Fun Adventures Going Off the Grid

I can't tell you how many times my daughter has bugged me about doing a YouTube video.  My background is in television, and she always wanted to go on my show and host cooking segments with me.  I didn't mind it, but doing a YouTube video?  Ugh.  I didn't want to expose her like that and have her looking at all of her "likes" or, in our case, "no likes." In our social media centered world, it's so scary to have our kids exposed, especially when we hear of all the studies linking online bullying and suicides with social media.  But it's here, and it's not going anywhere.  She's not on social media yet, she's way too young, but I'm trying to educate her about it - the good, the bad and the very ugly that goes along with it.  So since it's not going anywhere, I thought we could do a video together - a baking segment (which she always wanted to do) where we would learn how to bake together.  I have to say, it was fun, and it...

I just read a little story on my Bible app about a woman having a “normal” day with someone, she doesn’t mention who it was, but it was just an ordinary day – with no special plans. The two decided to have lunch outside on a beautiful day, soaking up the sunshine, talking and sharing a couple of laughs.  Then, this person whispers: This is going in my “happy file”. She goes on to explain that her happy file was her record she kept of God’s simple blessings, those moments in time with a little extra spark. You know, those times when you look back and think about them and they make you smile? What a concept, right? A file of good memories doesn’t have to be an expensive vacation, and well-thought-out, busy day filled with activities. I can be simply a moment in time that makes you smile.  I love this idea and plan on keeping my own “happy file” of the things that happen each day that make me happy and appreciative of all that God has given me. And when I think...

If you’re looking for luxury and seclusion all in the same place, The Primland Resort should be added to your must-visit list. The accommodations, the food, and the world-class golf are just some of the reasons you should book your trip. But there is so much more to see and do at this gorgeous resort tucked inside Patrick County. Take a look at our visit to get a glimpse of what to expect, but really, you need to experience it for yourself to truly appreciate this one-of-a-kind gem.

For the Nascar fan, nothing beats Charlotte North Carolina. I recently took a trip to where racing lives to find out why. In this video, I talk with two of Nascar's legends who share why fans will get a once in a lifetime experience: the speed of a racecar while traveling up to 160 miles an hour on the legendary track where the Bank of America 500 is held under the lights. I talk with fans who travel from near and far about how NASCAR has instilled important life lessons they want to pass down to their family and why historians are working tirelessly to preserve the stories of where NASCAR began.

About the Memorial: On June 6th, 1944 United States soldiers, in one of the most pivotal battles of World War II, invaded the French coastline in order to propel German soldiers out of Western Europe and lead the way for victory against the tyrants of that era. Dedicated on June 6th, 2001 by president George W. Bush, the National D-Day Memorial was constructed in honor of those who died that day, fighting in one of the most significant battles in our nations history. The monument receives an average of 60,000 visitors a year and is a profound addition to America’s War Memorials. Initiated by D-Day veteran J. Robert “Bob” Slaughter, the structure encompasses 88 acres at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At its center stands a monumental forty-four foot tall arch, embellished by the military name, “Overlord,” that was given to the crucial operation. The arch is highlighted by a reflecting pool that surrounds a captivating scene that is symbolic of the arduous trudge soldiers made ...

There is not much to do in Hillsville, Virginia. However, if you are a history enthusiast, you must go to the historic courthouse on Main Street. There you will learn all about The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912. This event is known as one of the darkest stories in the history of this region. I recently took a look at what happened, and talked to many locals about why this topic is a taboo subject for many who live here.

If you are looking for a great family vacation destination - whether it's winter or summer - be sure to check out Massanutten Resort.  See our recent adventures during a recent visit here:

If you are looking for a cool place to bring family and friends for a day, or a weekend, look no further than Devil's Backbone.  It's more than just a brewery, it's a destination.  They have two locations: The Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows is their pilot brewery nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Nelson County.  They also have another location -   The Outpost in Lexington, Virginia.  Come see how they are expanding and looking to expand from just beer to distilling! 

