Corey C Poole

While detours aren’t always necessary, sometimes they’re exactly what you need. New River Gorge National Park was one of those detours that made the whole journey better for Jesse and for me as I rode along in the passenger seat. From going down (and climbing back up) the 178 steps at Canyon Rim Visitor Center to see the breathtaking bridge, to wandering the quiet historic train town of Thurmond, and standing in awe at Grandview’s overlook above the New River. It was worth every extra mile.

Leaving Shenandoah behind us, Jesse D Poole and I are heading south along the Blue Ridge Parkway toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While closures in the North Carolina section will detour us off the Parkway, we’re still chasing good views, rich coffee, and fluffy clouds along the way. Onward to more scenic roads and mountain air!

P.S. The first photo shows the view from every overlook for miles as a storm overtook us and turned the sky into an impenetrable wall of gray. Then the clouds broke apart and we got some pretty skies before sunset.

Jesse and I entered Shenandoah National Park at the North Entrance just outside of Front Royal, with storm clouds chasing us from behind. Deep rumbles of thunder echoed through the hills as a strong, cool breeze rolled in—such a welcome shift after two hot days in Virginia. We stopped at an overlook to make sandwiches, taking in the view while the wind carried the scent of rain through the mountains. Onward now, chasing scenic views and layered ridgelines as we continue south through the park.

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Between Jesse D Poole working in some sweltering heat, we’ve spent time exploring downtown Charlottesville, where the historic brick-lined Mall was full of character—local shops, cozy cafés, and a lively evening atmosphere. We grabbed dinner at The Whiskey Jar, where the music set the tone for a laid-back night in the heart of Virginia.

The next day, we visited Thomas Jefferson's Monticello —not for a tour of the house, but to walk the grounds. Even without stepping inside, it was powerful to stand where so much history unfolded. The gardens, the views, the stillness—it all left an impression.

Another layer to this Virginia trip, and more moments to tuck away.

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While Jesse D Poole was focused on the big picture, I got caught up in the little things—the curve of a handrail, the way stormlight hits red brick, a quiet moment between rain and sky.

The Mississippi River Commission Building was glowing in that perfect post-storm light, and I couldn’t help but take out my phone and start collecting details. Sometimes it’s the smaller pieces that help you remember how a place felt.

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We finally found the view we’d been chasing—just in time. Jesse D Poole started shooting as the sky lit up like a watercolor painting. I grabbed my phone and took my best shot, too… but let’s be real, his version is probably going to make mine look like a potato. 😅

Still, there’s something special about being there—wind still damp from the storm, colors changing by the second.

Checkout my iPhone version… and keep an eye on Jesse’s photography page for the real magic.

We pulled into Vicksburg, Mississippi, soaked from a sudden downpour and hungry enough to let the weather choose dinner for us. Key City Brewing was the lucky pick—and it didn’t disappoint. Wood-fired pizza, roasted half chicken, cozy vibes, and just enough calm after the storm to lure us back outside.

We wandered through the drizzle, past historic buildings with balconies and brickwork. Looking for the perfect sunset view, we stumbled into a park—but it wasn’t quite it. So we followed an alley (as one does) that led us into a parking garage of all places… and there it was: the view we didn’t know we were chasing.

As we drove off, the sky exploded into shades of cotton candy, and yeah—there may have been some dramatic yelling about pulling over to get just one more shot.

🎥 We’re officially on the road to Virginia for a Poole Media video project—but if you know us, you know we’ll be stopping all along the way to snap photos, chase light, and probably get distracted by a cool diner or an old sign somewhere.

Jesse D Poole is behind the wheel, and I’m in the passenger seat doing what I do best: capturing the in-between moments, scouting unexpected gems, and occasionally being the lighting guinea pig.

This is where the real stories begin—before the footage, before the edits, before the polished product. Just us, a full tank, and whatever we find between here and there.

This is a great detail shot from a graduation photoshoot. LOVE 😍

I’m a journalist, photographer and digital content creator with a passion for travel and adventure!

All about that detail!!

It's been a while since I've done any, but I love capturing some good interior design photos.

I’m a journalist, photographer and digital content creator with a passion for travel and adventure!

Yep, I do weddings too!

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I’m a journalist, photographer and digital content creator with a passion for travel and adventure!

Happy Easter from your friendly neighborhood photographer! 📸

I’m a journalist, photographer and digital content creator with a passion for travel and adventure!