Featured Articles

The Frontier Culture Museum: Outdoor Living History in Virginia

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.

Howey-in-the-Hills: A Hidden Foodie Paradise

 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.

Celebrating The Conch Republic

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.

RV Florida this Spring

Kathleen Walls
Published 2-23-2026

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.

Saint Augustine after Dark

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.

Missouri Road Trip: From St. Louis to St. Joseph

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.

Visiting Gettysburg Battlefield

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.

Have a Jolly Jekyll Christmas

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.

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