Jim Swilley, Author at Backroad Planet

The Ava Gardner Museum: Tracing the Barefoot Contessa’s Carolina Roots

The Ava Gardner Museum: Tracing the Barefoot Contessa’s Carolina Roots

by Jim Swilley | Jul 14, 2019

The Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield, North Carolina, traces the story of a local tobacco farmer’s daughter catapulted to international stardom as a film legend and Hollywood royalty. I was a guest of Johnston County Visitors Bureau, but all thoughts...

Wilmington, North Carolina: Hooray for Hollywood & Hometown Hospitality!

Wilmington, North Carolina: Hooray for Hollywood & Hometown Hospitality!

by Jim Swilley | Jun 23, 2019

In Wilmington, North Carolina, movies are made everywhere—in restaurants, botanical gardens, historic inns, ocean piers, even dive bars. If you are a movie buff, it’s time to put “Wilmywood” on your bucket list. I was a guest of Wilmington...

Confessions of a Traveling Cinephile

Confessions of a Traveling Cinephile

by Jim Swilley | Jan 23, 2017

A confirmed traveling cinephile declares his love for travel and the movies, and discloses how his passions converged at an antebellum mansion in Louisiana. Note from Howard: Jim Swilley and I have been friends since our first day as college roommates in 1976. I...

Howard Driving

Welcome to Backroad Planet!

I’m Howard, a guy from Central Florida who believes taking scenic routes, scouting historical sites, and immersion in local flavor are the best ways to travel. Whether it be road trips across America, fly-drives to international destinations, or cruises on the mighty waters, I invite you to use Backroad Planet’s destination stories, travel guides, and planning resources to design your own adventures. Please contact me if I can assist you in any way.

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