Hamming it Up in Smithfield VA: History, Culture and Small Town Charm

In today’s edition of American Nomad Traveler, we’re taking a Revolutionary Road Trip to scenic Smithfield, Virginia. Located just an hour from Colonial Williamsburg, Smithfield is a place where you can walk in the footsteps of legends, from George Washington to the “Peanut and Ham King” himself, P.D. Gwaltney. The town’s historic architecture tells a […]

Revolutionary Road Trip: Tidewater Trails – Part II

The week after Christmas, my mom and I enjoyed a “Revolutionary Road Trip” through the heart of Virginia’s Tidewater Region. Our journey took us from the cobblestones of Colonial Williamsburg to the riverfront at Berkeley Plantation, through the charming streets of Smithfield, and on toward the Battle of the Great Bridge Museum in Chesapeake and […]

Revolutionary Roads: Virginia Tidewater Trails – Part I

Virginia’s Best Kept Secret: Exploring Charming Mountain Towns This Fall

The first chill of crisp fall air, the rustling of leaves as they begin to turn into a canvas of color—that’s fall in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. It’s the perfect opportunity to meander country backroads, explore small towns, and go apple picking in search of the perfect pumpkin. Fall in western Virginia invites you to ‘take […]

America 250: Overmountain Victory Trail – It Starts in Abingdon VA

Get ready for a Revolutionary Adventure! We’re tracing the legendary journey of the Overmountain Men, a band of frontier patriots who, in September and October 1780, decided to take a stand against British tyranny. Traveling from the rugged frontier lands of Southwestern Virginia, eastern Tennessee, and the Carolinas, their epic march culminated in a decisive […]

Taste of Abingdon: A Guide to Virginia’s Hidden Culinary Gem

Our American Nomad journey recently took us to Abingdon, a beautiful town in Southwestern Virginia known for its deep history and arts scene. We spent time exploring its historical sites and fun local attractions, but there was one thing that kept calling us back: the food. Abingdon’s culinary scene has exploded. This isn’t just about […]

Roanoke VA – Star of the Blue Ridge

Today, we’re continuing our Virginia adventures with a stop at one of my favorite mountain towns: the resplendent city of Roanoke. This is a city profoundly shaped by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the mighty Roanoke River. Dubbed the “Capital of Virginia’s Blue Ridge,” Roanoke serves as a vibrant center for higher […]

Discover Serenity At The Peaks of Otter

Hidden in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge conveniently located within thirty minutes from the cities of Lynchburg and Roanoke, you’ll discover a crown jewel on The Blue Ridge Parkway, The Peaks of Otter. This spot at 85.6 on The Parkway is one of my favorite places to visit throughout the year. Named for the […]

Fun in Scenic Lynchburg VA

We’re continuing our Virginia adventures with a stop in the vibrant community of Lynchburg. Tucked into the scenic foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, roughly two hours west of Richmond, it’s a town steeped in history, culture, and natural wonders. Located on the banks of the mighty James River, Lynchburg originally grew as a ferry […]

Liberty Trails: Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

On July 5th, my mom and I continued our extended Fourth of July patriotic weekend with a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. While many associate Jefferson with Monticello, his second home at Poplar Forest was his cherished retreat in retirement. It was a place where he could escape the bustle of Monticello, “indulge the […]