Caught It on The River
A Casino Run, A Few Big Wins, and the Perfect Hand in Portsmouth ♠️ The Shuffle Every good poker hand starts with a shuffle — that moment of anticipation before the cards hit the table. Our early‑April road trip felt…
Category Trip
Trips taken
📸 Rochester Rewind: Kodak Days, Killer BBQ, and a Garbage Plate at Midnight
Twice I found myself in Rochester, NY, chasing business with Eastman Kodak and Kodak Alaris, but the real memories came after hours—when coworkers turned tour guides and the city’s culinary quirks took center stage. 🍺 Genesee Brewery & The Hot…
🥂 Western NC Wine Trail Wrap-Up – Reflections, Favorites & Final Sips
After four wineries, one mountain summit, and a gallery of tasting notes, our Western NC wine trail came to a close with a car full of bottles and a head full of memories. Each stop had its own rhythm—from minimalist…
🍷 Stop 4: JOLO Winery & Vineyards – Sparkle, Prestige & Pilot Mountain Views
Nestled at the base of Pilot Mountain, JOLO Winery is more than a tasting room—it’s a legacy in the making. Founded in 2010 by JW and Kristen Ray, the name “JOLO” is a tribute to their sons, Joey and Logan.…
🏔️ Pilot Mountain Detour – A View Worth the Climb
Before our final tasting, we took a scenic detour to Pilot Mountain, one of North Carolina’s most iconic landmarks. Rising 2,421 feet above sea level, this quartzite monadnock has guided travelers for centuries. The Saura tribe called it Jomeokee, meaning…
🍷 Stop 3: Cellar 4201 – Intimate Vibes & Barrel-Aged Brilliance
A short drive brought us to Cellar 4201, tucked along Apperson Road—and yes, that’s where the name comes from: 4201 is their address. This boutique vineyard and tasting room sits just outside East Bend, styled like a cozy wine cellar…
🦙 Stop 2: Divine Llama Vineyards – Where Traminette Sparkles and Tacos Rule
Driving deeper into East Bend, NC, we rolled up to Divine Llama Vineyards—equal parts tasting room, gift shop, llama farm, and vibe. Home to the largest llama farm in the Southeast, this spot doubles down on its theme in all…
🍇 Stop 1: Medaloni Cellars – Pour, Sip, Reflect
Our trail began at Medaloni Cellars, tucked into the rolling hills just west of Winston-Salem. The drive set the tone—green fields, winding lanes, and a quiet anticipation. Arriving near noon, we found a sprawling interior with rustic wood beams and…
🍷 Western NC Wine Trail – July 5, 2025
A full-bodied journey through rolling hills, curious varietals, and tasting room tales. Two hours west of Cary, tucked between the Blue Ridge foothills and the Yadkin River, lies one of North Carolina’s best-kept secrets: a wine country bursting with character,…
🌙 A Night in Savannah: River Views and Ghostly Tales
We arrived in Savannah with no grand agenda—just the hope of a good meal, a little mystery, and a hotel with character. And oh, did we find one. Our hotel perched along the historic riverfront, with a fourth-floor window overlooking…
