Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains are a mountain range along the Tennessee–North Carolina border.

Fall is, by far, the most beautiful time to visit the Smoky Mountains. The weather is crisp and the colors are beautiful.

There are several scenic overlooks and each have a very different view.

We visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gattlinburg,Tennessee.

We had read a lot about Laurel Falls and decided we would hike it first. It was our favorite and is the most popular trail.

Laurel Falls and the trail got its name from the mountain laurel that blooms along the trail and near the falls every May.

The round trip distance is 2.6 miles and the hike is a fairly steep climb on a paved trail. It’s rated an easy to moderate hike, but it’s fairly difficult if you’re not used to climbing mountains. We had to stop and rest a couple of time on the way up, but it was an easy hike back down the mountain.

The reward for the hike is an amazing 80 foot waterfall at the top!

The Falls are separated to upper and lower sections by a bridge walkway.To get to the bottom, you have to maneuver big boulders. I did not think it was worth it at the time, but now wishing that I would have taken the adventure. ☺

We enjoyed the hike and the weather was perfect. The Smoky Mountains are a perfect place for a fall getaway.

Happy Travels! 

Dolphin Connection (Dolphin Interaction) Ingleside, TX

We had our trip planned for 10 am and when we awoke, it was misting rain and windy.  Sonja called us to reschedule, but decided she would take us out anyway since we were leaving the area that day.

The water conditions were not great for interaction with the dolphins.

A sunny day with calm water is preferred. It was cloudy, foggy, with good sized waves!

We knew we were in for an adventure when we first pulled up to the Dolphin Connection!

The building is so colorful and cheerful.

In a distance we could see a small boat headed towards the building. The boat pulls up to the dock and small perky woman jumps out.  She was so full of energy and started cracking jokes right off.

We loaded the boast and headed out to see the dolphin.

Sonja was so much fun and she treated us like she had known us forever.

You can tell the dolphins are her babies by the way she talks to them and calls them by name.

Some of the dolphins came right up to the boat. They will even let you touch them if they are in the right mood!

They love playing in the wake behind the boat.

It was so neat being so close to the dolphins in their environment!

Happy Travels! 

Island Hotel (Mustang Island) Port Aransas, Texas

The Island Hotel was a perfect place for us to stay in Port Aransas . When planning the trip, we had planned on staying at a different hotel. I just could not make myself make reservations though. I am so glad that we didn’t! When we arrived on the island and pulled up to the hotel, we knew that it wasn’t where we wanted to stay. We drove around for a while looking and came upon the Island Hotel. It was so pretty and tropical! We knew we had found the perfect hotel. …and the price was excellent!!!

It has fifty seven rooms and suites.

Our room was large and had a microwave, refrigerator, and free WiFi. It also had the usual soaps and shampoos. The room was spotless! ( Well...it was until we moved our stuff in! lol)  There was not even a little stain on anything!

The complementary breakfast consisted of waffles, cereal, danishes, muffins, and drinks.The island room decor was so pretty! We fell in love with the coral, blue, and yellow paint colors.

The front lobby.

The game room.

A nice pool with a picnic area and a grill.

Pros:

• Friendly staff
• Beautifully decorated grounds and rooms
• Very clean
• Free Wireless Internet Access
• Rooms have a microwave and a refrigerator
• Game room
• Complimentary breakfast
• Pool
• Guest Laundry Facility
• Picnic Area and BBQ Pits
• Pet-Friendly Accommodations
• Close to beach and restaurants
• Great price

Cons:

• It would have been great to be beachfront, but the location was still good. It is about a mile drive to the beach and you will have to purchase a beach parking permit.

Happy Travels! 

Cadillac Ranch on Route 66 - Amarillo, Texas

Located just outside the city limits of Amarillo, ten cars are half buried nose down in a single file. 

This classic landmark along Route 66 is known as the Cadillac Ranch.

This unusual attraction is located in the middle of a grain field on the side of the main road.

This is a place for artistic expression and where graffiti is actually encouraged.

 Bring a can of spray paint and join in on the fun!

The Cadillac Ranch has been the location for filming music video by many artists.

 The cars are occasionally repainted particular colors for the filming of television commercials, public events, and to represent certain celebrations.

This is a fun place to stop and stretch between Amarillo and New Mexico.





Happy Travels! 

The Old Mill (North Little Rock) Arkansas

Nestled in the middle a neighborhood in North Little Rock is T.R. Pugh Memorial Park.

It is a small beautifully landscaped area and home to Pugh's Old Mill.

The Mill was built in 1933 and is an authentic reproduction of an old water-powered grist mill.

It is best known for its appearance in the opening scene of the 1939 film Gone With the Wind.

The concrete bridges were built Senor Dionico Rodriguez to look like stumps and entangled wood branches.

The park is open every day from sunrise until sunset.

It is free to get into the park.

The address is:

3800 Lakeshore Dr.
Lakshore Dr. and Fairway Ave.
North Little Rock, AR 72116

Happy Travels! 

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Cossatot Falls in Cossatot River State Park

Located in Wickes, Arkansas, Cossatot River State Park is a true gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This park is known for its beautiful scenery, including rugged terrain, clear water, and stunning waterfalls. One of the most impressive features of the park is Cossatot Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls that are a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

Cossatot Falls is located on the Cossatot River, which flows through the park. The falls consist of a series of drops and pools, which create a breathtaking sight that is sure to impress visitors. The water is crystal clear and the rocks and boulders that surround the falls are beautifully textured, making for a truly stunning natural environment.

To explore Cossatot Falls, visitors can take a hike along the River Corridor Trail. This trail runs along the river, providing hikers with stunning views of the falls, as well as the surrounding landscape. The trail is rated as moderate to difficult, so it is important to be prepared with proper hiking gear and plenty of water.

Another way to experience the beauty of Cossatot Falls is to take a float trip down the river. This is a popular activity in the park, and there are several outfitters that offer rentals and guided tours. Floating down the river provides a unique perspective of the falls and allows visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

For those who want to stay overnight in the park, there are several options for camping. The park has several campgrounds, including tent sites, RV sites, and even a group campsite for larger groups. There are also several cabins available for rent, providing a comfortable and convenient option for those who want to stay in the park but prefer more amenities than traditional camping.

Cossatot Falls in Cossatot River State Park is a must-see destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. With its stunning natural beauty, hiking and biking trails, and opportunities for water sports, this park has something to offer for everyone. 

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri