Think of this page as our family photo book full of places we have enjoyed in one calendar year.
To make it as simple as possible for my readers to get out there and explore the same places we have enjoyed, I have included all the links I could to the places we hiked, camped, stayed, ate, and more.
I also included places either one of us or both of us went with one, two, or all of our kids.
For current pictures of our travels, follow us on Instagram.
JANUARY 
Dutch Kuntry, Pembrooke, KY
We enjoyed several Amish grocery stores during our time in Kentucky, but I am pretty sure this one was Jack’s favorite! He couldn’t resist the low price of this locally-made beef jerky. Thankfully it tasted amazing!
Round Table Literary Park, Hopkinsville, KY
Found on the campus of Hopkinsville Community College, this roadside attraction is a quick must-stop for literary lovers.
Eiffel Tower Park, Paris TN
I don’t know if we will ever get to Paris, France, and see the real Eiffel Tower, but at least we have seen the replica in Paris, Tennessee.
Dry Hollow Farm, Huntingdon, TN
We stayed at the Airbnb for just one night, and I wish we had stayed longer. I had my best sleep in years at this place! If you go, be sure to check out the little farm store where you can purchase goat soap, farm-fresh eggs, and more.
Website: Dry Hollow Farms
Fort Donelson National Battlefield, TN & KY
Jack is a big Civil War buff. We saw quite a few Civil War battlefields while he was a travel RN in Bowling Green, KY. Fort Donelson was one of the smallest we visited, but probably the most picturesque due to the wintery day we visited.
Website: Fort Donelson National Battlefield
FEBRUARY
Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum, Columbus, Indiana
This was our second visit to Zaharakos, and I hope there will be more. Their food is pretty basic; the ice cream is what they are known for, and for good reason, it is rich in flavor and oh-so-good.
Website: Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum
Wellness Acres Airbnb, Cookville, TN
In February, we decided to have a “do nothing vacation.” No agenda but to hide away in an Airbnb and read, sleep and eat the week away. We picked Cookville because it has our favorite donut shop. And we picked Wellness Acres because it had everything we wanted in a place to stay. A big comfy couch, a full sized kitchen, and a walking path for when we felt like getting a bit of fresh air.
Airbnb page : Wellness Acres: 6 Acre Sanctuary in the City
Bojangles
Indiana doesn’t have Bojangles (a fried Chicken place), so when we saw one in Cookville on our way to our Airbnb, we decided we had to try it. After several bites, I turned to Jack and said, “why does the world have so many KFCs when there is Bojangles.” We have eaten there several times since and will continue to eat there.
Website: Bojangles
Ralph’s Do-nut Shop, Cookville TN
From the outside, you wouldn’t know that this place is voted the number one donut shop in Tennessee. Once you get inside, though, you will start to suspect why. And when you take your first bite –you will understand completely. Try the apple fritter; it is amazing!
Facebook Page: Ralph’s Do-nut Shop
Cream City Ice Cream And Coffee House, Cookville, TN
With 40 homemade ice cream flavors and chocolate-dipped waffle cones, all available at reasonable prices, Cream City Ice Cream was a hit with us.
Website: Cream City Ice-Cream & Coffee
Stover’s Liquidation, Oak Ridge, TN
Unless you know us in person, you might be wondering why we would consider visiting a liquidation store a destination. We renovate very sad homes into awesome rentals on a budget. When we see a home improvement liquidation center, we stop and check it out. Stover’s has an amazing selection and great prices.
Website: Stover’s Liquidation
Big O Donuts, Cookville, TN
We were told there is a donut rivalry in Cookville between lovers of Ralph’s Do-nuts and lovers of Big O Donuts. We decided we needed to be 100 percent sure of what side we are on. Although we did really like the cake donuts and Big O Donuts, we still like Ralph Do-nuts more.
Facebook page: Big O Donuts
Teresa’s Restaurant, Bowling Green, KY
We visited Teresa’s a few times while Jack was a travel nurse in Bowling Green. The food is super tasty, the service is great, and the prices don’t break the bank.
Website: Teresa’s Restaurant
Kentucky Museum, Bowling Green, KY
I had no idea that Duncan Hines was from Kentucky. I also didn’t realize just how many different businesses he had in his lifetime.
Website: Kentucky Museum
Aviation Heritage Park, Bowling Green, KY
If you like Aviation history, then you will want to add this hidden gem to your bucket list next time you are passing through the Bowling Green Area Of Kentucky. When we were there, the adjacent museum was not yet open.
