Roanoke VA – Visit the Star City of the South

Roanoke VA – Visit the Star City of the South

by | Aug 20, 2023 | , ,

Roanoke is the largest city and largest municipality in Southwest Virginia, and it is often called the Star City of the South—it has a nice ring to it, right? While Mill Mountain, crowned with a star, surrounds the city like a big blue hug, wrapping its arms around the Roanoke Valley. And that enormous star is right up there to remove any doubt about where you are!

Roanoke VA – Visit the Star City of the South

Roanoke VA – Visit the Star City of the South

by | Aug 20, 2023 | , ,

Roanoke is the largest city and largest municipality in Southwest Virginia, and it is often called the Star City of the South—it has a nice ring to it, right? While Mill Mountain, crowned with a star, surrounds the city like a big blue hug, wrapping its arms around the Roanoke Valley. And that enormous star is right up there to remove any doubt about where you are!

Is the Discovery Princess 360 Experience Worth the Money

Is the Discovery Princess 360 Experience Worth the Money

by | Oct 30, 2023 | , , ,

The Discovery Princess 360 Experience is so rare and remarkable that I invited seven other seasoned travel writers to join me and tell you the story of the extraordinary affair! In fact, 360: An Extraordinary Experience is offered exclusively on the Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess. It was first available last year as a complimentary event by invitation to suite guests. Suite holders receive an invitation to experience this fantastic meal. However, this meal is now available to...

Ultimate Halloween Candy Wine Pairings

Ultimate Halloween Candy Wine Pairings

by | Oct 17, 2023 |

The Ultimate Halloween Candy Wine Pairings: red wine and chocolate kisses © Jo Clark Get Your Fright On! You have to try Halloween candy wine pairings. Wait. WHAT??!! Halloween candy and WINE?? Yep, that’s what I said! It will rock your world! Halloween was fantastic as a kid, but now I enjoy the adult version of Hocus Pocus Fright Night even more! Halloween night arrives at that time of year when the air is filled with the odor of dry leaves. My favorite Halloween...

My Adventures on the Yadkin Valley Wine and Shine Trail

My Adventures on the Yadkin Valley Wine and Shine Trail

by | Sep 23, 2023 | , , ,

I set out to explore the Yadkin Valley Wine AVA (American Viticultural Area.) The Yadkin Valley AVA consists of seven counties in western North Carolina, with the Yadkin River as its Southern border. Nearby towns are Elkin, Dobson, Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, and State Road (yes, that is the town's name!) Believe me, visiting the Yadkin Valley is a real treat! Plus, it is a short drive from Charlotte or Winston-Salem. In less than four hours, you can easily drive to Elkin from points along the...

Unordinary Lodging Found at Exceptional Hotel Zed Tofino in BC

Unordinary Lodging Found at Exceptional Hotel Zed Tofino in BC

by | Sep 2, 2023 | ,

Hotel Zed is Alive with Mid-Century Modern Colors © Hotel Zed Hotel Zed Tofino is proud to say they “Rebel against the Ordinary” and offer an unconventional and fresh perspective on hotel amenities. It is unlike any other hotel and raises the bar for family hotels. Located on the stunning west coast of Vancouver Island in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region, Tofino is one of the best places to take your family on holidays. Whether you drive from Victoria, the beautiful capital of...

Roanoke VA – Visit the Star City of the South

Roanoke VA – Visit the Star City of the South

by | Aug 20, 2023 | , ,

Roanoke is the largest city and largest municipality in Southwest Virginia, and it is often called the Star City of the South—it has a nice ring to it, right? While Mill Mountain, crowned with a star, surrounds the city like a big blue hug, wrapping its arms around the Roanoke Valley. And that enormous star is right up there to remove any doubt about where you are!

Namibia – Unique Recipe for Friendships with New People

Namibia – Unique Recipe for Friendships with New People

by | Aug 1, 2023 | , , ,

Namibia is the second least densely populated country in the world. I’m always looking for hidden gems, but I don’t believe you can get more “hidden” than that! Located in southern Africa, just above South Africa on the Atlantic Coast, Namibia was a delightful spot for my first visit to Africa. You know you’ve found your happy place when you land halfway around the world at 8:30 in the morning, and by 3 o’clock that afternoon, you are swapping recipes with the lodge’s chef over tea!...

