Posts

Posted on

Destination: Williamsburg, VA

Several weeks ago, three dear friends and I drove to Williamsburg, Virginia, for a late-summer reprieve—a chance to escape the heat and step away from the ordinary grind of everyday life.

While Williamsburg is steeped in history, we decided not to focus solely on its historic sites. Instead, we wandered beyond the familiar landmarks and made the culinary scene part of our adventure. We explored restaurants, tucked into colonial taverns, and sampled enough memorable dishes to begin creating our own little “foodie guide” to Williamsburg.

There is something wonderfully inviting about Williamsburg, where centuries-old streets encourage you to slow your pace and wander—from candlelit taverns echoing with the past to modern farm-to-table kitchens celebrating the flavors of today. Between leisurely meals, laughter, and time spent exploring with good friends, our getaway became less about checking destinations off a list and more about savoring the experience.

The Governor’s Palace (historically referred to as a palace due to its grand scale and splendor). Built between 1706 and 1722, but burned down in 1781 after the capital was moved to Richmond. As part of the Colonial Williamsburg restoration project the structure was reconstructed in the 1930s on its original foundations.

Colonial Reenactment’s 

Saudade Tapas and Wine Bar
A cultivated spot for Mediterranean bites, the most delicious sangria, and the perfect way to ease into the evening, chatting with friends and sharing small plates {tapa} of farm fresh vegetables, cured ham, garlic shrimp, cheeses and the best pita bread.

Picturing Freedom: Harriet Tubman and the Combahee River Raid at Hampton University 

This exhibition was inspired by Dr. Edda Fields-Black’s award-winning 2024 book, COMBEE: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War, which won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize in History. 

The showcase highlighted the events of June 1–2, 1863, when Harriet Tubman led 150 African-American Union soldiers from the Second South Carolina Volunteer Infantry and the Third Rhode Island Artillery up South Carolina’s Combahee River …… a phenomenal exhibition!!!

Legacy Park
There are sculpted figures in Legacy Park located on the Hampton University campus of individuals, who have worked and demonstrated support of the mission of academic excellence and character building in an outstanding manner.
Me sitting beside the Barack Obama sculpture in the park.

Kathleen

Posted on

Stateside Summer

At the end of August, I was supposed to be traveling to Paris with three good friends, followed by a leisurely drive down to the Côte d’Azur. I rarely use a travel agent, but since I’d never explored the south of France, I wanted someone to help us experience the very best of the French Riviera.

Then came the phone call none of us expected.

Our travel agent explained that soaring fuel costs and increases in lodging expenses had pushed the price of our trip up by nearly 40 percent. After several conversations and careful consideration, we reluctantly decided to cancel.

Of course, we were disappointed. We’d been looking forward to wandering Parisian streets, lingering over café lunches, and soaking up the beauty and glamour of the Mediterranean coast. As it turned out, summer had other adventures waiting —and much closer to home.

I’ve spent the summer traveling the East Coast, discovering that memorable experiences don’t always require a passport. At the end of June, our family headed to Pittsburgh to cheer on my niece at her very first dance recital. While there, we also enjoyed an afternoon browsing the shops and local flavor of the Strip District, one of Pittsburgh’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

By mid-July, we were off to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, for a much-needed getaway along the coast. It had been a few years since my last visit to the Eastern Shore, so rediscovering all the charm of this seaside town was high on my list.

Naturally, the local restaurant scene was one of my first priorities. Fresh seafood was calling my name, and Rehoboth certainly didn’t disappoint. From casual waterfront dining to cozy neighborhood eateries, every meal was a reminder of why beach vacations and seafood go hand in hand.

As evening settled in, we’d make our way to the boardwalk enjoying the cool ocean breeze; strolling at a leisurely pace, stopping for sweet treats, browsing the charming boutiques, exploring local markets and art studios, and, of course, wandering into the irresistible candy shops that line Rehoboth Avenue. These simple evening walks became one of the highlights of the trip—proof that the best vacation are made by slowing down and taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of a classic beach town

Favorite shops

Enjoy the season stylishly,
Kathleen