of a new flavor of...
Holiday season is a wonderful season of friends, family, and hospitality in SWVA. SWVA is known for its cultural heritage, unique crafters, and gift ideas a plenty! Throughout the holiday shopping season, many local markets can be found all around the region. These events are more than just a shopping trip however… At local Christmas markets you get the meet the makers, spend time with friends and family, and even make a few new friends along...