Cataract Falls, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

All Nolan could talk about was our hike to Laurel Falls, so we decided to take the short walk to Cataract Falls the next day as it was listed as a perfect hike for small children.  He had been so excited to explore the outdoors, so with his walking stick, Nolan led the way on the 3/4 mile roundtrip trail toward the falls.

The pathway was started out paved and shortly turned to stone with a bridge built over the Fighting Creek.  Nolan loved having his photos taken, so we pointed out scenic spots for him to pose.

The floor covering was a beautiful green with plants and ivy.  Thick trees provided shade from the sun bringing the temperature down a few degrees.

The trail goes under a bridge with stones on each side and is on average, four feet wide with a gentle grade.   We had the trail all to ourselves and we reached the falls fairly quickly.

A few feet away from the bridge we could hear the falls.  Nolan’s face lit up when he realized he was hearing the rushing of the water and started running down the path.

Once the newness of the falls wore off, Nolan was more than excited to play at the base of them.

Within minutes, Nolan was calling us over to show us the snail that he had found.

It was difficult to leave, seeing how excited Nolan was for the hike, the waterfalls and little creatures, but it was close to dinnertime and promising him we would be going to visit Margaritaville, you would have thought he would have sprinted back to the start of the hike.  I guess that little guy was hungry.

Have you hiked the Cataract Falls?  What was your experience?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Cataract Falls and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN  37738
Telephone:  865 436 1200

Where to Stay:

Firefly Chalet
Highway 321 North
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
Website:  www.vrbo.com

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone:  865 429 2200

What to Eat:

  • Barbecue

Three Bears General Store in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

As the town of Pigeon Forge seemed to be on the verge of a thunderstorm, we wanted to stop at a nearby shop to pick up snacks for the evening,  Noticing a large store in a shopping plaza, we parked the car and entered the Three Bears General Store.

The store was opened in 1979 as a gathering place for families and friends offering such merchandise as clothes, food, toys and souvenirs. Yet, the main attraction that brings visitors to The Three Bears General Store is the Bear Habitat.

Measuring approximately 5.000 square feet, the enclosure houses bears that were rescued from a nearby hunting farm for over 25 bears.

Each bear enjoys its own enclosure as well as a central area containing a waterfall and pond.  During the warmer days, a misting system cools the bears down at designated times during the day.

A small fee of $3 is collected to assist in the maintenance of the bear refuge. Visitors can feed the bears by purchasing a cup of bear food for a small fee.   The best times to visit the general store for bear feedings are during their four feeding times at 10AM, noon, 3PM and 7PM.

Whether you are searching for souvenirs or want to experience a much safer bear encounter, Three Bears General Store is the perfect place to spend a couple of hours while visiting Pigeon Forge.

Have you visited Three Bears General Store to see the bears?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my time at Three Bears General Store and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

The Three Bears General Store
2861 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN  37963
Telephone:  865 453 4734

Where to Stay: 

We stayed in a rental through VRBO called the Firefly Chalet.

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone:  865 429 2200

What to Eat:

  • Barbecue

The Village in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

One of my favorite places to visit in Gatlinburg is The Village, especially at dusk. Resembling a charming, European town out of a Grimm’s Fairytale, the collection of shops is perfect for picking up last minute souvenirs or enjoying an ice cream before turning in for the night.

Strolling the cobblestone streets under twinkling lights, we explored the 27 shops within the miniature town.  Some of the shops open as early in the morning, while others continue into the night.

The Donut Friar is like donut heaven, with the smell of pastries starting at 5 o’clock in the morning.  Opened in 1969, it is one of the original tenants of The Village.

Also opening in 1969, the Hofbrauhaus Restaurant and The Cheese Cupboard is one of my favorite shops.  Whenever I purchase wine from the local wineries, I can’t pass up the opportunity to pair them with a wide assortment of cheeses.

The Coffee & Company Shop is one of the late-comers opening in 1993, but it is a favorite for the early-risers waiting for their caffeine fix.

We stopped by the Pepper Palace to purchase some salsa to go along with our chips and Mexican feast we were planning for the evening.

The dusk began to darken as the lights from the fountain shone brighter.  I was mesmerized by the sound of the water falling into the basin below.

The Old Word feel is a mix of German Village meets British Countryside.

The aesthetic detail of its construction is absolutely amazing.  Careful attention was applied to the design of the stained glassed windows and additional accoutrements.

Finally, though it is not technically within the Village, I can’t pull myself away from the large picture window, watching the candy makers prepare their taffy as little children watch wide-eyed waiting for a fresh piece to be wrapped in wax paper and watching the joy on their faces for that one piece of joy.

