Crashing waves on the Ireland Shore along the Ring of Kerry

10 Spots You Should Not Miss on the Ring of Kerry in Ireland

February 18, 2020February 21, 2020Travel & AdventureLeave a comment

Kerry county is one of the most beautiful and scenic in all of Ireland. Kerry’s history, beauty, and romance draw visitors worldwide who want to experience all that old Ireland has to offer.

There was only one runway in the Kerry airport back in 2003 when I visited, but I have read that it services over four hundred thousand passengers every year!

I was there with my mom, and there were only a handful of people in the airport that day. When I walked to the ticket counter I noticed a lot of commotion. The little red haired guy behind the counter was literally hopping up and down in excitement because he had heard that the actor, Hugh Grant was in the airport. The guy reminded me of a real live leprechaun. It turns out that he was correct. I turned the corner and there my mom and I were in an empty airport lobby face to face with Hugh Grant and another guy. No one else was around. It was freaky. I didn’t want to disturb his privacy, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity for a photo.

My mom took the picture of us standing arm in arm. Sweet right? However, I had one of those old school digital cameras back then that has a delay after the click before it shoots. So when we thought she had taken the picture we moved apart then…click! Ha! The picture looks like he was trying to get away from me! Too funny. I’m not going to include it on this post without his permission, but I still enjoy telling the story of my brush with fame.

In Ireland you drive on the left side of the road. There were cows in the street in the Ring of Kerry.

What is the Ring of Kerry?

The Ring of Kerry is a 120 mile circular road around the Iveragh Peninsula, but it is more than just a road. It’s a special road that takes you through 10,000 years of history with magnificent landscapes – from jagged rock cliffs, beautiful lakes, the crashing waves on the coast, deep woodlands, tumbling waterfalls, magical castles, quaint chapels, museums, villages, estates, and parks which are all contained in the Ring of Kerry. You can drive around without stopping in just a few hours, but it is best experienced if you take your time and stop along the way to soak in this beautiful countryside and all the attractions.

Insider Tip: Make sure to drive it clockwise to avoid getting stuck behind the tour buses going the opposite way.

Here are a few things you will want to make sure you don’t miss:

1. Killarney National Park

Ireland's Killarney National Park has great scenic views along The Ring of Kerry.

Stone walls divide up farmland along Ireland's Ring of Kerry drive. — The stone walls add such character to the farmlands in Ireland.

The Ring of Kerry starts in one of the best parts: Killarney National Park. This part of the journey takes you through what I think is some of the most breath-taking scenery in all of Ireland.

There are some great hiking trails in the park, most of which are nice and flat. The famous Lakes of Killarney are there, and you can kayak or canoe with beautiful views everywhere you look. The lakes host numerous top class golf courses and have several top rated places to stay.

2. Muckross Estate

Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish Free State in 1932. This was before the creation of Killarney National Park in Ireland. It was the first national park on the Emerald Isle. Muckross House, built in 1843, was eventually opened to the public in the early 1960’s, but you can only see it with a guided tour. I wish I could tell you about the tour, but I did not get a chance to do that.

The beautiful estate sits on 1,300 acres and is full of history. I have heard that it is well worth the visit. There are walled gardens and farms that make it look like a movie scene.

3. Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall is a must-see along Ireland's Ring of Kerry drive. — Torc Waterfall

My husband and I love waterfalls. If you love waterfalls as much as we do then make sure to visit Torc Waterfall before leaving Killarney National Park. It is well worth seeing and like all waterfalls, it is best seen after heavy rains. Fortunately it rains often in Kerry!

Torc Waterfall is a 5-minute scenic woodland walk off the N71 Killarney Kenmare road. The waterfall is some 70 to 80 feet high and the Owengarriff river which feeds it rises in what is called “The Devil’s Punchbowl” on nearby Mangerton Mountain. If you want the best view you will need to climb up a pretty steep set of steps, but it is not too bad. Seeing this magical waterfall is definitely one of the best things to do on the Ring of Kerry, so make sure to take the time to see it.

4. Moll’s Gap

Moll's Gap has great scenery along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland.

MacGillycuddy’s Reeks is known as the country’s highest mountain range. Moll’s Gap, on the way to Kenmare via the Ring of Kerry is a great place to get a great view of the famous ‘Black Stacks’. The spot is named after Moll Kissane who was the owner of a small pub in the 1820s.

Green grass fields divided by gray stone walls along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. — The hillside was covered in green grass fields divided by gray stone walls.

Irish farmland by the cliffs along Ireland's Ring of Kerry. — The stone walls are make the views extra scenic I think.

5. Ross Castle

Ross Castle on the bank of Lough Leane along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland.

Many people travel to Ireland just to see the castles so you don’t want to miss the wonderful Ross Castle on the bank of Lough Leane.

The history books tell us that it was first built by the O’Donoghue clan in the 15^th century but later became occupied by the Brownes, who were the Earls of Kenmare, during the Second Desmond Rebellion in 1580.

The chieftain who built the castle was O’Donoghue Mór, a man known for his wisdom and wealth. Irish folklore says that he lies sleeping under the lake to this day but appears every seven years to grace his land with good fortune. They say that anyone who sees him the first morning of May will live a long and prosperous life. He is supposedly the gallant spirit who appears beneath the water before circling the lake on his huge white horse. Let me know if you see him.

6. Ladies View

Ladies View in Killarney National Park along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland.

Ladies View is a shining star in Killarney National Park. In 1861 during Queen Victoria’s royal visit here it is said her ladies-in-waiting liked the spot so much that it was named in their honor.

Spotlighted on thousands of Instagram pages every year, it is one of the most photographed spots in Ireland. Be sure to stop at the various viewing points along the Ring of Kerry en route to Kenmare and take in all the spectacular views.

Green grass farmlands and mountains provided beautiful views along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. — The peaceful farmlands were simply beautiful.

Mama sheep with her baby along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. — I love this picture. Sweet baby!

Sheep grazing by the water along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland.

7. Skellig Islands

Skellig's Islands, filming location for Star Wars, along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland.

Attention all Star Wars fans! A trip to the Skellig Islands should be on the top of your bucket list. These islands were the filming location for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi.” I admit that I lost interest after about the third movie in the series, but if you are into it you can channel your inner Luke Skywalker as you tread the same ground as your beloved hero.

And for nature lovers, Skellig Michael and its close neighbor Little Skellig is a haven for wildflowers. Michael is a rocky island occupied by an abandoned 7th-century Christian monastery and is a major tourist destination. During the summer several boats from Portmagee make the journey there.

Home to a colony of Atlantic Puffins during the warmer months, the Skellig Islands is a place of natural beauty, historical interest and Hollywood significance.

