Virginia

August 2025

A Surprise in Radford, Virginia

before leaving The Ancient Lore Village, I needed a place to stay between Knoxville and Front Royal. With ChatGPT’s help, I landed in Radford, VA—a charming college town I’d never even heard and definitely would have missed since it sits back off the interstate a bit. The boutique Hilton hotel was only $120 a night, complete with a rooftop restaurant overlooking a stunning sunset.

Dinner was the Giles Chop (yes, my name was on the menu—meant to be!) followed by patio views where I met two wonderful new friends, Robin and Wayne. We bonded over bold red wines, sunset photos, and heartfelt conversation. Wayne, a Vietnam vet, shared stories of his war friend I’ll carry with me, while Robin told me about her antique business and their RV-ing days. Before we parted, they shared marriage advice they’ve lived by for years: “Bless each other every morning. It’s hard to fight with someone you’re praying for.” That alone was worth the stop.

Shenandoah Valley & More Connections

The next day, I drove part of Skyline Drive through Shenandoah Valley—from Luray to Front Royal. Thirty miles took an hour, but every overlook was worth it even with rain off and on.

In Front Royal, I connected with fellow members of the SENT Network.

Happy hour with Kate (a bookkeeper and new Catholic shop owner) and Bridget (marketing guru and mom of many talents) was full of laughter.

Later, I had dinner with Christen and Jason Manak, who run a business helping nonprofits streamline their tech. Inspiring conversations all around.

Before leaving Virginia, I detoured to Christ the King Chapel at Christendom College—and wow.

“Chapel” doesn’t do it justice; it felt like a cathedral, brimming with beauty and detail. I paused before a statue of Our Lady of Fatima, and instantly knew I was meant to be there. After a week on the road, that quiet time in front of the tabernacle was exactly the reset my soul needed.

You can get a 360 tour of the chapel here.