Cecil and I have this funny habit when we're on vacation where we go to bed early but then wake up early. Then once we're up and dressed we're ready to go explore. This usually means stores and historic sites aren't open yet so it gives us a chance to find a great coffee shop … Continue reading NC Outer Banks – Day 2
Author: Joanna Talbot
NC Outer Banks – Day 1
Every year Cecil and I plan a 3-4 night trip for our anniversary. A couple years ago we had tossed around the idea of traveling to Ireland for our 5th anniversary (this year) but due to budget constraints we had to shelve that idea. Then of course COVID-19 came along, so I'm glad we weren't … Continue reading NC Outer Banks – Day 1
Danville, Virginia
My husband calls me everyday from work to ask me how my day is going. I do my best to be honest with him and on one particular Friday I said, "Not great. All I want to do is run away." In his usual hint-of-humor fashion he responded, "Well, you'll have to wait until I … Continue reading Danville, Virginia
Johnson City, Tennessee
Our annual anniversary trip in November was another one for the photo album. This year we chose Johnson City, Tennessee, as our destination. It's just over our western border, on the other side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We had a few different routes to choose from but we settled on taking the interstate as … Continue reading Johnson City, Tennessee
Field Trips for Introverts
One of the biggest misconceptions about introverts is that we prefer to stay home and don’t enjoy getting out in the world. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Introverts thrive on gaining a deeper knowledge of our world and those close to us. We want our interactions with the world to be meaningful, joy-giving, … Continue reading Field Trips for Introverts
“The Enterable Mirror”
Last year I stumbled upon an art exhibition in Concord, North Carolina. As I walked into one of the rooms and scanned the walls before I examined each piece more closely one painting stopped me in my tracks. It was a beautiful oil painting that made the viewer feel as if they were peeking through … Continue reading “The Enterable Mirror”
Day 3 – Spruce Pine and Penland
I tried my hardest to sleep in but to no avail. Thankfully Appalachian Java was open and a medium mocha was calling my name. This morning I caved, though, and bought us donuts from the mouthwatering case of Mr. Bob's Do-Nuts (Bavarian cream and peanut butter cream). Not ready to wake the sleeping husband, I … Continue reading Day 3 – Spruce Pine and Penland
Day 2 – Burnsville and Mt. Mitchell State Park
With the sunrise coming over the mountains I woke up early, as always. I may be on vacation but my body clock rarely lets me sleep past 6:30am. My husband does not have that problem. I didn't want to disturb him on his first morning of sleeping in so I threw on jeans and a … Continue reading Day 2 – Burnsville and Mt. Mitchell State Park
Day 1 – Asheville, North Carolina
Cecil and I escaped to the North Carolina mountains a few weeks ago. We love the cooler weather and beautiful vistas. Living only a few hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains they make for a perfect long-weekend destination for us. Thursday morning we finished packing, made a stop for caffeine, and headed west. The three … Continue reading Day 1 – Asheville, North Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Daytrips can be both wonderful and exhausting. The short time forces you to make the most of it, resulting in sore feet. Always worth it, though! My ideal distance for a daytrip is two hours or less one way. Staying within that radius from your home ensures that you'll have enough time to see at … Continue reading Columbia, South Carolina
New Stories From Old Towns 