Travel Writing
Whether I’m scouting for migrating birds on Virginia’s barrier islands or facing my fear of heights on a high ropes course, I find the world endlessly fascinating.
I love writing about people, places, and issues that inspire and move me.
Over 75 of my articles and essays have been published in The Washington Post. My travel pieces have appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Fodors.com, AARP, TeaTime magazine, Bethesda magazine, Arlington magazine, Virginia Living magazine, and many online publications.
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Onancock
The deep harbor of Onancock has welcomed ships and settlers for centuries. Travelers have taken refuge from storms here, and birds, fish, bivalves, and crustaceans abound. So, too, do artists and creative types.
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What I’m Reading: Me, Myself & Eli, Thomas Gregg
I feel honored to follow these lyrical Irish spirits who, even though it wasn’t their primary occupation, pursued their callings to poetic expression.
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Not-So-Secret Speakeasy
Cocktail hideaway Kuchi opens in Onancock.
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A Weekend in Staunton
Music, arts, theater, and hospitality shine in this small town.
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11 Outdoor Adventures to Book When You Need a Little Sunshine and Fresh Air
Go kayaking, horseback riding, zip lining and more.
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28 Outdoor Adventures in the Mid-Atlantic
Where to go whitewater rafting, tubing, boating, paddle-boarding, zip-lining, hiking, garden hopping, hot-air ballooning and more.
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My Town: A Creative Leader’s Easton, Maryland
Al Bond of the Avalon Foundation shares his favorite Talbot County eats and adventures.
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7 Stops on a Road Trip Along the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia
Explore rainforests and rocky beaches in this 110-mile coastal region of Western Canada known as a paradise for nature lovers.
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7 Hike-In, Hike-Out Places to Stay in Sedona
The inspiring beauty of Sedona’s red rocks draws hikers from near and far.
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These Are the Only Monarchs in the World Worth Supporting
Whether you’re on the West Coast or East, you can support these fascinating migrators.
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Glide through Delaware’s Trap Pond, Home to a Stunning Bald Cypress Stand
The state park offers myriad outdoor activities, including kayak, canoe, and hiking trails, and lodging such as campsites, cabins, and yurts.
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Taking a Mid-Atlantic Road Trip? Stop at These Native Plant Gardens Along the Way
I love to tour gardens across the Mid-Atlantic: They help me to reimagine my little pocket of our ecosystem.
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4 Ways Families Can Become Happier Travelers—According to Researchers
Post-pandemic, we all want to travel more meaningfully. One tip: Ditch the bucket list.
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Relaxing Made Easy
Four backyards that were turned into cool gathering places.
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Simply Delectable
At Thompson Italian, savor the seasonal main dishes … but always leave room for dessert.
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Exploring Virginia’s O.C.
We take the road less traveled and spend a weekend enjoying the scenic views, resonant history, and warm welcome of the foothill region near Orange.
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To Ski or Not to Ski
You don’t have to hit the slopes to enjoy these mid-Atlantic winter resorts.
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6 Winter (and Spring!) Resorts to Put on Your Radar
You don't have to ski to enjoy these ski resorts. Put them in your idea file for your next trip.
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Happening Harrisonburg
If you imagine Harrisonburg as a sleepy Shenandoah Valley college town, think again.
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La Via Del Tè
A tradition of Florentine craftsmanship distilled into a cup.
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Bridging The Gap
Traveling through small-town America, by bike, on the Great Allegheny Passage trail.
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Biking the GAP Trail
Small towns, picturesque scenery and history. The Great Allegheny Passage has all that and more.
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Rescued Wolves Have a Safe Space in the Pennsylvania Woods
Visitors to the Wolf Sanctuary of PA can see 54 wolves and wolfdogs and learn their stories.
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Shifting Sands: Virginia’s Barrier Islands Are Constantly on the Move
The islands' presence and changeability help the coastline absorb storms and scientists to study shorebird nesting patterns and water quality.
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Changing Tides
On Virginia’s Eastern Shore, the centuries-old town of Onancock is a good launch point for exploring the dynamic shoreline.
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What I’m Reading: Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery
I have wanted to visit Canada’s Prince Edward Island since I was 12 years old and first fell in love with Anne of Green Gables.
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In Mallows Bay, a ‘Ghost Fleet’ of Wrecked Ships is Very Much Alive
It’s a sunny morning in August and Mallows Bay is far from spooky.
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The Fine Art of the Girlfriend Pep Talk
How a fear of heights and a “You got this!” from a stranger taught Amy Brecount White a key way to support other women.
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Street Art
Kaleidoscopic murals energize the Annapolis Design District.
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Explore Virginia’s Eastern Shore Waterways
Head to the centuries-old town of Onancock and pick up a kayak or skiff.
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Cold Play
A Pennsylvania town embraces the chilly weather with its Fire and Ice Festival.
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Reliving History
In Yorktown, Virginia—a Revolutionary War battle site—the town’s colorful past still reverberates today.
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Get Away: Jamestown’s Diverse HerStory Exhibit
"Tenacity" offers a multicultural look at the women of 17th century Virginia.
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Feeling Stressed? Treat Yourself to a Mini Retreat.
Where to try meditation, mindfulness, t'ai chi chih and other spiritual paths to centeredness.
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In Search of Tundra Swans A-Swimming
If you live near the Chesapeake Bay or are just plain lucky, you may have seen one of our winter jewels flying in lately.
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Birds of a Feather Stick Together
It's not often you find a wide variety of animal habitats in a relatively concentrated area, and it's even rarer that such a pristine spot is open to the public.
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DuPonts and Wyeths Lived Here
The Brandywine Valley gave rise to two 20th-century dynasties: one aristocratic and one artistic. Their homes can tell you stories.
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Harbor City
Annapolis bustles with walking tours, eclectic shops, charming eateries—and a strong sense of history.
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Art in the Air on the Eastern Shore
Every July, Easton becomes a mecca for artists and art lovers.
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Whale Watching in Virginia Beach
Not many people know these graceful giants can be spotted in the winter.
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Escapes
Oxford's Slow and Friendly Pace
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Good Libations in Nelson County
Locavores will find fine wine, craft beer and tasty spirits under the micro-appellation "Nelson 151" near Charlottesville.