Historic Georgetown SC Will Surprise You – In All the Best Ways

Historic Georgetown SC Will Surprise You – In All the Best Ways

by | Jul 6, 2023 | ,

Historic Georgetown SC will surprise you in the best possible ways! Named America’s Best Coastal Small Town in 2018 by USA Today, Georgetown is the third oldest town in South Carolina. Interestingly, historians believe the first European settlement on mainland North America was established here by Spaniards in 1526 (sorry, St. Augustine!). If only we could prove it! Early settlers located the original outpost on Winyah Bay, but within six months, the settlement disappeared without a...

Savoring Chocolate Tofino – Amazing Flavors on Vancouver Island

Savoring Chocolate Tofino – Amazing Flavors on Vancouver Island

by | May 21, 2023 |

Chocolate Tofino Tasting on a Plate © Linda Sheppard On a trip to Tofino, British Columbia, found on Vancouver Island's beautiful west coast, I savored chocolates at Chocolate Tofino. Chocolatiers Kim and Cam Shaw were recently recognized by Lonely Planet's Global Chocolate Tour. The pair guided me through different flavors of their artisan chocolates. They taught me roughly five percent of what they know about chocolate in their cozy chocolate shop on the Pacific Rim Highway. I know more now...

Tofino Will Make You Fall in Love With Vancouver Island

Tofino Will Make You Fall in Love With Vancouver Island

by | May 5, 2023 | , ,

River on the Drive to Tofino © Linda Sheppard Tofino will make you fall in love with Vancouver Island’s beauty. Whether you drive or fly, you will see magnificent mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and gorgeous log-strewn beaches as you approach the Tofino area. Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is the largest island on the west coast of North and South America. Interestingly, it is about the same size as Belgium and bigger than all the Hawaiian Islands. And, situated on the island’s wild west...

Victoria: 21 Best Things to Do on Vancouver Island

Victoria: 21 Best Things to Do on Vancouver Island

by | Apr 7, 2023 | , , ,

Victoria Inner Harbour and the Parliament Buildings © Linda Sheppard Victoria, the Capital of British Columbia, is on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The city has a vibrant downtown area, Inner Harbour. And it has stunning views, a fantastic food scene, and gorgeous gardens. Victoria was officially named Fort Victoria in 1843 in honor of Queen Victoria; the city proudly reveals its British history in many ways. Getting to Victoria BC is half the fun! Many tourists reach Victoria by...

RAMP IT UP!! Best Ways to Eat Ramps – A Unique West Virginia Delicacy

RAMP IT UP!! Best Ways to Eat Ramps – A Unique West Virginia Delicacy

by | Apr 2, 2023 | , , , , , ,

A mess of ramps, ready to be cleaned and cooked © Blake Borchardt Ramps (Allium tricoccum) are a unique West Virginia delicacy that gets mixed reviews; people are either fans of wild ramps or not; I say, ramp it up!  Now, maybe you’ve never heard of ramps—except for slanted handicap ramps leading into a building. But I’m talking about a species of wild onion, a forest plant with purplish stems that miraculously appear in late March to early April at higher elevations. These cousins...

Best Ways to Have the Most Fun in LaGrange Georgia

Best Ways to Have the Most Fun in LaGrange Georgia

by | Mar 17, 2023 | , , , ,

Lafayette Square in LaGrange Georgia The best way to have the most fun in LaGrange Georgia is to stay downtown and be able to walk everywhere. LaGrange, Georgia, is a fantastic place to visit. It’s a small town in western Georgia with plenty of history and charm. Halfway between Atlanta and Chattanooga, LaGrange is sometimes called the “City of Elms and Roses,” the historic homes and neighborhoods are filled with both--so, take time to smell those roses! There is a Downtown Walking Tour with...

The Best Things in Cannon Beach

The Best Things in Cannon Beach

by | Feb 26, 2023 | , , ,

The best things in Cannon Beach include surfing and whale watching. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Cannon Beach is easily recognized by the iconic Haystack Rock, one of the tallest intertidal monoliths in the world. Haystack Rock is flanked by sea stacks, which is terrific fun for families as the tide pools that surround the rock are rich with sea life, such as sea anemones and crabs. Ecola State Park, home to a gang of elk, offers dramatic coastal hiking with viewpoints delivering...

Review of an Amazing Princess Alaskan Cruise and Excursions

Review of an Amazing Princess Alaskan Cruise and Excursions

by | Feb 24, 2023 | , , , , ,

Enjoy reading my review of an amazing Princess Alaskan Cruise and Excursions. The 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess was the newest ship in Alaska, and we were on her! Departing for an inside passage along the Alaskan coast, the Royal-class Discovery Princess eased out of Seattle as we toasted the trip with champagne on our balcony. Soon a breathtaking view of picture-perfect Mount Rainier slid into view. The view was all the more impressive when I learned it is “only visible a few...