Website: Aviation Heritage Park
National Corvette Museum, Bowling Green KY
You can’t live in the Bowling Green area for close to a year and not visit the National Corvette Museum, even if you are not a huge sports car fan. I went wanting to see the sinkhole and the cars it damaged. But I left with a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a brand with loyal fans.
Website: National Corvette Museum
MARCH
Conny’s Little German Breadshop, Peru, Indiana
Very yummy cinnamon rolls! And the owner is the sweetest lady you will ever meet. The shop has very limited hours; make sure to check out the Facebook page for their current hours before you go.
Facebook Page: Conny’s Little German Bread Shop, LLC
The Lovers Lane Section Of The Nickel Plate Trail, Peru Indiana
The Nickle Plate Trail is a 40-plus-mile railway corridor trail that runs from Kokomo to Rochester, Indiana. There are a few miles in Peru where you have to get off the trail and navigate the roads, but the large majority of the trail is paved and looks similar to my picture. It is prettier when the leaves are out. And no, we did not walk the whole thing. This visit was a walk with my daughter and our dogs for a few miles to walk off our cinnamon rolls from Conny’s bread shop.
I want to bike it from one end to the other one day!
Website: Nickel Plate Trail
Modoc’s Market Expresso Bar & Coffee Shop, Wabash, Indiana
Modoc is the name of an elephant who escaped from the circus and wandered around downtown Wabash in 1942. She smelt freshly roasted peanuts in the building that now holds Modoc’s Market and smashed the window to get to them. Now that you know the history, you should also know that Modoc’s makes a pretty mean Carmel macchiato. It is worth the stop if you are a coffee lover passing through Wabash.
Website: Modoc’s Market Expresso Bar & Coffee Shop
Three Dog Bakery, Hamilton Town Center, Indiana
If you are a dog lover like my daughter and me, rush to find a Three Dog Bakery near you. Their packaged dog cookies are in Walmart, and my son says they taste good. He ate one thinking they were human cookies; a lesson in reading labels before you eat he won’t forget. However, when you go to one of their stores, your dog has a wide selection of freshly baked dog treats, and they get treated like royalty. They even get offered free samples.
Website: Three Dog Bakery
Imagine Burgers & Brews, Converse Indiana
I had wanted to go here for quite some time, but we never seemed to make it a priority. My birthday this year seemed like the perfect time to go. This is not your place to go for a fast and cheap burger. This is the place is where you will enjoy a slower-paced atmosphere. A place to meet friends and catch up over a great burger.
Website: Imagine Burgers & Brews
Turkey Run State Park, Indiana
This is my third time visiting Turkey Run State Park. I first went with Jack, then my daughter, and this year I brought my son Aiden. If you live within a day’s drive of this park and haven’t visited it yet, go! In my opinion, it is Indiana’s best state park.
Website: Turkey Run State Park
Ozone Falls State Natural Area, TN
I saw this waterfall in a Youtube video and paused it so that I could look it up and add it to our travel bucket list. It was worth driving a bit out of our way while driving to Cumberland Mountain State Park.
website: Ozone Falls State Natural Area
Cumberland Mountain State Park, TN
This picture doesn’t showcase the park as much as it does us, but it is the best picture a stranger has taken of us in a long time, so I had to share it. Cumberland Mountain State Park will be remembered by us as the time I bought a Walmart tent, thinking it would be just right for two, but it turned out to be half the size of the travel trailer we live in full-time. It was our first-time tent camping in decades, and it was freezing. Memorable trip for sure.
As for what the park has to offer, gorgeous wooded hiking trails with lake views.
Website: Cumberland Mountain State Park
Black Mountain Crest Loop Trail, TN
This was one of those places I found while playing around with google maps on my laptop. I put in where we are and then ask for directions home. Then I enlarge the route until suddenly, all sorts of things to see start showing up, and I move my cursor along the route, seeing what there is to see along the way.
This trail had incredible valley views, as well as a detour to what the map at the head of the trail called Black Moutain Rocks, which was a rock garden full of boulders. The trailhead is up a steep road and has a good-sized paved parking lot at the top of it.
Bee Rock Overlook, TN
We need to revisit Bee Rock Overlook when the leaves are on the trees. It was pretty in March, but I think it would be spectacular at the height of the changing colors of Fall. This is a short, worth-it stop if you are in the Monterey, TN, area.