And did someone say chocolate? That’s right. About 15 minutes off the Ring of Kerry, Skelligs Chocolate Factory is the perfect place to take a break and indulge your taste buds.

There are free tasting sessions every day (did I mention that free is my favorite price?) and a great little café.

Its location is actually pretty remote, so it is only open from Easter to September. But with the amazing views of the Skelligs Rock and the mouth watering taste of quality chocolate how can you resist?

Waves along rocky cliffs by the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. — The waves hitting the rocks was simply majestic!

Boats along shore of Ring of Kerry in Ireland — Ireland is a water lover’s paradise.

8. Killorglin, Puck Fair

Mountain goats are the thing in Killorglin during Puck Fair along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. — I know….This is not a mountain goat. But a big hairy sheep is sort of cute too. Am I right?

I’m not really including this in my you can’t miss this list, because I’m not a fan of worshiping goats. But if you are taking your Kerry road trip in the month of August, did you know that some people plan their entire trip around a mountain goat? During one weekend in August the locals all gather in the town of Killorglin for what is thought to be the oldest festival in Ireland. Puck Fair, which dates back to Pagan times sounds like a truly unique experience.

After carefully selecting a mountain goat, they take him into the town, crown him King of Ireland and spend the next three days worshiping him with a weekend of song, dance and drink. Not my thing, but it is interesting to read about.

9. Sneem

Wouldn’t you like to go back home and tell people you spotted a fairy on your trip to Ireland? Well Sneem is the place to find them.

Home of “The Way the Fairies Went” (also known as The “Pyramids”), it is a wonderful stop off point to take a break and explore some of the magic of Ireland.

Known as ‘The Knot’ in The Ring of Kerry this interesting little village is full of places to eat, rest and explore. Rated as one of Ireland’s Top 10 Tourism Towns Sneem is a place where the mountains and water meet. It is definitely worth making the time to visit.

Green rolling hills along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland.

Irish farmland along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. — Irish farmlands were all along the Ring of Kerry.

The cliffs were gorgeous along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland.

10. Kenmare

Kenmare in Ireland along the Ring of Kerry.

Down the road some from Moll’s Gap is the quaint little town of Kenmare. Translated from Gaelic it means ‘Head of the Sea.’ Kenmare has activities for all ages. There is golfing, shopping, horseback riding, and awesome places to eat or try that Irish pint. An overnight stay is a great idea, but it is smart to plan ahead during heavy tourist seasons.

Enjoy More of my Ireland Pictures Below:

Irish farmhouse along Ring of Kerry in Ireland.

Irish church steeple along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. — This church steeple has a distinctly Irish look to it.

Scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland.

Scenic view along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland.

Which part sounds the most interesting to you? Do you think you might visit Ireland sometime? Share your thoughts below.

20 Free Things To Do in Birmingham, Alabama

February 11, 2020January 18, 2021Travel & Adventure7 Comments

Here are my top 20 free things to do in Birmingham, Alabama

10 Things We Loved About Disney’s Animal Kingdom

January 26, 2020January 26, 2020Travel & Adventure1 Comment

Disney’s Animal Kingdom was so much fun! Richard and I had the opportunity to visit in November on my birthday (I won’t tell you how old I am, but I will say that Disney always brings out the kid in all of us). Disney’s Animal Kingdom park is a Walt Disney World theme park near Orlando, Florida. It is sort of a theme park/zoo with daily and nightly attractions and experiences, including the new Pandora – The World of Avatar, which had our favorite ride in it. Here are ten things we loved about it, and we think you will love it too.

1. Animals in Their Natural Habitats

The park is divided into different “continents,” and each one has restaurants with food from that area as well as shows and attractions that go along with that continent, like Asia or Africa. My favorite area for animals was Africa, but there were animals in every continent. On the Discovery Island Trails (near the Tree of Life) we saw a swan, flamingos, deer, a lemur, and a kangaroo. The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is also a great place to see animals like monkeys and meerkats. There were also tons of different kinds of birds that you wouldn’t normally see anywhere else.

In Asia the Maharajah Jungle Trek is very cool. That’s where you can see tigers and a komodo dragon. The walk itself is beautiful. It’s a self-guided tour, where you cross over towering footbridges, curve around jungle foliage views, and see some amazing waterfalls. If you walk into the aviary you hear lots of chirping from over 50 species of birds that fly free. If you love to look at birds don’t miss this. I love all things animal, so I was definitely in my element for sure. What’s great about this place though is that the animals were not behind bars but in safe areas that were just like their natural habitats. So even though the rides and shows are great in this park, make sure you take time to see some of the animals too. Legend has it that the Anandapur Royal Forest was once the hunting ground of wealthy maharajahs, but now people can walk into what looks like a real lush tropical paradise.

2. Tree of Life

In the middle of Discovery Island is the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life is a 145-foot sculpture, but it looks like a real baobab tree. It is supposed to be based on mythology. On the trunk and branches are 325 carvings of different animal species. The longer I stood there and looked at it the more I spotted. There are tons of real trees and gardens in the park, so this is one of the few artificial ones. You really can’t miss it. It is almost in the direct center of the park, and it is huge!

The Tree of Life Awakenings begin at dark and occur about every 10 minutes until the park closes, so try to stop by there if you are in the park at night. It slowly lights up with animations. At first flickering fireflies magically appear and stir to life the animal spirits in the tree’s towering trunk. Little by little parts of the tree light up with dazzling color and animated imagery. There are scenes like a young doe going on a journey, a love story between hummingbirds, a sly fox, and more. It is neat to see.

3. A Bug’s Life Show

At the base of the Tree of Life is the entrance to the 428-seat theater inside the tree that hosts It’s Tough to Be a Bug! This is totally worth seeing – even for us adults. While you wait in line you get 3-D glasses to put on. The film is based on the 1998 Disney/Pixar film A Bug’s Life, and it is so well done! There are animated characters in the theater plus some of the best 3-D technology I’ve ever experienced. The show is funny, and the 3-D effects seemed very real. I don’t want to spoil the surprises at the end, but I will say, “Hold on to your seat!”

4. Festival of The Lion King Show

Located in Africa, this show is a must-see. I loved the Lion King musical on Broadway (I’ve seen it twice), and I thought the musical talent in this show was right up there with Broadway. The colorful costumes, audience participation, singing, and dancing were all spectacular. Check out my video at the end of this blog for a little sampling.

The audience is divided into four “tribes” who all join the members of the Pride Lands for a beautiful colorful celebration in honor of Simba, the lion cub who would be king. When the lights dim, you hear the sounds of the African savanna. And then amazing colors fill the stage in the center when gigantic puppets, dancers with extravagant costumes, amazing acrobats, stilt walkers, and a fire dancer emerge. It is truly spectacular. I loved hearing some of my favorite songs from the Lion King movie like “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” And the spectacular finale includes a beautiful rendition of “Circle of Life.”

