Blog

Posts in Southeast US

Blue Ridge Camping: A Return Into the (not so) Wild

Blue Ridge Camping: A Return Into the (not so) Wild

Life is all about perspective.

We went camping for a couple of nights earlier this summer at Loft Mountain Campground, a short drive up Skyline Drive, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains about an hour northwest of Charlottesville.

Our SUV was packed to the gills with all matter of perishable and non-perishable human and dog supplies. Also humans and dogs. We had to dig our camping box out of the basement and dust it off. Somehow we hadn’t gone camping in 8 years. This is one of those unnerving moments of adulthood where something that feels familiar and recent hasn’t occurred in many years.

Southeast US, United States, Virginia, Adventures in LifeLindseySeptember 12, 2021reflections on travel, Blue Ridge camping, camping at Loft Mountain, pandemic camping in Virginia, camping during the pandemic, camping with 3 dogs, camping with dogs, how to camp with dogsComment

Book Review of Hell of a Book by Jason Mott

Book Review of Hell of a Book by Jason Mott

What publisher would risk publishing a book under this title? You can sure it is one who has a hell of a lot of confidence that this will, in fact, be one hell of a book. My verdict: a resounding yes.

Book Review, Book Review - Fiction, Southeast US, Books-North CarolinaLindseyJune 12, 2021To Make Much of Time, To Make Much of Time travel blog, Travel Blog, travel, book blogger, Hell of a Book by Jason Mott, Review of books by Jason Mott, Review of Hell of a Book by Jason Mott, Literary Fiction set in the United States, Literary Fiction about the Black experience in the USComment

A Visit to Booker T. Washington National Monument in Virginia

A Visit to Booker T. Washington National Monument in Virginia

Born Booker Taliaferro in 1856, the infant’s lot in life was pre-determined: Booker was born to an enslaved mother on the farm of James Burroughs in Virginia’s Piedmont region. From an early age, Booker, along with all enslaved children, was put to work on and near the 200-acre farm.

Virginia, United States, Southeast US, Adventures in TravelLindseyDecember 1, 2020Who was Booker T. Washington, Booker T. Washington National Monument, what to see at Booker T. Washington National Monument, what to expect at Booker T. Washington National Monument, what to do at Booker T. Washington National Monument, where is Booker T. Washington National Monument located, hiking trail at Booker T. Washington park, hiking trail at Booker T. Washington National Monument, Cemetery at Booker T. Washington National Monument, Where was Booker T. Washington bornComment

Hiking Roaring Run Furnace and Waterfall in Southwestern Virginia

Hiking Roaring Run Furnace and Waterfall in Southwestern Virginia

Roaring Run Furnace is the site of a former iron furnace that operated in and around the 1840s, and this site is the only spot within the massive George Washington and Jefferson National Forest’s jurisdiction that is registered as a historical place, making it unique and an interesting spot to visit!

Virginia, Southeast US, United States, Adventures in TravelLindseyNovember 24, 2020best fall drives in the Blue Ridge Mountains, best fall drives in Virginia, best fall drives near Roanoke VA, best fall drives in Craig County BA, best fall drives in Craig County VA, best fall drives in Botetourt VA, undiscovered fall drives in Virginia, secret fall drives in Virginia, best drives in Virginia for fall colors, best drives in Virginia for fall leaves, best autumn drives in Virginia, best autumn drives near Roanoke, where to see fall leaves in Virginia, where to see fall leaves in Southwestern Virginia, Fall drives in Botetourt County VA, waterfall hikes in Virginia, hikes near Salem VA, hikes near Roanoke VA, Fenwick Mines hike, Fenwick Mines Recreation Area in VA, waterfalls in virginia, waterfall hikes near Roanoke VA, trail conditions of Fenwick Mines in Virginia, hiking in Craig County VA, hiking near Covington VA, hiking in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, short hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Travel Blog, travel blog couple, travel couple, travel blog, travel photography blog, travel photography, travel blog photography, To Make Much of Time, To Make Much of Time travel blog, To Make Much of Time hiking recommendations, best fall hikes in Southwestern Virginia, best secret hikes near Roanoke, best kept secret hikes in Virginia, off the beaten path hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, hiking in Botetourt County VA, Hiking Roaring Run Furnace in Virginia, Where to see old iron furnaces in Virginia, old iron furnace you can visit in Virginia, hiking Roaring Run Furnace in Virginia, old iron furnace hike near Roanoke, Roaring Run River hike, Roaring Run Furnace hike, hike near Eagle Rock, hike near Eagle Rock VirginiaComment

In Search of Warmer Climes: December in Orlando and the Florida Coast

In Search of Warmer Climes: December in Orlando and the Florida Coast

After touring some of Savannah’s Spanish-moss ridden highlights, we hit the road for the drive to Orlando, about 4 hours in length as a straight shot. For a portion of the way, we took a coastal road as we approached St. Augustine, Florida.

