A Long Overdue Trip to Southwest Virginia

I may be an Eastern Kentucky girl who loves living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but Southwest Virginia will always have a big piece of my heart. Those mountains call to me, and I don't get to answer in the affirmative nearly often enough. When an opportunity to travel to SWVA this past month came up, I was thrilled! Alex was honored to win an award presented by his college, and we were invited to come to town so that he could accept in person!

Southwest Virginia Photo Travelogue by Uninvented Colors Photography

I like to keep it real around here, so I have to tell you that I really wanted to go a little farther Southwest to my own alma mater, but weather delayed our flights for more than 24 hours and totally nixed that plan, which was a real shame. Nevertheless, we were very relieved to finally arrive at our cabin by the river (where all four of Afton's grandparents had already been hanging out for a whole day and night without us!). It was a beautiful place to explore!

Walker Creek Retreat log cabin, nature photography

It was the perfect setting for relaxed family fun! As relaxed as you can be with a toddler around, anyway. ;)

family fun at log cabin retreat

I already told you about the reversible dress and coordinating bag made by grandma Miller, but here's the other side--even more colorful! Afton was happy to get dressed up for a family evening out. 

little girl in handmade dress with grandmothers

We headed to Mountain Lake, where none of us except Alex had been before. It was so fun to see the place where Dirty Dancing was filmed! 

Mountain Lake photos - nature and architecture

We ate a nice dinner at the Harvest restaurant. Don't worry, we didn't put Baby in a corner. (Sorry, had to. ;))

Harvest Restaurant at Mountain Lake

We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful drive back to the cabin and even stopped at a scenic overlook. 

Southwest Virginia covered bride, mountains, sunset

The next day, Afton, my parents, and I went for a pleasant stroll along the Huckleberry Trail. It was so pretty!

nature photography on Huckleberry Trail, Virginia flower photos

After that, we checked into The Inn at Virginia Tech and got ready for the main event!

Holtzman Alumni Center at Virginia Tech

Alex's parents and I got to be there to see Alex accept his Outstanding Recent Alumnus award from The College of Natural Resources and Environment. So proud of my favorite Hokie!

Outstanding Alumni Award Dinner at Virginia Tech

We took in the beauty of the VT campus one last time before we had to leave town. It's no E&H, but I guess it's ok. ;)

spring flowers, duck pond on Virginia Tech campus

It really was a wonderful trip, full of sweet family memories. And I miss Southwest Virginia again already.