Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
Harper’s Ferry - Day 1
Harpers Ferry sits where rivers, ridges, and revolutions meet. I spent the day exploring its museums, historic streets, and the story of John Brown’s raid that changed a nation. From Washington’s armory to Civil War battles and the legacy of freedom that followed, every corner of this town tells a piece of America’s defining century.
Cass Railroad and Green Bank Observatory
A cold start in the forest turned into a day of discovery. After a stop at a roadside bakery, I explored Cass Scenic Railroad, where the legacy of logging still echoes through the hills, then continued to Green Bank Observatory, where massive radio telescopes listen to the stars in one of the quietest places on Earth.
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
I began the morning at Twin Falls Resort State Park, then toured the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine with a retired mine inspector. He spoke about the work, the dangers, and even the rats that warned miners of bad air. From Beckley to Helen and Itmann, the Coal Heritage Trail traces stories of coal, community, and endurance—ending with quiet reflection in an abandoned company store.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
The day started at the open Canyon Rim Visitor Center in New River Gorge, followed Fayette Station Road under the bridge, stopped at Babcock’s grist mill, and paused at Hawks Nest to confront the tunnel disaster. I grabbed ice cream in Ansted, explored historic Fayetteville, and ended the day at South Side Junction Tap House.
Charleston, WV
The drive into Charleston wound through tight turns and across the bridge to the Capitol Complex. I spent the morning at the West Virginia State Museum, a well-designed walk through time that tells the story of how the state came to be. Outside, I stopped at the Veterans Memorial and the Lincoln statue before exploring the Capitol. Inside, a long talk with a former police chief led to the story behind the Robert C. Byrd statue and its controversy. As the day ended, I photographed Kanawha Falls from the roadside, the light fading fast over the water.
Jenny’s Creek Bike Ride
I started my ride on the Dawkins Line Rail Trail from the Jenny’s Creek Trailhead, a quiet stretch of eastern Kentucky where forested hills meet farmland. The trail once carried coal and timber by rail; now it carries cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders through 36 miles of Appalachian history (I rode 15 miles), including the forgotten Civil War skirmish at Jenny’s Creek.
Morehead, KY
Morehead, Kentucky, sits in the foothills of the Appalachians, a quiet university town surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest. I spent the day exploring the Morehead State University campus, the Rowan County Arts Center, and a small exhibit of local watercolors. On campus, I found a covered display protecting a rare petrified fern root—an unexpected link to the region’s ancient past.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
I spent a full day exploring the Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, Kentucky. The tour gave me a glimpse into Shaker life—their faith, craftsmanship, and belief in simplicity. I wandered the Meeting House, joined a Civil War program, and later hiked to Fulling Mill Falls. Even after sunset, the day’s calm stayed with me—peace, history, and honest design all in one place.
Frankfort, KY - Capitol City
A day in Kentucky’s small but fascinating capital—starting with espresso at Engine House Coffee in a restored 19th-century fire station, wandering from the Old Capitol to Rebecca Ruth Chocolates, and tracing the stories that tie Dolley Madison’s family, Frank Lloyd Wright, and the War of 1812 to the streets of Frankfort.
Louisville Slugger, Church Hill Downs, NULU
I spent the day exploring Louisville’s past and present—touring Churchill Downs and its exhibits on Secretariat, visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum to see how the iconic bats are made, and ending in the NULU district surrounded by food, coffee, and creativity. It was the perfect mix of Kentucky tradition and modern energy.
Mark Twain-Hannibal, MO
Hannibal, Missouri, sits quietly along the Mississippi River, a town steeped in history and wrapped in the stories of Mark Twain. I spent the night nearby at the Edward Anderson Conservation Area, a peaceful stretch of woods just south of town, before exploring Hannibal’s historic streets the next day.
Scenic Overlook, Ice Cream Detours, Branson, Missouri
A day meant for scenic overlooks turned into something richer—a coffee stop with students, a visit to a one-of-a-kind college, and a peaceful night tucked away in the forest.
Wilson’s Creek National Memorial Park
My morning at Wilson’s Creek National Memorial Park unfolded across quiet trails and haunting history — from Gibson’s Mill to the Ray House, where the Battle of Wilson’s Creek once raged. It’s hard to imagine such peace in a place that once echoed with cannon fire.