I recently checked out a little known place here in Roanoke, VA where there is great live music, but with an even better story. I met Tyler Godsey, the Founder and CEO of 5 Points Music Sanctuary recently and found out why he wanted to start a live music venue. His goal? To pursue the power of sound. Through live events and programs that support music therapy, music education, and hearing loss advocacy he is making a huge impact not only here in the community, but especially for his children. See his inspiring story here:

Looking for a quaint beautiful place to check out some great art? Look no further than Bedford, Virginia.  I checked out their Artisan Trail recently and was super impressed.  Check it out here:

Each year, we love visiting the Omni Homestead Resort.  During this visit, I brought the girls for the Great American Family Vacation.  It was a blast! See our adventures here:

  The store on Main Street, Marion I headed out down Interstate 81 recently to find out more about this moonshine I heard one man was making in Marion, Virginia.  A legal version of the stuff we all have heard was secretly made in the rural mountains of Appalachia.  And yup, right there in downtown Marion, we found the Mercantile and tasting room right in the middle of Main Street.  How cool is this? Inside this Mercantile & Stillhouse Store you can come in, taste their spirits and take a tour of the facility.  And that's just what we did.  And yes, it's made in the hills of rural Appalachia.  But this stuff -- is 100% legally because he pays federal taxes on everything he sells. We went inside and got to talk with the owner, Scott Schumaker, who told us that he accidentally made this moonshine when looking for a fuel source for his home.  He lives off the grid in Marion and when he asked for advice on making the perfe...

A Tradition That Lasts This winter was a brutal one for a lot of us on the east coast.  It just seemed like we couldn't get a break.  I especially felt bad for those living in Boston.  They got dumped on all winter long! Here in Southwest Virginia, we were spared much of the snow. We typically will get a good snow once or twice each winter. But it's short-lived and Spring starts showing signs around late March. And that's when I go away.  My girlfriends and I have made it a tradition to get together one weekend in March -- and we've been lucky so far with the weather. This year, however, Mother Nature was planning  to spoil all the fun with a major snowstorm a day before we were to leave.  But she didn't realize that 5 women were so determined. This is OUR weekend -- and come hell or high water - we're going!! The day before our trip, we all watched the weather forecast closely because it was looking like it was going to dump...

When I arrived here in Greenbrier Valley, West Virginia I was a little taken back.  Not sure what I was expecting, but this cute little quaint town was not at all what I thought I was going to see.  We entered into the town of Lewisburg and it instantly reminded me of Abingdon, VA.  That is another town where you are traveling along one road, and all of a sudden, it opens up to a downtown area that is bustling with unique shops, restaurants and friendly people.  Watch our recent report on our visit, and be sure to make plans to go.  You can find out more here Be sure to stay for the weekend.  Of course there is The Greenbrier but there are plenty of options here.   I am sure you will not be disappointed!

My best friend and I haven't seen each other in years.  However, that hasn't hurt our friendship.  We've been best friends since elementary school.  Months can go by without us talking and we can pick up the phone and it's like no time has passed.  However, I get sad when I think about how long it's been since we've seen each other.  If I remember correctly, I think it's been four years.  Is that possible?  Where does the time go?  So, when she called and said she was going to be up the road in Nelson County, Virginia,  I jumped at the chance to meet her there.  She and her family wanted to do a little hiking, and I told her about one of my favorite hikes here in Virginia called Crabtree Falls.  We agreed we would meet up and do this one together! However, like the saying goes; "fail to plan, plan to fail".. that's exactly what happened. We set the date and time we would meet and off we went.  We decided to meet at the upper ...

 I am one of those people who love the movie, Dirty Dancing.  In my day, this was the big movie of our generation.  The music, the dancing, and of course the actors (Patrick Swayze will always be that young sexy Johnny) were all fantastic - and it's one of those movies that I could watch over and over again, without ever getting tired of it. So, you can imagine my excitement, when I realized that the resort where they filmed part of the movie was practically down the road from where I now live!! I was thrilled!! It's called Mountain Lake Lodge, and it was chosen to be the backdrop of the movies because it somewhat resembles the Catskills of New York.  There was another filming location in Lake Lure, North Carolina too, and I do plan to check out that location sometime as well.   Mountain Lake Lodge is located deep in the mountains of Giles County, Virginia.  Off of 460 where I live, you vear off of a winding road that eventually takes you to the t...

The start of a new school year always gets me excited.  It's a fresh start.  It's a chance to hit the "reset" button.  This year for us, was a biggie.  Kindergarten.  My oldest was heading to her first real classroom (even though she's been in a daycare setting since she was 9 months old) this was real school.  With a real teacher, and real classmates.  Exciting! However I wasn't feeling it this year, and quite frankly, I was a little depressed. Normally, the end of summer can't come fast enough.  The kids are bored.  My husband is at his limits and everyone is ready to get back to a routine.  We've been on vacation, we got our fair share of sunburns, we've done the pool thing, now we're all bored.  Let's get back to school.  Back to a regular schedule, with early wake-up times and early bedtimes.  Family sit-down dinners with bath time and lights out at 7:30.  But this time, when the beginning of school came around,...