Wherever I May Roam Blog

07/11/2025

🧠💀 Touring the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia, was one of the most chilling, eye-opening experiences I’ve had. Once home to more lobotomies than any other place in the world, this massive 19th-century institution now welcomes visitors curious about its dark past and the evolution of mental health care.

Walking the halls, you learn about the horrifying and often barbaric treatments once considered “normal”—from ice water baths and electroshock to isolation and restraints. The reasons for admission? Everything from postpartum depression to laziness, grief, or even reading too many books. 😳

Today, the asylum serves as a sobering reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go—in understanding and treating mental illness. It’s also a popular paranormal and historical tourist site, offering guided tours, ghost hunts, and deep dives into its fascinating (and often heartbreaking) history.

If you love history, true crime, haunted places, or just unique travel experiences, this one should definitely be on your list. No wonder it earned a spot in our 100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die book!

Would you be brave enough to tour it? 👻

07/09/2025

I got the coolest surprise thanks to the iconic collab between Disney and SPAM® — yes, you read that right! 🥫💙 They even released limited-edition “Lilo & Stitch” cans (officially “Experiment 626-approved”) with some seriously awesome artwork. 🐾🌺

In the spirit of “no one gets left behind”, I’ve divided up the swag and I’m sending goodies to two lucky followers here on the page! 🎁📬 You know I love mailing surprises right to your front door.

Have you seen the new live-action Lilo & Stitch movie yet? And let’s settle the real question… Are you a Spam fan? I totally am! 🙋‍♀️ Living near Las Vegas, home to the second largest Hawaiian population in the U.S., means I can find Spam on menus all over the place — and I love it thin-sliced and grilled with breakfast. 🍳🔥

Thanks for being part of this fun community. Stay tuned — and don’t forget to drop a comment:

🎥 Movie thoughts?
🥓 Spam fan or nah?

07/09/2025

Sharing this post that was created for my personal page because many of you are probably in the same boat. Maybe one of you needs to reminisce today.

My mom would be so proud of me today, and that leaves me feeling very whole.
____________________________________________________

What's the hardest day after you lose your mom — her birthday or the date of her death? For me, it's always her birthday. I was lucky to celebrate 51 years of life with her, but it is never enough. Today, I'm remembering the surprise party I threw her 8 years ago, when I flew to West Virginia and achieved 3 huge hurdles (Thank you Lord for being with me and making it all happen as it should have) to arrive in time to be in attendance for the shindig I had thrown together. I even took an Uber (not a real thing in WV at that time) to get to her house, so she had no idea.
This is one of the last pictures I have of my mom. She and my dad had come to visit us in Florida, and they were my +2 for Disney all-access park days back when I was a Traveling Mom writer. We (Taylor and Peyton included) did all 4 parks, 2 of which she had not been to, and she loved every minute of it. Well, almost every minute of it.

While I was watching Tim Allen introduce the new Toy Story land at Hollywood Studios, the family was hanging out in the park, and a torrential downpour came, which you may not have experienced unless you've been in one in Florida. They are brutal. We were all drenched to the bone, in the pouring rain for an hour or more, since we were at the back of the park. We had to stop by a gas station and run into the bathrooms to change clothes before driving back to Vero.

She was so annoyed that when she got home and thanked me via FB (cause that's how you do it, right?), she not one time ever mentioned being at Hollywood Studios park. That made me laugh repeatedly.

However, as things unfolded, when she and my dad drove out of my driveway, I remember waving goodbye to them, standing in the yard with Taylor by my side. I knew that would be the last time I would ever see my mom, and it was.

Happy heavenly birthday, Mom. I was so blessed to have you love and nurture me my whole life. I miss you so very much.

07/08/2025

✨ Remember that dreamy stay Eddie and I had at Glenlaurel, A Scottish Inn & Cottage property near Ohio's Hocking Hills? Let’s talk about the incredible meals—because wow, they were next-level!