Have you visited The Village Shops in Gatlinburg?  What did you buy?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my post about The Village Shops and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Village
634 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
Telephone:  865 436 3995

Where to Stay: 

We stayed in a rental through VRBO called the Firefly Chalet.

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone:  865 429 2200

I ordered the Carolina Pork Sandwich and the Salad Bar.

What to Eat:

  • Barbecue

The Great Smoky Mountains Laurel Falls Hike

Laurel Falls is considered one of the most popular trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The 2.6 mile round trip paved trail is considered easy and reaches the spectacular 80 foot high falls.   For 50 cents I picked up a self-guided pamphlet which pointed out several places of interest and we set out for the trail surrounded by pine trees and oaks for an enjoyable trek through the mountain wilderness.

There are eleven markers that correlate with the trail brochure and the first stop describes the laurel plant which grows along the path.  During the early summer its blooms range from pink to white.  Rhododendron are also popular along the path displaying larger leaves and growing taller than the mountain laurel.

Having passed through the forest of pine, oak and hardwoods, the topography switched from ridge to ravine.  Here the trail curved sharply with deep drop-offs to the left.  We began to see more rocks and there were several places to take a break along the path.

We regrouped and continued upwards as the trail continued its gradual climb towards the falls.  We crossed over a small creek that trickled down the hill, through large and small rocks providing water to the rhododendron, hemlock and beech plants along the trail.

Soon, there was a break in the trees creating a “picture window” at marker number seven.  The rounded peak in the distance was covered with trees and there was a sharp drop from the edge of the pavement.

The further we continued up the trail, the more contorted the trees became due to high winds, lightning strikes and other severe weather conditions.  Interestingly, the aggressive change in climate does not affect the lichen that attaches itself to rocks and trees.

The pathway changed drastically before reaching the falls.  Steep cliffs dangerously hugged the narrow trail which alerted us that we were nearing our destination.  We began to hear sounds of water rushing from Cove Mountain as we continued our approach and gave a sigh of relief that we had arrived safely.

The double-drop cascade was spectacular as its light spray lit upon our faces cooling us down from the hike.  The rocks were slippery and we moved with caution to allow other hikers to pass by standing in awe of its beauty. We gave ourselves about fifteen minutes to revel in our accomplishment and curiously tested the temperature of the runoff before backtracking towards the trailhead.  It would all be downhill from here.

Have you hiked the Laurel Falls Trail or other trails in the Great Smoky Mountains?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my hike and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Laurel Falls
From Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road.
Telephone:  865 436 1200

  • Admission Fee:  There is no charge to visit Laurel Falls as it is a part of the Great Smoky National Park.
  • Hours:  The park is open year around, though access to Laurel Falls may be limited during the winter months.
  • Amenities:  Pamphlet for hike ($.50)
  • Scenic View: Spectacular views of Great Smoky Mountains throughout the hike
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours, depending on whether you can walk up the steep hill
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.  Wildlife, such as bears, may be wandering around the property, so be on the lookout and do not approach them.  We like to visit here in the afternoon as the trees provide shade from the warmer weather.

Where to Stay: 

We stayed in a rental through VRBO called the Firefly Chalet.

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone:  865 429 2200

I ordered the Carolina Pork Sandwich and the Salad Bar.

Harry Potter at Universal Studios

It was a beautiful July day in Orlando and we decided to visit Universal Studios to see the Harry Potter section of the park.  Here  are several photos from our little adventure.  See if you recognize some of these attractions from the park or from the movie.

Visiting Universal Studios’ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter –  Diagon Alley was an entertaining way to spend the day.  From Diagon Alley to Hogwart’s Express, you’ll feel as though you walked onto the movie set.

What to See and What to Do:

Universal Studios Orlando
6000 Universal Studios Boulevard
Orlando, FL  32819
Telephone:  407 363 8000

  • Hours of Operation:  9AM to 9PM, but check their website for any changes and updates.
  • Admission:  Visit their website for discount tickets and multi-day passes.
    • Universal Studios:  $119
    • Islands of Adventure: $119
    • Volcano Bay: $80
  • Tips:  Arrive as early as possible to make the most of your visit.  Wear comfortable shoes.  Purchase your tickets prior to arrival as you will find better deals when buying your tickets in advance.

Where to Stay:

Wyndham Garden Orlando Universal
5855 American Way
Orlando, FL  32819
Telephone:  407 996 8888

Where to Eat:

Butterbeer
Universal Studios Orlando
407 363 8000

What to Eat:

  • Frozen Butterbeer
  • Egg, Leak and Mushroom Pasty
  • Traditional English Breakfast
  • Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew
  • Fish & Chips
  • Great Feast
  • Loaded Jacket Potato

What to Read:

All of the Harry Potter Books!

