Travel

Whether road-tripping along Missouri’s “Way of American Genius,” casting my first line while fly-fishing on Arkansas’s White River, or swimming with sea turtles in protected waters in the Grenadines, I approach travel with curiosity, attention to detail, and a storyteller’s eye. I’ve written travel features for leading publications from The Washington Post and AFAR to On the Go with AAA, and more. I also work closely with travel and hospitality brands, including Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Disney Cruise Line, Atlas Obscura, and Best Western International, on brand and sponsored content.

Arts & Culture

A lifelong singer and former communications director for a major symphony orchestra, I bring a deep knowledge and love of performing arts to arts and culture stories. I have written dozens of stories about musicians, dancers, artists, and museums for The Charlotte Observer, Where Traveler, Charlotte magazine, and more.

Food & Drink

As a former staff editor of Charlotte magazine and Where Charlotte, I have written and edited stories about food, restaurant openings, wineries, and chefs for years. Recent food and drink features have appeared in On the Go with AAA, PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide, and Atlas Obscura.

Home & Garden

As a former editor of Charlotte Home + Garden, I’ve written countless stories about home overhauls, kitchen refreshes, gardening tips, and more. Recent stories appear in The Washington Post, Apartment Therapy, At Home in Arkansas, among others.

Business

Any good business starts with a great story. From a family of Arkansas pecan farmers to the intrepid founders of Silicon Valley tech startups and more, my business and personal finances stories have appeared in Silicon Valley Business Journal, AAA Connect, Columbus CEO, Business North Carolina, and Top Workplaces. I also frequently write profiles for business marketing and leadership awards.

Branded Content

With 15 years of journalism experience, I bring the curiosity, credibility, and editorial judgment of a reporter to brand storytelling. I’ve partnered with leading companies, including Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Disney Cruise Line, Matador Network, and written dozens of tourism organizations on place-based, narrative-driven brand stories.

Full List of Works

Get in Touch

For editorial assignments, brand content, or general inquiries, email va.r.brown@gmail.com.