Kris Morgan
Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Kris spent adult life in Normal, IL (yes, that’s really the name of the town). She relocated to South Carolina, just outside Charlotte, NC, for the best reason of all: the kids moved there first. A school psychologist for kindergarten through fifth graders, Kris spends the days decoding the mysteries of young minds, acting equal parts counselor, detective, and referee of playground drama.
Off the clock, life revolves around family and outdoor adventures with GusGus, her spunky yellow lab, plus a steady rotation of live theater nights and true crime binges (because nothing says relaxation like serial killer documentaries). A proud Clemson football fan, Kris waves the orange flag with the unshakable belief that college football is the true heartbeat of the South—and that life’s chapters are anything but “Normal.”
Growing up in a family of nine kids (yes, nine!), vacations for Kris weren’t spent at fancy resorts or theme parks. Instead, they were weekends at campgrounds, crammed into tents, cooking over the fire, and exploring nearby trails. Those early years instilled in Kris a sense of adventure and a love for the outdoors, even if at the time it just felt like “family vacation on a budget.”
As an adult, life pulled Kris away from those simple escapes, until the quiet after COVID and the end of a long marriage created space to return. Hiking became more than just fresh air and exercise; it became a way to calm the mind, slow the thoughts, and re-ground in something bigger than the daily chaos. For Kris, every step on the trail feels like reconnecting with that kid who once roamed campgrounds, played in the dirt, skinned knees, and found joy in the trees, the sky, and the open air.
Kris’ favorite hike: “The hike to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. A hard, steep climb at high elevation – so worth it for the breathtaking views.”
Kris’ favorite drink: “I love a great moscato – my favorite is Michele Chiarlo Nivole. I also have a weakness for a Kentucky mule or anything with Tito’s.”
Kris’ favorite piece of hiking or backpacking gear: “My trekking poles! Couldn’t live without them.”
Join Kris and other wine hikers in the South Carolina Facebook group.