I grew up going to this part of the country every year growing up. My church youth group took an annual trip every January for a conference there, staying at the same Holiday Inn and frequenting the same shops. I also stayed there one summer with my grandparents, but it wasn't the same without the … [Read more...] about The Towns of the Tennessee Smokies
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Exploring North Alabama’s Best Small Town
Alabama was a state frequently overlooked in my travels, perhaps because it's a short three-hour drive from my house. I'd passed through many times before and visited a friend at Auburn, but sought to rectify the missing destinations this year. In the fall, I road tripped through North Alabama, … [Read more...] about Exploring North Alabama’s Best Small Town
Photo Friday: Knoxville, Tennessee
My sister's best friend, and a good friend of mine as well, moved to Knoxville, Tennessee back in 2014. We made the trip up to see her and went back for her wedding last February. The only thing I knew about the town was its association with the University of Tennessee and that creamsicle shade of … [Read more...] about Photo Friday: Knoxville, Tennessee
Photo Friday: Natchez, Mississippi
This summer was a crazy time for travel. As soon as I thought I had time to relax, it was time to pack my bags again. One trip that fell between two others was to Natchez, Mississippi. I'd always wanted to visit the historic town but didn't have immediate plans until I was asked to speak at the … [Read more...] about Photo Friday: Natchez, Mississippi
The Beauty of America’s National Parks
I didn't intend for this to be such a domestically focused travel year. It just worked out that way. Thanks in part to my expertise in the Southern region, many trips I took were close to home. But I also vowed to see more of my own country this year, which was accomplished during a trip out west … [Read more...] about The Beauty of America’s National Parks