A visit to see the Biltmore Estate was on my list for years and I was really excited when we were invited to experience what the Biltmore offered for families during a weekend stay. The Biltmore also happened to be the last destination that my mom was able to visit before she died. She absolutely LOVED her visit there and her face would light up when she would talk about it. I knew that I wanted to experience and get a sense of why it was such a special experience for her.
El Paso, Texas is ones of those cities that I instantly fell in love with. The landscape is so different from what I see in the Midwest and yet it had a few similarities. I live in a Tri-State area where it is common to cross state borders daily and El Paso’s location is a Tri-city with access to both New Mexico and Juarez, Mexico. It almost feels like it’s own distinct place because the landscape is so different from the flatter parts of the Texas.
When you visit the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, make sure that you take advantage of the 30 minute guided historic walking tour at Churchill Downs that is included with your admission.
I absolutely LOVED my visit to Annapolis, Maryland. There are sooooo many reasons why it’s a city that I want to bring my family back to. It’s a city that appeals to all of your senses. Beautiful historic buildings that provide architectural eye candy in every direction, a walkable downtown that makes it almost feel like a small town, a city rich in history and tradition, and a wonderful culinary scene located in close proximity to the water.
Living in a house of boys, I knew of Canton, Ohio because of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but I honestly didn’t know much about what else the city had to offer. To my surprise, Canton can be a great destination even if you are not into football.
There is SO MUCH to do in the city of New Orleans and it can be intimidating to know where to start, where to go, what to do, and where to eat…especially if you have a limited amount of time to try to cram everything in. That’s why I asked a New Orleans local to share insider tips to help you make the most out of your next visit to The Big Easy.
Unapologetically Cajun. Those two words sum up what it’s like to experience Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou. The people there know who they are, they know where they come from and they are proud of it… not in an arrogant way, but in a way that exudes authenticity. Life revolving around the Bayou has not changed in many ways and yet the area continues to grow and evolves as more people become interested in becoming part of its story in the type of community that really knows its neighbors.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill has been a popular tourist destination for generations of families. In fact, I remember visits to Shaker Village from my childhood. As an adult, I got to experience a visit with a fresh perspective and appreciation.
Athens, Ohio has been described to me as a hippy college community where many students fall in love with the area so much that they end up staying. In fact, many adults love the vitality of being around the college atmosphere even if they were never alumni themselves. Located in southeastern Ohio along the Hocking River, Athens is surrounded by beautiful mountainous scenery with access to incredible hiking at nearby Hocking Hills along with a community that has maintained a passion for serving up locally served food long before it was trendy.
Nelsonville, Ohio may be a small town but there are many reasons for travelers to stop and explore. If you are visiting the Athens area you will want to allow some extra time to stop by this destination located about 20 minutes away.