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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Good Libations in Nelson County
Locavores will find fine wine, craft beer and tasty spirits under the micro-appellation "Nelson 151" near Charlottesville.
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Escapes
Oxford's Slow and Friendly Pace
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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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Art in the Air on the Eastern Shore
Every July, Easton becomes a mecca for artists and art lovers.
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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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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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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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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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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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Get Away: Jamestown’s Diverse HerStory Exhibit
"Tenacity" offers a multicultural look at the women of 17th century Virginia.
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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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Cold Play
A Pennsylvania town embraces the chilly weather with its Fire and Ice Festival.
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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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Street Art
Kaleidoscopic murals energize the Annapolis Design District.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Biking the GAP Trail
Small towns, picturesque scenery and history. The Great Allegheny Passage has all that and more.
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Bridging The Gap
Traveling through small-town America, by bike, on the Great Allegheny Passage trail.
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La Via Del Tè
A tradition of Florentine craftsmanship distilled into a cup.
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Happening Harrisonburg
If you imagine Harrisonburg as a sleepy Shenandoah Valley college town, think again.
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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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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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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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Simply Delectable
At Thompson Italian, savor the seasonal main dishes … but always leave room for dessert.
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Relaxing Made Easy
Four backyards that were turned into cool gathering places.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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A Weekend in Staunton
Music, arts, theater, and hospitality shine in this small town.
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Not-So-Secret Speakeasy
Cocktail hideaway Kuchi opens in Onancock.
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What I’m Reading: Me, Myself & Eli
As a travel writer who scouts for compelling stories, I talk to my cab drivers. Sometimes our conversations lead me to happenin’ musical venues and less-discovered cultural gems. Sometimes they help me deepen my understanding of a whole country.
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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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Follow the Stars to Bethlehem, PA, for the Holidays
Whether you celebrate Christmas as a religious, secular or commercial holiday, this former steel town brings the magic.
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7 Southern Stays with Hands-on Adventures
From the coast to the countryside, these getaways promise both relaxation and energizing fun.
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Follow the Stars to Bethlehem, PA, aka “Christmas City”
Whether you celebrate Christmas as a religious, secular or commercial holiday, this former steel town brings the magic.
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Seven Southern Wildflower Saunters
These Southern parks, trails, and preserves put on blooming springtime shows.
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Hop Aboard a Ferry to These Uncrowded National Seashores
Spot wildlife en route and experience these often wilderness barrier islands that may include tours of historic homes or forts.
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The Little WV Farm with Big Dreams
In Wardensville, Farms Work Wonders grows vegetables, businesses, and opportunities for Appalachian youth.
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Inside the Mind of Frank Lloyd Wright
Fallingwater isn’t the only Wright structure in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. Here’s a home tour for architecture enthusiasts.
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Get a Jump on Holiday Shopping and Bolster North Carolina Artists Who Need Help
From Black Mountain to Asheville to Boone to Chimney Rock, creatives in Western North Carolina need support during what would have been their busiest season.
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Watching Humpback Whales Bubble-net Feeding in Kenai National Park
The seagulls give it away every time. All eyes aboard the Coastal Explorer are tracing their movements because these wily birds know—moments before we do—where the humpback whales will emerge in their amazingly synchronous behavior called bubble-net feeding.
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Perennial Appeal
The island of Madeira is always in bloom.
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Purcellville
In rural Purcellville, immerse yourself in all things vintage—clothes, antiques, whiskey, and wines.
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Resurrecting Southern Appalachia’s Sky Islands
Red spruce is being replanted to reinvigorate one of the most endangered ecosystems.
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Find Pure Relaxation with an Appalachian Twist at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards
This newer escape outside Bristol offers a luxurious infinity pool and an inventive spa, along with an award-winning onsite winery and tasting room.
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Floating Across Virginia
Sensory deprivation tanks with mega-salty water can reduce stress and improve wellness.
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A Place of Hope and Healing
On her Virginia farm, floral designer Holly Heider Chapple draws from her own life experiences to share the restorative power of blooms.
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In Praise of Dark Skies
Preserving darkness supports the wellness of both humans and wildlife.
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Play, Explore, and Indulge in Puerto Rico
The island’s abundant coastlines, lush rainforests, and creative culinary options lead to sensory-rich encounters and immersive adventures.
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Virginia’s River Realm Focuses on Ecotourism, Waterfront Relaxation
Communities offer a Southern taste of the good life just 150 miles from Bethesda.
