In this episode of the Amateur Traveler podcast, Chris talks with Virginia-based travel writer and television host Malorie Mackey about visiting Richmond and Virginia’s Historic Triangle.
Malorie recommends combining Richmond with Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown rather than treating them as s…In this episode of the Amateur Traveler podcast, Chris talks with Virginia-based travel writer and television host Malorie Mackey about visiting Richmond and Virginia’s Historic Triangle.
Malorie recommends combining Richmond with Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown rather than treating them as separate trips. Together, they offer a mix of colonial history, Revolutionary War sites, Civil War history, museums, gardens, outdoor recreation, restaurants, breweries, living-history experiences, and theme parks.
A rushed version of the trip can be done in three days, but Malorie and Chris agree that five or six days would provide a much better experience.
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Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that surprise you. In this episode of Stacking Adventures, Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy hit the road expecting a great trip—and come back with a whole new appreciation for West Virginia (and a certain famous theme park just over the border).
From the …Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that surprise you. In this episode of Stacking Adventures, Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy hit the road expecting a great trip—and come back with a whole new appreciation for West Virginia (and a certain famous theme park just over the border).
From the cozy charm of small towns to jaw-dropping national park views, this journey blends classic road-trip spontaneity with practical travel lessons you can steal for your next getaway. Along the way, Crystal and Joe talk fall colors, unexpected highlights, and the kinds of little decisions that can make a trip smoother, cheaper, and more memorable.
Dollywood plays a starring role early in the adventure, complete with themed hotels, comfort food done right, and that unmistakable feeling of being somewhere people genuinely want you to have a good time. But the trip doesn't stop at rides and cinnamon bread. As the road winds into West Virginia, the pace shifts—mountains rise, crowds thin, and the kind of views that make you pull over "just one more time" start to appear.
This episode is a reminder that you don't need an overseas flight to feel like you've escaped. With the right planning, a flexible attitude, and a few smart gear choices, a road trip can deliver just as much magic as a passport stamp.
You'll hear about:
• Why Dollywood is more than a theme park—and how to do it right
• What surprised Crystal and Joe most about West Virginia
• Scenic drives, national parks, and places worth slowing down for
• How small towns can become trip highlights (if you let them)
• Affordable ways to add comfort and convenience to a road trip
• Travel gear that actually earned its spot in the car
• Lessons learned from unexpected weather, pit stops, and detours
• Why some trips are better when you don't overplan every minute
As you listen, we'd love to hear from you:
What's a destination that completely exceeded your expectations once you finally went?
Drop your answer in the Stacking Adventures Clubhouse or the comments and inspire someone else's next trip.
Whether you're planning a fall road trip, dreaming about national parks, or just looking for ideas closer to home, this episode proves that great adventures don't always require a long flight—just a willingness to explore what's right in front of you.more
Ever wondered if ghost tours are actually fun, or just touristy gimmicks that sound better on Instagram than in real life?
Crystal Hammond just got back from a ghost tour through Alexandria, Virginia with U.S. Ghost Adventures, and she's got answers. Spoiler: this one's worth the price of admission…Ever wondered if ghost tours are actually fun, or just touristy gimmicks that sound better on Instagram than in real life?
Crystal Hammond just got back from a ghost tour through Alexandria, Virginia with U.S. Ghost Adventures, and she's got answers. Spoiler: this one's worth the price of admission—especially if you like your history served with a side of haunted pub crawl.
From the allegedly haunted Gatsby Hotel to the centuries-old Carlisle House, Crystal walks you through cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and the kind of local stories that make you wonder if that cold breeze was just October air... or something else. And because this is Crystal, the evening includes stops at some of Alexandria's best bars—O'Connell's Irish Bar, Union Street Pub—where the spirits come in more than one variety.
But this isn't just ghost stories and good beer (though there's plenty of both). Crystal breaks down what makes a walking tour worth your time and money, shares her secret weapon for capturing travel moments without lugging around a DSLR, and gives you the insider tips that turn a tourist activity into a genuine local experience.
Whether you're planning a fall getaway, looking for unique date ideas, or just wondering if ghost tours are your thing, Crystal's got the honest review you need.
What You'll Take With You:
• The real deal on ghost tours: what makes them worth it (and what to watch out for)
• Crystal's favorite haunted stops in Alexandria—and the stories that'll stick with you
• How to turn a walking tour into a full evening experience (hint: strategic pub stops)
• Her go-to travel camera for capturing moments without the bulk: the Insta360 Go
• Why sometimes the best travel adventures are the ones that feel a little silly... until they don't
This Episode Is For You If:
• You've been curious about ghost tours but weren't sure if they're cheesy or actually cool
• You love history but want it served with personality (and maybe a cocktail)
• You're looking for fall travel ideas that aren't just "look at leaves"
• You want honest travel reviews
• You believe the best trips are the ones where you laugh, learn, and maybe get a little spooked
Tell us YOUR favorite ghost story travel adventure: StackingAdventures.com/MyStory
Check out our curated selection of travel gear: StackingAdventures.com/GearOfTheDay
Thank you to US Ghost Adventures for inviting Crystal to try out a tour. You'll find them at USGhostAdventures.commore
This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," we revisit the November 2022 episode on Richmond, Virginia. It was Ryan and Kiernan's first overnight trip together (staying in separate hotels, of course)! They discuss museums, historic homes, graves, Presidents, and plenty about the Civil W…
This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," we revisit the November 2022 episode on Richmond, Virginia. It was Ryan and Kiernan's first overnight trip together (staying in separate hotels, of course)! They discuss museums, historic homes, graves, Presidents, and plenty about the Civil War. They also share their restaurant recommendations and uncover a standout hidden treasure in a National Park!
