One thing is for sure. Not being able to explore the world this past year, I got to know my own neighborhood, so to speak. My daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter live in the small East Texas community of Tatum. It’s a half-hour drive from my home in Henderson. Every time I travel along Route 43, I pass the sign for
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Finding fun where you live
For many of us this year has meant staying close to home. As a travel writer, I decided to get to know the communities close to me while I had the opportunity. One I enjoyed exploring was my own—Henderson, Texas. I moved to Henderson more than 10 years ago after I retired from my fulltime writing position. I wanted to
Appalachian Outreach helping West Virginia’s poor
John Denver sang a beautiful ode to West Virginia with his hit Take me Home Country Roads: “Country roads, take me home to the place I belong. West Virginia, Mountain Mama, take me home, country roads.” West Virginia is a naturally beautiful state with a rich and interesting history. Once part of the state of Virginia, tourists travel here to
Appalachian Outreach, Inc.
Appalachian Outreach, Inc. is a non-profit organization fighting poverty for West Virginians living in rural areas. Donations can be mailed or dropped off at 13 W View Lane, Glen Dale, West Virginia 26038. Personal items needed: Soaps, Hand Sanitizer Shampoo, Brush, Combs Toiletry Samples Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Dental Floss Denture Cleanser, Mouthwash Shaving items Toilet Paper, Tissues Feminine Hygiene Adult Diapers
Book offers a vivid view of theaters past
Matt Lambros does it again with a beautiful new “abandoned” coffee table book: “After the Final Curtain, America’s Abandoned Theaters.” What I appreciate about Lambros’ abandoned theater book is he shows the reader the haunting beauty of the past – long before today’s multiplex. Shredded curtains, torn seats, weeping plaster and grimy statues fill Lambros’ photographs. In this book, he
“Abandoned Asylums” presents a vivid view of mental institution history
Abandoned Asylums is a haunting coffee table book. Talented photographer and author Matt Van der Velde, along with a forward by Carla Yanni, paints a picture of the approach to caring for the mentally ill and “feeble minded” over the past 200 years. Yanni explains mental institution evolution and subsequent fall from grace while Van der Velde details each featured
Live Virtual Walking Tours Offered
A new collection of ‘Virtual Travel Experiences’ designed to keep travelers inspired are being offered by G Adventure even though travelers can’t come together right now. The first tour was offered April 21, but more tours designed to keep travelers engaged are being offered. Live virtual small group tours are the first of their kind. This is as close as
PLAN NOW. VISIT LATER. Lake Erie Shores & Islands
Like everywhere in America and many parts of the world, popular attractions, restaurants and hotels have empty parking lots. Like ghost towns, they sit empty because of COVID-19, social distancing and shelter in place. We’re all looking forward to the day when we can, for some, go back to work and travel for business and pleasure. Now is the perfect
Oklahoma City Attractions offer online fun
Many Oklahoma City attractions and organizations have temporarily closed due to COVID-19, but they’re still posting special experiences online for you and your family to enjoy at home until you can visit them again. Oklahoma City Zoo The animals of the OKC Zoo are missing us as much as we’re missing them, but you can take a live virtual safari daily
Dreaming of Kentucky? Go on a virtual vacation
The Kentucky Department of Tourism released 11-video mini-series to help you plan your next Kentucky vacation to the Bluegrass State. The videos highlight the state’s beautiful nature, fascinating stories and cherished traditions. Available videos include: Kentucky in Focus with Elia Locardi: In this six-part series, renowned travel photographer Elia Locardi guides tours of Kentucky’s most iconic sites in episodes exploring