March 18, 2025

Instead of creating a lengthy list of resolutions this year, I’ve been focused on one big goal: At least one weekend trip per month, whether anyone else wants to go or not. “Weekend” is loose–I’ll settle for a 2-3 night getaway once per month (because sometimes the places I want to go are a little more reasonable on a Tuesday night).  Up first was a winter weekend spent at The Greenbrier–a destination that’s been on my bucket list for more than 20 years. Back when I was at Virginia Tech, a friend of mine. who was in the a capella group Juxtaposition, used to sing at The Greenbrier every New Year’s Eve. Ever since first hearing about America’s Resort in the Allegheny Mountains, I’ve always wanted to visit.

September 2, 2024

Cecelia & Lisa aboard Endeavor
Late summer in picturesque Nantucket with my mom. Hydrangeas a week or two past their prime. Rain, fog, and a crisp breeze. Walks in town and along the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk. Lighthouses and an evening sail. Cozy restaurants and an upbeat night with The Elovaters at The Chicken Box. Packed three rain jackets; bought two sweatshirts. Spent many hours navigating cobblestones in my rubber mocs. Learned about history and whaling and lightship baskets. Been wanting to come here for more than 15 years, and I’m so glad I finally did!

January 18, 2022

Last weekend, Benny and I took a little road trip to Basye, VA for a wintery weekend getaway in the mountains. I rented a fantastic AirBnB as a belated Christmas gift for my family, so we could all get together and celebrate before my brother and his new fiancé move to Colorado this month. It was a perfect and relaxing weekend, and a nice change of pace. It was my first little trip away from VB since the pandemic started, and a really nice way to kick off the new year. Thanks to the snow and icy temperatures, we barely left the house (except for lots of mini dog walks) and didn’t feel bad about it one bit. We ate delicious food, drank lots of hot beverages and a few glasses of wine, exchanged a few Christmas gifts, put together a ridiculously difficult puzzle, played a little pool, wore lots of flannel shirts, and celebrated Stephen and Emily with a champagne toast by the fire. Benny did pretty well for his first trip away from home! I’m so glad we had the opportunity to do this, and wish Stephen and Emily the best in Colorado!

May 27, 2013

August 21, 2012

Lisa DeNoia, author of Coastlined, blogging on and off since 2003. Jersey Girl in Virginia Beach. Entrepreneur, technology innovator, photographer, figure skater, traveler, sailor, avid lover of books. Guardian of Benny, also pictured above.