5. Kilimanjaro Safari

And speaking of Africa – I had the opportunity to visit the real continent of Africa and go on a real safari once, so I have to admit I did not expect a safari in a theme park to be this good. But of course everything Disney does is top-notch. You ride in an open air rugged safari vehicle, driven by an expert guide as you explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. Our guide said it is home to 34 species living in 110 acres of open plains, shady forest landscapes and rocky wetlands. She pointed out animals and shared lots of wildlife facts during our expedition. As I have mentioned before, I love animals so I had a great time.

6. Pandora – World of Avatar at Night

What is Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? This area is fairly new and is themed after the record-breaking, box-office hit film Avatar. Even if you have not seen the movie you will enjoy the lush world of Pandora that exists supposedly long after the human conflict with the Na’vi has ended. It is pretty in the daytime, but it is transformed into a glowing wonderland at night with bioluminescent flora and detailed lighting that gives Pandora a sort of dreamlike quality. There is so much to do and see in Pandora, but our favorite is next on my list.

7. Avatar – Flight of Passage

I will just tell you what I kept saying over and over during this entire ride: “Oh, wow!” I know this sounds like I am exaggerating, but it is one of the coolest things I have ever experienced. My husband says the same thing. It seemed so real! When you are in line you go through this whole science lab simulation where you learn how an Avatar is created. Then they pretend to “scan your DNA” and change you into a creature who can ride a banshee, which are these winged dragon-like things.

So what is the ride? You actually get on a motorcycle type thing and look at a giant screen with 3-D goggles on. The 3-D technology is amazing! That along with other special effects like your seat tilting and a light spray in your face when it seems like you are falling down a waterfall make it seem so real. Can you imagine straddling the back of a wing-flapping banshee, darting and swirling through the canyon, over oceans, down waterfalls, through trees? Avatar Flight of Passage will transport you on an amazing, simulated flight over Pandora’s colorful landscape.The scenery was absolutely beautiful! You’ll soar around floating mountains, plunge through ancient caverns, and skim across roaring oceans, leading to a realistic encounter with the fiercest king of the air, the Great Leonopteryx that boasts a 45-foot wingspan. And it definitely is realistic. I was a little scared, as it felt like I was flying at top speed down a canyon. I had to keep telling myself, “It’s not real. It’s not real.” But I promise you, it seemed so real! If you have to pick one ride not to miss in Disney’s Animal Kingdom this is it.

8. Expedition Everest – The Legend of Forbidden Mountain

Now moving over into Asia (it seems like we spent most of our time in Africa and Asia). This is another “Oh wow!” ride, but truth be told I wasn’t saying anything at all during this ride. That’s because I was screaming my head off in sheer terror the entire time. Well, maybe I am exaggerating but it was really scary to me. Not really having a clue we just got in line and got ourselves locked into the seat ready to go. Then it took off, and oh man! It starts off in a Tibetan village at the base of Mount Everest. Then before you know it you are racing through icy Himalayan peaks on a speeding train while avoiding running into the mythical Yeti. This legendary snow monster supposedly lives deep in the mountain, and there are signs all along the way warning of him.

There is a super steep ascent at first. And I will say that that’s all we saw from the park. We just saw the train going up a steep hill and into a mountain. I think if we had seen what happens once that train disappears into the mountain we might have chickened out. Anyway, after this steep ascent, your train picks up speed and races into the darkness. Without warning, a broken and twisted track with a huge dropoff appears in front of you, and it looks like you will fall off the cliff to your death. But you have to brace yourself as you are hurled backward into total darkness. Inside the cavern, the mythical tale comes true as you see the shadow of a massive, growling creature……the Yeti! I should have known better when I read the signs warning: “Some parts of Expedition Everest may be scary for children. This attraction features loud noises, fast drops, high speeds, dark places and frightening creature effects.” Well, who knew? It was one of those things that scared me so much it was fun.

9. Fast Track Passes

When we first entered the park a very helpful worker there helped us download the Disney app, create an account, and make our fast pass reservations. Disney FastPass is a service included with your ticket purchase and lets you reserve access to select rides, attractions, and entertainment. It is so awesome to be able to walk right past all the people standing in the long lines and get in the special much shorter Fast Pass line. We were able to choose three attractions, and the park worker helped us choose the ones that would be more popular. You can make selections as early as 30 days before you arrive, so some were already booked by the time we figured this out. If you are staying in a Disney hotel you can make your FastPass+ selections up to 60 days prior to check-in for the entire length of your stay. You have to link your park admission to your account, but a Disney employee can help you do that. And the best part? There is no extra charge for this complimentary benefit.

10. Great Food

The cool thing about the Disney app linked to your park admission is that you can make reservations for specific times at the restaurants. Each “continent” in Disney’s Animal Kingdom has restaurants with food from that geographical area. We ate in Asia at “Yak and Yeti,” and it was delicious! But there is lots of great food everywhere including “Tusker House” and “The Rainforest Cafe.”

Have you been to Disney’s Animal Kingdom? What was your favorite part? Please leave a comment below, and share my post with others. I appreciate it! I hope you enjoy my video. 🙂

The Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, FL

January 5, 2020March 21, 2020Travel & Adventure16 Comments

St. Augustine – This is a beautiful view from Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park!

Wish you could find a fountain of youth? Well, we did. Where is the fountain of youth? We are talking about the Fountain of Youth St. Augustine. OK, so actually Ponce de Leon supposedly did first discover it in what is now St. Augustine, Florida. St. Augustine is such a great city to visit. It is an easy 2 hour day trip from Orlando and has lots of tourist attractions such as the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. (Scroll to the bottom for my video.)

It is easy to overlook the Fountain of Youth, but don’t miss it!

The Spring House where the fountain is located is on a 15 acre property called Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the original site of the Nation’s oldest city. Juan Ponce de Leon was the first to explore the area in 1513. It was settled by Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565, so this historic coastal town is actually the oldest successful European settlement in the United States. I lived near Boston while in graduate school, and I never even heard of St. Augustine until recently. But evidently Colonial America started right there in St. Augustine 55 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, and 42 years before Jamestown! Who knew? So the Fountain of Youth Park St. Augustine, Florida is a must see. With a long, rich history of almost 500 years it is a very informative and entertaining tour. You can walk around at your own pace and look at things or stop and watch live demonstrations (see my video below) or listen to informative talks on some aspect of the history. I get bored easily, but I really liked this attraction.

There were random peacocks everywhere in the Fountain of Youth Park

We learned a lot about the history of Ponce de Leon.

It was fun discovering history in the Fountain of Youth Park.

