Here’s a chance to combine great travel destinations with equally compelling events in our region’s history, including the Civil War, natural areas, coal history, the arts and more.

Three lodges located on the Blue Ridge Parkway offer travelers cozy alternatives to a night in a hotel. Here’s a quick look at each.

I knew I shouldn’t do it.

It was a tight target, just about a kayak wide. A little to the right and I was going over a ledge into a hole if I didn’t get hung up on the rocks first. Left of that, a wave churned in what looked like the perfect boat-wre...