Jessica James and Past Lane Travels
NAMED THE #1 BEST HISTORY TRAVEL BLOG
About Me and Past Lane Travels
Hello! Most people know me as a historical fiction and suspense/thriller author, but I’m also a history geek and road trip lover — especially the back roads of the USA.
While researching my novels, I’ve explored hidden corners of the U.S.—digging up stories, wandering battlefields, and chasing legends. I tend to go a bit overboard, walking where my characters walked and soaking in every detail… even the ones that don’t make it into the books.
Now I’m sharing those extras—because history’s too good to keep to myself.
What kind of research have I done?
I’ve camped with thousands of other “soldiers” at Civil War reenactments, gone target shooting from out of a helicopter, flown with Vietnam veterans in a Huey, and tramped across more battlefields, old cemeteries and dirt roads than I can count.
I also love small towns, antique shopping, old hardware stores and just sharing my history and travel discoveries with others.
You can consider me your history and travel detective, because I’ve made it my mission to find the best road trips, small towns and hidden gems, so you can spend your time traveling instead of researching.
I seem to have a special instinct for uncovering bucket-list adventures, hidden-gem getaways, and the coolest historic towns that will have you asking: “How did she find this?!”
If you’re ready to take a trip into the past, then tag along on Past Lane Travel. We’ll steer clear of the typical tourist sites and concentrate on lesser-known landmarks and historical experiences. You’ll be surprised what you can discover and experience when you venture off the beaten path.
For those who enjoy dirt roads instead of highways, and a slow pace instead of the rat race, Past Lane Travels finds hidden gems of history that might be in your own home town.
Let’s go discover new things… one historical destination at a time.
If you have any suggestions or comments, feel free to email me at jessica@pastlanetravels.com or use my Contact Me page.
If you’re interested in having me cover a particular historical destination, let’s find a way to work together.
(If history isn’t your thing, I also write for other travel and luxury websites like She Buys Travel and Luxe Beat Magazine).
In late 2023 I became an award-winning photographer with a photo I took at the Gettysburg Reenactment in June of 2023! I enjoy taking “artsy” photos of landscapes and capturing the perfect moment at events.
By the way, I’m a lifelong resident of Gettysburg and love it so much I wrote a book about it!
I want to provide information and inspiration to help travelers and history lovers find the perfect destination.
I am a lifelong resident of Gettysburg, PA, so I have in-depth knowledge of this historic town.
I spend a lot of time traveling to Southern states, including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Louisiana.
But recently, I’ve been heading north, and have explored some of the sites in the beautiful Hudson River Valley of New York like the Vanderbilt Mansion and Mohonk Mountain House. I’ve also explored s Monhegan Island in Maine.
When traveling, I love spending the night at historic hotels and writing reviews so that others can see the beautiful architecture and learn about the intriguing history hidden within their walls.
Why I blog:
➡️ To share my travels and show readers how much fun and interesting history can be!
➡️ I want to inspire others to jump in their car and take a road trip to experience, see and connect with the past.
➡️ History doesn’t have to be boring! Join me in taking a trip back in time.
Here’s what you’ll find on Past Lane Travel:
✔️ Stories about the culture, history, heritage and traditions of America.
✔️ Insider tips on the most scenic and historic sites to visit on your way to a “touristy” destination.
✔️ Fabulous food that highlights the culture of different regions in the USA.
✔️ Advice and insight on travel gear, hotels and trip planning.
✔️ Destination information and advice.
✔️ Lots of information about Gettysburg – because it’s my hometown!
✔️ Reviews of historic hotels in the United States.
I also create Custom Travel Itineraries for Gettysburg and other historical destinations.
Some Fun Facts About Me:
☑️ I still heat my home with wood and do most of the splitting myself.
☑️ I LOVE yard sales, thrift stores and antique shops.
☑️ My first career was a veterinary technician at a horse hospital. My second career was a newspaper editor. I also spent 16 years working as a part-time stagehand at a performing arts theater.
☑️ I don’t like wearing shoes.
☑️ The house I currently live in did not have an indoor bathroom when I bought it—only an outhouse. (But it has indoor plumbing now)!
As seen in…
A Little More About Me
As a novelist I have won more than two dozen literary awards, and as a freelance writer I’ve been featured in such diverse platforms as Vietnam Magazine, The Epoch Times Travel Section, Atlas Obscura and ROVA Magazine.
I’m A Member Of The Following Professional Writing and Travel Organizations:
✅ Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)
✅ North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA)
✅ International Food Wine and Travel Association (IFWTA)
✅ Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)
✅ Novelists Inc (NINC)
Where I’ve Been
Dark Blue States: Visited ✅
Blue States: Soon
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