United States, Southeast US, Florida, ActivitiesLindseyNovember 12, 2020Orlando FL, United States, Southeast US, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, travel blog, travel photography, travel photography blog, To Make Much of Time travel blog, Caribe Royale, Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, Magic Kingdom, what is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter like, what are the best things to do in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, staying at Caribe Royale in Orlando, where to eat in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, eating lunch at the Three Broomsticks, what to expect at Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, what to do at Merritt Island, Black Point Wildlife Drive at Merritt Island, Cruickshank Trail at Merritt Island, are there alligators on Merritt Island, where to see alligators on Merritt Island, bird watching in Florida, bird watching on Merritt IslandComment

In Search of Warmer Climes: December in Savannah, Georgia

In Search of Warmer Climes: December in Savannah, Georgia

My favorite part of Savannah is the feeling it evokes - the Gothic architecture of its historic houses, Spanish moss, wrought iron fences, and statues. Even in the winter, there is a sense that the heavy southern humidity is on the fringe, waiting to slither back in at its first opportunity and rest its heavy weight upon your chest.

Hiking Fenwick Mines and Waterfall in Southwestern Virginia

Hiking Fenwick Mines and Waterfall in Southwestern Virginia

The silver lining of this year of Covid is, for us, more incentive to explore our local area besides the standard, well-known spots. Because of the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Roanoke, Virginia, vicinity, there are a lot of very popular hiking spots, particularly during the shoulder seasons and especially for the fall colors. A few weeks ago, we headed to one such spot and ended up simply eating our picnic lunch in the car before heading home. Being on a crowded trail right now? No thank you!

Virginia, Southeast US, United States, Adventures in TravelLindseyOctober 31, 2020best fall drives in the Blue Ridge Mountains, best fall drives in Virginia, best fall drives near Roanoke VA, best fall drives in Craig County BA, best fall drives in Craig County VA, best fall drives in Botetourt VA, undiscovered fall drives in Virginia, secret fall drives in Virginia, best drives in Virginia for fall colors, best drives in Virginia for fall leaves, best autumn drives in Virginia, best autumn drives near Roanoke, where to see fall leaves in Virginia, where to see fall leaves in Southwestern Virginia, Fall drives in Botetourt County VA, waterfall hikes in Virginia, hikes near Salem VA, hikes near Roanoke VA, Fenwick Mines hike, Fenwick Mines Recreation Area in VA, waterfalls in virginia, waterfall hikes near Roanoke VA, what to expect at Fenwick Mines in Virginia, trail conditions of Fenwick Mines in Virginia, hiking in Craig County VA, hiking near Covington VA, hiking in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, short hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Travel Blog, travel blog couple, travel couple, travel blog, travel photography blog, travel photography, travel blog photography, To Make Much of Time, To Make Much of Time travel blog, To Make Much of Time hiking recommendations, best fall hikes in Southwestern Virginia, best secret hikes near Roanoke, best kept secret hikes in Virginia, off the beaten path hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia Comments

Exploring Central Virginia’s History: Spotlight on Poplar Forest

Exploring Central Virginia’s History: Spotlight on Poplar Forest

A man of the Revolution and a man of the Renaissance all in one, Thomas Jefferson was a man uniquely of and beyond his time. In some of his most public actions, Jefferson was the primary author and signatory of the Declaration of Independence.

Beautiful Scenic Fall Drive in Southwestern Virginia - Craig and Botetourt Counties

Beautiful Scenic Fall Drive in Southwestern Virginia - Craig and Botetourt Counties

If you are looking for a beautiful fall drive in the Blue Ridge, absolutely add this one to your list! En route to the hike and then taking an extra long return trip home (No, GPS, we will not make a U-turn!), we found gorgeous rolling hills, golden fields, the protruding tops of mountains, and trees all shades of color from lemon through burnt umber.

Exploring Central Virginia’s History: Spotlight on Appomattox

Exploring Central Virginia’s History: Spotlight on Appomattox

The town of Appomattox, Virginia, is nestled in a county by the same name. They are named for the local Algonquin-speaking Appomattoc tribe that lived in the area and were one of the five original tribes of the so-called Powhatan Confederacy and were one of the tribes that John Smith and early European settlers interacted with upon landing at Jamestown.

Virginia, United States, Southeast US, Adventures in TravelLindseyOctober 8, 2020what to do in Appomattox VA, origin of the name Appomattox in Virginia, civil war battlefields in Virginia, Civil War, hiking civil war battlefields, Civil War battlefield, civil war battlefields, hiking Civil War battlefield, Appomattoc tribe in Virginia, what is land acknowledgement, surrender spot of the Civil War, where did the Civil War end, can you visit the spot where the Civil War ended, where did Lee surrender to Grant, Appomattox Historical Society, Clover Hill Village, Old Jail Museum in Appomattox, Old Jail Museum and Library in Appomattox VA, American Civil War museum in Appomattox VA, what to do in Appomattox, Appomattox Court House National Historic Park, visiting Appomattox Court House National Historic Park, what to do at Appomattox Court House, can you hike at Appomattox, where to hike in Virginia, where to hike at Appomattox Court house, visiting the McLean House in AppomattoxComment

Exploring Central Virginia’s History: A Weekend in Appomattox, Lynchburg, and Poplar Forest - Spotlight on Lynchburg

Exploring Central Virginia’s History: A Weekend in Appomattox, Lynchburg, and Poplar Forest - Spotlight on Lynchburg

In April 2012, my mother and I booked a long-weekend trip to explore some new parts of the state. We stayed in Lynchburg as a central point, explored that city as well as made short trips to both Poplar Forest (Thomas Jefferson’s home, a retreat from Monticello) and Appomattox, a small town most famous as the site where Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant in April 1865, officially concluding the American Civil War.