Floyd – Unique Funky Town in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Floyd – Unique Funky Town in the Blue Ridge Mountains

by | Jan 20, 2023 | , , , ,

In the 1970s, hippies and artists moved to the unique funky town of Floyd, Virginia, to “live off the grid.” They made a great choice! This cute town is filled with historic buildings and sits on a magnificent Blue Ridge plateau in the mountains. Floyd holds a Yoga Jam, has a Friday Night Jamboree in the local country store, and, if you know where to look, hides a prohibition-style Speakeasy! Plus, you can stock up on moonshine—without making a Thunder Road run from the revenuers!! Then,...

Roanoke VA – Visit the Star City of the South

by | Aug 20, 2023 | , ,

Roanoke is the largest city and largest municipality in Southwest Virginia, and it is often called the Star City of the South—it has a nice ring to it, right? While Mill Mountain, crowned with a star, surrounds the city like a big blue hug, wrapping its arms around the Roanoke Valley. And that enormous star is right up there to remove any doubt about where you are!

read more

Ultimate Halloween Candy Wine Pairings

by | Oct 17, 2023 |

The Ultimate Halloween Candy Wine Pairings: red wine and chocolate kisses © Jo Clark Get Your Fright On! You have to try Halloween candy wine pairings. Wait. WHAT??!! Halloween candy and WINE?? Yep, that’s what I said! It will rock your world!...

read more

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Is the Discovery Princess 360 Experience Worth the Money

Is the Discovery Princess 360 Experience Worth the Money

The Discovery Princess 360 Experience is so rare and remarkable that I invited seven other seasoned travel writers to join me and tell you the story of the extraordinary affair! In fact, 360: An Extraordinary Experience is offered exclusively on the Discovery Princess...

Ultimate Halloween Candy Wine Pairings

by | Oct 17, 2023 |

The Ultimate Halloween Candy Wine Pairings: red wine and chocolate kisses © Jo Clark Get Your Fright On! You have to try Halloween candy wine pairings. Wait. WHAT??!! Halloween candy and WINE?? Yep, that’s what I said! It will rock your world!...

Roanoke VA – Visit the Star City of the South

by | Aug 20, 2023 | , ,

Roanoke is the largest city and largest municipality in Southwest Virginia, and it is often called the Star City of the South—it has a nice ring to it, right? While Mill Mountain, crowned with a star, surrounds the city like a big blue hug, wrapping its arms around the Roanoke Valley. And that enormous star is right up there to remove any doubt about where you are!

Ultimate Halloween Candy Wine Pairings

by

The Ultimate Halloween Candy Wine Pairings: red wine and chocolate kisses © Jo Clark Get Your Fright On! You have to try Halloween candy wine pairings. Wait. WHAT??!! Halloween candy and WINE?? Yep, that’s what I said! It will rock your world!...

My Adventures on the Yadkin Valley Wine and Shine Trail

by

I set out to explore the Yadkin Valley Wine AVA (American Viticultural Area.) The Yadkin Valley AVA consists of seven counties in western North Carolina, with the Yadkin River as its Southern border. Nearby towns are Elkin, Dobson, Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, and...

Roanoke VA – Visit the Star City of the South

by

Roanoke is the largest city and largest municipality in Southwest Virginia, and it is often called the Star City of the South—it has a nice ring to it, right? While Mill Mountain, crowned with a star, surrounds the city like a big blue hug, wrapping its arms around the Roanoke Valley. And that enormous star is right up there to remove any doubt about where you are!

Namibia – Unique Recipe for Friendships with New People

by

Namibia is the second least densely populated country in the world. I’m always looking for hidden gems, but I don’t believe you can get more “hidden” than that! Located in southern Africa, just above South Africa on the Atlantic Coast, Namibia was a delightful spot...

Victoria: 21 Best Things to Do on Vancouver Island

by

Victoria Inner Harbour and the Parliament Buildings © Linda Sheppard Victoria, the Capital of British Columbia, is on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The city has a vibrant downtown area, Inner Harbour. And it has stunning views, a fantastic food scene, and...

