Dylan Smith

Born on May 9, 1982, in Asheville, North Carolina, Dylan grew up with a love for storytelling, adventure, and all things outdoors. He studied journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder and went on to work as a travel writer, documenting journeys across five continents. His work was featured in National Geographic Traveler, Outside Magazine, and his popular blog, Miles With Meaning. Known for his wit, kindness, and a knack for making strangers feel like old friends, Dylan had a unique way of seeing the world and sharing it through his lens—both figuratively and literally. He was an avid photographer, amateur musician, and a champion of local coffee shops wherever he wandered. In 2013, he settled in Marlowe, where he met the love of his life, Julia Carson. Together, they built a warm home filled with laughter, music, and mismatched mugs from their travels. Dylan was a proud and loving father to their daughter, Hazel, who inherited his curious spirit and sense of humor. He is survived by Julia and Hazel; his parents, Mark and Linda Smith; his sister, Rachel Smith-Wells; and countless friends and readers across the globe who were touched by his wordS. Dylan’s final post read simply: “Go. Explore. Be kind. That’s all that matters.” And he lived every word.