Journey By Jacq

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Journey By Jacq

Welcome to Journey by Jacq, a creative space designed to provide travel inspiration and detailed iti
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03/11/2026

The older I get, the more I realize how much the decisions made by our elected officials affect our everyday lives.

As a mother, a traveler, and someone who cares deeply about the world we’re leaving behind for the next generation, these are just a few of the issues that matter to me. So I mailed my ballot this morning, with my daughter watching.

Whatever issues matter most to you, take the time to research the candidates on your ballot and make your voice heard.

03/11/2026

I just spent 4 days in Norfolk, Virginia, and somehow feel like I traveled around the world. 😆

From Chinese and Japanese gardens to Italian art, Belgian-inspired architecture, and historic English-style homes, Norfolk genuinely surprised me!

Here’s where to find these spots in Norfolk:

🇨🇳 China — Pagoda & Oriental Garden

🇯🇵 Japan — Norfolk Botanical Garden (Japanese Garden)

🇮🇹 Italy — Chrysler Museum of Art and the historic gardens at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens

🇧🇪 Belgium — Ghent Historic District

🇬🇧 England — Hermitage Museum & Gardens

I spent four days exploring 📍Norfolk, and I have so much more to share! Follow along because I’ll be sharing my full itinerary, favorite stops, and everything you need to plan your own Norfolk getaway!

#757

Things to do in Norfolk, Norfolk Virginia, Norfolk Itinerary, Norfolk weekend getaway, Four days in Norfolk

02/11/2026

One woman brought her roots from Cameroon to Virginia and built a table big enough to bring an entire community together. 🇨🇲❤️

Meet 📍Esther Manor, an organic farm in Hanover County, Virginia, founded by Dr. Patience Fielding. Inspired by her childhood in Cameroon, she created a space to share African agricultural traditions, connect people to the land, and bring communities together through food and culture.

Every October, the farm hosts 📍The Rooted Table, a farm-to-table celebration of African culture, heritage, and community. There was traditional drumming, dancing, a fashion show, incredible food, and this year, even a NASA astronaut🤯

But you don’t have to wait until October to experience Esther Manor. The farm also offers opportunities to arrange private visits, volunteer, and participate in cultural and community events throughout the year. Be sure to follow them on IG

Unique experiences Virginia, farm tour Virginia, African culture in Virginia, farm to table Virginia

01/11/2026

I have an entire series dedicated to bucket list festivals in Europe, but if you haven’t experienced Halloween in the USA, you need to add it to your bucket list! 🎃

And DC, specifically Capitol Hill, goes ALL OUT!! The decorations, the costumes, the neighborhood coming together. It’s such a fun time to be here!

Had so much fun celebrating with my brother and his family this year 🧡 After living abroad twice, I’m definitely appreciating these American traditions through a whole different lens. And getting to experience them with Siena makes it even more fun!

29/10/2026

After spending the past few years living in Germany, I’ve really loved being back in the States for Halloween. And one of the things I appreciate most about this holiday is the sense of community it brings. To me, Halloween is about so much more than costumes and candy. It’s watching neighbors come together to transform entire streets, create haunted alleyways, and make the holiday fun and festive for everyone to enjoy.And I think that’s what makes Halloween in Capitol Hill so special. It’s not just about the decorations, but the people who come together to make it all happen.

A little reminder that community is still very much alive. 🧡

If you’re in DC this Halloween, 📍Capitol Hill is where you want to be! Here are a few of my favorite spots:

🎃 Hats on the Hill — Tennessee Ave NE
👻 Walter Street SE — Between 12th & 13th Streets
🍂 East Capitol Street
🕸️ The Haunted Alleyway — 14th & E Streets SE (across from Safeway)

DC locals, did I miss a street?

Washington DC Halloween, DMV Halloween, Hats on the Hill, DC Halloween

26/10/2026

Okay, there’s a real-life train town in Virginia, and not enough people are talking about it! 🚂

Imagine a charming little Hallmark town where trains roll right through the middle of downtown, cafes and restaurants line the tracks, and you can sip your coffee (or a glass of rosé 🍷) while watching the trains go by. visitashlandva

It’s the perfect place for a low-key family weekend, and the best part is you can take Amtrak right into the heart of town!

📍 Save this guide for the perfect weekend in Ashland, Virginia!
(Media Trip)

🥞 BRUNCH
* Thompson St. Tavern Thompson Street Tavern
* The Henry Clay Inn Restaurant The Henry Clay Inn®

☕ COFFEE & PASTRIES
* Classic Coffee, Tea and Books Classic Coffee and Tea
* Bravo Coffee & Bake Shop Liz Dillon

🥪 LUNCH
* The Caboose Market & Cafe The Caboose Market & Cafe

🍷 DINNER
* Ash & Olive Ash & Olive

🛍️ SHOPPING & THRIFTING
* Chirp Chirp
* Refunkit
* Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys Tiny Tim's Trains & Toys
* Crimson & Clover
* Thrill of the Hunt

🚂 MORE THINGS TO DO
* Stop by Ashland Branch Library, especially if you’re visiting with little ones!
* Wander through the beautiful Randolph-Macon College campus.
* Grab a seat along the tracks and watch the trains roll through town.

Stay
* Railfan Junction Airbnb

We took Amtrak from DC, and it was such an easy getaway with our toddler. I loved that we could slow down, wander around town, and enjoy a weekend without needing a packed itinerary.

Ashland is proof that you don’t have to travel far to find somewhere worth exploring. ❤️

Save this for your next Virginia getaway and send it to someone you’d love to visit with!

📍 Ashland, Virginia

Train town Virginia, toddler travel, family travel, Virginia family traveL

25/10/2026

In spring, over 1.5 million people crowd DC, but fall is the best time to visit (in my opinion).

The cherry blossom trees turn gold and copper, the crowds vanish, and the whole city shows off.

Steal my fall route:
📍 Tidal Basin — the blossom trees, fall edition
📍 Rock Creek Park
📍 Dumbarton Oaks
📍 Hats on the Hill, Tennessee Ave
📍 East Capitol Street Halloween houses
📍 Congressional Cemetery
📍 National Arboretum + the Capitol Columns

Save this for your fall trip, and send it to the friend still planning theirs for April.

Part 2 of Fall Destinations You Probably Haven’t Considered
Follow along so you don’t miss out

DC locals, what’s your favorite fall spot?!

Best time to visit DC, fall in Washington DC, underrated fall destinations

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