Visiting the Nashville Zoo

The Nashville Zoo is so great! We've been here numerous times for couple of years, just to visit on a typical day. We really enjoyed our experiences here. The zoo is located outside of downtown Nashville. I highly recommend ordering tickets before arriving to the zoo or get the Annual Pass.  Waiting in line wasn't fun and wasted a good amount of time. No discounts for tickets other than if a person is a veteran or member of the zoo. But children under two are free.

 

Walking paths were decently shaded, so not stuck in the hot sun for too long while walking around. This bamboo trail was the coolest part.

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16 comments AdBenture, Aquarium and Zoo, Nashville, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park

Visit the Liberty Grace Farm

Tucked away in Columbia, there's a beautiful field of tulips on a family-owned, 80-acre farm and vineyard. Liberty Grace Farm planted more than 60,000 new bulbs with 13 different varieties this year for families to head out to the farm, pick their own bouquets of tulips, take pictures, and enjoy the picnic tables and lawn games.

Admission for the festival is $10 per person, which includes three free tulips. Children two years old and under is free, tulips are $1.50 per stem.

 

 You can find vibrant blooms in yellow, deep reds, pinks and purples throughout the fields.

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12 comments AdBenture, Columbia, Flower Fields, Tennessee, United States

Visited Lucky Ladd Farm

We have visited Lucky Ladd Farms like couple of times a year.  This farm far exceeded my expectations, very well developed and maintained.  From the petting zoo to the slides, we love all the activities that they offer.  I recommend visiting any time of year, as they have a cute splash pad in the summer months and pumpkin patch in the Fall.  There is so much to do; you could make a whole day out of a trip here.

 

 Lucky Ladd Farm address: 4374 Rocky Glade Rd, Eagleville, TN 37060-4109

Welcome Signage

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10 comments Aquarium and Zoo, Columbia, Flower Fields, Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Enjoying the Snowy days

This year we had a cold and snowy winter, which was unusual, especially in middle of Tennessee. In fact, I think the whole country had a rough winter. The recent massive snow storm brought the record low temperatures, ice and snow across the country - has left millions of Americans without power. 

We got a good amount of snow over the weekend and had such a great time playing in it. We don't always get a lot of snow out here, so when it does come we make sure to enjoy it while it lasts.  Whether you’re wrapped in a blanket on your couch or out playing in the snow, there’s wintry inspiration all around us, and always something to share with our family.

Making memories with family is what life is all about.

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21 comments AdBenture, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Nashville, Tennessee, United States, Winter Getaways, Winter Memories

Jeep Trail Ride at Windrock Park Tennessee

We have visited Windrock Park multiple times, at least twice a year for few years. Have always had an amazing time there. Even though we go frequently, there's always something to do there like sight seeing, off-roading, camping and picnic. 

Last summer we had a fun adventure day at Windrock Park  to celebrate The Jeep Crews Anniversary. Everyone who attended was up to the challenge for 4 very difficult trails and 2 of the moderate trails We all made it out safe and no break downs. A big thanks to Jeep Crew founder for leading the adventure. Trail conditions have changed so much recently it was great to have someone lead who had experienced the trails in the days before. 

A line-up of Jeep while waiting for the trails ride.

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18 comments Jeep Adventure, Oliver Springs, Tennessee, United States

A colorful time to explore Smoky Mountain in East Tennessee

Everyone knows the further you go up North  the vibrant fall colors display draw a lot of visitors.  But did you know that the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee puts on its own stunning display of gold, red, yellow and orange as the temperatures cool down and the days shorten?

The landscape here is populated with sugar maples, hickories, sweetgum, scarlet oaks, red maples and nearly 100 other species of native trees.  This colorful show from Mother Nature will last not that long.  It’s another great reason to make a trip to eastern Tennessee and take a break from your hectic everyday life.

We decided to join a million other leaf-peepers in the Great Smoky Mountains.

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19 comments Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Jeep Adventure, Shades of Autumn, Tennessee, United States

Visit Black Fox Lodge, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton

We went on  a weekend getaway and stayed at Black Fox Lodge,  Pigeon Forge newest hotel. The location of this hotel was super convenient to everything we wanted to do in Pigeon Forge and to other nearby city like Gatlinburg and Sevierville.  The entire place is amazing from the time you step out of your car and into the lobby. The design is beautiful - when you walk in to their front door you will welcome by the elegant fireplace and fully furnish interior   lobby.  The little details makes you appreciate this property.

Location wise, it's right behind the main strip and The Island entertainment complex is within walking distance.  You can also walk up and down the parkway without driving.

The Hotel Entrance

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23 comments Cabin and Hotel Reviews, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States

Visit Anakeesta Theme Park in the Mountains of Gatlinburg Tennessee

My husband and I were in Gatlinburg, TN for the Labor Day weekend and for the first time we visit Anakeesta. Anakeesta is a new attraction since the big forest fire of 2016.  It offers a unique outdoor mountain experience for all ages.  Admission includes a scenic Chondola ride from the Parkway to the summit, 16 bridge Tree Canopy Walk, Treehouse Village Playground, Forest Memorial Walk, Dueling Ziplines, Gem Mining, shopping, dining and the most gorgeous scenic views of Great Smoky Mountain.

The breath taking view of the restaurant on top.

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42 comments Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Tennessee, Theme Parks, United States

The Park Vista: A Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Gatlinburg

We had a great time at the Park Vista Hotel this Labor Day weekend.  It's the nicest place we've stayed in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  It's been a busy week for us but it is good to finally can go on vacation.  My husband and I receive a complimentary stay  at Park Vista for business purposes.   For the money, I think this is an excellent hotel to spend a vacation that is close to Smoky Mountain.  The location is just a few minutes from the  town of Gatlinburg.  There are numerous restaurants, bars, and shops within a short distance from the place. The trolley bus stops right by at the front of the lobby.  If you are planning to take any tours while there, a convenient tour pickup spot available at the hotel.

As we go inside , we were welcomed by the amazing atrium lobby.  The circular shape of the hotel ensures that every guest room has a spectacular view of Smokies.   We stayed on the 13th floor our King bed room was clean and included a mini fridge and TV.  The bed was comfortable we both had a great night sleep.

 A creative wood art carved by the lobby of  Park Vista.

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36 comments Cabin and Hotel Reviews, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States

Cataract Falls Hike in the Smoky Mountain

We enjoyed our short hike to Cataract Falls,  one of the most popular falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Located just a half mile behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cataract Falls is an easy hike with a small set of stairs near the falls.  The first part of the trail was flat and featured a small foot bridge that crossed the creek next to a tree that had some very interesting features.

At the end of the hike you will find a beautiful waterfall. The waterfall is comprised of two low-flow streams totaling a 25-foot drop into a small pool below.  After periods of rain, the waterfall is quite impressive!

📌  Hike the Smokies Challenge

Our very first hike at Smokies.

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19 comments Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Hiking Trails, Tennessee, United States, US National Park, Waterfalls