Best Ways to Have the Most Fun in LaGrange Georgia

by

Lafayette Square in LaGrange Georgia The best way to have the most fun in LaGrange Georgia is to stay downtown and be able to walk everywhere. LaGrange, Georgia, is a fantastic place to visit. It’s a small town in western Georgia with plenty of history and charm....

The Best Things in Cannon Beach

by

The best things in Cannon Beach include surfing and whale watching. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Cannon Beach is easily recognized by the iconic Haystack Rock, one of the tallest intertidal monoliths in the world. Haystack Rock is flanked by sea stacks, which is...

Review of an Amazing Princess Alaskan Cruise and Excursions

by

Enjoy reading my review of an amazing Princess Alaskan Cruise and Excursions. The 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess was the newest ship in Alaska, and we were on her! Departing for an inside passage along the Alaskan coast, the Royal-class Discovery Princess eased...

Floyd – Unique Funky Town in the Blue Ridge Mountains

by

In the 1970s, hippies and artists moved to the unique funky town of Floyd, Virginia, to “live off the grid.” They made a great choice! This cute town is filled with historic buildings and sits on a magnificent Blue Ridge plateau in the mountains. Floyd holds a...

Roanoke VA – Visit the Star City of the South

by | Aug 20, 2023 | , ,

Roanoke is the largest city and largest municipality in Southwest Virginia, and it is often called the Star City of the South—it has a nice ring to it, right? While Mill Mountain, crowned with a star, surrounds the city like a big blue hug, wrapping its arms around the Roanoke Valley. And that enormous star is right up there to remove any doubt about where you are!

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Ultimate Halloween Candy Wine Pairings

by | Oct 17, 2023

The Ultimate Halloween Candy Wine Pairings: red wine and chocolate kisses © Jo Clark Get Your Fright On! You have to try Halloween candy wine pairings. Wait. WHAT??!! Halloween candy and WINE?? Yep, that’s what I said! It will rock your world!...

My Adventures on the Yadkin Valley Wine and Shine Trail

by | Sep 23, 2023

I set out to explore the Yadkin Valley Wine AVA (American Viticultural Area.) The Yadkin Valley AVA consists of seven counties in western North Carolina, with the Yadkin River as its Southern border. Nearby towns are Elkin, Dobson, Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, and...

Roanoke VA – Visit the Star City of the South

by | Aug 20, 2023

Roanoke is the largest city and largest municipality in Southwest Virginia, and it is often called the Star City of the South—it has a nice ring to it, right? While Mill Mountain, crowned with a star, surrounds the city like a big blue hug, wrapping its arms around the Roanoke Valley. And that enormous star is right up there to remove any doubt about where you are!

Namibia – Unique Recipe for Friendships with New People

by | Aug 1, 2023

Namibia is the second least densely populated country in the world. I’m always looking for hidden gems, but I don’t believe you can get more “hidden” than that! Located in southern Africa, just above South Africa on the Atlantic Coast, Namibia was a delightful spot...

Tofino Will Make You Fall in Love With Vancouver Island

by | May 5, 2023

River on the Drive to Tofino © Linda Sheppard Tofino will make you fall in love with Vancouver Island’s beauty. Whether you drive or fly, you will see magnificent mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and gorgeous log-strewn beaches as you approach the Tofino area....

Victoria: 21 Best Things to Do on Vancouver Island

by | Apr 7, 2023

Victoria Inner Harbour and the Parliament Buildings © Linda Sheppard Victoria, the Capital of British Columbia, is on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The city has a vibrant downtown area, Inner Harbour. And it has stunning views, a fantastic food scene, and...

Best Ways to Have the Most Fun in LaGrange Georgia

by | Mar 17, 2023

Lafayette Square in LaGrange Georgia The best way to have the most fun in LaGrange Georgia is to stay downtown and be able to walk everywhere. LaGrange, Georgia, is a fantastic place to visit. It’s a small town in western Georgia with plenty of history and charm....

The Best Things in Cannon Beach

by | Feb 26, 2023

The best things in Cannon Beach include surfing and whale watching. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Cannon Beach is easily recognized by the iconic Haystack Rock, one of the tallest intertidal monoliths in the world. Haystack Rock is flanked by sea stacks, which is...

Review of an Amazing Princess Alaskan Cruise and Excursions

by | Feb 24, 2023

Enjoy reading my review of an amazing Princess Alaskan Cruise and Excursions. The 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess was the newest ship in Alaska, and we were on her! Departing for an inside passage along the Alaskan coast, the Royal-class Discovery Princess eased...

