Photos courtesy of DSC Photography Darcy Cole takes off down a trail on Assateague Island in Virginia’s far northeastern corner. Here, she hunts horses. And when she sees one? She starts shooting. Over and over. With a camera. This photographer…
It all started with a couple of curious boys. Two Neff brothers slipped into Shenandoah Caverns in 1884 after playing in a sinkhole. Decades later, the caverns opened for public tours in 1922. Today, you can start your visit easily…
Captain Barry Frishman makes a landing on a marsh isle—a sliver of sand off the bulk-headed banks of Chincoteague Island. Looking around, he says, “I don’t want to lose the boat. That would be so embarrassing to lose the boat.”…
Tim Cole walks across the main lobby of the Old Donation School in Virginia Beach with a revelation of what’s beneath his feet: "Here the mouth of the bay. Here's Fort Story right here." This new school’s foyer floor features…
We all know someone who collects something. Maybe you’re that person. It starts innocently enough—a couple ornate teacups here; several vintage cameras there. Soon enough, friends start to hear about the collection and want to contribute. And yes, sometimes it…
Captain Dan Davis motors along the marshy banks of Assateague Island, looking for ponies in the wilds of Accomack County. "Last night, we had a lot of ponies coming out, right at the water's edge," says Davis, 39. "We can…
Marc Mitchum chugs out of the Wanchese harbor with a minor wake, the engine loudly growling on his 42-foot-long workboat, dubbed Jodie Kae. But Mitchum’s passengers never get crabby. They simply soak up the salt-spray waters of the Roanoke Sound,…
Feel like you’ve seen everything Coastal Virginia has to offer? Chances are there’s a few places you’ve missed. Look a little closer, and you’ll find a whole world of hidden happenings, little-known activities, secret gardens, unexposed stores and under-the-radar eats…
Perched at elevations topping more than 3,000 feet, the High Country of North Carolina comes by its name honestly. Why, just brave Beech Mountain, the home of Beech Mountain Resort, and you'll be standing at an ear-popping mile above sea…
Perched high in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Primland Resort sprawls across 12,000 acres. Seriously, it’s huge—with lots of room to hike, bike, hunt, fish and golf. It’s also big on making guests feel rested and relaxed. Rooms are…
Lee Gutman’s pontoon boat churned through coffee-colored waters as it cruised south, passing mystical marsh and pines that could have told a thousand tales of war, famine, feasts and fowl. This ride marked the start of an overnight escape to…
Summertime means road trips—weekends, overnights and daytrip excursions. Close to home, we have a variety of vacations. Be it beaches, mountains or soaking up the sun at a large lake, all kinds of getaways are within a half-day’s drive of…
Railroad lines weave strategically through Roanoke and help define this “Star City” of Western Virginia. Roanoke boasts a population of nearly 100,000 and takes its nickname from the 88-foot-high Mill Mountain Star, shining in lights since 1949. The star stands…
Rolling down Caroline Street and reeling off dates of the Civil War, trolley driver and tour guide Kathy Quann can hardly contain her enthusiasm for Fredericksburg, as she spouts out tales of the Revolutionary War and a bit more about…
Jason Oliver goes to work each day and drinks a little beer. He likes it. And, besides, that’s his job. He’s a brewmaster at Devils Backbone Brewing Company, where the brands include Gold Leaf Lager, an award-winning beer that tastes…
Just below Gettysburg, Pa., the little town of Thurmont, Md., bustles with friendliness and natural beauty at the top end of the Blue Ridge. This mountain hamlet mixes natural attractions, a zoo and historical landmarks with the offlimits intrigue of…
We have stopped on the walking path of the Organ Cave near Ronceverte, W.Va., and, strangely, we hear voices. It sounds like both boys and men, chattering above the sounds of rushing waters like theyre working, telling each other what…
