St. Louis to South Dakota Roadtrip | Travel Photography on Film

The next segment of our trip was a lot of driving through cities on our way from Nashville to Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota, but we found some amazing finds along the way!  We made stops in St. Louis, Omaha, Badlands National Park, Keystone South Dakota and a drive through Custer National Forest.

Where to go?
On your way out of Nashville we stopped at Beachaven Vineyards and Winery for a quick tour and tasting.  Fun spot right off the highway with surprisingly great wine!  On our way into St. Louis, MO we stopped at the Apple Valley Hillbilly Toyland and Museum.  Probably one of the most terrifying places I’ve been in my life full of objet d’arts scattered across a lawn made by the proprietors and a tiny shed jam packed with thousands of toys that will give you nightmares.  Worth a stop for some great American kitsch, but beware the owners love to talk and if you are in a rush it’s hard to extricate yourself.  In the Badlands I highly recommend the 40 mile loop to see the different landscapes of this crazy lunar space and you can jump out of the car and hike when you want to.  On the way to Mt. Rushmore from the Badlands you can make a stop at the corn palace, which unfortunately was under construction when we visited, but still very impressive.  Another stop along the road to stretch your legs is 1880’s town, which is an old Western town made as a movie set and is another classic kitschy road trip stop.  Of course visit Mt. Rushmore in Keystone, that’s pretty much the only attraction there, but make sure to also stop at Custer National Forest after for some great sitings of wild prairie dogs, donkeys and gigantic herds of Buffalo.

Where to stay?
In St. Louis we stayed at the Westin right next to the baseball field, which was fun to hear the excitement of the game and we could actually see into the field from the room.  The game ended early so we had no problem with noise or traffic.  In Omaha we stayed at the Magnolia Hotel, which was great for its location near Old Town Omaha.  In the Badlands we stayed at the Circle View Guest Ranch, which was one of our favorite stays of the trip.  The owners are super sweet and made the best breakfast of the entire trip with fresh eggs collected that morning on the ranch (we even got to help collect some) and the best biscuits I’ve ever tasted!

What to eat?
I was pleasantly surprised by Old Town Omaha- it is a few blocks of cute streets with lots of quirky boutiques and a ton of dining options.  Our dinner was nothing to write home about, but the ice cream at Ted & Wally’s was some of the best of the trip and worth the 30 minute line to get it!

Not to miss?
Seeing the Badlands at sunset.  Watching the sun change on the rocks is a transcendent experience and a joy for any photographer with a love of light.  I imagined the rocks were the Rouen Cathedral and every snap was my version of Monet’s masterpiece in light impression.  And the wild donkeys are pretty fun in Custer they come right up to the cars wanting carrots and if there are any newborn calves let me tell you baby donkeys are adorable!

Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;

Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;

Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: St Louis &emdash;

Asheville to Nashville Roadtrip | Travel Photography on Film

After Charleston we started our journey West with an overnight in
Asheville and then two nights in Nashville.  We spent most of our time
in Asheville wandering the gardens at The Biltmore,
which was absolutely stunning!  The next day was spent driving through
the Great Smoky Mountains, which was one of the most beautiful drives of
the trip.  Our two days in Nashville were spent exploring the city and
surrounding areas, which we ended up like a lot more than downtown
Nashville itself.

Where to go?
The Biltmore
Estate in Asheville, but we skipped the long lines to go inside and just
explored the gardens.  In Nashville be sure to explore outside the
city.  I had so much fun walking around and found amazing shopping in
Leiper’s Fork and Franklin.

Where to stay?
The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville!  Great location within walking distance of the Honky Tonks and gorgeous rooms with a great restaurant on site.

What to eat?
The Market Place Restaurant in downtown Asheville was delicious farm to table cuisine.  In Nashville don’t miss Loveless Cafe,
we actually thought the biscuits were a little overrated and had way
better homemade ones at our B&B in the Badlands, but it was
still fun and definitely worth the trip. Capitol Grille and Husk are also both amazing spots not to be missed for dinner!

Not to miss?
Taking a slow drive through the Smoky Mountains and pulling over again and again to take in the scenery.  A stop at the Blue Bird Cafe to see it and then great shopping across the street at H.Audrey!

Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Asheville Blog &emdash;

Charleston, South Carolina Roadtrip | Travel Photography on Film

Our first major stop on the road trip was 3 days in Charleston.  I’ve
been wanting to visit the city for as long as I can remember and it
certainly did not disappoint!  From the amazing seafood and delicious
ice cream to wandering the adorable blossom lined streets and oh all
that Spanish moss- I was in heaven!

Where to go?
Do
a city walking tour to really get a feel for the whole place and take
in the beautiful architecture that is so unique to the city.  Magnolia Plantation
is a great spot to visit outside the city to get some history and see a
stunning plantation.  Audubon used to paint there and they have a
gorgeous swampy preserve you can walk around on elevated platforms.

Where to stay?
Belmond Charleston Place
Stunning hotel right off of King Street with classic Southern charm and
elegant touches.  Plus downstairs is one of the best restaurants in
town.

What to eat?
Delicious cornbread at Charleston Grill, anything at Husk if you can get a reservation and ice cream at Jeni’s
We found Magnolia’s to be a little overrated and I would recommend
finding amazing seafood at any of the other great seafood restaurants in
town.

Not to miss?
Shopping on King Street and wandering around the residential area picking out your dream home.

Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;
Rebecca Yale Portraits: Charleston Blog &emdash;