Tom Straka
Published 8-22-2026
The CCC, working under National Park Service
planning and direction, developed many state parks across the
nation. These parks were designed in a rustic style similar to
the National Parks, often referred to as classic National Park
Service
parkitecture. These tend to be special parks, which
typically feature important natural or cultural history as part
of their appeal.
Kathleen Walls
published
8-17-2026
You're 100 years old this year and I have many
happy memories of traveling along you.
Here's a recap of some of my favorites.
Kathleen Walls
Published 6-15-2026
Say
"Smoky Mountains" and most people
picture Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. They’re fun, but there’s a
quieter, more natural side of the Smokies waiting just beyond
the crowds. A road trip through
Cookeville, Maryville, and
Townsend lets you slow down, breathe a little deeper, and
reconnect with the mountains.
Tom Straka
Published
6-1-2026
History
buffs will love an interstate stop that chronicles
Virginia's (and America's) cultural history. It's located
about a mile from the intersection of Interstates 64 and 81
in Staunton, Virginia. The Frontier Culture Museum touts
itself as the biggest open-air living history museum in the
Shenandoah Valley, as well as one of the highest rated
family-friendly attractions and one of the top tourist
destinations in Virginia.
Kathleen Walls
Published
5-14-2026
Feed
your soul as well as your body in Howey-in-the-Hills, a hidden
gem in Lake County, Florida. It's a tiny town that is a slice
of real old Florida. I once lived in Lake County and never
knew Howey-in-the-Hills existed until this visit. The town was
begun in the early 1900s by William Howey, a major figure in
starting central Florida's citrus industry. His citrus empire
thrived until the Great Depression because he introduced
innovations that improved the citrus industry, like Florida's
first citrus juice plant, which he built in 1921. His mansion
offers detailed tours.
Kathleen Walls
Published 2-26-2026
I visited a small country where I didn't
need a passport. The Conch Republic, also known as Key West,
began in March 1982 over a dispute with the United States
government when Border Control set up a roadblock in Florida
City, the last stop before you enter the Keys. Supposedly, it
was to catch drug smugglers and illegal aliens, but it was
crippling the economy of the Keys.
Kathleen Walls
Published 2-23-2026
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Florida's
state parks are the perfect base for a spring road trip.
Florida has 52 Parks with RV camping. They earn high-rankings
from camping experts. Popularity has downsides. It's hard to
book a site. Florida isn't the cheapest, but there're some
discounts. Rates vary from $16 to $42. All Florida State Parks
have a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly
utility fee for RVs.
Whether you own an RV or want to get started RVing, GoRVing
offers rental and other facts for RVing.
Story and photos
by Kathleen Walls
Published 1-11-2026
St.
Augustine no longer shuts down when the sun goes down. There
are seasonal events and all year long ones you can enjoy in
the Ancient City. St. Augustine at night is a magical sight.
Here are a few of the nightly events I have enjoyed.
Story and photos
by Kathleen Walls
Published 12-28-2025
Missouri is a fascinating state. It's
filled with history, nature, and incredible sights and then
there's the food and wine that's uniquely Missouri. That's why I
joined three friends on a road trip across the state.
Story and photos
by Kathleen Walls
Published 12-13-2025
Gettysburg is possibly the most
important Civil War battle because it was a major turning point
in the war. It ended Confederate General Robert E. Lee's hope of
an invasion of the North, with his troops suffering casualties.
It, along with the Union victory at Vicksburg the same month,
boosted Union morale, and was a significant factor in President
Lincoln winning his second term. Gettysburg is where any history
lover needs to visit.
Story and photos
by Kathleen
Walls
Published 12-10-2025
For my friends who have never visited
Jekyll Island, the
holiday season is the perfect time to visit. The Island's
Historic District, that was once a millionaires' playground,
is decorated as it might have been in the Gilded Era. The
former clubhouse and
"cottages,"built by the millionaires who bought this island in
1886 for a winter hunting club, sparkle with lights and holiday cheer.
See older stories here
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