I recently posted about Virginia’s rapidly expanding Artisan Trail Network. It was an piece about why these trails are important and how to use them. But I have so much more to share from my time on the Smith River, Monticello and HeART and Soil of the Shenandoah Valley trails. So today, a longer look at one artisan studioContinue reading “Magical Metalwork”
Tag Archives: travel
Encountering Art
This week, I want to let you in on a little secret: The corner of Virginia that I live in, the one with rolling mountains and gorgeous sunsets and dozens of shades of green, well, it boasts some incredible artisans as well. I’m talking time-honored blacksmiths and renowned potters, award-winning brewers, cutting-edge vintners. Yes,Continue reading “Encountering Art”
Inspiration
What inspires you? People? Places? Experiences? Lately, I’ve sensed inspiration all around. Spring will do that to a girl. But also I’ve lately encountered wisdom-filled conversations and travel to thrumming cities. Like I said, inspiration everywhere. So … time for a little sharing. First, my profile of a man who has been inspiring gardeners forContinue reading “Inspiration”
Eating My Way Through Virginia’s Wine Country
For four days I lived someone else’s life. I drove along country lanes connecting horse farms and wineries and estates, and ate multi-course breakfasts, lunches and dinners cooked by celebrated chefs often working just a few feet away from where I dined. I stayed at resorts and in manor housesContinue reading “Eating My Way Through Virginia’s Wine Country”
Tending a Blaze of Beautiful Words
“Isn’t it so beautiful?” Eva shrieked as Whitney Houston crooned her latest song on the Voice of America radio station. I nodded, not really liking Whitney Houston so much, but unable to keep from breaking into a smile at Eva’s enthusiasm. And her choice of words. As I’ve noticed in the three months since IContinue reading “Tending a Blaze of Beautiful Words”