One of the neat things about being a journalist is getting to see new places, even if the way you’re doing that is just driving around.

That’s certainly the case here in the Heart of Virginia. I’ve been in Farmville for almost five months now and am still visiting places for the first time. As managing editor, I also work with our affiliate papers The Charlotte Gazette and The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch. In doing so, I not only get to cover stories in Buckingham, Cumberland and Prince Edward counties, but Charlotte and Lunenburg as well.

In some cases, this happens on the same day.

For example, back on Dec. 3, I covered the State Senate District 22 Republican Convention at Hampden-Sydney College for the Herald and then drove down to Kenbridge to take pictures of the Lunenburg County Christmas Parade for the Dispatch. It was neat to drive what some folks might think of as “back roads” and pass by homes, farms, businesses and other places I’d never seen before.

I’ve passed by Rice several times, driven through Prospect and Pamplin and gone to Cumberland Court House and Buckingham’s Historic Village on Lee Wayside twice. Each trip reveals new scenes for me to take in, including mountains — I keep forgetting how close we are.

Traveling is something I’ve enjoyed doing most of my life.

I’ve lived and traveled overseas, got to tour a lot of the U.S. as a very young child and have taken my own sons on road trips up and down the East Coast.

Traveling, even close to home, opens one’s mind to new experiences for all five senses.

Don’t be afraid to try new things.

Get in the car (or walk, or bike), point yourself in a particular direction and go.

Have a safe trip!

Martin L. Cahn is the managing editor of The Farmville Herald. His email address is martin.cahn@farmvilleherald.com.