Tag: state parks
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Five Favorites: The Weird, The Magical, & The Unexplained
Some of the most memorable places aren’t the ones you plan for. They’re the ones that feel a little unexpected. A little strange. The kind of places that make you pause and wonder—what is the story here? Over the years, I’ve found that some of my favorite travel experiences fall into that category. Not the…
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Fall Leaves & Natural Bridges- Exploring Head of the Crow State Park
Tennessee seems to be running a little late with the fall colors this year. All through October we kept watching the trees, waiting for any sign of autumn to peek through. And then, almost overnight, the colors arrived — the brilliant golds and fiery reds painting the hillsides in that unmistakable fall glow. But with…
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Five Favorites : Autumn Hikes in Tennessee
Fall is officially here! It’s my favorite season—the hot, heavy days of summer give way to cooler air, vibrant colors, and the chance to finally step outside without hiding in the comfort of air conditioning. This time of year, you can usually find us on the trails of Tennessee’s state parks, soaking in the crisp…
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Hiking at Lost Creek Falls- Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park {Tennessee}
Summer has arrived in Tennessee, and the state parks are calling. Recently, Tennessee State Parks announced the designation of several new parks, bringing the total number to an impressive sixty. We’re still working toward our goal of visiting them all, so we couldn’t pass up the chance to explore one of the newest additions. Scott’s…
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Hiking Greeter Loop Trail- Savage Gulf State Park {Tennessee}
With the weather finally beginning to thaw after the frozen temperatures of winter, it felt like the perfect time to get outside and go hiking in Savage Gulf State Park. And of course, for us there is no better place to welcome the coming of spring than at a Tennessee state park. When we first…
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Elephant Seals, Moonstones, & Tide Pools on the Central Coast {California}
It had been four years since my last trip to California. Some of my lifelong friends had moved to the Central Coast, settling in the quiet coastal town of Los Osos. Over the years they’ve become more like family, and being so far away from them had been harder than I expected. For months I…
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Bald Eagles & Snowy Trails- Winter Beauty at Radnor Lake {Tennessee}
There are two kinds of people when it snows in Tennessee. The first rush to the grocery stores, stocking up on supplies to hibernate for a few days. The second head straight outside, eager to enjoy the rare winter wonderland. It should come as no surprise that we fall into the second group. When we…
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The Colors of Fall at the Great Stone Door- Savage Gulf State Park {Tennessee}
Tennessee seems to have taken its sweet time giving in to the fall season. Here we are at the end of October, and only in the last few days has all the trees burst with color. But when the color burst comes, it fills the soul with wonder and joy. The university where I work…
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A Month of Food, Festivals, and Fall {Tennessee & Indiana}
I love when fall finally comes. It is my favorite time of year when the leaves start to change color and new life seems to immerge all around. I love seeing haybale creations, orange and red flowers that match the trees, and what feels like an explosion of pumpkins and apples everywhere. It also seems…
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Nature and History in Greenville {South Carolina}
Long weekends are made for family time, road trips, and the little detours that make travel memorable. On a recent trip to visit family in North Carolina, we decided to hop over the border for a day and explore the beautiful city of Greenville, South Carolina. I’d heard so many people describe Greenville as a…