You can actually take a sip of the water from the “Fountain of Youth” in the Spring House. That’s pretty cool! You can learn about the saga of Juan Ponce de Leon and his search for new lands and magical waters, or the tragedy of the Timucua civilization, or the interesting story of Pedro Menendez de Aviles and the settling of St. Augustine, as I mentioned earlier. In addition to the Spring House some of the exhibits include: Navigators Planetarium, Discovery Globe, Live Peacocks, a Blacksmith Exhibit, Timucuan Burials and Village, Nombre de Dios Mission, 1565 Menendez Settlement, Excavations, Spanish Lookout, Cannon Firing, Chalupa Boathouse, Founders Riverwalk, and Menendez Statue/Park.

This Ironsmith was giving demonstrations in the Fountain of Youth Park.

This is an old Spanish Lookout at the Fountain of Youth.

They fire this cannon off periodically in the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.

Guides dress in period clothing to give interpretive talks at Fountain of Youth.

They have free parking and a Smoked BBQ restaurant in the park. They also have picnic tables to use if you want to bring your own lunch. And they give discounts to Adult US Active Military with ID and AAA Cardholders. Next time you are near St. Augustine, Florida check it out!

The Fountain of Youth Park had lots of old relics like this wooden boat.

We also did the Old Jail tour. There is so much more to do and see in this town.

St. Augustine also has a real castle that you can walk around and a lighthouse that you can go into. We only had part of a day, so we did not get to see the lighthouse but hope to next time.

There is a castle in St. Augustine, Florida!

Since we were in St. Augustine Thanksgiving week, we got to experience the Night of Lights Tour that evening. It is a super fun thing to do for people of all ages from November through February. See my post on it here.

This is where you but tickets to the trolley and the Old Jail. Parking is very limited, but if you buy a trolley ticket you can park in their lot for free.

With your ticket to the Old Jail you go through this store to a cute little museum.

As a teacher I just had to take a picture of this!

Below is a short video of some of the highlights of the Fountain of Youth tour. Comment and tell me what you liked!

Night of Lights Tour – St. Augustine

December 31, 2019January 5, 2020Travel & AdventureLeave a comment

If you happen to be in Florida this holiday season you don’t want to miss this awesome tradition. The light tours run until the first part of February, so you still have time. We were in Orlando over Thanksgiving week and took a day trip to St. Augustine (it’s a 2 hour drive from Orlando). I will warn you though if you plan to go next year that same week be prepared for crowds! We went the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday), and the streets were packed full of tourists. We were so grateful someone suggested that we get in line an hour early. We also had Fast Pass tickets (I highly suggest this). I know that sounds crazy, but the line behind us had literally hundreds of people in it. Whew!

OK, so what is the Night of Lights Tour? St. Augustine, Florida is a super cool historic coastal city. In fact, it is America’s oldest city. And they take decorating with lights to a whole new dimension. The businesses have a competition to see whose decorations are the best (viewers vote online), so they spare no expense. Some of these places make the Griswold’s house look dull (If you have never seen “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” 1989 you have no idea what I’m talking about, and I’m showing my age). The town says the tradition was inspired by an ancient holiday practice brought there by the Spanish of displaying lit candles on window sills. To experience the glow of the season and see the more than 3 million lights adorning every corner of the city’s historic district, you take a ride on the Old Town Trolley’s Nights of Lights Tour! I call it the Christmas Trolley. While waiting in line an elf hands you your “ticket,” which is really a pair of “magic” 3-D glasses. When you put the glasses on the lights take on a whole new character. It is so cool! For example, there were small round bulbs strung around the tree trunks, but with the glasses on they looked like bright star bursts! And the mood on the trolley is very fun and festive. Christmas songs are playing the whole time, and some people sing. Everyone is in a good mood, and the people we passed all waved and cheered us on. We had great weather, but it can get chilly so you will want to bring a coat or jacket.

Tours depart from the Visitor Information Center, 10 West Castillo Drive, and each tour takes about 30 minutes with continuous departures every 10-15 minutes from 6pm to 9pm. This season the tours are held nightly from November 24, 2019 – February 2, 2020, but it may be different next year. When the tour ends you are served homemade sugar cookies and hot apple cider! It was super fun. St. Augustine was voted “One of the Top Ten Places to See Holiday Lights” by National Geographic Traveler. Hopefully you can add this to your must-see list this holiday season or plan a trip for next year!

For a review of the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine see my blog post here. It is a definite must-see!

Top 10 Fun Things To Do in Branson, MO

November 27, 2019June 17, 2020Travel & Adventure13 Comments

Have you ever been to the Ozark Mountains? Branson, in southwest Missouri has been called the #1 Family Vacation Spot in America, but on our recent trip we found it to be just as fun for couples. Right through the middle, 76 Country Boulevard is famously lined with lots of theaters, restaurants, and attractions. It once hosted mostly country music performers but today the entertainment is very diverse.

Shows include everything from rock tribute bands to pop to country music as well as magicians, comedians, ice skaters, and much more. Also along the strip are attractions like the Marvel Cave, the Wild West-style Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction and Silver Dollar City, an 1800s-themed amusement park with live music.

This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn commission when you click these links at no additional cost to you.

1. Showboat Branson Belle

Showboat Branson Belle – This is really fun. We enjoyed beautiful views of Table Rock Lake from a unique vantage point as we cruised around. Themed after the majestic showboats of the 1800s, the Showboat Branson Belle will take you on a two-hour cruise across the waters of Table Rock Lake.

The ship has four decks you can walk around on, so you get panoramic views of the Ozark Mountains — beautiful at any time of the year. We walked up to the very top deck and enjoyed live music and great views.

In addition to time for exploring the lake, your Showboat Branson Belle ticket includes a performance of an outstanding live show and a three-course meal! The show was very entertaining. We had great seats on the third deck facing the stage inside. Sitting next to us was an older couple celebrating their anniversary. In getting to know them I learned that they were both professional water skiiers and still ski. I was so excited, because I used to perform in water ski shows (see my Sunshine Award post). Everyone was so friendly and happy – maybe because they were all on vacation like us! Ha! So you are getting a boat cruise, a dinner, and a show all-in-one.

Showboat Branson Belle in Branson Missouri — We had great seats for the show on the Showboat Branson Belle!

Before and after your cruise, you can enjoy the scenery and shopping at the ship’s dock, White River Landing. There are two specialty shops there with clothing, jewelry and accessories at Layton Mercantile and a variety of Showboat Branson Belle souvenirs and Table Rock Lake apparel at McAdoo’s Boatworks. Parking at White River Landing is free — and you don’t have to have a ticket to look around McAdoo’s Boatworks or Layton Mercantile.

