Making history your story
Watch my new Travel with Books video about the Virginia Mysteries series. I interviewed the author, Steven K. Smith, and learned about his inspiration for writing these middle-grade novels about Virginia history.
Did you know that Shirley Plantation, located near Richmond, Virginia, is the oldest family-owned business in America? Read my new review to learn about its 400 year history and why it makes a great place to visit with your family today.
Planning a dream trip to Ireland in 2021? Be sure to put the Medieval town of Kilkenny on your itinerary. The Kilkenny Castle is a must-see site and its garden is a great place for kids to play. Read my new review today and start dreaming about a trip to the Emerald Isle.
The Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte, North Carolina is a unique museum that looks at the growth of the piedmont region after the Civil War. From farming to textiles to banking, this museum highlights the explosive growth and the racial and economic challenges that have faced the Queen City in recent history. If you're planning a visit to Charlotte, put this museum on your must-see list!
It's the 4th Wednesday of the month so that means I am reviewing a Presidential site today. While many people are familiar with Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, not as many know about his country retreat, Poplar Forest. Read my new review today to learn about his home in the mountains surrounding Lynchburg, Virginia.
You know Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me liberty or give me death!" speech, made at Richmond’s Historic St. John’s Church in 1775. You may not know, however, that the home where he lived while crafting that historic speech is open for visitors and is celebrating its 300th year! Nestled in the rolling hills of western Hanover County, just 30 minutes north of Richmond, his home, called Scotchtown, is an atmospheric place to visit, especially during the month of October. Read my new review today and plan an autumn visit with your family!
In thinking of atmospheric places abroad to write about for this month’s review, I immediately thought about the Rock of Cashel in Ireland, which we visited in the summer of 2019. While we may not currently be able to travel to Ireland without a quarantine, hopefully regular trips can resume by summer of 2021. If you are thinking about planning a trip to Ireland, the Rock of Cashel should be on your list! read my new review today!
Today is the 240th anniversary of the Revolutionary War battle at Kings Mountain that Thomas Jefferson called, “The turn of the tide of success.” However, many people have not heard of the battle or why it was so pivotal for the American Revolution. Located on the boundary between North and South Carolina, Kings Mountain National Military Park is a great place to visit with your family to learn about its important role in the fight for American independence. Read my new review today!
After writing about the Virginia Capital Trail last week, I’ll be reviewing many of the stops along the trail in the coming months. Several battlefields and historic homes are along the route, including the home of our nation’s 10th President, John Tyler. In my quest to visit all of the Presidential and First Lady historic sites, I knew I had to see it in conjunction with the Capital Trail. His home, named Sherwood Forest, is a peaceful place for your family to take a break while on a bike trip. Read my new review today!
In Virginia, history is literally around every corner. The James River, which flows from the Chesapeake Bay to western Virginia, is the “road” along which Virginia’s history, and thereby America’s history, was founded. Beginning with Jamestown in 1607, this river and the land surrounding it has been the site of many significant historical events, including Native American villages, Colonial towns, and battles from 3 wars. A unique and socially-distanced way to view this historical area with your family is to bike or walk along the Virginia Capital Trail. It is the perfect place to have a family-friendly outing, especially during the cooler fall months. Read my new review today! Don't forget to sign up for my new newsletter - follow the "newsletter" link on my website!
