In the past, travelers may have visited dream destinations only when celebrating a milestone — an anniversary, big birthday or graduation. After living through two years of a pandemic, however, some feel there is no need to wait for a special occasion to go to […]
According to the U.S. Travel Association, each year more than half of Americans leave vacation time on the table — hundreds of millions of unused days. Another study published in Nature found that people who change their scenery regularly tend to be happier. Despite the emotional benefits, […]
Many people are itching to fly overseas after more than a year of being careful and staying close to home. Guidelines are constantly changing, though, and you will need some preparation to ensure a safe, smooth journey. As of press time, countries like Switzerland, Denmark, […]
Hers is a story of continuous transformation: the only true way to survive. After more than 200 years of change, The Greenbrier Resort and Spa continues welcoming guests drawn by the luxury, relaxation, charm and beauty that defines her — while absorbing a rich history that made […]
THE MAGIC OF ARRIVAL Spending the holidays at the Fairmount Chateau Lake Louise is like stepping inside a snow globe. You and your family can skate across a frozen lake framed by towering mountains, ski fresh powder, and laugh together on a sleigh ride pulled […]
Throughout the streets of Japan’s busiest cities, the blending of the traditional and the modern is always on display. Centuries-old cherry blossom trees bloom among sky-high radio towers and high-end shopping districts. Kimono shops and tea houses are located near anime-themed restaurants, foot bath cafés, and hip coffee houses. Even the women merge old-style fashion influences with contemporary designs.
The land of the rising sun attracts tourists seeking both the simplicity of Zen gardens and top-dollar, trendy omakase, or chef-curated meals. Professional photographers are often on hand to capture families exploring the juxtaposition of Japan’s culture featuring old-world elements and modern comforts.
Charlotte Motor Speedway unveiled its new Ten Tenths Motor Club at the third annual Heritage Invitational collector car show earlier this spring. Ten Tenths is a 100-acre complex operated by Speedway Motorsports, featuring the Ten Tenths Circuit lighted road course for high-performance driving, a 20,000-square-foot […]
In the spirit of cultivating a legacy of love for southern horticulture, the Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary staff recently curated a trip to Miami for their members to tour private gardens for inspiration. “We wanted our members to experience something they wouldn’t normally […]
It’s unlikely that a girl born in Chennai, India, would become one of the most influential social-media creators in the U.S. But that’s exactly what Vidya Gopalan, known on social media as @queencitytrends, has done. With more than 4 million TikTok followers and half a million more on Instagram, she’s turned her passion for fashion and storytelling into a thriving business, partnering with global brands like Dove, L’Oreal, Rare Beauty, L’Occitane, Walmart and Amazon.
“I started my social-media accounts with no expectations — I just thought sharing my clothes and makeup would be fun,” says Vidya (pronounced VITH-yah), who recently celebrated her 40th birthday. “It’s only been about three years since my content really took off.”
Ever since he was a child, Erik Goldfield wanted to have a tree house in his backyard. And not just any tree house — he dreamed of one shaped as a pirate ship, with cannons and a plank. This spring, craftsman and woodworker Mark Aymer […]
It frustrated Judith Zehmke that she couldn’t afford the gallery art in Jacksonville’s historic district when she lived in Florida. Looking to purchase reasonably priced, original art, Zehmke teamed with a friend who had collected art from local, up-and-coming artists. She began showcasing the works […]
Remember the days when making friends was as easy as running outside to join the neighborhood kids catching fireflies or playing a game of tag? Conversation was effortless; everyone was welcome. Unfortunately, making adult friendships is more complicated.
As we grow older, we tend to seek friendships that are about shared values and intentions. We all hope to connect with like-minded individuals, but we don’t know where to find them. Gone are the days where our friends were simply waiting for us at the end of our driveways. So how do we meet friends now? And once we find them, how can we expect to make deep connections when the majority of our time is spent building careers, running households and, for some of us, managing the needs of spouses, partners, kids and aging parents?
We’re talking about Finding Friendships and Forest Baths. Two stories featured in the March issue of SouthPark Magazine. Why is it harder to find friends as we age? And what are the health benefits of “bathing” among trees? Find out in this episode of SouthPark […]
Searching for serenity on a beautiful Caribbean beach where the landscape beckons you to lie back and let go? Book a non-stop flight from Charlotte to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos and in less than three hours you’ll be lounging on one of the world’s […]
Krisha Chachra served eight years on the Blacksburg Town Council was elected Vice Mayor of Blacksburg. She is a community advocate & connector and runs an event production organization that hosts the largest ongoing young and creative professionals mixer in Southwest Virginia called “Up on the Roof”. Krisha has worked with NRV Magazine (nrvmagazine.com) for a decade as the travel columnist and human-interest writer. She has visited over 45 countries in 6 continents and focuses her writing on people, culture and beautiful places. Krisha has reported and hosted shows for public radio and television and has freelanced for USA Weekend Magazine, the Honolulu Advertiser and the Roanoke Times among others. Her book about returning to Blacksburg, Homecoming Journals, may be found online or in local bookstores. Email her at kchachra@aol.com
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