2. Titanic Museum

Titanic Museum – This is a cool museum. It is hard to miss this half-scale replica of the ship as you drive along Highway 76 in Branson. The Titanic Museum is really much more than just a museum; it’s an interactive attraction that tells the stories of those who were onboard for the famous ocean voyage. This shipwreck has fascinated the world for more than a century.

Those who were lost, as well as those who survived, are memorialized in the displays, special events, and holiday celebrations held throughout the year. Both entertaining and educational, it has everything from authentic artifacts to news coverage from the time of the disaster, to personal items from families and loved ones of those who were aboard the Titanic. You can dip your fingers in the 28 degree water and touch a real growing iceberg.

The museum goes to great lengths to transport passengers back in time to the original voyage in 1912. What was really cool is that when you enter the museum you are given a boarding pass featuring the name of an original passenger. You can try to find out more about your passenger as you walk through the museum before discovering whether or not that person actually survived the catastrophe at the end of your visit. It makes the experience very personal instead of just learning about a long-distant event in history. This is different than most other museums I’ve visited.

As you travel through the museum, you’ll climb through different sections of the ship, including many that are built to the actual scale of the original. The huge dramatic Grand Staircase was pretty impressive. You’ll go from the engine room to cramped lower-class quarters and then up to more spacious first-class cabins. There are detailed reproductions as well as actual artifacts related to the ship.

It was sort of eerie and haunting to see the original life preserver vests, personal letters and other items that have survived more than a century since the ship’s collision with an iceberg. Photos and video were prohibited, so it is something you just have to see in person. But if you like history, I encourage you to check it out!

The Haygoods concert in Branson, Missouri — The Haygoods in concert in Branson, Missouri

3. See a Show

Shows – Branson is known for its many live shows and theaters. In addition to the show on the Branson Belle Showboat we saw the “Haygoods” in concert. It was so great! Video was not allowed, but it would not be the same as being there live anyway.

The Haygoods are a family who has been in show business together for 27 years. There are 5 brothers and one sister, and they all play several instruments and sing and dance. It was very entertaining and well worth the money. There are so many different types of entertainment. It is hard to choose! I’m glad we bought tickets to the Haygoods for sure.

Banjo Boy in Haygoods concert in Branson, Missouri — “Banjo Boy” challenges his fiddler brother in the Haygoods concert

4. College of the Ozarks

Eat Lunch at The Keeter Center and Walk Around the Campus of The College of the Ozarks – We are so happy that we heard about this place! The Dobyns Dining Room offers 5-Star Dining at the price of a regular restaurant, because it is prepared by culinary students.

We had lunch there and found it to be one of the highlights of our trip. Be sure to make reservations! We did not know to make reservations, so we had to wait over an hour and a half for a table. But that just gave us time to drive and walk around the beautiful college campus. See my video below for some footage. When looking for a unique restaurant in the Branson area, look no further. It is a farm to fork dining experience with live instrumental music Thursday through Saturday evenings, and on Sundays during their award-winning brunch.

Grist Mill at College of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri — They have their own grist mill at the College of the Ozarks!

There is a bakery with pastries, cookies, and a variety of coffee and specialty drinks any time of the day. We tasted a cranberry biscuit and a honey wheat roll – both delicious. The College Creamery has premium homemade ice cream, made with cream from their own campus dairy.

Keeter Center bakery in Branson, Missouri — Everything is student made at the Keeter Center.

From their website: “The Keeter Center is unique from other Branson restaurants, as it is an integral part of College of the Ozarks Work Education Program. Also known as Hard Work U, it provides the opportunity for full-time students to work at one of more than 120 campus workstations, in order to pay for their cost of education. By working 15 hours a week, student workers are earning their tuition and can graduate college debt free. Some of the student workers at The Keeter Center are Culinary Arts or Hospitality majors, while others are earning degrees in other fields of study, such as Nursing, Education, Engineering, and Business Administration.”

For reservations, call (417) 690-2146.

5. Water Light Show in Branson Landing

Watch the Water Light Show at Night From the Balcony of Cantina Laredo Restaurant – Branson Landing

Branson Landing is a cool place for all ages, offering more than 100 storefronts for specialty shops, restaurants and accommodations. It is easily walkable. Branson Landing is less than a mile long with a central, open-air promenade and a scenic Taneycomo Lakeside boardwalk.

The whole area is a great place to just hang out. Their tag line is: Branson Landing…Where Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Take Center Stage! And you don’t want to miss Branson Landing’s $7.5 million water and fire spectacular located in the middle of Town Square!

At the heart of the Landing is a busy town square with steps down to this $7.5 million spectacular water attraction that features what they call the first-ever merging of water, fire, light and music. It really is an amazing dazzling display of giant water fountains shooting 120-foot geysers and fire cannons blasting, all choreographed to light and music. And it is free! (My favorite price). See my video at the end of this post for some live footage.

6. Mel’s Hard Luck Diner

Eat a Hamburger at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner and Be Serenaded

Mel's Hard Luck Diner in Branson, Missouri — All the servers sing at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner!

This is a fun place that feels like it is straight off the set of “Happy Days.” For 27 years now, their talented servers (and sometimes cooks and bus staff) have been singing people’s favorite songs while serving up some really great food too.

This 1950s themed diner is staffed by talented, professional singers, songwriters and musicians. Many have been or are currently in some of Branson’s most popular productions. These are not amateurs. They are professional, award winning entertainers, including one who climbed high on “American Idol!”

We enjoyed the food too. Awesome cheeseburger, and we got to listen to some oldie but goody favorite songs performed live and up close… a truly unique experience. They say at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner they “sing for your supper!”

Be sure to take a look around the diner and see the memorabilia and hard luck stories too. It is a cute place. The Grand Village shopping center where the diner is located is also pretty neat. Lots of little gift shops and specialty stores are there if you like shopping.

Giant rocker in Grand Village shopping center in Branson Missouri — I look like Rosanne from that old “Saturday Night Live” skit!

7. Hiking

Go Hiking and See the Fall Colors

Hiking in Branson, Missouri is always fun.

We visited Branson in October. Fall is a great time to see some of leaves changing color, when it is not too cold. We took a short hike to a small waterfall, which was nice. You can also see some pretty Fall foliage along the shore if you take a boat tour.

Waterfall in Branson, Missouri — Small waterfall on our hike in Branson, Missouri

8. Other Museums and Attractions

Museums and Attractions

There are so many fun tourist attractions in Branson. Funny story…I walked up to this guy who was standing outside the wax museum to ask how much tickets were, when I realized two things: (1) He was Ryan Reynolds, and (2) He was not real! Ha!

wax museum Ryan Reynolds in Branson, Missouri — The wax figure of Ryan Reynolds looked so real.

