Category: Unique Experiences
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Celebrating Lunar New Year: Year of the Dragon at Middle Tennessee State University {Tennessee}
One of the great things about working at a university is getting to experience the wide variety of events and cultural programs that happen across campus. It also means being “in the know” about some truly special places that many people—sometimes even those who work here—don’t realize exist. One of those hidden gems is the…
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Cave Tour at Ruby Falls {Tennessee}
We have been to Chattanooga many times over the years, yet there are still places that remain on our list of things to see and experience. Near the top of that list has always been Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain. We have visited the nearby attraction Rock City Gardens a few times, and each visit…
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Visiting Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument {New Mexico}
A few years ago, I found myself traveling through the deserts of New Mexico, and it did not take long to understand why the state is called the “Land of Enchantment.” Between the rugged mountains, winding roads, and endless desert landscapes, there is something about New Mexico that feels both beautiful and timeless. One of…
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Lanterns & Pandas at IllumiNights-Zoo Atlanta {Georgia}
After experiencing the Chinese lantern festival at the Nashville Zoo the year before, we already knew how magical these nighttime lantern events could feel. So while we were visiting the Atlanta area and discovered that Zoo Atlanta hosted its own lantern festival called IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta, we immediately added it to our plans. The…
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Holiday Experiences: Lights, Traditions, & Festive Places {Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky}
We’ve been soaking in the festivities of the season over the past few weeks, with days filled with family gatherings, time with friends, holiday parties at work and school, and as many seasonal celebrations as we can possibly fit in. Even with the busy pace, I’ve really loved this stretch of time. The people and…
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From Monteverde to Playa Hermosa{Costa Rica}
After saying goodbye to Monteverde, we made a stop at Ponderosa Adventure Park to feed giraffes and zebras before spending our final days relaxing along the Pacific coast at Playa Hermosa. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable Costa Rica adventure.
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Coffee, Cocoa, Sugar Cane & Unexpected Cultural Celebrations {Costa Rica}
From pressing fresh sugar cane and making chocolate to learning about Costa Rica’s famous coffee industry, the Don Juan Plantation offers one of the most engaging cultural experiences in Monteverde. Our day ended with an unexpected parade filled with traditional dancers, music, and beautifully painted oxcarts.
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Uncle Nearest Distillery: An Untold Story of Friends & Whiskey{Tennessee}
Discover the remarkable story of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the man who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. A visit to Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee combines history, storytelling, whiskey tastings, and one of the most unique distillery experiences in the state.
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Visiting Altos de Chavón: La Romana’s Beautiful Mediterranean Village {Dominican Republic}
Discover why Altos de Chavón became one of our favorite surprises in the Dominican Republic. This recreated Mediterranean village overlooking the Chavón River combines art, history, culture, and breathtaking views in one unforgettable destination.
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Moments & Misadventures :: Independence Day in My Hometown
When big holidays come there is just no place like home to celebrate them. And for me, no holiday rings more true to that than being in my hometown of Provo Utah for the 4th of July to celebrate America’s independence. The term hometown implies that it’s a small city- but Provo is quite large…