Driving into Corbridge, the first thing I notice is a tandem bike resting up against a wall.
Not a common sight in January no matter how few clouds are in the sky, but the village is on the Hadrian's Wall cycleway.
And it's expected that in 2022 several people will be using that cycleway to make their way to the Tyne Valley village, as well as by road and along one of the most scenic railways in the North East.
Go here for more Northumberland news and updates from Northumberland Live
On top of hosting several events as part of the Hadrian's Wall 1900 Festival, Corbridge was named one of the UK's top staycation spots for 2022 earlier in January, while Northumberland has been named as one of the most sustainable tourism destinations in the world by the New York Times.
Known for beautiful walking and cycling routes going in and out of the village, a smattering of independent shops, and a host of welcoming spots to eat and drink, it's not hard to see why it's so popular.
There's a lot of history too - There's Corbridge Roman Town on the outskirts of the village and the bridge crossing the River Tyne is said to be the only one that was not destroyed or badly damaged in the Great Flood in November 1771.
But what is life actually like in Corbridge?
Pat Wordsworth, who owns Corbridge Garden Room, says: "I just think it's a lovely village and we're blessed here. "It's a traditional village. Most people know each other, the shop owners know each other by name. You've got everything you need in the village and if you want it to be, it's all within walking distance."
It may be January, but Pat has already had day-trippers from Cumbria, Whitley Bay and Scotland - and it's not even lunchtime yet.
She continues: "We get a lot of tourists coming in, and day visitors as well. When the weather's fine, people are happy to travel."
Natalie Palmer, who comes from Southern England, chose Corbridge to set up her yoga studio, Yoga with Natalie, after years of travelling the world.
She says: "It's a slower pace than being down south, I've got more space to breathe. People are kinder, they have time to stop and chat and hold the door open. That fits in more with my ethos I suppose."
Natalie says that she loves the Corbridge community who helped her when she crowdfunded for her yoga studio, making over £11,000.
She continues: "The community was in need of a yoga space, a mental health space. I feel so, so lucky - it feels as if I have won the lottery every time I come into here. It sounds really cliched, but it's the truth."
Most of Natalie's clientele is made up of local people, though she has had the occasional tourist - including someone who used the studio when they were on a silent retreat from London.
Spokes Kitchen in Gresham House is one place that gets a more even mixture of locals and tourists. Formerly a cycle repair shop, the rack outside is packed with bikes when I arrive.
General Manager Caroline says: "We get lots of cyclists from all over the place. Newcastle and Whitley Bay. Some come from Rothbury, which is quite a way. We're popular with walkers too - sometimes they'll come alone but on a weekend we get a lot of walking groups aging from 50 to their late 60s I would say.
"It's a nice place to work, there's a lovely atmosphere. I love the people of Corbridge, they're so friendly."
From speaking to the locals, Corbridge really does sound perfect. However, there is one problem - and it's a big one when it comes to staycations. I even experienced it myself on arriving in the village: parking.
Caroline continues: "It would be good to make the parking easier. I think if there was more parking for tourists, it'd be a lot better for tourists. In the summer, you've got more cars than can fit into the village car park over the bridge, and there are cars parked along the roadside towards Hexham. That's how busy it is."
Nick Oliver, County Councillor for Corbridge, is aware of the problem. And while he says there are plans to create more capacity for car parking, he also said: "We'd encourage people to use public transport to get here. There are buses and a decent train service.
"Generally, we welcome tourists and one thing that's great about living here is that you have got all these independent businesses. Without the tourism industry, they wouldn't do as well."