World’s Largest Butter Knife, Franklin, KY
I am a sucker for anything labeled “world’s largest,” so when I found out there were a few of these types of odd roadside attractions not far from Bowling Green, I had to drag Jack along to see them.
Outside the small town of Franklin, KY, you will find the world’s largest butter knife, a giant fork in the road, and a space capsule, all made by local high school welding students.
Space Capsule, Franklin, KY
Fork In The Road, Franklin, KY
Chaney’s Dairy Barn, Bowling Green, KY
Smooth and creamy ice cream with an incredible variety of flavors. This is just one thing that is available at Chaney’s Dairy Barn. They also have a sizable outdoor playground for kids and offer farm tours.
Website: Chaney’s Dairy Barn
Shanty Hollow Waterfall Trail, Bowling Green KY
This is a little slice of hiking paradise right outside Bowling Green. It is about a mile hike to the falls, two miles round trip. Little to no elevation. You will see some rock formations along the way and be treated to a small waterfall at the end. I would not drive miles out of my way to it, but if you are in Bowling Green for any length of time, go and enjoy the tranquility this trail offers.
APRIL
The Unclaimed Baggage Center, Scottsboro, Alabama
The bargain hunter in me was really hoping to like this place. Several YouTubers I watch went to it and seemed to love it. But Jack and I found the prices to be very close to retail on sale and considering a lot of their items are used, that isn’t a bargain.
However, I don’t think people like Jack and I are their target shoppers. We are not into name brands and designer clothing. My wardrobe comes mainly from a mix of yard sales and Goodwills.
I think Unclaimed Baggage is more for those who wear nothing but designer clothing.
Website: Unclaimed Baggage
Weathington Park, Alabama
This park is in the most unsuspecting place, just minutes out of Scottsboro and not far from the Unclaimed Baggage Depot. Even on a grey day, we enjoyed spectacular views.
Bridgeport Walking Trail, Alabama
After arriving at a disappointing Airbnb, we decided to take a sunset stroll along the Bridgeport Walking trail that starts just behind the Bridgeport Depot Museum and ends at the end of a converted railway bridge over the Tennessee River.
Russel Cave National Monument, Bridgeport, Alabama
Russel Cave National Monument is rich in early Native American History. If you visit the park, make sure to take in the museum before heading to the cave so that you understand more about what you are looking at. Another fun thing to do here is to get your dog a bark ranger pass. You can find out what you and your dog need to do to get one at the information desk. Our dog Dexter got his!
Website: Russel Cave National Monument
Neversink Pit, Fackler, Alabama
Neversink Pit is extremely hard to show in just one picture. The hole is huge, and you really have to pay attention to your footing so as not to fall in.
Those with the proper vertical caving skills are allowed to go 162 feet down to the bottom of the pit.
Whether visiting the opening or going to the bottom, you need a day permit from the SCCI website.
Website: Neversink Cave Preserve (click the visit tab to find the link for a day permit)
Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve, Woodville, Alabama
Stephens Gap Cave is one of those unreal spots. We entered it and turned to each other and said, how is this not a National Park, or at least a National Monument? And how were we able to get the place all to ourselves? This place is breathtaking. You do need to take extreme caution when entering the walk-in cave entrance, as the rocks are jumbled and slippery. Wear proper footwear and do not take unnecessary risks. You do need a day permit to visit.
Website: Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve. (click the visit tab to find the link for a day permit)
Old Stone Fort State Archaeology Park, Manchester, TN
Old Stone Fort State Park won’t take you more than a few hours to complete, but it is well worth visiting if you are in the area. The park is rich in history and waterfalls.
Website: Old Stone Fort State Archaeology Park
MAY
Anarchy Axe Throwing, Indianapolis, Indiana
Our son Aiden graduated from college this May. We were supposed to go to his graduation ceremony, but he forgot to order himself a robe. So we made a quick change of plans and went axe-throwing as a family. It was the first time for all of us, and we all enjoyed it. If you have teens and up, we highly recommend trying axe throwing together.
Website: Anarchy Axe Throwing
1000 Degrees Wood Fired Pizza, Mt. Summit, Indiana
This pizza place has the best breadsticks in all of Indiana and some mighty fine pizzas. This was our second time eating here. We found it while making a Facebook Market place run. And we knew our son Aiden would love it, so his graduation seemed like a great place to share our discovery with him and his siblings.
