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Backpack carriers have been a game changer for our family hikes. From the padded comfort of the Deuter Kid Comfort 2 to the breathable design of the Osprey Poco AG, these packs make it possible to hit the trail with kids who aren’t quite ready to hike on their own. We found ours on Facebook Marketplace for a fraction of the cost, and it’s one of the best decisions we’ve made for enjoying the outdoors as a family.

Hidden in the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains, Cataloochee Valley feels like a place where time stands still. Its cabins, churches, and barns tell the story of a once-thriving community that has endured generations and even survived Hurricane Helene. Today, it remains a quiet corner of the park where history, resilience, and stillness meet.

Waterrock Knob may be one of the busiest sunset spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but the best view isn’t where the crowds gather. Just short of the summit, a quiet overlook to the west reveals ridgelines stacked into the horizon, glowing gold and purple as the sun slips away. It’s here, away from the parking lot, that the mountain feels like it belongs just to you.

Skinny Dip Falls looks nothing like it did in 2020. After a fishing trip through Graveyard Fields and Yellowstone Falls, I returned in 2025 to find the landscape drastically changed by hurricanes Fred and Helene. What was once a plunge pool is now boulders and trickling water—a story of storms and resilience in the Blue Ridge.

A family getaway to Bryson City, NC filled with fishing on the Nantahala River, hiking through Cataloochee Valley, spotting elk in the Smokies, and relaxing at the Dogwood Branch cabin near Fontana Lake.

We snuck away to Bryson City for a few days in the Smokies, trading the Charleston heat for cool creeks, mountain trails and quiet evenings. We spent our days hiking, fishing and exploring, then ended each one watching elk graze as the sun set behind the ridges. The town had just the right mix of charm and convenience, with ice cream never too far out of reach. It was a quick trip, but full of moments that made it feel a whole lot longer.

Climbing Frying Pan Tower isn’t just about the views—it’s about the little moments along the way. The hike itself is a steady mile up an old service road, easy enough for kids but just challenging enough to feel rewarding. At the top, a weathered fire tower rises above the trees, swaying slightly in the wind and daring you to climb. For us, it turned into more than a hike—it became an afternoon of adventure with Waylon on the tower and a simple truckbed picnic that made the day unforgettable.

A spontaneous day trip to Black Balsam Knob in Western North Carolina turned into an unforgettable adventure for our family. From a pre-dawn wake-up to breathtaking mountain views, roadside waterfalls, and impromptu stops at fly shops, we embraced the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With cameras in hand, kids in tow, and no strict schedule, we hiked, explored, and soaked in the stunning fall landscape. The journey reminded us that sometimes, breaking routine is the best way to create lasting memories.

Traveling with a young family naturally slows you down but even more so does shooting with a film camera. In turn, it’s helped me become a better and more aware photographer.

Viewing the world from the eyes of a 2 year-old can open up a world of new photograph opportunities as everything changes when you get down on their level.

I recently spent a week traveling with my wife and kids from our home in Charleston, South Carolina back to Kentucky to visit my family. This trip would also serve as a great test period for a “new to me” camera the Minolta X-570.