Summer in the Great Smoky Mountains: Cades Cove

Summer in the Great Smoky Mountains: Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a valley that had been frequented by Cherokee hunters and was settled in the 1820s by Europeans who built a community in the valley. About 100 years later, the states of Tennessee and North Carolina were purchasing land for what would become the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and Cades Cove was in the middle of the area. Some of the community sold their property willingly, others signed agreements whereby they could live out their lives on the land and that it would be granted to the national park posthumously, and other families fought the efforts in court.

Summer in the Great Smoky Mountains: A Long Weekend Getaway

Summer in the Great Smoky Mountains: A Long Weekend Getaway

To celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary in 2012, we booked a long weekend at a cabin in the mountains near Gatlinburg, TN, with the primary purpose of exploring the Great Smoky Mountains which neither of us had visited before.

Charleston: Spring Break in the South - Days 3-4

Charleston: Spring Break in the South - Days 3-4

Charleston’s historic downtown is remarkably walkable and each street offers its own views of stately antebellum houses, many of which date to the early 1800s. We decided to spend our third day in the area touring Charleston entirely on foot.

Charleston: Spring Break in the South - Days 1-2

Charleston: Spring Break in the South - Days 1-2

In April 2016, we spent 4 days in Charleston with a day-trip to a really cool island off the coast. We actually had to cut the trip a day short because we got sick and so got to miss seeing a few other sights but still had a wonderful time.

First, a short geography lesson - Charleston is a 17 mile long peninsula sandwiched between the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. At its tip is Charleston Harbor, an inlet just off of the Atlantic Ocean. In the downtown portion, the width of the peninsula is about a mile, with the downtown area in a 4-5 square mile area. In short, it is incredibly walkable. And with so much to see, walking around the city is a great way to go!

Hiking at Poor Mountain Natural Area Preserve in Roanoke, VA

Hiking at Poor Mountain Natural Area Preserve in Roanoke, VA

When the weather in Southwestern Virginia hits the mid-60s in late December, you don’t ask any questions, you just head outside and get some hiking in while you can!

Below we’ll provide some information about Poor Mountain Natural Area Preserve and its location, information on the 4 trails contained within, and some information on what to expect when you visit.

Exploring Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington

Exploring Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington

The Battleship North Carolina is anchored on Cape Fear River, a short distance away and visible from Wilmington’s Riverwalk. For anyone who loves ships, military history, or has never had a chance to explore a military ship, this is an activity you may enjoy.

An Oak Island, NC Winter Getaway

An Oak Island, NC Winter Getaway

For the second year in a row, we rented a beach house with a couple of family members for a Christmas/winter getaway. Our goal in picking a destination was to find somewhere warmer than Virginia but within a reasonable driving distance. The destination we picked fit the bill perfectly!

United States, Southeast US, North Carolina, Adventures in TravelLindseyJanuary 28, 2020visiting Oak Island, visiting Oak Island NC, where to eat in Oak Island NC, what to do in Oak Island NC, what to do near Oak Island NC, where to stay in Oak Island NC, what kind of beach is Oak Island NC, visiting Battleship North Carolina, where to eat in Southport NC, where to eat in Wilmington SC, what to do near Wilmington NC, what to do near Southport NC, winter beach getaways, best beaches in North Carolina in the winter, which North Carolina beaches are good in the winter, visiting Wilmington Riverwalk, hiking near Oak Island NC, hiking near Southport NC, hiking near Wilmington NC, beaches near Southport NC, beaches near Wilmington NC, To Make Much of Time, To Make Much of Time travel blog, travel blog couple, Travel Blog, travel blog photography, eating at Fishy Fishy Cafe in Southport, eating at Moore Street Oyster Bar in Southport NC, eating at Elijah's in Wilmington NCComment

A Day at Montpelier

A Day at Montpelier

Since James Madison died at his home, Montpelier, in 1836, the home has gone through renovations and updates - most notoriously by the DuPont family. In more recent years, time has been unraveled as archaeologists and historians have sought to remove the more modern updates and return the home to the most accurate version of James and Dolley Madison’s home.

A Day at Monticello

A Day at Monticello

Monticello is more than a quick house tour - we spent most of a day there exploring the house, museum, gardens, and Mulberry Row, the center of the world for Monticello’s enslaved population. Read more about our visit and discover tips for yours.