Explore With RWD

07/28/2022

Learn what its like to become a Wildlife Investigator as we chat with ODNR Wildlife Investigator Jason Hadsell…

06/30/2021

Looking for a good place to kick back with friends in the Blue Ridge Mountains? Then please allow me to intoduce you to the Whistle Hop Brewing Company in Fairview outside of Asheville, NC…

The atmosphere is as refreshing and tasty as their hard cider, which I treated myself to. Along with the Railroad motif the outdoor activities include put-put golf in a backyard atmosphere which welcomes friends to come together like a 4th of July celebration…

Next time your in Fairview, stop by the depot and hop onto the train at Whistle Hop.

06/13/2021

Two watersnakes bask in the summer sun at Little Bradley Falls outside of Saluda, North Carolina...

Typically confused with the venomous Copperheads, these snakes are relatively harmless, but should still be avoided. Remember, you are in their home, not vise versa...

👣

04/04/2021

"He Has Risen!"

Good Easter Morning from the Fred W. Symmes Chapel (The Pretty Place) in Cleveland, South Carolina...

The Chapel is located at the YMCA Greenville Camp high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just across the state line from North Carolina...

Better known as The Pretty Place to locals, the Chapel is available for weddings, funerals, and other religious services...

With breathtaking views to set your wedding or memorial to, the outdoor Chapel has been a popular destination for those from around the world...

Learn more here: https://www.campgreenville.org/pretty-place

03/31/2021

Did you know the Florida Everglades start at Shingle Creek in Central Florida?

Neither did I until I was able to visit Shingle Creek and the beautiful cypress trees that lined her shores thanks to Captain Chris from ...

Chris navigated us up the creek following my airboat trip around Lake Tohopekaliga to photograph wildlife. It was the perfect way to wrap up my adventure as the two of us sat there quietly talking about the beauty of nature and God's hand in it...

Captain Chris was an amazing host and guide...

There are more things to do in and around Orlando than just visiting with Mickey, and by far this was one of my favorite experiences...

Book your tour when you visit www.orlandoairboattours.com.

03/29/2021

What Is Your Favorite Stop In Charleston, SC?

When I am out on a South Eastern photoshoot I typically stop in Charleston to visit the eateries, beaches, and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge which spans the Cooper River...

There is even a pier that extends out of the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park giving visitors a chance to take amazing sunset photos...

The park offers ample space to stretch your legs while giving you views of the river and accompanying marsh...

So the next time you are in Charleston, stop in at the park and enjoy the views for free as you walk off your dinner...

Photo available for sale: www.rogerwdownesphotography.com

03/21/2021

Come explore Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

02/09/2021

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers an amazing kids program to help get your child off the couch! Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation CEO Carolyn Ward talks about it in our latest podcast....
https://www.explorewithrwd.com/post/blue-ridge-parkway

Come explore The Blue Ridge Parkway's history, kid programs, and support with Explore With RWD.

01/15/2021

Just outside Charleston, South Carolina the morning sun shines upon her harbors...

On my way to Folly Beach, I spotted the Creek Crawler with her Captain ready for adventure along the river.

01/15/2021

The DuPont State Recreational Forest offers countless private escapes...

01/14/2021

Casting long shadows...

Out hiking to new waterfalls I have yet to discover...

01/07/2021

Do you love the waterfalls of North Carolina?

Now you can help once per quarter to make a difference in their beauty...

Join me for our latest podcast as we chat with Mr. Waterfall and Executive Director of Waterfall Keepers of North Carolina, Kevin Adams about how we can all make a difference to keep the falls beautiful for all...

Hear the podcast at the link below or listen on your favorite podcast platform... https://www.explorewithrwd.com/post/guardians-of-the-waterfalls

01/05/2021

The DuPont State Recreational Forest offers an amazing view of the stars ✨...

The best time in October through April before the wet season begins...

However dress in layers to stay warm, it gets cold near the falls in the winter months...

01/04/2021

Triple Falls is a roaring today...

01/03/2021

One of the best kept secrets in the DuPont State Recreational Forest is Wintergreen Falls. It probably doesn't get a lot of traffic because its sister falls in the forest. However, she offers a serene experience to all that stop by.

01/02/2021

One of the hidden treasures of the DuPont State Recreational Forest...

Wintergreen Falls is the baby sister of High Falls, Triple Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Ho**er Falls but still deserves your attention...

A quick three mike round trip hike, the falls offers a perch on the rocks to soak in her majesty and cool spray...

01/01/2021

Did you know Elk wander wild in the Appalachian Mountains...

You can see Elk in the wild when you visit The Great Smoky Mountain National Park and neighboring Cherokee...

It is advised not to get to close to the elk or try to feed them, but you can enjoy them from a far...

12/30/2020

Did you know that one of the actors from Last of the Mohicans (which portions of the movie were shot in the DuPont State Recreational Forest) still gives back to the forest and the people neighboring her?

Discover the story in our latest blog and podcast (Episode 12).

Eric Hurley, a North Carolina Hollywood Actor inspires and gives back in amazing ways to the next generation.

12/28/2020

Fry Pan Tower is a popular spot along the Blue Ridge Parkway...

It attracts hikers from all around the world to stand on its platform and look out over the Blue Ridge Mountains...

However, the top platform is typically locked off to the public, so it was a rarity to see hikers reach the platform that day.