🍳 Breakfast is included in your stay, and it’s no ordinary breakfast. Think gourmet entrees, daily sweet or savory options, and top-notch service that feels personal and genuinely friendly. One morning we dined inside; the next, we enjoyed our beautiful breakfast on the patio while deer watched us from the garden🦌🌸

☕ I loved the red, white & blue scones (with amazing homemade preserves!), while Eddie went all in on the snickerdoodle ones. And when Eggs Benedict showed up on the menu? I was one happy guest. That's my favorite, in case you didn't know that about me. 😍

🌿 Fast-forward to dinner: Glenlaurel offers a nightly six- or seven-course fine dining experience in true Scottish manor style. Sunday night was magical. Dinner began with a poetry reading, included a scallop appetizer that was chef’s kiss, and wrapped up with a prime rib entrée that melted in my mouth.

🍽️ The whole evening felt like something out of a movie—and yes, they even have a bagpiper on Saturdays! 🎶

📍If you’re looking for a peaceful, romantic, and elegant escape with amazing food, Glenlaurel, A Scottish Inn & Cottages is it.

07/07/2025

The Good, the Bad, and the Pretty, Ep 91

07/07/2025

🍽️🌄 You might be surprised to find seriously good eats at West Virginia State Parks — but trust me, the food scene is worth the stop! Since the pandemic, many of their parks have undergone impressive remodels, and the dining options have stepped up in a big way. 🙌

Even if you're not staying overnight, these parks are serving up meals worth detouring for...and don't miss the signature dishes, Fiestaware, which of course is made in West Virginia.
Some of my personal favorites for a delicious bite include:

🍴 North Bend State Park
🍴 Pipestem Resort State Park
🍴 Twin Falls Resort State Park
🍴 Stonewall Resort State Park
🍴 Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

From cozy comfort food to scenic dining rooms, these spots make a great pit stop when you're road-tripping through the Mountain State.

Have a look at the food and consider adding one (or all!) to your WV itinerary. 🌄💚

West Virginia State Parks

07/07/2025

📣 Join me this evening for the 92nd episode of The Good, The Bad, and the Pretty! 🎙️(FB live on Wherever I May Roam Blog)

Would love to have you tune in and join the convo! 💬 Someone will win a prize!!

Tonight at 7 PM EST | 6 PM CST | 5 PM MT | 4 PM PST ⏰

Let’s talk travel, fun, and all the pretty things! ✨

07/07/2025

Want to explore lesser-known areas around the country? Have a look at Ripley and Spencer, WV, two towns I used to go to for world-class festivals. Thanks to my friend, Vicki, for showing me around. ;)

Join me on a scenic adventure through Ripley and Spencer, WV—two delightful small towns just 20 minutes apart, each packed with charm, history, and community...

07/07/2025

💖 Did you know that Virginia’s famous “Virginia is for Lovers” slogan has inspired 300+ LOVEworks art installations across the state? You’ll find them popping up in the most charming places—and this one in Harrisonburg is easily one of my favorites. Isn’t it adorable? Thanks to my friend Karon Clark Warren for making me dig this one from 2019 out.

Now let’s switch gears—because I need your help!

🎯 You guys are the best audience out there (seriously, I love you!), and I’d appreciate your input as I plan next week’s Facebook schedule. Drop a comment and let me know what you’d like to see more of:

🗺️ Specific states or small towns? Be specific — I'm here to please.
🏞️ National parks? I've been to 29, so chances are I can maybe help out.
🚢 Cruise ports or cruise tips?
🎢 Theme park fun?
🍽️ Foodie destinations worth the road trip? Any certain kind of food I can recommend?

Your ideas help shape the content on this page, and I can’t wait to hear your suggestions! 💬👇 Let’s make next week amazing—together.

07/06/2025

🚨 Calling all bloggers, content creators, and travel professionals! 🚨

If you’re interested in attending our 7th Annual Southern Travelers Explore Conference in Louisiana’s River Parishes, ti$ke!s (IFKYK) go on sale this Wednesday at 10 AM CST on Eventbrite! 🎟️

📅 Conference Dates: February 26 – March 1, 2026
📍 A unique opportunity to connect, learn, and explore in an unforgettable Southern setting.

Here’s the link to learn more and grab your ticket: https://STELARiverParishes.eventbrite.com

Due to the small-scale nature of our event, we do anticipate selling out quickly — so don’t wait!

Message me if you have any questions. Hope to see you there! 💼✈️

Blogger Ticket includes meals, speakers, sessions, welcome bag, networking, and face-to-face marketplace.