Universal Studios Florida

It was a beautiful July day in Orlando and we decided to visit Universal Studios to see the Harry Potter section of the park and continued to check out additional sections of the park as well.  Here  are several photos from our little adventure.

Visiting Universal Studios, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter –  Diagon Alley was an entertaining way to spend the day.  From Diagon Alley to Hogwart’s Express, you’ll feel as though you walked onto the movie set.  You can also relive the funny moments of The Simpson’s at the park as well.

What to See and What to Do:

Universal Studios Orlando
6000 Universal Studios Boulevard
Orlando, FL  32819
Telephone:  407 363 8000

  • Hours of Operation:  9AM to 9PM, but check their website for any changes and updates.
  • Admission:  Visit their website for discount tickets and multi-day passes.
    • Universal Studios:  $119
    • Islands of Adventure: $119
    • Volcano Bay: $80
  • Tips:  Arrive as early as possible to make the most of your visit.  Wear comfortable shoes.  Purchase your tickets prior to arrival as you will find better deals when buying your tickets in advance.

Where to Stay:

Wyndham Garden Orlando Universal
5855 American Way
Orlando, FL  32819
Telephone:  407 996 8888

Where to Eat:

Butterbeer
Universal Studios Orlando
407 363 8000

What to Eat:

  • Frozen Butterbeer
  • Egg, Leak and Mushroom Pasty
  • Traditional English Breakfast
  • Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew
  • Fish & Chips
  • Great Feast
  • Loaded Jacket Potato

What to Read:

All of the Harry Potter Books!

Hiking Cleveland National Forest in San Diego

It was a beautiful day in San Diego and I had just wrapped up a few meetings and had the remainder of the day off and set out, with my colleague, Peter to hike Cleveland National Forest.  Here are some of the photos of this amazing park.

 

What to See and What to Do:

Cleveland National Forest
10845 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 200
San Diego, CA  92127
Telephone:  858 673 6180

Where to Stay:

San Diego Marriott La Jolla
4240 La Jolla Village Drive
La Jolla, CA  92037
Telephone:  858 587 1414
Website:

Where to Eat:

Nozomi La Jolla
4150 Regents Park Row
Unit 190
La Jolla, CA  92037
Telephone:  858 452 7778

My favorite menu item is the Chirashi Salad which is  rice, mixed green salad, cucumber, kaiware, small cut raw fish (tuna, salmon, white fish), octopus and shrimp served with famous spicy sauce for $24.

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

A Morning Stroll Through Venice, Italy

1 D2 Watching the Sunrise at St. Mark's Square

The early morning hours are the perfect time to explore a city like Venice for a number of reasons.  With my camera in hand, I couldn’t wait to capture the amazing sunrise from San Marco and explore Venice before the crowds began to fill the square.

It was a perfect crisp morning in the City of Lions with hardly a cloud in the sky.  The soft light of the golden hour was perfect for photographing the piazza, the campanile and the islands beyond.

2 D2 Sunise at St. Mark's Square

Reflections and shadows rushed the square while vibrant hues of pink and orange saturated the sky.  The piazza glowed with a luminous shine as the sun began to rise.  With a coolness in the air and a growing flock of seagulls searching for an early morning breakfast, I was ready to return to the hotel to prepare for the beautiful day ahead.

5 D2 A View of Venice from the Rialto Bridge+

The Hotel Centauro (Centaur Hotel) offered a European breakfast so I fueled up on a lite meal of coffee, meats and cheese.   The Rialto Market was a six minute walk from the hotel, so I ventured out following the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge.  Crossing the bridge, there were spectacular views of Venice’s main waterway with its pretty pink palazzos and private boats tied up along its banks.

6 D2 Quiet Morning Along the Grand Canal

Along the Grand Canal were over 170 structures dating between the 13th and 18th centuries.   Cafes spilled out onto the widening walkways with tables and chairs for outdoor seating.  The historical homes along the waterway were once owned by some of the most rich and influential merchants of Venice and have been passed down for generation.  Others have been restored as art galleries and boutique hotels.

7 130831, D2 Fish at the Pescaria at the Rialto Market+

Arriving at the 600-year-old Rialto Market, vendors were setting up their stalls of meat, fruit, vegetables, spices and flowers.  The Pescaria is the section of the market designated for fish, offering tuna, shrimp and anchovies.  Taking pleasure in the colorful marketplace, I watched as merchants wrapped up the daily catch and bagged vegetables for their customers.

