Charlottesville is such a beautiful place and I typically get to visit once or twice a year to see close friends. Every time I go I get introduced to something different and utterly fantastic, and this trip was no exception. If you follow me or know me at all you have probably deduced that I love to…
The Southern Gentleman Cocktail
It’s September, but in the South it’s still hotter than seven hells. Like a true Southern, beat the heat back with a refreshing cocktail. This one is called the Southern Gentleman. Typically when you think of the South and summertime, you think of the Mint Julep. However, this take on The Southern Gentleman, just may have you…
A Day at Childress Vineyards
When you think of wine in the United States you typically think of California or Washington, but you may not be aware that at one time winemaking thrived in North Carolina. In fact, at the turn of the century, the Sixth Federal Census showed that North Carolina lead all states in wine production. That was…
Be a Big Kid at Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad is an adorably hokey amusement park located up in the mountains of North Carolina. The park’s live shows, games, zoo, rides and two vintage steam locomotives, deliver the goods to people of all ages. I lived in Boone for many years, but never made it to the park. At times, I would hear…
Day Drinking on a Train: The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
Have you ever wanted to get day-drunk on a train? Yeah, I thought so. If you are anything like me, the very thought of drinking on a train sounds like a excellent way to spend any day, right? Regardless, if you want to drink or not, riding on an old train is pretty amazing as is. But what…
Monticello: An Essay in Architecture
Monticello, a gloriously eccentric homestead, settled atop of a 850-foot -high peak was once the home of the enigmatic Thomas Jefferson. The third president of the United States spent more than four decades designing, dismantling and reimagining the estate he called his “essay in architecture.” Observing the house from the outside one may think that sure, it’s a beautiful home, but…
An Afternoon Getaway at Treehouse Vineyards
Just 45 minutes outside of Charlotte in Monroe, NC lies a small, yet cozy family-run winery called Treehouse Vineyards. The unassuming yet peaceful atmosphere is great for an afternoon adventure with friends or loved ones looking to get out of the city for some relaxing and of course, wine. At an affordable $6, guests are…
Broiled Grapefruit w/ Coconut Sugar
In Blacksburg, VA one of my favorite breakfast spots is a vegetarian restaurant called Gillie’s. On the menu is a broiled grapefruit that is AMAZING! I decided to recreate this at home to mix up my breakfast routine. The coconut sugar gave it a rich color with a hint of molasses flavor. It was so delicious…
The Frying Pan Tower
Lately, I’ve been yearning to find some type of adventure, an interesting place to visit, something new and different. I found out about this place a few years back, but have yet to go. It is not the easiest place to get to, and it’s not your typical getaway vacation. Nevertheless, this place is fascinating and…
Maple Pecan Glazed GF Doughnuts
As a kid, my favorite place to visit was Carol Lee Doughnuts. It is a locally owned doughnut shop in Blacksburg, VA that has the most incredible doughnuts! Their Maple Glazed Doughnut was my all-time favorite, and after we moved back to the area, was such a treat to have occasionally. Just walking in the…
The Southern Blueprint 