King Kong wax museum in Branson, Missouri — A giant King Kong watches over the Wax Museum in Branson, Missouri

Wax Museum in Branson, Missouri — Look at those faces!

car outside wax museum in Branson, Missouri — Outside of the Wax Museum in Branson, Missouri

Maze of Mirrors in Branson, Missouri — Spooky attraction near the wax museum

airplane outside the wax museum in Branson, Missouri — He looks so serious! 🙂

Branson, Missouri attractions — We didn’t go in here, but I just had to show you these giant hands. They look so real!

9. Shopping

Shopping!

Branson has an outlet mall and lots of cute shopping areas with gift shops and specialty stores. What more could you want? Did someone say bargain?

Tanger Outlet Mall in Branson, Missouri — Outlet Mall in Branson, Missouri

Shopping in Branson, Missouri — There are so many cute little shops in Branson, Missouri.

Gift shop Branson, Missouri — Gift Shop in Branson

10. Silver Dollar City

Visit Silver Dollar City

We did not visit this theme park on our most recent trip, but it is definitely on our list for next time! Even in October they were advertising for their spectacular holiday events, and the lights look gorgeous!

In October they have pumpkins everywhere and pumpkin themed events. The theme park has awesome rides, but they are also known for their award winning shows as well. I have never heard anything negative about this park. In fact, my college roomate worked there one summer and met her now husband at Silver Dollar City! Just saying….you never know what could happen when you visit Branson!

Where to Stay

We booked our trip through BookVIP, and I cannot say enough good things about them. They have these outrageous deals all the time for really nice places. And sometimes they run specials where you can go for almost nothing. So, I will be honest. I was a little skeptical at first when I saw how low the prices are, but our accomodations were spectacular!

If you use this link you are guaranteed the best price at tons of amazing vacation destinations, and you will help support this blog at no additional cost to you. If you are a travel blogger shoot me an e-mail, because I have something extra for you.

Some clips of our Branson, MO trip

Have you ever been to Branson? Leave a comment below with your best Branson experiences.

Travel Tips From a Former Airline Worker

November 4, 2019November 4, 2019Travel & Adventure14 Comments

A teacher I work with, Leigh Turner, used to work for an airline. I recently asked her some random questions I’ve always wanted to know about airline travel. Her answers were very interesting. I hope you find some helpful tips here. Let me know your airline travel stories by leaving a comment. Leigh said, “I can only answer these from a ticket agent/gate agent perspective. I’m sure flight attendants will have a whole other list of do’s and don’t’s!”

* Things airline workers wish passengers would stop doing or things they would love to tell passengers but can’t because they need to keep a job or keep the peace.

READ THE FREAKING SIGNS!!! THEY ARE EVERYWHERE!!!

I DID NOT LOSE YOUR LUGGAGE BUT IF YOU CONTINUE TO BE AN A**, I CAN GUARANTEE YOUR LUGGAGE WILL NOT BE FOUND AS QUICKLY AS THE NICE PERSON BESIDE YOU.

DO NOT EVER JOKE ABOUT BOMBS, CRASHES, ETC. I WILL NOT LET YOU ON MY FLIGHT, AND I’M WELL WITHIN MY RIGHTS TO DENY YOU BOARDING.

Do not stuff your suitcase full and expect that it will arrive in the same condition. Overpacked luggage has been known to bust open.

* What kind of luggage is best? What about luggage locks?

Any luggage is fine. I have never locked my luggage but then again I don’t pack anything worth stealing. I will say I had a fake Louis Vuitton duffel bag stolen in Milwaukee. After that experience I never traveled with expensive luggage again. Do not check breakables. They will probably become broken.

* Reasons luggage gets lost. Can it be avoided? Prevented?

There are many different reasons from simple human error to late connections to lazy workers. The main way you can reduce your chances of lost luggage is to arrive at the airport at least 45 minutes- one hour before departure. What the traveler CAN do is to ALWAYS put identification on the outside AND inside of your luggage. As a reminder don’t ever check anything that you can’t easily replace. Between the ramp workers and TSA, there may be people going through your luggage. Jewelry, medicines, expensive purses, etc. should not be in your checked luggage.

* Why do they ask us to turn off our cell phones on a plane?

Not sure

* When is the best time to buy tickets? I’ve heard Tuesdays. Is that true?

That’s what I have heard too! Sign up for price alerts is the best way to monitor fare sales.

* How can being polite really help your travel experience? As with any customer service experience, you can catch a lot more flies with honey than with vinegar. Long story short, don’t cause a scene or make inappropriate jokes, you can and will be removed from a flight and/or denied boarding.

Weather is uncontrollable…that’s why it is referred to as an “act of God.” Every employee working your flight wants it to be on time too and wants your luggage to arrive with you!

* Packing tips – Roll, roll, roll all of your shirts, sweaters, and pants. Tuck underwear and socks into shoes, pack LIGHT!! Avoid checking luggage unless you must. For international travel I never carry a purse. I always use a backpack.

* What do the huge numbers on the runway mean?

Those numbers refer to the runway number. The runway numbers are based on 360 degrees. For example, in Memphis runways 9 and 27 run east and west. They represent 90 degrees and 270 degrees in a circle. Additionally, there are runways 36 and 18. Those refer to 360 degrees and 180 degrees.

* Things passengers don’t know about air travel:

Airplanes are an incredibly safe way to travel; much safer than driving. Airplanes are chilly, dress accordingly. Weather affects air travel. It may be sunny and beautiful in Memphis but If your aircraft is coming from San Francisco and they have delays due to fog, your flight may be delayed. IT IS NOT THE FAULT OF THE AIRLINES! Trust me, they want it to be on time too, late flights cause a chain reaction for the rest of the day!

* Are the tray tables really clean?

It depends. If your aircraft is the first trip of the day then, yes its clean. If your aircraft has a quick turnaround, meaning it pulls into the gate unloads and reloads, then no. No one has had the time to clean all of the trays.

* Is the water OK to drink?

Technically yes, however I would avoid it if possible. The taste will be different and the holding tanks are not as clean as your home.

* Is it really better to fly early in the day?

Not really. Fly when you want to!! However, your chances of your flights being on time are better the earlier you fly.

* Where is the best place to sit on an airplane? Back? Aisle?

This is personal preference. When I traveled with my small children, I preferred the back. The engines were louder which tended to drown out the whining and/or crying. Personally, I don’t like to be over the wing because I love to look at the scene unfolding outside of the window. If you are someone who needs to use the restroom often, then by all means, get an aisle seat!

* Is it true that if you check in late you will get your bags first?

Not necessarily true. The later you check in, the more you run the risk of your luggage not making the flight. Also, when you check in later, then yes, your luggage will be some of the last luggage loaded and obviously some the first unloaded. However, most of the time the rampers have many luggage carts to fill and don’t leave the aircraft until all luggage has been unloaded.

