If you’re looking for a blog about “fine dining” chains or crowded city tours, you might be in the wrong place. But if you value a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, a quiet mountain trail, and the search for the best non-chain eats from the Blue Ridge to the Gulf Coast, then welcome home.

I’m James. I live in Bristol, Virginia, and Kitchen and Compass is my digital home base for the two things that keep me grounded: the food on my table and the path I’m walking.

What to Expect Here:

In the Kitchen: I love to cook. Whether it’s recreating a dish from a local hole-in-the-wall or prepping a game-day spread for a Steelers Sunday (Go Steelers!), you’ll find my favorite recipes and kitchen experiments here.

On the Trail (The Compass): My wife, Christy, and I are constantly scouting. From our favorite mountain escapes like Asheville and Pigeon Forge to our frequent trips down to Florida, I’m documenting the best “non-tourist” ways to experience the coast and the high country.

The Daily Practice: You’ll also find updates on my Tai Chi journey—a practice of balance and flow that I started back in November—and the occasional deep dive into a good martial arts fantasy novel.

Ultimately, this site is about living authentically. It’s about ditching the chains, avoiding the crowds, and finding the “good stuff” in the everyday.

Thanks for stopping by. Grab a coffee (no decaf allowed here), pull up a chair, and let’s see where the compass leads next.