From the
Editor
Rome Life Editor Severo Avila
The picture to the right was taken just a couple
weekends ago in Kentucky.
I was hiking at the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge
State Park which are within the Daniel Boone National
Forest.
It’s one of my favorite places.
I moved to Rome from Kentucky many years ago
but I still have a very special place in my heart for the
Bluegrass State. And I try to get back there as often as
I can.
Each fall my Kentucky family makes a trip to the gorge.
It’s a tradition.
As soon as the leaves start turning we head up there.
Usually in early fall.
We rent a cabin and for a few days all we do is enjoy
the beauty of the outdoors. There aren’t many stores
or restaurants or bars nearby. And that’s exactly why we
love it.
Each day we hit the trails and we hit them hard.
We hike all day long amid some of the most beautiful
scenery I can think of.
There are massive natural stone arches, waterfalls,
creeks, hills, ravines, huge banks of bright green ferns
and almost everything is covered in moss and brightly
colored fallen leaves of yellows, reds and oranges.
It truly is one of my favorite places in all the world.
And I share that with you because fall is my favorite
time of year and I hope that although the past months
have been strange and many of our favorite hobbies
and activities have been affected, I hope that you’ve
found a way to do the things you enjoy doing.
For me it’s camping and hiking with my dog Banjo and
enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
This issue of Rome Life Magazine takes a look at some
of the great things about this time of year. We’ve got a
8 Rome Life | NOVEMBER 2020
beautiful feature showcasing fall foliage and colors. We asked
readers to send us their favorite fall photos taken in and around
Rome and they certainly didn’t disappoint.
There’s also a very special feature dedicated to our favorite
Christmas ornaments. Rome residents share stories of their
most treasured Christmas ornament and why it means so much
to them.
Fitness and health are a big concern this time of year so
we’ve got expert advice from personal trainer Kristy Agan on
how to keep off those pesky holiday pounds. We know there’s
nothing quite like holiday food but she gives us a few tips on
how to stay active during a time when the pounds are easy to
put on.
Our travel feature is a favorite of mine. Rome resident Melissa
Rutledge shares stunning images of her Georgia travels. She
reminds us that we don’t have to hop on an airplane to do some
great sight-seeing. Georgia residents have spectacular views
and outdoor adventures right in our own backyard.
Inside this issue you’ll also find photos of many of the winners
and runners-up from this year’s Best Of competition.
And there’s even a couple holiday cocktail ideas to make your
next holiday get-together a hit with your guests.
As we move into the holiday season (an unusual holiday
season to say the least) we at Rome Life Magazine hope you
can still find all the joys you hope for this time of year - family,
friends, good food and good cheer.