* Comment on dress code – how it has changed, etc.:

As a general rule, society has become much more “relaxed” in their dress code.

* Comment on flying pets

Where??? Did that monkey just start flying?? Just kidding. It can be expensive and very stressful for your pet. PLEASE see your vet ahead of time and get your pet some anxiety reducing meds – same for you if you need it. Generally, it is safe and the employees are well trained and love pets too just know that accidents could happen. Personally, I have never traveled with my pet nor would I want to.

* What’s with the first class line?

You pay more, you get treated better! LOL

* Are the blankets and pillows cleaned?

Yes, however, if you are the first flight of the day your chances are higher that you are the first one to use it. If you are a germaphobe, flying may not be the best way for someone to travel.

* What do you know/what can you recommend about airline reward programs and reward credit cards?

I would highly recommend them. Check with Consumer Reports or a similar type magazine for comparisons.

* What to bring on the airplane:

Depends on the length of the flight. For short domestic flights; snacks, earbuds, a book, magazine, and or crossword book will be fine. For longer international flights, all of the above plus socks, and possibly compression socks and I like a blow up neck pillow.

* Anything else 🙂

For long flights, drink lots of water and keep your shoes on. Your feet may swell!

Try to stay away from alcohol – it enhances swelling.

Dress in comfortable layers.

Once the door has been closed, if there is an empty seat somewhere just ask the flight attendant if you can move.

For international travel or trips that will involve shopping, leave room in your suitcase for your purchases or plan to carry them onboard.

Read over the TSA website and the airline website and review what you can and can’t take on board and put in your luggage. Make sure your carry- on luggage fits the size of the bins on the aircraft. You can find this on the airline’s website.

Fully research your destination.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the adventure!!!

I hope you enjoyed reading these tips. Do you have any to add? Any interesting flight stories to share? I’d love to hear from you.

It’s Fall Festival Time!

September 30, 2019October 18, 2019Travel & Adventure, UncategorizedLeave a comment

It’s Fall. Leaves changing, cooler weather, football, pumpkins, and lots of Fall festivals in towns all across the U.S. In The Memphis area where I live there is a festival in almost every town. I do love the Italian Festival in June, and there is always the famous Music Fest and Memphis in May. But since Fall is one of my favorite seasons I enjoy Fall festivals the best. Two of the biggest are the Cooper-Young Festival and the Germantown Festival. The Germantown Festival is one of the longest continuously run festivals in the area. My husband and I recently attended the 48th annual one this month, and I wanted to share some pictures with you.

The Germantown Festival is a free family fun weekend. with over 400 local and regional artists and craftsmen selling their unique treasures such as pottery, artwork, jewelry, metal, woodwork, hand-stitched clothing, paintings, and photography.

There is lots of food – everything from fair food like corn dogs, cotton candy, and funnel cakes to brats, barbecue, and even lobster. There is a Kids Zone with rides and activities for children, an auto show with new and classic cars, and live musical entertainment on a stage.

But being the dog lover that I am my favorite part is the Weenie Dog Race called “The Running of the Weenies.”

It is the cutest thing. There are lots of people with weenie dogs everywhere, and they have a Best Dressed Contest before the race when people embarrass their dogs by dressing them in creative costumes then parading them before the judges. And then the race. Owners line up holding their wiggly pups, while another person the dog loves is at the finish line cheering them on and encouraging them to run to them. It is hilarious. Half the dogs get sidetracked, and some even turn around and run back to the start! So cute.

So I want to hear from you. Comment below and tell me about your favorite festival where you live.

My Interview With a Travel Agent

September 22, 2019September 22, 2019Travel & AdventureLeave a comment

Earlier this month I was fortunate to get to interview a seasoned travel agent. Mike Stetson of Custom Travel in Collierville, Tennessee has over 30 years of travel experience and was so full of information and travel stories that I couldn’t write it all down! Below are the highlights of our conversation. I hope you find his insights helpful as you plan your next trip.

Cindy – Thank you so much for agreeing to tell us a little bit about travel. Your agency is called “Custom Travel’ located in Collierville, TN. What is this agency’s area of expertise?

Mike – We are a full service agency. We have 6 employees and between us all we have been to every continent.

Cindy – How long have you been in the travel industry and how many countries have you personally visited?

Mike – I have worked in the industry 30 years and have been to 132 countries myself.

Cindy – What made you want to get into this line of work?

Mike – I grew up an Air Force Brat and traveled a lot growing up. I first started out working in the toy industry and traveled internationally for my job. I moved over into travel, because it seemed like a safe, highly regulated industry with a lot of potential for me.

Cindy – What is your most favorite place you have ever traveled to?

Mike – Any place that I haven’t been is my favorite, because I’ve been so many places over and over. I’ve been to Cancun over 150 times, London over 50 times, Italy over 100. I’ve been on 450 cruises. Now most of these were group tours. But if a place is new to me I like that.

Cindy – What is the best time of year and does location matter?

Mike – As a general rule the best times to travel are between April 20 and May 20 or between Sep. 10 and Oct. 10. The most expensive time to travel is holidays – like July 4 or between December 18 and January 2. Traditionally the worst days to travel are the Wednesday and Sunday before and after Thanksgiving Day.

Cindy – Unfortunately for me as a teacher I can only travel during those expensive holidays! L Can you give my readers any tips or tricks for getting the best airfare?

Mike – Always book your flight far in advance. 330 days out frequent flyer tickets go on sale. So you don’t want to buy then – that’s too early. But 200 – 270 days out is the best time to find good prices on airlines.

Cindy – What documents should I carry?

Mike – Really a passport is all you need. It is recognized everywhere.

Cindy – What are your thoughts on travel insurance? Should people purchase travel insurance?

Mike – It depends. First, you should ask yourself, “Why am I buying it?” Am I accident prone? Do I get sick a lot? Do I have ill parents at home? Things like that. Then look at the cost. Some companies are self-insured. You want to look for one that says you are covered if you cancel for any reason. Otherwise there might be things they don’t cover. There are several good companies to choose from.

Cindy – What about all these fees we see? What is the advantage of using a travel agent vs. booking a trip myself?

Mike – Only the airline has a service fee. The travel agent will quote you the price of airfare plus a $40 service fee. When you look online, you see the price as is with no fee. However, travel agents are trained to know where to look for upgrades and deals. You also don’t have to call the airline when there is a problem. For example, during the recent hurricane Dorian that pounded the Bahamas the airline we had booked people on had a three hour wait on hold if you called them direct. For everyone who booked through us, we were able to redirect all of their flights with no problems. We are on call 24 hours a day.