Website: 1000 Wood-Fired Pizza
Nine Penny Branch Nature Preserve, Charlestown, Indiana
Nine Penny Branch Nature Preserve has a one-mile trail within it that is well worth hiking if you are in the area. We enjoyed wildflowers, discovered fossils along the creek bank, and listened to the small waterfall that greets you at the end of the trail.
Website: Nine Penny Branch Nature Preserve
Rose Island Abandoned Theme Park within Charlestown State Park, Indiana
There is a lot of history along this trail. It is within Charlestown State Park, which has a few other nice trails to hike. The abandoned theme park trail is the highlight of the park, though. If you go in Spring, watch for ticks! I picked over a dozen off our dog and a few off my ankles.
Website: Charlestown State Park
Horseshoe Falls -Daryl R. Karns Natural History Trails – Hanover College, Indiana
Apparently, the college students call the lower part of this falls “budda’s belly,” and I can see why. Along the trail to Horseshoe Falls, Aiden and I found various fossils and lots of wildflowers. The campus is roughly 30 minutes from Charlestown State Park and is on the way to the town of Madison. It is worth the stop if you are in the area. Besides the trails, there are a few more things to check out on campus.
PDF of the trail map: Karns Natural History Trails
Dutch Discount Market, Hanover, Indiana
This market is just outside of Madison, Indiana. Aiden and I stopped in to get a sandwich, drink, and cinnamon rolls before heading down to the riverwalk in Madison. WOW! The sandwich had so much in it; it was hard to get my mouth around it. The bread was super soft and yummy. The cinnamon rolls were the best store-bought ones I have had in a long while.
Hanging Rock off Highway 7, Madison, Indiana
Depending on where you are from, this picture might not look like anything special to you, but here in Indiana, a reddish cliff like this with a trickling waterfall is not a common site.
Madison Heritage Trail, Madison, Indiana
This trail starts at the end of the river walkway area. You will see a sign saying it is part of the American Discovery Trail, which is a trail that goes from the west coast to the east coast of America. Courtney and I and our dogs enjoyed a short portion of it. Our favorite thing about it was all the wildflowers (and blooming weeds) growing along the edges.
Website: The Heritage Trail Conservancy
The Red Pepperoni, Madison Indiana
If you visit Madison, Indiana, stop and get pizza at The Red Pepperoni. If the weather is nice, take it to go and enjoy it down at the riverfront.
Website: The Red Pepperoni
Riverfront Park, Madison Indiana
Enjoy Ohio river views. Look at Kentucky while still being in Indiana. All while strolling along the walkway at Riverfront Park in Madison, Indiana. There is even a small campground located not too far from the end of the walkway. Across from it are a playground, volleyball and basketball courts.
Website: Riverfront Park
Chilibilly Treats, Madison, Indiana
This place is across the street from the river walkway, making it a great excuse to stop and get some ice cream as you stroll.
Facebook Page: Chillibilly Treats
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Kentucky
This place isn’t far from Louisville, Kentucky, and is a great place to spend a day. From unique playground structures to wooded trails and the giants found on those trails, Bernheim is a family-friendly place to explore.
Website: Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Kentucky Stonehenge, Munfordville, KY
I have seen England’s Stonehenge, so when I heard there was one in Kentucky, I knew I had to see it. This version is smaller and on private property, but worth the stop if you like quirky roadside attractions as I do.
Storming Crab, Fort Wayne
We celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary by visiting Storming Crab for a seafood boil. The place came highly recommended by our friends, and it did not disappoint.
Website: Storming Crab
JUNE
Forbus General Store, Pall Mall, TN
We saw a billboard for this place and realized it wasn’t that far off our planned route for the day, so we made the detour. I am glad we did. This place has small-town Tennessee charm and serves a mean milkshake and decent food.
Website: Forbus General Store
Sgt. Alvin York State Historic Park, Pall Mall, TN
Sgt. Alvin York didn’t even want to be a soldier due to his religious convictions, but he went on to be one of the most decorated soldiers of World War One. After the war, he settled back into the Pall Mall area and started two schools, one being a bible school that was housed in the building in the picture above.
This park isn’t big in area, but it is huge in history. It takes only an hour or so to stop at each spot along the driving tour, or two if you walk it as we did.
