Welcome to the first instalment of the Nomad Files, where each week I’ll interview a fellow traveller about their travels and unravel another secret the world has overlooked. To kick things off, the first interviewee will… Me! So without further ado…
1. Tell us a bit about your story and what types of adventures you go after.
My family has always done overseas trips ever since I was little. As a family, we’ve been to the USA, Hong Kong, Bali, Fiji and Thailand, just to name a couple. We did all the big attractions and had a great time so I guess you could travel has always been in my blood. I then embarked on my first solo journey to England/Europe for 6 months and had the absolute time of my life. I often worry that I peaked too early because it seems that no 6 month period will ever top that in terms of adventure. Looking back I also look at where I went and think “oh man, there is so much outside of the big cities that I missed, I totally need to go back”. So over time, this sparked in me a passion for finding places outside of cities and guide books, the smaller towns, the alley way bars, doing this the first time I go somewhere so I don’t need to go back so soon. These are the sorts of adventures I go after
2. Can you let us in on a secret? What is one place or town you’ve been to in the world that was truly off the beaten track?
In a American fall of 2011 on a road trip of the north-east USA/south-east Canada we stopped in a town called Luray, Virginia. We chose Luray because it is wedged in between Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Park and this seemed like a great place to do some hiking.
3. What did you do there and why should I visit?
Luray was was a very quiet, little town. Only 5000 or so people live there and if tourists flock there, they were at least well hidden. There are some fantastic hiking trails through forest and some that give you incredible views over the flat mid-west, but it is also home to Luray Caverns. Now I don’t know any stats but damn, they are some seriously incredible caves, stalactites and stalagmites. The coolest part though is what they call the “stalacpipe organ”, the biggest musical instrument in the world. They have created an actual organ out of the stalactites in the cave and plays beautiful music.
There was also a random car and carrigage museum there, which we made a fair bit of fun of because admission was included in our Luray Caverns ticket. But looking back there were some pretty cool cars and anyone with a slight interest in vintage cars and things would most likely be in some sort of car nirvana.
4. How did you find out about this gem?
I had a road trip route planned out starting and beginning in Chicago. I had planned clockwise up to Washington and wasn’t sure where to next. This was where my good friend Google chimed in, and I think Lonely Planet may have played some in giving me the idea as well. Next thing you know we’re sleeping there at the Best Western and exploring the forests for waterfalls and fall colours.
5. What was the food like? Was it different to anything you’d experienced before?
To be honest the range of restaurants and food options wasn’t that large. The first night we ate at Uncle Bucks Steakhouse, where I had seriously the best ribs and wings I think I’m every likely to have (remember what I said about peaking too early?) The second night we surveyed our options and it became quickly apparent that Uncle Bucks was going to be the only place we would eat in this town. We stuffed ourselves on their delectable house-made bar-b-q sauce on the most tender ribs again. I’ve been to Texas and this was still the best bar-b-q I’ve ever had.
6. What were the locals like? Did you have much interaction with them?
Speaking of Uncle Bucks, on the second night we had dinner we had some interesting company in the restaurant. We looked over and saw a reasonably large family all wearing outfits decorated with camoflage. This was fine until we saw the young woman who was obviously wearing a wedding dress – which was also camo themed. We tried extremely hard hard to keep in the laughter and to this day it is still one of the oddest things we reminisce about this trip. I only wish I had a photo to share.
7. Was there anything you actually missed out on doing that you wish you had? Any tips for your fellow travellers?
There is nothing that I inherently regret that I missed out on except more hiking. Since being there I’ve been made aware of the Stony Man mountain hike, which sounds challenging with great views. If I went back I would definitely do this.
8. Changing lanes a little now, can you share with the internet one hidden gem of a favourite city that people might not be aware of when visiting?
While visiting Miami my friend and I stumbled across “The Lounge, Barbershop and bar”. Now I don’t know if this is an American thing but I was totally intrigued. We came back at 11pm that night after a few drinks and saddled up for a chop, Chambord in hand, dance music in the air overflowing out from the bar area. A unique experience for myself that I just relished every second.
9. Where do you live on the internet for people to come visit?
Well, I own this site, www.backstreetnomad.com, but you can also find me on Twitter @Backstreetnomad and Facebook.com/backstreetnomad.