Cindy – How can you tell if a travel agent is legitimate or is trying to trick you out of your money?

Mike – Always beware of agencies online only. Almost all of the travel scams are online or on the phone. Beware if there is no physical address – if their phone number is from Florida or California but they have no real address. If you do get scammed your credit card will usually protect you, but I always tell people to go with a local agency. There are some good travel agents who work from their homes, but they are still local. Always deal with a local agent unless there is a reason to buy somewhere else.

Cindy – Talk a little about all-inclusive resorts and cruises. What are some benefits and things to look out for?

Mike – With an all-inclusive resort many are located somewhere remote, and you are locked in to just the resort. So it is nice to be able to eat at any restaurant there without worrying about paying. Usually there are different themed restaurants like Mexican, Chinese, Italian, steak, and things like that so you can have variety. And it is all included. Pay attention to which room you choose. There is the island view then garden view then pool view then ocean view then ocean front. The first three are self explanatory, but ocean view usually means something different in other countries then it does here in the U.S. “Ocean view” somewhere else means you can see the ocean even if it is a half mile across the street. In the United States they cannot call it ocean view unless at least 60 % of the ocean is in view. And ocean front in the U.S. means there is no obstacle in between your window or porch and the ocean.

When booking a cruise watch for the cabin you choose. The progression is inside, ocean, balcony, then suite and the price increases with each step. There are inside cabins with no window and exterior with a window but depending on the level your window may be underwater completely. Some people say they never spend any time in their cabin. They just shower and sleep there, so they would rather not spend the money. Some people do not like that claustrophobic feel and want to be able to see out. Sometimes you can upgrade, but just like with airlines getting an upgrade is much more likely if you act nice.

Cindy – What is the craziest or funniest thing a customer has ever asked you?

Mike – I had a guy ask me who was the (expletive) who said it was going to be a 9 ½ hour train ride from here (Memphis) to Little Rock, AR. He expected it to be the same as driving and could not understand that if the route goes to Chicago first it will take 9 ½ hours by train.

Then there was the lady who asked if she could drive to Honolulu!

One of the funniest stories did not happen to me but it was a major airline and the video was on YouTube for a long time. The flight was canceled or delayed or something like that, and this man was irate. He tried to argue with the lady at the desk, and said “Do you know who I am?!” The lady got on the intercom and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, does anyone know this man? He does not know who he is!” That is so funny!

Cindy – That is funny. J What would you say are the top 3 mistakes travelers make?

Mike – #1 – They forget their passport. Without your passport you will not get very far.

#2 – Not knowing the rules or customs in the country they are visiting. America has laws that apply to citizens. So do other countries. Be aware of the rules and laws where you are traveling. And #3 – They don’t tell anyone where they are going. Always leave your itinerary with someone back home.

Cindy – When it comes to spending money on travel, what would you tell people is worth splurging on, and what would you say is not worth spending money for?

Mike – If it is a new destination for you, spend money on tours. You are there to see the country. A hotel is just a hotel. You are only there at night and will be out sight-seeing during the day. So go with a moderate priced hotel, and spend more on going out. If you are in Europe go ahead and go first class on the rail system. You will be so much more comfortable having all that room. Now in Asia it is just the opposite. Go ahead and pick a very nice hotel, because what is a $400 hotel over there would be $700 here. So if you have never stayed in a super luxury hotel, Asia is your chance.

Cindy – Wow, you have so much information and so many stories. Thank you so much for sharing your travel knowledge with my readers!

Mike – It was my pleasure.

For more information contact Mike Stetson at Custom Travel.

Do you have any other travel tips? I would love to hear about your funny travel stories and helpful hints.

Our Trip to Discovery Park America

September 4, 2019September 9, 2019Travel & AdventureLeave a comment

Cindy Baker

We have been wanting to visit Discovery Park ever since we heard about it when it was first built, and we were not disappointed. Discovery Park of America, located near Reelfoot Lake in West Tennessee, has something for all ages. According to their website, the mission of Discovery Park of America is to inspire children and adults to see beyond. From the 100,000-square-foot museum to to beautifully landscaped 50 acre heritage park outside, there is such a wide variety of interesting nature, science, technology, history, and art displays and hands-on activities that there really is something for everybody. From history to space exploration, Discovery Park of America aims to inspire you to see beyond and provide a greater understanding of our world – past, present and future. The park is located in Union City, TN so if you live in the area, it is an easy day trip from Nashville, Memphis, Jackson, and Dyersburg in Tennnessee and Paducah and Murray in Kentucky. Read to the end to watch our video.

We decided we did not want to get up early for the drive, so we went up from Memphis the night before and stayed overnight in Martin, TN. If you are ever in Martin, TN and are not on a diet try a cool restaurant we found called The Grind. It is a mac n’ cheese burger bar with lots of original unique menu items such as their creative milkshakes.

Museum

The museum showcases ten exhibit galleries focused on topics like Native American history, the military, natural history, regional history, science, space technology, art, transportation and more. Here is a list of experiences from their website:

Theater simulation of the 1811-12 earthquakes that contributed to creating the beautiful landscape in this region
20,000-gallon aquarium revealing the underwater life of Reelfoot Lake
Dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric artifacts
Military equipment, vintage automobiles and an actual Titan I missile ready to launch
Interactive displays focused on science, technology, engineering and math – and dozens more hands-on experiences. Enjoy some of my museum photos below:

Heritage Park

The 50-acre outdoor heritage park includes a man-made river flowing through the extensively-landscaped property, along with waterfalls, bridges and other water features. Here is a list of visitor experiences from their website:

Reproduction of a turn-of-the-century town with a working gristmill, windmill and one-room school house
Japanese, European and American gardens
Authentic 120-year-old church
Vintage train station and depot with locomotive, cars and caboose to explore inside and out
Liberty Hall including a replica of the Liberty Bell
One-of-a-kind, nature-inspired playground experience featuring a PlayOdyssey Tower, log steppers, log balance beams, hillside climbers, slides and a mini zip line
Ag Center showcasing the agricultural traditions and heritage of this region
Log cabins, farm buildings, equipment and family items providing a glimpse into rural life in the 1800s Enjoy some of my Heritage Park (outside the museum) photos below:

Discovery Park America is open Tuesday – Sunday. We found it to be very reasonably priced. For more information info@discoveryparkofamerica.com I hope you enjoy our little video:

On our way home we stopped by Reelfoot Lake to take some photos. I had never been there. The lake was formed from the violent New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812. The mighty Mississippi River flowed backwards for three days. How strange! The lake looks pretty cool, because there are Cypress trees growing up out of it. Below are a few pics.

Here’s a short video of Reelfoot Lake:

What is your favorite museum? Leave a comment below.

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