Articles

Living by the Lake

I recently had the opportunity to take professional photos for real estate agents by Lake Norman, NC. Jason and Stacey Johnson serve the Lake Norman and greater Charlotte, North Carolina area as a full-time husband-and-wife real estate team under Keller-Williams Realty. You can reach out to them at the following links below: https://jjjohnson.kw.com/agent/jason-johnson/2000134774 https://www.facebook.com/JasonandStaceyJohnsonRealty/ We…

Peaks of Otter Engagement

I had the honor of capturing the sweetest engagement photoshoot at the Peaks of Otter in Bedford, VA amidst the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy the magnificent views of Sharp Top Mountain in the distance. I used my Canon EOS M50 camera. For more details about my camera, read here. You can contact me for…

A Snowy New Hampshire Roadtrip

New Hampshire is one of the snowiest states in America – and in my opinion, that makes it one of the prettiest places to visit in Winter. The weather can be fickle, but its Hallmark-esqe towns and landscape make it worth the effort. I have visited New Hampshire several times while staying with family. Read…

The Carolina Renaissance Faire

I went to the North Carolina Renaissance Faire this past November. It was truly magical! If you’re planning on going (you definitely should), here are some travel tips: Festival Facts For current dates and ticket information, visit here: Carolina RenFest Location – The faire village is located in Huntersville, NC, near Charlotte. Dates – Typically…

DIY Gift: Flower Cloche

This past year, God blessed my family with three baby girls—which meant three baby shower gifts! After buying necessities from their baby registry (always buy from the registry first!), I wanted to add a homemade gift. I was inspired by the rose from Beauty and the Beast. Choosing the Flower Some ideas include: Choosing the…

Day Trip to Blowing Rock, NC

Blowing Rock, NC, is a picturesque mountain town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tourists from all over the world flock to visit, especially during peak foliage season (mid-October). My family recently took a day trip to Blowing Rock in October of 2025, and I would love to share my recommendations. Morning Where: Grandfather Mountain…

Misty Morning at Grandfather Mountain

There is something revitalizing about a quiet, misty morning in the mountains. The theory that the Appalachians and Scottish Highlands were once part of the same mountain range has always made sense to me. Both seem to be from ancient creation. Perhaps one day I can experience the Scottish Highlands. In the meantime, though, my…

Dreamy Maternity Session near Blowing Rock, NC

I had the privilege of shooting a maternity session at the Moses H. Cone Manor (Milepost 294) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The manor offers 25 miles of gorgeous walking trails, a bass lake, carriage rides, and the iconic white mansion. It is a five minute drive from Blowing Rock, NC. All photos were shot…

My Camera: Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless

I believe the journey of a good photographer begins with a phone camera. At some point, though, graduating to a beginner camera is a right of passage. The research can be extensive. It is akin to learning a new language. You can easily end up dropping thousands of dollars. As an amateur photographer, I use…

A Bewitching Trip to Salem, Massachusetts

Salem, Massachusetts, is most known for its ties to the infamous Salem Witch Trials. However, this historical port town offers more than spooky lore. Read below for my list of must-sees in Salem. Downtown Salem The Essex Street Pedestrian Mall is the epicenter of bustling downtown Salem. Most of the museums, restaurants, and shops are…

Acadia National Park in the Fall

Peak leaf-ogling season is almost among us. If you’re looking for a dreamy spot to enjoy the vibrant autumn colors of the Northeast, Acadia National Park should be your first stop. Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island, Maine—the second largest island on the eastern seaboard. Leaf peeping season starts in late September…

An Unexpected Airbnb

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.” – J.R.R. Tolkien,…

Fall Crafts: No-Sew Sock Pumpkins

Instructions 4. Place the cinnamon stick in the “open” top of the sock, for the stem. 5. Wrap your leftover twine around the cinnamon stick to hold it in place. 6. Make a bow and cut off any excess twine. Now you have an adorable pumpkin for home decor or gifts! I hope you enjoyed…

One-Night Backpacking: Shenandoah National Park

Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park attracts over 1.4 million visitors each year with its unique wildlife and famous Skyline Drive, a 105-mile-long road with 69 overlooks along the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park provides 200,000 acres of protected lands for token species like the black bear, eastern box turtle, timber rattlesnake, and eastern brook trout. With…

The Best Hike in Virginia (Kid-Friendly)

Virginia is one of the best states for hiking in the Appalachian region. The Appalachian Trail alone covers 554 miles of the state—not to mention the miles of trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway, 43 state parks, 2 national forests, and a U.S. National Park. After completing dozens of hikes myself, one trail remains at…

Hi, I’m Annie.

I proudly trace my roots to Appalachia, from Hazard, KY, to Elkins, WV, to Floyd, VA. When I moved to Virginia’s Blue Ridge in 2020, I felt an instant connection to the culture. As a new mom, I wanted to incorporate the Appalachian ideals of family, sustainability, frugality, and nature into my lifestyle.

Let’s get back to our roots!

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