Website: Sgt. Alvin York State Historic Park, Pall Mall, TN
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, TN
Rock houses, natural bridges, arches that span the water, this place is increadable. This is a dark sky park, meaning you can get great view of the stars at night. I can attest to that being accurate as I stayed up past night fall to watch the stars twinkle. Jack and I got to see our first glow worms here through a guided hike with a ranger of the Hazard cave area. The glow worm (Orefelia Fultoni) tour is only available late May through early June. There is a small fee. We spent 2 nights, and 1 full day in the park. I wish we had one more full day to explore the park. So if you go I suggest 3 nights, two full days, and be sure to take a hike in the nearby Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area.
Website: Pickett CCC Memorial State Park
Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area, Jamestown, TN
Rock features, a babbling stream,several rock arches,valley views, and cliff ledges. This hike is a beauty! Jack and I both agree that it was our favorite hike in Tennesse in 2022, and we hiked a lot of trails in the state. We hiked the Pogue Creek Overlook and Upper Canyon Trails loop, as named on Alltrails. It is just over 6 miles, and had a lot of up and down with close to 1500 feet of elevation gain. It is not a hike I would recommend to those just wanting a stroll in the woods. It isn’t extremely difficult but it isn’t easy peezy either.
Website: Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area
Yahoo Falls, Big South Fork National River, And Recreation Area, KY
Yahoo Falls is Kentucky’s highest waterfall. It wasn’t exactly roaring when we went in June, but a lady who was at the falls with us says it was in the winter when she last went. Still, even when its flow isn’t the grandest, Yahoo Falls is a pretty impressive site. Behind it is a huge rock house and in front of it is a swimming hole that was just over knee high in mid-June. Since it was so hot and humid the day we visited, I could not resist cooling off by walking right under the Falls. If you go, be sure to continue down the trail to Yahoo arch. Oh, and do not think you can enjoy the waterfall from the overlook, it is overgrown, and you don’t get to enjoy the vast rock house unless you take the short hike down to the base of the falls.
Website: Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Yahoo Arch, Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, KY
Yahoo arch reminds me of the top piece of a child’s marble maze toy. It swirls around and down. It isn’t far from Yahoo Falls and worth the visit.
Website: Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana
Our oldest son and I spent some mom-and-son time at the Indianapolis Zoo one morning in June. We went to see the new Kangaroo exhibit and then wandered around, visiting all our favorite animals. If you want to have the birds all over you as our son does, the trick is to go right when they are opening up the bird area for the day. That way, the birds haven’t had treats yet and will greet you enthusiastically.
Website: Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana.
Uranus Fudge Factory, Anderson, Indiana
After laughing at their billboards for months, my son and I decided we should stop and see the Uranus Fudge Factory. We didn’t get fudge because the lines were too long, but we did have fun playing around with all their cut-out boards like the one above and various other statues outside their building. Apparently, this is the second Uranus Fudge Factory. The first is off route 66 in the town of Uranus, Missouri. The name makes more sense there, but it is still a fun place to visit in Indiana.
Website: Uranus Fudge Factory
White River Canoe Company, Tubing Trip, Noblesville Indiana
My daughter and I celebrated her 20th birthday by going tubing down a river. It was her first-time river tubing, and I don’t think it will be her last. We both enjoyed the experience, although we do regret one thing. Learn from our mistakes, and pay a few extra dollars for the cooler tube; water reflects heat, and whatever drinks you strap to your cooler will get hot (warm water is not refreshing). Plus, you will want to drink often, and that will mean you are going to go through more water than you think; bring at least a gallon of water per person.
Website: White River Canoe Company
The Sunken Gardens, Huntington, Indiana
This once was an old stone quarry that was left as an eyesore until the city purchased the land in 1924 and turned it into a beautiful city park. Next to it is Memorial Park, which features a Veteran’s memorial as well as a children’s playground, a frisbee golf course, and walking paths.
Website: The Sunken Gardens
JULY
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, Union, KY
The strange name of this site is due to the discovery of mammoth bones in this area. It is believed the mammoths were attracted to this area by the salt deposited around the sulfur springs (one such spring is pictured above).
The park’s other attractions include a herd of bison, a museum, and a diorama pit. The campground was the first State park campground I have come across with a pool that was for the exclusive use of the campers.
Website: Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, KY
Rabbit Hash, Kentucky
Not far from Big Bone Lick State Park is Rabbit Hash, a town of 300 people whose mayor is a dog. There isn’t much, but yet there is a lot for a town so small. The main attraction is the historic general store, but there is also an artist studio, a gift shop, and a yummy restaurant.
