Caroline Eubanks

Texas barbecue is the stuff of legend, but it’s also varied in its offerings. For the trio that opened Blood Bros. BBQ in Houston, it was important to showcase the city’s diverse range of international influences. And as the name implies, family is also a significant part of the business.
“[Brothers] Robin and Terry [Wong] were [my] childhood friends, and they owned a bar for about 10 years. After high school, we kind of lost touch a little bit, but we’d run into each other here and there,” s...

Set amongst the rolling hills between Cleveland and Columbus are charming towns that feel worlds away from the bustling cities. This area is also where much of Ohio’s Amish community resides and where stars of the big screen have found solitude. It's a place where you can disconnect, spotting horses and buggies and indulging in the farm-crafted cheeses and fudge.
While there are plenty of places to explore in this area, these seven towns are especially appealing.
Berlin and Millersburg
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When the summer temperatures soar and the humidity becomes unbearable, Southerners seek solace along the water. But crowded beaches aren't for everyone. Many prefer the lake life, which is found in abundance in the region's plentiful waterways, an easy drive from major cities. So many early memories include fishing excursions, trips on boats, and relaxing on the dock, so it's easy to see why some choose the lake over the beach. Still not convinced? This roundup of reasons may convert you to a...

Though the ocean beckons, there’s endless fun to be found in Myrtle Beach’s communities, too.
for Visit Myrtle Beach
Often cited as one of the country’s favorite beach destinations, Myrtle Beach is located along the South Carolina coast in an area affectionately referred to as “The Grand Strand.”
The beach town’s reputation as a vacation destination dates back to 1901, with the arrival of the area’s first hotel. In the century since, it has become a year-round locale with 14 unique communitie...

A private-turned-public record collection now connects a city to its indelible music
The musical legacy of Memphis, Tennessee, needs no introduction—the city responsible for the invention of rock and roll has launched countless careers, from Elvis Presley to Three Six Mafia. But the ability to experience the wider musical legacy of Memphis, including the recordings of small, independent labels and lesser-known artists, has mostly been limited to collectors and industry professionals. That is,...

North Carolina is home to famed landscapes ranging from craggy peaks in the west – popular with advanced hikers – to coastal plains in the east – a popular destination for families. But no matter your skill level, the Tar Heel state is filled with pathways, marshes and densely packed forests to tramp.
Whether you’re going out for the afternoon hike and finishing the day with a pint or spending months in the wild, one thing is certain in North Carolina - you’re never far from the great outdoor...

A sun-soaked getaway to one of Florida’s historic resorts!
After a stressful start to the year, I found myself searching for sun and sand to restore my spirit. I wanted to go somewhere I had never been before, which is how I ended up in Ponte Vedra Beach, not far from where Ponce de Leon landed more than 300 years before.
But that isn’t the island’s only claim to history. During World War II, a German U-boat landed on Ponte Vedra Beach, and four Nazi agents planted explosives in the sand dune...

Walking through downtown Hattiesburg, Mississippi, you’ll see a collection of locally owned shops and restaurants—including those featured on HGTV’s Home Town, which films in nearby Laurel. It seems like any other Southern town, with plaza lights strung between buildings to sparkle at night. But if you look closer, you might also find the tiniest, most interesting museum collection in the U.S.
After months spent indoors during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hattiesburg Convention...

M2 Photography / Alamy
Before “going viral” was a good thing, the most successful advertising campaigns met customers where they were. For those with personal vehicles in the mid-twentieth century, that place was the American road. And among the most memorable billboards in the country in that era were those painted on the sides and roofs of barns through the South directing drivers to “See Rock City.”
The Rock City barns became almost as famous as the unusual landmark itself, not unlike the ...

If you're looking for great national parks in Georgia, you'll be pleasantly surprised. The Peach State may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of the great outdoors, as it's often overshadowed by the more famous parks and rugged peaks out West. But Georgia is home to an impressive 11 National Park Service installations and nearly 50 state parks in every corner of the state. They represent a wide variety of landscapes—from the coastal plains that are home to wild horses to...

In the past few years, a new terror has struck the warm waters of the Florida Panhandle. It isn’t the unfairly maligned shark, but rather an exotic fish from the Indian and Pacific oceans often found in aquariums: the lionfish.
Since the 1980s, the pink spiny fish has made its way to the Sunshine State, where it has run rampant due to its insatiable appetite and lack of predators. Among the hardest hit areas is Destin, where locals have fought back.
Leading the charge is Alex Fogg, the coasta...

From the towering peaks to the west to the sandy shores of the protected coastline, North Carolina is home to a variety of experiences.
The state is where the Wright Brothers famously made their first flight and where a little soda brand called Pepsi gained international recognition. It’s also where musicians like Earl Scruggs, Nina Simone and John Coltrane were born. Driving from one end to the other is straightforward and the state has extensive airport and rail networks.
Celebrate the Gild...

Spice up your vacation and help save the ocean.
As reports about the rapid progression of climate change and other earthly afflictions continue to increase (as do our nights spent doom scrolling), it may often feel like there’s nothing we can do to prevent the degradation of the planet—especially if you’re a traveler. But remember that there’s power and influence in numbers. This Earth Day, here are some Green Travel tips to lessen your impact and join the millions of people doing their part ...