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![The authors were loving Virginia.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/featured-scaled.jpg)
Loving Virginia – Our First Taste Of Old Dominion
Over the years, Virginia has had a lot of nicknames. King Charles II dubbed it “Old Dominion” due to his loyalty to the crown. In
![A mural at MONAH speaks volumes as visitors enter the museum.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/mural-scaled.jpg)
Facing The Past – M.O.N.A.H.
These days it is too easy to forget about the earliest residents in the lands we call home. So much of our lives revolve around
![The authors pose for a Virginia Beach selfie at the Love sculpture.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/love-scaled.jpg)
Virginia Beach – A Couple’s Story
Vacations are our chance to sample other parts of our world. Our excursion to Virginia was opening new opportunities to learn some history of America.
![A meal and beverages from the King's Arms Tavern hit the spot.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/drink-scaled.jpg)
Kings Arms Tavern – A Revolutionary Meal
Dining in a pre-Revolutionary War tavern was a new experience for us. During a day in Colonial Williamsburg, we stopped by Kings Arms Tavern for
![Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg can enjoy carriage rides.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/carriage-feature-scaled.jpg)
Colonial Williamsburg – The Early Days Of America
The city of Williamsburg, Virginia is a familiar name to many people. Did you know that this historic settlement began as Middle Plantation? Way back
![The encampment reflects life of a soldier.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/battlefield-scaled.jpg)
American Revolution Museum At Yorktown
The “David versus Goliath” story of the American Revolution influenced political ideas around the globe. How could a fledgling nation win its freedom from the
![Frankfort, Kentucky has an interesting history.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/history-3-scaled.jpg)
Frankfort Kentucky – A Colorful Capital
Before we visited Frankfort, Kentucky, we thought it was just about thoroughbred horses, fried chicken, and bluegrass music. What we were to discover was a
![Jamestown Settlement was the first permanent English Settlement in the Hew World.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Feature-scaled.jpg)
Jamestown Settlement – Winds of Change
In late April, of 1607, three ships appeared on the horizon of what would become the Virginia coast. Onboard are 105 passengers who are determined
![The Frontier Culture Museum tells the story of the various ethnic groups that settled Virginia.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/feature-scaled.jpg)
Frontier Culture Museum – Where Cultures Blend
Traveling to Virginia gave us our first views of the Shenandoah Valley. As pioneers poured into the region, during the 1600s and 1700s, many passed
![The Capital City Museum is a god place to learn about Frankfort, Kentucky.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/exterior-scaled.jpg)
Capital City Museum – Frankfort’s Time Capsule
It’s not as easy to be a capital city. Frankfort had to outbid neighboring cities to gain the title, in 1792. Twice the capitol building
![](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Capitol-Dome-Feature-scaled.jpg)
Charleston, WV – Our First Visit To The Mountain State
North America is filled with special places just waiting to be explored. As we move farther into our blogging life, our journeys have opened our
![The floral clock is found outside of the Kentucky State Capitol.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Clock-scaled.jpg)
Kentucky State Capitol – Timely Visit
The Kentucky State Capitol isn’t the first of its kind. In fact, it is the fourth building since Kentucky achieved statehood in 1792. We were
![The West Virginia State Museum was our doorway to the past.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/doorway-scaled.jpg)
West Virginia State Museum – Our Doorway To The Past
A summer adventure led us down roads we had never wandered. Our first stop, on this eastern adventure, landed us in Charleston, West Virginia. Being
![The barrels from Buffalo Trace are the perfect decorations for downtown Frankfort, Kentucky.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/pole-1-scaled.jpg)
Exploring Bourbon Country In Frankfort, Kentucky
There are many reasons to visit the Bluegrass State. Some visit for the southern cuisine, which we found in abundance. Others come for the horse
![We saw some familiar faces from the Star Wars franchise.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CKCE1252-2.jpg)
Intergalactic Entertainment – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Long ago (actually the 1970s), we were introduced to a new level of movie-making. I can remember standing in line waiting to view a newly
![We found an immersive experience during our visit to Universal Studios Orlando.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Universal_4-3-2.jpg)
Immersive Experience At Universal Studios Orlando
What are some of your earliest memories of amusement parks? While researching a visit to Universal Studios Orlando, I discovered that the first modern amusement
![Hogwarts Express awaits the next round of riders to experience magical moments.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Universal_39-2-2.jpg)
Magical Moments – Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
It may be best to begin this article with a disclaimer. Our daughter is a huge fan of Harry Potter, but Crystal and I approach
![The sight of Melrose Plantation is amazing to see up close.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/plantation_15-2-2.jpg)