Chef Hip E’s, Rabbit Hash, Kentucky
I had the lady burrito, and it was easily the best burrito I have ever had. Jack liked his just as much as I did. If we are ever in the area again, we will be checking to see if Chef Hip E’s is open.
Website: Chef Hip E’s Cocina Loca
Buc-ee’s, Crossville, TN
The first Buc-ee’s in Tennesse happened to be opening the same weekend we were heading through the area –so we made the detour. If you don’t know what Buc-ee’s is, it is a humongous convenience store and gas station. The Crossville location is 53,400 square feet, with 120 fueling stations. The food inside isn’t like what you will find at the average gas station convenience store either. Their brisket sandwiches are WOW quality. The beaver nuggets are addicting, and the chocolate chip cookies are soft and chew. Those are what we have tried so far, and we plan on trying more of their food next time we are near one.
Website: Buc-ee’s
Bald River Falls, Tellico Plains, TN
This beautiful waterfall has a pretty sweet swimming hole at the bottom of it. A few people were getting ready to swim while we were there. We didn’t take a plunge, though, as we wanted to make sure we made it to our very special accommodations for the weekend shortly after check-in (I will share those soon).
Website: Bald River Falls
Cherohala Skyway
The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile scenic byway in the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The route contains half a dozen or so scenic overlooks where you can get out and enjoy the mountain views as well as several hikes. We spent one-afternoon driving and soaking up the views at the overlooks and another morning hiking a few of its trails. In our opinion, if you want a shorter, less traveled version of the Blueridge Parkway, the Cherohala Skyway is for you.
Website: Cherohala Skyway
The Dreamweaver at Treehouse Mountain, Copperhill, TN
Remember how I said we didn’t take the time to swim at Bald Falls because we were wanting to get to our accommodations for the weekend as close to check-in as possible? This is it! A treehouse. I have always wanted to stay at a treehouse, but they are usually so expensive to rent, even if they don’t have many amenities. So, when I saw this treehouse listed for way less than a treehouse typically goes for, I jumped on it!
This place is incredible inside and out; you can see it for yourself in this slide post of pictures on Instagram. After we arrived, we went nowhere for the 48 hours we had it. We spent our time reading, napping, wandering the grounds, and soaking up the wooded views.
Website: Treehouse Mountain
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, NC
A living memorial to the poet Joyce Kilmer best known for the poem “Trees” this grove of virgin woods contains tall trees that are upwards of 400 years old. We got a bit lost due to a portion of the loop trail being closed while we were there, but even our detour route contained gorgeous wooded views.
Website: Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
Huckleberry Knob trail off the Cherohala Skyway
On our way back from our treehouse adventures, we decided to hike one of the many trails off the Cherohala Skyway. We picked
the Huckleberry Knob trail, which was full of wildflowers, grasses, and mountain views.
The Mennonite Community Of Allen County, KY
Between the towns of Franklin and Scottsville, Kentucky, is a vibrant Mennonite community where you will find several stores and fruit and vegetable stands. We shopped at several, but our favorite was Der Dutch Bakery.
Mill House Cafe, Franklin, KY
Good iced coffee and great smoothies –Jack really likes the peach ones! Mill House Cafe is located in downtown Franklin right on the town square in an old brick building. It is a charming place we took our drinks to go, but it would be a great place to sit and chat with a friend or two.
Website: Mill House Cafe
AUGUST
Dunbar Cave State Park, Clarksville, TN
We didn’t get to do a cave tour of the drawings of the Mississippian Native Americans on this trip. Instead, we took in the history of the exterior of the cave. It was used in the 1930s as a dance hall. The mouth of the cave provided a natural source of air-conditioning. They created a bandshell and had a concession stand.
Website: Dunbar Cave State Park
Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center, Clarksville, TN
Once you walk down the path in this park, you can see why it played a role in the Civil War. I will let you figure it out for yourself if you go there. The museum is small but extremely informative. There is no fee to enter the park or the museum.
Website: Fort Defiance Civil War Park
West Coast Taco Shop, Clarksville, TN
This is one of those places we went to because we were hungry, and it was the first place we found. Oh, WOW, am I glad we stopped. I had three different soft tacos, and each one of them was delicious.