Floyd – Unique Funky Town in the Blue Ridge Mountains

by | Jan 20, 2023

In the 1970s, hippies and artists moved to the unique funky town of Floyd, Virginia, to “live off the grid.” They made a great choice! This cute town is filled with historic buildings and sits on a magnificent Blue Ridge plateau in the mountains. Floyd holds a...

Best Ways to Have the Most Fun in LaGrange Georgia

Best Ways to Have the Most Fun in LaGrange Georgia

by | Mar 17, 2023

Lafayette Square in LaGrange Georgia The best way to have the most fun in LaGrange Georgia is to stay downtown and be able to walk everywhere. LaGrange, Georgia, is a fantastic place to visit. It’s a small town in western Georgia with plenty of history and charm....

Floyd – Unique Funky Town in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Floyd – Unique Funky Town in the Blue Ridge Mountains

by | Jan 20, 2023

In the 1970s, hippies and artists moved to the unique funky town of Floyd, Virginia, to “live off the grid.” They made a great choice! This cute town is filled with historic buildings and sits on a magnificent Blue Ridge plateau in the mountains. Floyd holds a...

Ultimate Halloween Candy Wine Pairings

by | Oct 17, 2023

The Ultimate Halloween Candy Wine Pairings: red wine and chocolate kisses © Jo Clark Get Your Fright On! You have to try Halloween candy wine pairings. Wait. WHAT??!! Halloween candy and WINE?? Yep, that’s what I said! It will rock your world!...

My Adventures on the Yadkin Valley Wine and Shine Trail

by | Sep 23, 2023

I set out to explore the Yadkin Valley Wine AVA (American Viticultural Area.) The Yadkin Valley AVA consists of seven counties in western North Carolina, with the Yadkin River as its Southern border. Nearby towns are Elkin, Dobson, Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, and...

Roanoke VA – Visit the Star City of the South

by | Aug 20, 2023

Roanoke is the largest city and largest municipality in Southwest Virginia, and it is often called the Star City of the South—it has a nice ring to it, right? While Mill Mountain, crowned with a star, surrounds the city like a big blue hug, wrapping its arms around the Roanoke Valley. And that enormous star is right up there to remove any doubt about where you are!

Namibia – Unique Recipe for Friendships with New People

by | Aug 1, 2023

Namibia is the second least densely populated country in the world. I’m always looking for hidden gems, but I don’t believe you can get more “hidden” than that! Located in southern Africa, just above South Africa on the Atlantic Coast, Namibia was a delightful spot...

Tofino Will Make You Fall in Love With Vancouver Island

by | May 5, 2023

River on the Drive to Tofino © Linda Sheppard Tofino will make you fall in love with Vancouver Island’s beauty. Whether you drive or fly, you will see magnificent mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and gorgeous log-strewn beaches as you approach the Tofino area....

Victoria: 21 Best Things to Do on Vancouver Island

by | Apr 7, 2023

Victoria Inner Harbour and the Parliament Buildings © Linda Sheppard Victoria, the Capital of British Columbia, is on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The city has a vibrant downtown area, Inner Harbour. And it has stunning views, a fantastic food scene, and...

Best Ways to Have the Most Fun in LaGrange Georgia

by | Mar 17, 2023

Lafayette Square in LaGrange Georgia The best way to have the most fun in LaGrange Georgia is to stay downtown and be able to walk everywhere. LaGrange, Georgia, is a fantastic place to visit. It’s a small town in western Georgia with plenty of history and charm....

The Best Things in Cannon Beach

by | Feb 26, 2023

The best things in Cannon Beach include surfing and whale watching. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Cannon Beach is easily recognized by the iconic Haystack Rock, one of the tallest intertidal monoliths in the world. Haystack Rock is flanked by sea stacks, which is...

Review of an Amazing Princess Alaskan Cruise and Excursions

by | Feb 24, 2023

Enjoy reading my review of an amazing Princess Alaskan Cruise and Excursions. The 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess was the newest ship in Alaska, and we were on her! Departing for an inside passage along the Alaskan coast, the Royal-class Discovery Princess eased...

Floyd – Unique Funky Town in the Blue Ridge Mountains

by | Jan 20, 2023

In the 1970s, hippies and artists moved to the unique funky town of Floyd, Virginia, to “live off the grid.” They made a great choice! This cute town is filled with historic buildings and sits on a magnificent Blue Ridge plateau in the mountains. Floyd holds a...

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