Visiting Melrose Plantation – Natchez National Historic Park
With only half of a day to explore Natchez, we had to work quickly to see as much as possible. Even as we toured, we
![There are plenty of interactive opportunities for travelers to experience in Bentonville, Arkansas.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/8th_36-2.jpg)
Interactive Opportunities Abound In Bentonville, Arkansas
During our travels, we like to figure out what each city has for an overarching theme. Bentonville, Arkansas has focused on creating an urban area
![Our visit to the Grand Village of the Natchez introduced us to the Mississippi Mound People.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Indian_23-2-2.jpg)
Mississippi Mound People – Grand Village Of The Natchez Indians
As we crossed the Mississippi River into Natchez, we could see the bluffs lining the eastern shore. Little did we know, this day would lead
![We were soaking up the Gulf Coast vibes during our visit to Pass Christian, Mississippi.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Mississippi_93-2-2.jpg)
Gulf Coast Vibes – Pass Christian, Mississippi
For the past few years, our travel has focused on destinations that we can showcase to other travelers. After all, our blog was designed to
![Walking on Beale Street is like taking a stroll through history.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/IMG_1912-2-scaled-3.jpg)
Walking On Beale Street
It goes without saying that a visit to Memphis has to include some time walking on Beale Street. Starting at the Mississippi River, the route
![The Buttered Biscuit serves up southern cuisine to the locals.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Buttered-2-2.jpg)
4 Reasons to Visit The Buttered Biscuit
Southern cooking is all about comfort, so you know we love it. While some would consider Bentonville, Arkansas to be the northern edge of the
![A trio of dishes showcase some of the southern comfort foods found at Biscuits and Blues.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/biscuits_13-3-2.jpg)
Biscuits And Blues – Natchez Hospitality
Getting the feel for a new destination requires sampling a little of the local cuisine. Since this trip was all about seeing the south, we
![Crytsal Bridges Museum of American Art is found in Bentonville, Arkansas.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Buffer-2-2.jpg)
Embracing Nature – Crystal Bridges Museum Of American Art
When you travel to the home base of Walmart, you can expect big things. The Walton family has been diligent in giving back to the
![Sunrise Memphis is filled with local art.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Sunrise_25-2-2.jpg)
Sunrise Memphis – Embracing Memphis Deliciously
Breakfast meals are some of the hardest to blog about on a consistent pace. While we all love a delectable start to our day, quite
![The beauty of the Louisiana River Parishes is found in abundance.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Houmas_8-2-2.jpg)
Louisiana River Parishes – Exploring The River Road
Summer brings a combination of heat and humidity to the lands along the Gulf Coast. For some, this signals a move indoors or excursions to
![We found familiar territory during our visit to The Preacher's Son in Bentonville, Arkansas.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Preachers_30-2-2.jpg)
Familiar Territory – The Preacher’s Son
Downtown Bentonville is filled with a bunch of great dining options. When we were researching our upcoming visit, one name piqued our interest. Being a
![A visit to the national Civil Rights Museum is ideal for gaining perspective about the actions of the 1960s.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Civil-Rights_9-2-2.jpg)
Gaining Perspective – National Civil Rights Museum
There are moments in history that stand out on the timeline of world events. On April 4, 1968, the world would be forever changed by
![The entrance to the Natchez Visitors Center welcomes guests in many languages.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vistors_3-2-2.jpg)
Natchez Visitors Center – Breaking New Ground
One of our favorite things about travel blogging is learning about new destinations. Our first visit to the state of Mississippi landed us in the
![The authors enjoyed a visit along the Andouille Trail.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Le-Bon-2.jpg)
Collection Of Flavors – Louisiana River Parishes
No matter where we wander, it’s a given that we will be sampling some local cuisine when we arrive. During the planning of our Louisiana
![Sam's iconic red Ford pickup holds a sentimental spot at the Walmart Museum.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Walmart_20-2-2.jpg)
Walk Through Time – Walmart Museum
It would be a safe bet that nearly everyone is aware of Walmart. For years, they have dominated the chain store landscape by implementing some
![The authors tag base during their 7 sensational stops in downtown Mobile.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/we_37-2-2.jpg)
7 Sensational Stops In Downtown Mobile
Have you ever found yourselves with just one day to see as much of a new destination as possible? This would be the situation we
![A gint panda keeps watchful eyes on the crowd at the Memphis Zoo.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Zoo_101-2-2.jpg)
Watchful Eyes – Memphis Zoo
The current pandemic has wreaked havoc on our usual approach to travel. 2020 saw most sites closed or severely restricted. 2021 has brought some softening,
![We found some deliciously refined country cuisine at The Hive in Bentonville, Arkansas.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Hive-3-2.jpg)
Refined Country Cuisine – The Hive
Growing up, I spent a number of summers staying in the country with my grandparents. That means I have enjoyed plenty of delectable homecooked meals.