Facebook Page: West Coast Taco Shop
The Walls Art Park, Waverly, TN
There are 30 brick walls within this park where graffiti artists can legally come and share their art with the public. Each piece is untouched for at least 30 days before it is allowed to be replaced with another. When we walked through it, my favorite was this Peacock, but it was truly hard to pick a favorite; there were some incredible works of art.
Website: The Walls Art Park
Eva Beach Recreational Area, Eva, TN
Eva Beach was just down the road from the Airbnb we rented for the weekend. It has a boat dock and a swimming area and is on the shores of Kentucky lake.
Johnsonville State Historic Park, New Johnsonville, TN
The battle of Johnsonville was fought here during the Civil War. The welcome center features a very informative film as well as a museum area. The park itself features several short trails with points of historical interest represented with informative plagues.
Website: Johnsonville State Historic Park
Whitt’s Barbecue, Waverly, TN
Whitt’s has several locations in Tennessee. If you see one while you are out traveling –stop! Their bbq pork sandwiches are pretty yummy, and the price is very reasonable.
Website: Whitt’s Barbecue
Golly G’s Coffee, Ice Cream & Sweets, Clarksville, TN
Currently, Golly G’s has three stores in Tennessee. We stopped at the one in Clarksville on a hot afternoon, and each had some of their ice cream. It was rich and creamy and oh-so-tasty.
Website: Golly G’s
Port Royal State Park, TN
A tiny state park with just two tiny trails. Yet this area is BIG in history. This was a very important economic hub to the state of Tennessee during its beginning years; later, it was on the Trail of Tears.
Website: Port Royal State Park, TN
Hancock Family Farm, Springfield, TN
You will find a little bit of everything here, and it is all fresh and delicious!
Website: Hancock Family Farm
Boyce General Store: Home Of The Pie Queen. Alvaton, KY
Jack and I enjoyed some yummy breakfast here, and I bought a tiny personal pie for later. If we are ever back in that area again when the Boyce General Store is open, we are stopping to try some more of the Pie Queen’s cooking and baking. It truly has that home-cooked from scratch taste –because it is.
Website: The Pie Queen
Shaker Village Of Pleasant Hill, KY
We went here knowing very little about the Sakers except that they made awesome furniture. Their craftsmanship was evident in every room of the house, both in the pieces of furniture as well as the buildings. This was the third biggest Shaker colony in the nation. It once had over 200 buildings, but sadly, less than 50 remain.
Website: Shaker Village Of Pleasant Hill, KY
Pratt Museum, Fort Campbell, KY
An official for the 101st Airborne Division or the “Screaming Eagles.” This division played a major role in liberating Holland in world war two. With Jack’s dutch heritage, it was really interesting reading about this time in history.
Website: Pratt Museum
Washington Beach, Michigan City, Indiana
The shores of Lake Michigan are about as close as Indiana gets to the ocean. There are waves and sand but no salt or seaweed. There are also lighthouses everywhere on the shores of Lake Michigan, although this one is the only one in Indiana.
SEPTEMBER
Upland Area Greenway, Indiana
A short wildflower filled walk. And after you have burned some calories grab some ice cream down the road at Ivanhoe’s.
Lost River Cave, Bowling Green, KY
Jack and I have done a few cave tours before but never one in a boat. There is more to Lost River Cave than a cave tour by boat though. They have a wooded trail, a butterfly house, and the mouth of the cave has a reception area that they rent out for weddings.
Website: Lost River Cave
Stones River National Battlefield, Murfreesboro, TN
One of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil war happened here. It was one of the Unions most important victories.
Website: Stones River National Battlefield
Fiery Gizzard North Trailhead , South Cumberland State Park, Tracy City, TN
Lush, green vegetation, towering rocks, a rushing creek and several waterfalls –wow! We really need to go back and do the 12 mile loop.
Alltrails route: Grundy Day and Fiery Gizzard (3 miles)
Foster Falls, Fiery Gizzard South Trailhead, South Cumberland State Park, TN
So up to now I have done one photo for each State park we have visited but for South Cumberland State Park I had to include two. I don’t think that is straying from my own rule though as the park is huge and divided into several areas.
Foster Falls Campground, South Cumberland State Park, TN
For Mother’s day I got the basic gear we need to go backpacking. We were hoping to get in the Fall but a window of opportunity didn’t show up. What did show up was a one night opportunity to try out the gear at a primative campground. We survived! And hope to make at least one backpacking trip happen in 2023.