Charming Adventures

SUMMER 2025 “Top Four” Everythings!

This post is brought to you by the number FOUR! 4 is my favorite number, I was born at 4:44, and this trip was 4 months long! So, here are the top 4 things in select categories — I put it together just 4 you (get it?)! *TOP FOUR CUTEST TOWNS! (A) Galena, IL; (B) Wilmington, NC; (C) Hendersonville, NC; (D) Whalan/Lanesboro, MN (*right click any photo and...

Casey & Galena, IL: A Really, Really Big Time!

In Illinois, dare we say that the big city of Chicago gets alllll the attention. But two other towns — Casey and Galena — snagged our love for their BIG big things and BIG big fun! Casey, IL: Big Things in a Small Town Ohhhhh boyyyyyy! Who is ready for some really, really BIG fun! A stop in Casey, Illinois (pronounced KAY-ZEE) -– midway between St. Louis...

Corbin, KY: Of Failure and Success

In southern Kentucky, we investigated the twin unrelated phenomena of “secret herbs and spices” and the rare “moonbow,” and learned a lil bit more about success and failure. Corbin is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken, and the original location is a fast-food cafe and museum, all in one. Here, the world famous...

Asheville (and Beyond), NC: Before & After

It was a return to North Carolina after our failed/cancelled attempt in 2020. We had driven all the way to North Carolina from Arizona, with shutdowns hitting town by town by town along our route, like tragic falling dominoes. Thanks for nothing, Covid! I guess you could call this our Revenge Tour. We couldn’t help but compare the BEFORE and AFTER …...