![Destrahan Plantation teaches visitors about the realities of enslaved life.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Destrahan_88-2-2.jpg)
Realities Of Enslaved Life – Destrehan Plantation
Exploring the Louisiana River Parishes offers visitors a glance inside the history of plantation life. Each plantation tour offers a different angle into the realities
![A young girl fiddles with the piano while waiting to be seated at Roosters.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Roosters-2-2.jpg)
Something To Taco Bout – Roosters
Exploring a new destination can really work up an appetite. Okay, let’s be honest about it. Sometimes there are just so many great foodie spots
![The 8th Street Market is a food hub that welcomes diners with a variety of choices.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/8th-2-2.jpg)
Cultural Chow Down – 8th Street Market
Bentonville has embarked on a plan to link its downtown with other entertainment districts around town. As we explored more of the city, we found
![Truck Farm Tavern serves up artistic cuisine to locals and travelers alike.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Truck-Farm_4-2-2.jpg)
Artistic Cuisine – Truck Farm Tavern
They say that we first dine with our eyes. It’s true that an appealing presentation makes a difference, but we feel it can go beyond
![Moving a city forward from a Civil War requires everyone working together.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/History_6-2-2.jpg)
Moving A City Forward – History Museum of Mobile
The stories behind each city we visit, help us to draw an image of how it achieved its current shape. Most places have a linear
![The 1811 Slave Revolt exhibit showcases the reasons behind the enslaved people reaching their breaking point.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Kid-Ory_14-2-2.jpg)
Breaking Point – 1811 Slave Revolt
It is said that history repeats itself. While this is true, the outcome will often change. Such is the case with the 1811 Slave Revolt
![The bright blue exterior signals the home of eclectic eats on Daupin Street in Mobile, Alabama.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/squid_29-2-2.jpg)
Eclectic Eats in Lower Alabama – Squid Ink
Our first foray into Lower Alabama ended up filled with unique experiences. We spent a good bit of time exploring one thoroughfare in this historic
![](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Coler_3-2-2.jpg)
Nature Break – Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
Walks in the woods help us maintain our bond with Mother Nature. Since the majority of our travels focus on the downtown districts, we relish
![Navigating the Mighty Mississippi is the subject of the steamboat museum at Houmas House.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/River_7-2-2.jpg)
Navigating The Mighty Mississippi – Great River Road Steamboat Museum
In southern Louisiana, life revolves around the Mighty Mississippi River. For as long as man can remember, the river has brought life to this region.
![The sugar pillows of delight are the mainstay of the menu at Mo'Bay Beignets Co.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DSC_0005-2-2.jpg)
Sugar Pillows For The Win – Mo’Bay Beignets
Mobile presented us with our first tastes of Alabama life. As we rolled into town, we were greeted with the sights of 300 years of
![Watching the planes take off adds airborne inspiration to a morning meal.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Louise_37-2-2.jpg)
Airborne Inspiration – Louise At Thaden Field
Having a meal at an airport is not usually high on people’s list of entertaining dining. When the suggestion came from our friends at Visit
![The tempting smoky goodness of Wayne jab's barbecue intrigued us.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Wayne_27-2-2.jpg)
Smoky Goodness – Wayne Jacob’s Smokehouse
Throughout our travels, we have discovered that barbecue is a language understood by most people. The smoky goodness of this cuisine brings people together. Even
![Fort Conde showcases the changes that have happened in this space in the New World.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Fort_9-2-2.jpg)
Carving A Space In The New World – Fort Conde
Nearly three-quarters of a century before the Revolutionary War, the city of Mobile sprang to life. At that time, the lands were claimed by France.
![There is no shame in being childish when it helps keep you young.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Amazeum_34-2-2.jpg)
Being Childish – Scott Family Amazeum
It has been said that we grow old when we stop playing. If this is true, then we should remain young forever. Visits to science-based
![We soaked in the beauty of this crown jewel of the river road.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Houmas_90-2-2.jpg)
Crown Jewel Of The River Road – Houmas House
The Mighty Mississippi River snakes its way through the River Parishes of southern Louisiana. Each twist and turn drags a bit more mud into the