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Why This State’s Magic Lures Me Back Every Year
Add this gorgeous “third coast” U.S. destination to your must-see list.
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These Are the Best Stargazing Sites in North America
These dark sky sanctuaries, reserves, parks, and trails invite you to immerse yourself in the wonders of our night skies.
Photo Credit to Stéphane Picard
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Virginia’s River Realm Has Small-Town Vibes and Oysters Galore
This easygoing coastal area along the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay is a great place to wander, paddle, sail and chill.
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Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
In this newest sanctuary, NOAA partners with an Indigenous tribe to protect vital marine habitat and sacred places.
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Savor the Sunrise at these Six National Parks.
Enjoy excellent views and crowd-free dawn adventures year-round.
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How the Indomitable Carolista Baum Saved Outer Banks Ecosystems
Fifty years ago, Carolista Baum passionately fought to create Jockey’s Ridge State Park, an unusually biodiverse ecosystem of dunes, thickets and marshes.
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The Rhythm of Life on Bonaire
This small Caribbean island walks the conservation walk.
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Virginia’s Most Unique Spa Treatments
Check out these innovative—and a little wacky—wellness treatments.
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The Garden & Gun Bucket Lists - 2025
Support a Living Appalachian Classroom in Wardensville, WV.
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The Best Outdoor Adventures in the Brunswick Islands, NC
From turtle hatches to stargazing to dolphin-spotting, you’ll find abundant outdoor excursions.
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Feeling Adventurous? The Best Women-Only Tours You'll Want to Take ASAP
The trip I took shines like a gem in my memory.
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Nine Unmissable Beacons of Light
These North American lighthouses that once saved mariners now lure cross-generational tourists.
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Emmy-Winning French Magnolia Shares Her Signature Style
Sample Chef Missy’s inspired cuisines at their new Bristol bistro.
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The Wright Places to Travel
Explore architectural masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright amid the natural beauty of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands region.
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Former Tobacco Town Winston-Salem Now Plays Well with Brews, Gardens, and the Arts
This North Carolina city offers a revivified downtown area with craft breweries, an arts scene, and neighborhood hubs to explore.
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Out & About in Tazewell
Where to shop, stay, and eat in this reviving coal town.
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Grassroots Efforts Are Reclaiming Tazewell
The Main Street of this former coal town is lively and welcoming again.
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Five Cities Perfect for Older Women Travelers
As a woman in my sixth decade, I’m aiming to see more of the less-discovered and alluring parts of our country.
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Seven Southern Old Growth Forests to Wander Through
For a truly immersive and healthy walk in the woods, check out these cherished groves.
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These Are the Best Stargazing Apps According to Experts
These dark sky, weather, and photography apps will guide and amp up your night sky adventures.
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This is the Only Dark Sky Community in the Southeast
A growing town west of Orlando works together to preserve its night skies.
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Best of the World Wellness Destinations
This Ancient Forest in Northern British Columbia takes forest bathing and indigenous experiences to new heights.
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These Outdoor Sculpture Gardens Inspire Artsy Fun
Sculpture gardens around the U.S. are places to play and ponder art.
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Look at the Night Skies through an Indigenous Lens
These First Nation and Native American experiences across the U.S. and Canada will enrich your understanding of the night skies.
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The Lowdown on Buying a Ski Pass
Planning to hit the slopes this winter? Check out this informative guide to the main passes.
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Take a Dreamy and Affordable Cruise
Cabin charters give you a private room and bathroom on a shared small yacht.
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How to Enjoy Quebec
Quebec offers historic charm in a vibrant atmosphere.
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AAA Autoclub Enterprises Podcast
Amy Brecount White discusses how to impact your destination with voluntourism.
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In Pennsylvania, a Melodious Eco-Resort for Bird Lovers
Escape to this birding area and culturally rich part of central Pennsylvania.
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Discover These Five Destinations that Have Direct Flights
Check out these fun and easy trips to take from NoVa airports.
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Join a Summer Star Party
These dark sky destinations across the U.S. and Canada feature astronomers, telescopes, and welcoming communities.
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Why You Should Try Train Travel
These are the real reasons train travel can make many trips even better.
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These Fun Nature Apps Will Deepen Your Experience
Want to know what bird you’re hearing or the best hikes to take? These apps will guide you.
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A Mother and Daughter Chase the Chance to Relive a Beloved Memory
Retracing our past adventures on the Carolina coast, we await a sea turtle hatch.
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These Are the World’s Best New Hotels
These brand new hotels offer unusual, immersive, and adventurous experiences.