Hendersonville, North Carolina: Small‑Town Soul, Main Street Magic
Discover Hendersonville, North Carolina—a walkable small town where retirees, families, and entrepreneurs share a vibrant Main Street and increasingly affordable housing options.
Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas
When Georgia's first gold rush town trades its pickaxes for pine garlands, something magical happens. Dahlonega's Old Fashioned Christmas transforms this historic mountain community into a glittering celebration that runs from Thanksgiving through the first week of January. With thousands of twinkling lights adorning the historic square, horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping down festive streets, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts mingling with mountain air, this month-long celebration captures the heart of what small-town Christmas should be—authentic, warm, and absolutely unforgettable.
Christmas in Middleburg 2025: A Holiday Festival in the Hunt Country of Virginia
Discover the magic of Christmas in Middleburg, VA! Explore the town’s historic downtown, top festival events, luxury lodging, best restaurants, and unique shopping. Plan your holiday getaway with our comprehensive guide to Middleburg’s holiday traditions, local eateries, boutique shops, and travel tips—just an hour from Washington, DC
Vermont Fall Road Trip - 320 sweet miles
Discover the ultimate Vermont fall road trip with our curated itinerary covering Stowe, Peacham, Woodstock, Grafton, Manchester, Dorset, Middlebury, and Burlington. Find the best scenic routes, top attractions, must-visit shops, delicious dining, and cozy places to stay—perfect for experiencing Vermont’s legendary autumn foliage!
6 Vermont Towns - 320 sweet miles
Discover the ultimate Vermont fall road trip with our curated itinerary covering Stowe, Peacham, Woodstock, Grafton, Manchester, Dorset, Middlebury, and Burlington. A few of the best scenic routes, perfect for experiencing Vermont’s legendary autumn foliage!
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Summer: Time to get the tribe together
Was it catching fireflies with your Uncle Joe or was it watching your mom performing a picture perfect cannon ball to the applause of the family? Was it the late night laughter you heard between your parents and your aunts and uncles as you listened through the screened windows and cool summer breeze? Was it a time when you heard stories from your grandfather that taught you that he was once a boy too? These gatherings are where so many of the memories that hold the tapestry of our lives and family identities together.
Southport, NC: Hollywood’s Coastal Darling
Southport’s allure is more than just its postcard-perfect scenery. The town’s blend of ornate Victorian homes, historic churches, and the storied Fort Johnston-overlooking the river’s mouth-creates a timeless setting. Add in friendly faces and a walkable downtown, and it’s no wonder directors keep coming back. Hollywood insiders call Southport “one of its favorite filming locations,” and the list of productions that have called it home is nothing short of remarkable
All Aboard – and Up Top!
Picture this: you’re sipping a Shenandoah Valley Chardonnay while your seat glides higher than the locomotive itself, sunlight bouncing off 360-degrees of curved glass. That’s not a travel writer’s daydream—it’s the brand-new “Shenandoah” vista-dome car on the Virginia Scenic Railway, affectionately known to locals as the Shenandoah Railroad. The domed beauty began life in 1948 on the legendary California Zephyr, spent a spell as country-icon Merle Haggard’s personal ride, and—after a top-to-tie restoration—now rolls out of downtown Staunton, Virginia.
A girlfriends weekend in Thomasville
We love planning a great girls weekend, so we decided that a series of itineraries for girls weekends was in order! Sometimes the girls want to get away and play tennis, go horseback riding or spend time on their shared craft. For the first in our series, we escape to the small south Georgia town of Thomasville. This small town has so much going for it - we will likely be returning with new itineraries.
Back to the future
Imagine rolling up to a sprawling outdoor screen, the smell of popcorn wafting through the air as you settle into your car with blankets and snacks. The excitement builds as the sun sets, and the first flickering images light up the screen. Drive-ins were more than just places to watch movies; they were social hubs where memories were made—first dates, family outings, and cherished moments shared with friends.
A Theater Like No Other
The American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse offers a theatrical experience that transports you back in time. As the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theater, it breathes new life into the Bard's works in an authentic and immersive setting.
Staying in Aiken
One of a kind accommodations offer you a home away from home in Aiken, South Carolina. Will the many events and happenings, you will be happy to know some reliable, charming inns in this small town.
A Quicktake: Camden, Maine
Perched on the rugged coast of Maine, about 80 miles northeast of Portland, Camden greets visitors with a picturesque blend of maritime charm and mountain vistas. The downtown area, with its classic New England architecture and vibrant seaside energy, invites you to step back in time while enjoying modern amenities. This part of midcoast Maine offers so much and within a short drive there are even more small towns and new vistas to take in, that it feels like the charm of Camden just overflows north, south and west.
Fall is the time for a Virginia Creeper Trail Adventure!
This is the best time to pile the family into the car for an unforgettable outdoor adventure amidst the changing leaves of the southern Virginia hills. Do you have a group with a large range of ages and physical abilities? We have the perfect getaway for you! The Virginia Creeper Trail is a magical 34-mile journey through the heart of Appalachian beauty that's perfect for riders of all ages and skill levels.
Staying in Abingdon, VA
Set in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, Abingdon offers a charming blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Get in a great hike in the hills before attending a show at the Barter Theatre in the evening. You will need an equally great place for lodging - here are some top-rated local accommodations that promise a memorable stay.
Fall's Finest: Apple Picking Adventures in Small Town America
There's something magical about the crisp autumn air and the satisfying crunch of a freshly picked apple. As the leaves begin to turn and small towns across the country enjoy the cozy charm of fall, we've rounded up some delightful apple picking spots near our favorite small towns.
Quicktake: Woodstock, Vermont
Step into downtown Woodstock and you'll find yourself transported to a quintessential New England village. I know that term is thrown out with abandon, but seriously, this is the town it was crafted for. The streets are lined with charming 19th-century architecture, creating a picturesque backdrop for your Vermont travel adventure.
Aiken’s Fall Steeplechase
Steeplechase racing in Aiken dates back to the early 20th century when wealthy northerners began wintering in the area. They brought with them a passion for equestrian sports, laying the foundation for what would become a cherished local tradition.
The Barrows House Inn & Restaurant
Dorset, Vermont, holds a special place in my heart. It was here that I first discovered the tranquility of the Green Mountains and the understated elegance of a quaint New England town. In a world that often feels artificial, where every hotel room seems to greet you with the same sterile uniformity and each restaurant is a replica of the last, Dorset stands as a beacon of genuine beauty. This charming town offers a timeless experience, seamlessly blending historic allure with modern comforts.
Hitchcock Woods: An urban forest in a small town
Hitchcock Woods, located in the heart of Aiken, South Carolina, is a remarkable 2,100-acre urban forest that offers a unique outdoor experience for nature enthusiasts, equestrians, and history buffs alike
.As one of the largest privately-owned urban forests in the United States, it boasts 70 miles of sandy trails winding through diverse ecosystems, including longleaf pine forests and wetlands.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, horseback riding, birdwatching, and photography while exploring this protected natural treasure.
.The woods' rich history dates back to the early 1800s, playing a significant role in shaping Aiken's equestrian heritage
.Managed by the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, this year-round destination offers educational programs, community events, and the annual Blessing of the Hounds ceremony, making it a beloved landmark that seamlessly blends nature, history, and community engagement