Rediscovering Ashland
As a writer and photographer with extensive travel experience, I have come to appreciate the hidden allure of my hometown, Ashland, Kentucky. Initially, I viewed Ashland as just another urban area, notable more for its commercial and industrial aspects than for its scenic or cultural offerings. However, after visiting many other places across the country, I now see Ashland in a new light, charmed by its revitalized urban heart and its commitment to preserving its unique character.
Leaf-Peeping Along Two of Kentucky’s Famed Scenic Byways
On a balmy autumn afternoon, Adam Paris, a fellow photographer, and I set out to explore the captivating heart of Kentucky's famed Bluegrass region. As we traversed the undulating hills and picturesque vistas of Fayette, Woodford, and Jessamine Counties, we were constantly enchanted by the lush green horse pastures and the region's unmistakable Southern charm. Each bend in the road introduced us to a new visual delight, showcasing the enduring beauty and idealistic allure of this rural paradise.
The Legacy of Mail Pouch Tobacco Barns: Icons of American Rural Landscape
In the bygone era of the late 19th and 20th centuries, the rolling landscapes of the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States were punctuated by the striking presence of Mail Pouch Tobacco barns. These barns were not mere agricultural storage structures but were emblazoned with advertisements that echoed the times they belonged to, becoming iconic symbols of rural American culture.
Marblehead Lighthouse: Lake Erie’s Historic Beacon
On the shores of Lake Erie stands the Marblehead Lighthouse, a landmark with the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Over the years, it's become a favorite subject for photographers and historians alike.
Hiking New River’s Southside Trail to Abandoned Coke Ovens
The warm spring weather of April 2022 was perfect for a hike along the Southside Trail, the former South Side Branch of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway.
Exploring Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park
The Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park in London, Kentucky, is a fascinating historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into the region's past.
Thorny Mountain’s Lookout Tower
The Thorny Mountain Fire Tower within the Seneca State Forest in West Virginia is one of the few lookout towers that you can reserve and stay at!
Exploring Red Ash
Red Ash is one of many ghost towns at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia and is accessible from an easy hike on an old railroad.
Rabbit Hash
One of the most uniquely named areas of Kentucky is Rabbit Hash, a small community along the Ohio River in Boone County.