Happy Trails Travel Archives - Page 2 of 4

The Extreme Ghost Tour, Colonial Williamsburg

March 5, 2021 Valerie Archual Comments 0 Comment

Williamsburg, Virginia Originally founded in 1632, Middle Plantation emerged into one of America’s first planned cities after being petitioned as the new capital location of the Virginia Colony from Jamestown. This new city would be renamed in honor of England’s reigning monarch King William III. The newly proclaimed Williamsburg quickly flourished, becoming the central hub for political, economic, religious, and social aspects of life in Virginia. Being the home to the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg earned quite the…

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A Literal Glimpse Into the Life of Edgar Allan Poe

January 27, 2021 Valerie Archual Comments 0 Comment

As the birth month of American writer Edgar Allan Poe draws to a close, I thought it particularly fitting to pay homage to one of my all-time favorites. The Romantic-era author’s but mere forty years of life tells of an orphaned youngster, an academically excelling student, an army soldier, a highly-respected literary critic, an instantly successful poet, and a heartbroken widowed husband rumored to have struggled with addiction issues. Contrary to his troubled times, Edgar Allan Poe was known as…

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The Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro, Little River South Carolina

June 22, 2020 Valerie Archual Comments 2 comments

Little River South Carolina is one of the oldest communities in Horry County. This quaint fishing village dates back to the early 18th century and derives its name from what local Indian tribes called “Mineola,” meaning “little river.” Early fishermen and farmers, dating back even further to the late 1600s and 1700s, utilized the narrow waterway that empties into the inlet and onto the Atlantic Ocean. Being somewhat of a secluded port, Little River, as legend has it, was known…

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The Winchester Mystery House San Jose, California

March 28, 2020 Valerie Archual Comments 0 Comment

Every historic property holds its own fascinating story. Whether it’s a residence, hotel, a gathering hub, or any other structure that has managed to withstand multiple decades, or in some cases centuries, not to mention countless generations, these captivating relics deserve their earned appreciation. But of all the fabulous architectural gems out there, and the extraordinary stories they tell, none can compare to the most bewitching of them all: an epic Victorian mansion located in San Jose, California. Known as…

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The Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home Savannah, Georgia

February 26, 2020 Valerie Archual Comments 2 comments

At 207 East Charlton Street, just across the way from the beautiful Lafayette Square in Savannah, Georgia, sits a quaint 19th century Greek Revival townhouse that’s more than one hundred and sixty years old. Being somewhat of an aficionado of old homes, I often reflect on their history, thinking about the people that have passed through their thresholds and the lives they’ve nurtured day after day, year after year, within their brick and mortar confines. But this particular home, here…

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Canada’s Screaming Tunnel, Niagara Falls, Ontario

January 18, 2020 Valerie Archual Comments 0 Comment

Located just off the beaten path, about ten miles away from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, stands an arched stone tunnel at the tranquil end of Warner Road. Nestled deep in the hillside, embraced with overgrown mosses, vines, and vibrant autumn foliage, this one hundred and twenty-ish-year-old limestone passageway sits as if it were waiting for an artist to appear with palette and canvas in hand. Although constructed for The Grand Trunk Railway, an early Canadian railway line incorporated…

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Christmas at The Craddock Terry

November 30, 2019 Valerie Archual Comments 2 comments

At the end of Commerce Street and along the historic James River Waterfront sits a most unique hotel in Lynchburg, Virginia. While the historic buildings that make up this hotel originated back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it has only been hotel-hospitable to guests since 2007. Once upon a time, in this very spot, stood one of the largest shoe companies in the world. The Craddock Terry Hotel, now a 44-room boutique hotel and event center, shares the…

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Ghost City Tours, Savannah Georgia: Beyond Good & Evil

October 31, 2019 Valerie Archual Comments 4 comments

Savannah, Georgia, is considered to be one of the most haunted cities in America, and rightfully so. Established in 1733, Savannah’s haunted history includes secrets of sea-weary pirates, romantic tales of forbidden lovers, and prominent inhabitants that simply refuse to leave their gorgeous Georgian mansions. Fairly harmless and “Casper-friendly,” right? Right. Or so I thought. Within the city’s beautiful backdrop of brick-paved streets, breathtaking architecture, moss-draped oaks, and perfectly polished squares harbor quite an eccentric past. You’d be hard-pressed not…

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Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah Georgia

September 20, 2019 Valerie Archual Comments 0 Comment

The tranquil peace one experiences when taking an early morning walk through a cemetery is often hard to describe. Perhaps it’s the pleasant solitude and serenity that only a resting garden can encapsulate as it softly quiets and dissolves the busyness of life around it. If you happen to visit Savannah, Georgia, Bonaventure Cemetery is an absolute must, and far from your typical cemetery. The enigmatic and seductive charm of Savannah certainly carries over into this unmatched sanctuary. Located a…

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The Hamilton-Turner Inn, Savannah Georgia

August 9, 2019 Valerie Archual Comments 0 Comment

Majestically seated at 330 Abercorn Street and overlooking the beautiful Lafayette Square is the exquisite Hamilton-Turner House. Amid the many magnificent mansions and historical gems Savannah has to offer, The Hamilton-Turner House fashions a unique splendor all its own. With its ornamental Second Empire architecture, the four-story chateau is one-of-a-kind among the brick-paved streets and handsomely manicured squares of Savannah’s historic district. Mentioned in almost every Savannah tour, this Georgian treasure attracts many passers-by getting its daily share of oohs…

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