Over the past few years I’ve been on the most unexpected and heart-warming journey, all thanks to a little extra time during the pandemic and a curious mind. I started researching my family tree and, to my amazement, discovered close relatives in North Carolina that I never knew existed. Fast‑forward to today and I’ve now visited North Carolina five times, each trip deepening those family bonds and uncovering more of this beautiful corner of the USA.

Until recently, my visits revolved around days out to local towns like Apex and Mebane. Charming, friendly and very “small town America”, they’ve become special to me because of the memories made there. But on my last trip I was treated to something extra special: a journey 'out west' to the Blue Ridge Mountains to experience the magic of Fall.

The legendary Blue Ridge Parkway links Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, curving through some of the most beautiful scenery in the eastern United States. It is a magnet for “leaf‑peepers” and hikers, and I quickly understood why. After a few hours’ drive, punctuated by regular stops at scenic pull‑ins to drink in the views, we arrived at the pretty little town of Blowing Rock for a leisurely wander and lunch.  Everywhere I looked the landscape was ablaze with colour. Fiery reds, burnt oranges and golden yellows framed by clear blue skies created the most uplifting, heart‑soaring backdrop. It felt like stepping into a painting, and it is a part of the world I now recommend wholeheartedly to anyone considering an autumn escape.

From North Carolina I continued my family‑connections adventure westwards to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to stay with my cousin Dave and his family. With Nashville just “down the road” (by US standards!), it was the perfect opportunity to explore one of America’s most iconic music cities.  Nashville buzzes with energy. Live music spills from bars and honky‑tonks, and everywhere you turn there’s a story tied to a song. From the Country Music Hall of Fame and the historic Ryman Auditorium to the Grand Ole Opry and the Johnny Cash Museum, it is a dream for music lovers. I highly recommend at least a couple of days here to visit the main sights at a relaxed pace and truly soak up the atmosphere.

And because I’m partial to an occasional drop of the hard stuff, it would have been rude not to include a pilgrimage to Lynchburg, home of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Our guide was warm, engaging and incredibly knowledgeable, bringing the history of this iconic whiskey to life as we toured the site. The experience concluded with a tasting of six different varieties and, as my hosts Dave and Linda are tee‑total, I very kindly took care of their samples as well!

Next up on my personal adventure map: I am heading back to North Carolina in April, but this time with a twist. I will be starting with a solo city break in Montreal, as I am on a mission to visit somewhere new each year. No driving for me, and I am prioritising places that are safe and rewarding for a solo female traveller.

If you have any must‑see suggestions for  solo‑friendly stopovers in the USA on the way to Raleigh‑Durham or Charlotte, I would absolutely love to hear them.

If my story has sparked ideas for your own adventure, whether it is tracing family roots in North America, road‑tripping through the Blue Ridge Mountains, soaking up live music in Nashville or discovering a new city like Montreal, I would be delighted to help you design it.  Get in touch to start planning your own tailor‑made journey to Montreal, North Carolina or beyond, with the reassurance of expert support at every step.