Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
Blackwater Falls & Dolly Sods
I woke at the overlook above Elkins with fog filling the valleys and drove the rough mountain road down toward town. After restocking supplies, I followed the storm north to Blackwater Falls, where rain poured and the campground was closed. By afternoon, I was on the rocky road to Dolly Sods, climbing into wind, fog, and the high country of West Virginia.
Spruce Knob & Seneca Rocks
I woke to fog and rain in the Monongahela National Forest and set out for Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia. After exploring the summit’s alpine forest, I continued to Seneca Rocks for a steep hike, sweeping mountain views, and unexpected conversations about shutdowns, miners, and the strength of small mountain towns.
Falls of Hills Creek & Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
From steep trails and roaring waterfalls to quiet bogs preserved since the Ice Age, this stretch of the Monongahela National Forest reveals a wilder side of West Virginia. I hiked the three falls at Hills Creek, wandered the boardwalk through Cranberry Glades, met a few unusual characters, and ended the day camped high on Route 150 under a glowing fall sky.
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.
Twin Falls State Park & Mullens
A quiet morning in Beckley turned into a full day of mountain roads and waterfalls. After finding the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine closed for the season, I explored the hills near Mullens and ended the day at Twin Falls Resort State Park. The trails to Marsh Fork and Black Fork Falls were damp but peaceful, and by nightfall I was camped beneath a clear sky.
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.
Cumberland and Yahoo Falls
A day exploring two of Kentucky’s most striking waterfalls—Cumberland Falls and Yahoo Falls—each surrounded by sandstone cliffs, quiet trails, and rich history. From the roar of the Cumberland River to the echoing amphitheater of Yahoo Falls, it was a day of light, water, and reflection.
Lexington, KY
A windy morning bike ride along Lexington’s Legacy Trail led past historic farms, rolling hills, and university research fields. Later, I photographed Henry Clay’s law office, photographed the old Carnegie Library, and wandered downtown at sunset. An unexpected stop at LexArts gallery rounded out a full, laid-back day in Kentucky’s capital of the Bluegrass.
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.
Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail Ride to Park CityI
A full day at Mammoth Cave National Park—chores at Land Between the Lakes, a quiet drive north, and an afternoon cycling the Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail through fall color, history, and small-town charm in Park City, Kentucky.
Land Between Lakes: Bike Ride
I woke rested after ten solid hours of sleep and decided to take a slow day. A short bike ride through rough old trails turned into an unexpected tour of Halloween decorations and friendly campers who seemed to have settled in for the season. The easy pace brought back memories of camping trips from my childhood.
Land Between the Lakes: Elk
A restless night at a noisy Cracker Barrel in southern Illinois led me to the quiet wilds of Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes. Despite the government shutdown, the visit turned into an unexpected highlight—wandering forested roads, spotting elk at sunset, and finding a little peace among the prairies.
Riverfront Trail-St. Louis
Bike along St. Louis’s Riverfront Trail and experience history and art side by side—from the iconic Chain of Rocks Bridge to bold street art and sites marking the Lewis and Clark expedition and the fight for freedom.
Ste. Genevieve, MO
Ste. Genevieve is a place where history breathes through every street and story. I explored its French roots, walked through centuries-old homes, visited art galleries, and shared conversations that reminded me travel is as much about people as it is about place.
From Shut-Ins To Elephant Rocks
From the rushing waters of Johnson’s Shut-Ins to the summit of Taum Sauk Mountain and the massive granite boulders of Elephant Rocks, this trip through the St. Francois Mountains revealed Missouri’s deep geological history. I wrapped up the day photographing a quiet lake at sunset—a perfect ending to a full day of exploration.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways felt like stepping into living history—where clear spring-fed rivers still run wild and small towns like Eminence hold onto their frontier spirit. I spent the day exploring Alley Mill’s red reflection on the Jacks Fork, hiking around Round Spring’s turquoise waters, talking with local craftspeople and riders in Eminence, and watching the light fade over Rocky Falls. It’s a place that reminds you how deeply people and rivers are connected.
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.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
A day at Dogwood Canyon feels like stepping into a postcard version of nature—meticulously designed but undeniably beautiful. Between the waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic walkways, this Ozarks retreat balances conservation with comfort.
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.