In the past, travelers may have visited dream destinations only when celebrating a milestone — an anniversary, big birthday or graduation. After living through two years of a pandemic, however, some feel there is no need to wait for a special occasion to go to […]
According to the U.S. Travel Association, each year more than half of Americans leave vacation time on the table — hundreds of millions of unused days. Another study published in Nature found that people who change their scenery regularly tend to be happier. Despite the emotional benefits, […]
Many people are itching to fly overseas after more than a year of being careful and staying close to home. Guidelines are constantly changing, though, and you will need some preparation to ensure a safe, smooth journey. As of press time, countries like Switzerland, Denmark, […]
Hers is a story of continuous transformation: the only true way to survive. After more than 200 years of change, The Greenbrier Resort and Spa continues welcoming guests drawn by the luxury, relaxation, charm and beauty that defines her — while absorbing a rich history that made […]
From coast to coast, Ireland’s lush landscapes, literary history and pub culture make it an ideal destination for an adult adventure. Castle hopping is popular — there are about 30,000 of them across the country — and the running joke is that tourists eventually tire […]
We’re talking about Finding Friendships and Forest Baths. Two stories featured in the March issue of SouthPark Magazine. Why is it harder to find friends as we age? And what are the health benefits of “bathing” among trees? Find out in this episode of SouthPark Says with Krisha Chachra.
On the Hawaiian islands, life rises and sets with the sun. When visiting O‘ahu–particularly the gentle cadence of the North Shore–your body falls into step with nature. Days begin early and active: snorkeling alongside tropical fish, paddleboarding on glassy water or surfing rolling waves. Evenings […]
THE MAGIC OF ARRIVAL Spending the holidays at the Fairmount Chateau Lake Louise is like stepping inside a snow globe. You and your family can skate across a frozen lake framed by towering mountains, ski fresh powder, and laugh together on a sleigh ride pulled […]
Throughout the streets of Japan’s busiest cities, the blending of the traditional and the modern is always on display. Centuries-old cherry blossom trees bloom among sky-high radio towers and high-end shopping districts. Kimono shops and tea houses are located near anime-themed restaurants, foot bath cafés, and hip coffee houses. Even the women merge old-style fashion influences with contemporary designs.
The land of the rising sun attracts tourists seeking both the simplicity of Zen gardens and top-dollar, trendy omakase, or chef-curated meals. Professional photographers are often on hand to capture families exploring the juxtaposition of Japan’s culture featuring old-world elements and modern comforts.
Charlotte Motor Speedway unveiled its new Ten Tenths Motor Club at the third annual Heritage Invitational collector car show earlier this spring. Ten Tenths is a 100-acre complex operated by Speedway Motorsports, featuring the Ten Tenths Circuit lighted road course for high-performance driving, a 20,000-square-foot […]
In the spirit of cultivating a legacy of love for southern horticulture, the Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary staff recently curated a trip to Miami for their members to tour private gardens for inspiration. “We wanted our members to experience something they wouldn’t normally […]
It’s unlikely that a girl born in Chennai, India, would become one of the most influential social-media creators in the U.S. But that’s exactly what Vidya Gopalan, known on social media as @queencitytrends, has done. With more than 4 million TikTok followers and half a million more on Instagram, she’s turned her passion for fashion and storytelling into a thriving business, partnering with global brands like Dove, L’Oreal, Rare Beauty, L’Occitane, Walmart and Amazon.
“I started my social-media accounts with no expectations — I just thought sharing my clothes and makeup would be fun,” says Vidya (pronounced VITH-yah), who recently celebrated her 40th birthday. “It’s only been about three years since my content really took off.”
Ever since he was a child, Erik Goldfield wanted to have a tree house in his backyard. And not just any tree house — he dreamed of one shaped as a pirate ship, with cannons and a plank. This spring, craftsman and woodworker Mark Aymer […]
Remember the days when making friends was as easy as running outside to join the neighborhood kids catching fireflies or playing a game of tag? Conversation was effortless; everyone was welcome. Unfortunately, making adult friendships is more complicated. As we grow older, we tend to […]
Krisha Chachra served eight years on the Blacksburg Town Council was elected Vice Mayor of Blacksburg. She is a community advocate & connector and runs an event production organization that hosts the largest ongoing young and creative professionals mixer in Southwest Virginia called “Up on the Roof”. Krisha has worked with NRV Magazine (nrvmagazine.com) for a decade as the travel columnist and human-interest writer. She has visited over 45 countries in 6 continents and focuses her writing on people, culture and beautiful places. Krisha has reported and hosted shows for public radio and television and has freelanced for USA Weekend Magazine, the Honolulu Advertiser and the Roanoke Times among others. Her book about returning to Blacksburg, Homecoming Journals, may be found online or in local bookstores. Email her at kchachra@aol.com
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