8_DSC0325

I set out to lose myself in the maze of straits, creating my own route, enjoying the smells of homemade pasta and fresh foccacia.  While  the Grand Canal is the central waterway of Venice, there are smaller and more intimate channels that connect the city’s backyard passageways with their own network of private homes, boutique shops and popular restaurants.

9 D2 The Campo Manin Lion

I found myself at Naranzaria, a local wine bar along the Grand Canal.  With outdoor seating and extensive wine list, I lost myself in the bliss of polenta and Prosecco.

By early afternoon, I was ready to return to the hotel and had miraculously found my way back to the Manin monument honoring Daniele Manin, an Italian Unification revolutionist.

I had registered for an afternoon excursion, so the timing was perfect for picking up my ticket from the hotel and making my way back to St. Mark’s Square.   I left early enough to leisurely wander through Venice to window shop, people watch and pick up a few souvenirs.   The scenic views captivated me at every turn and my upcoming behind-the-scenes tour of the Torre dell’Orologio was just around the bend.

Have you visited the city of Venice?  I would love to hear what mesmerized you most about the city if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my post about Venice and I wish you a lifetime of Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco, 30100
Venezia VE, Italy

Rialto Market
Campo della Pescheria, 30125
San Polo, Venezia, VE, Italy

Where to Stay:

The Centaur Hotel
San Marco
Campo Manin 4297/a
30124, Venice (Italy)
Tel. +39 041.5225832

Where to Eat:

Naranzaria
San Polo 130, 30125 Venice
Telephone:  +39 041 7241035
Website:  http://www.naranzaria.it/

I ordered a glass of Prosecco and the Mozzarella “in carozza” (sandwich) deep fried in polenta crust with anchovies and cooked pork.

Ristorante Rosa Rossa
Sestiere San Marco 3709
30122, Venice (Italy)
Tel. +39 041 523 4605

I could not eat enough of their caprese salad.

What to Eat: 

  • Aperol Spritz is made with Prosecco (bubbly) wine, Aperol and a splash of soda.
  • Bellini’s were invented at Harry’s Bar and is my favorite brunch drink made with Prosecco and peach puree.
  • Seafood, especially sea bass. Black goby is a local fish from the lagoon and another local dish is fried sardines.
  • Vegetables from the Rialto Market
  • Instead of pasta, Venice serves rice and polenta.  Rice and peas (risi e bisi) is a very popular dish.
  • Appetizers such as Venetian meat and cheese (the salami is amazing!) or cicchetti (similar to Spain’s tapas) are small servings that are the right portions.  Baccala Mantecato is a topping for cicchetti made of creamed white fish.
  • Polpetta are deep fried meatballs
  • For lunch, the locals will order Tramezzino (sandwich) which is triangular in shape.
  • Dishes served with Nero di Seppia (Squid Ink Sauce) are a delicacy and the squid ink is very dark, so it may come as a surprise when your dish arrives.
  • Fritto Misto (Fried Fish and Seafood) can also include fried vegetables.
  • Venetian cookies (Buranelli – from the island of Burano and Sfogliatine) can be purchased at the local bakery.

What to Read: 

  • Donna Leon has a series of crime novels all based in Venice.
  • The Glassblower of Murano, by Marina Fiorato
  • A Venetian Affair, by Andrea di Robilant
  • The City of Falling Angels, by John Berendt
  • Dead Lagoon, by Michael Dibdin
  • A Thousand Days in Venice, by Marlena De Biasi

Photo Guide for Venice: 

  • The Bridge of Sighs leads to the waterfront dungeons and is best photographed from the Ponte della Paglia.
  • Burano is one of the islands within the Veneto was once a community of fishermen.  The colorful homes can seen from a distance as the vaparetto approaches. The colors of the island and reflections make memorable photographs.
  • Piazza San Marco / St. Mark’s Square is the main meeting place in Venice to explore the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile and the Clock.
  • Pont de l’Academie translates as the Academia Bridge and is the second most popular bridge behind the Rialto Bridge.
  • The Rialto Bridge at Sunrise and Sunset;  Take a trip on the vaparetto along the Grand Canal for some amazing photo opportunities.
  • Rivi degli Schiavoni is where the gondolas are “parked” with the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore in the background.
  • St. Mark’s Campanile is the bell tower in the square.  Visitors can purchase tickets to ride up to the top for spectacular views of the lagoon and nearby buildings.
  • If you can visit during the Venice Carnival celebration, you will have many opportunities for some amazing, dramatic photos of people dressed in costume.

Red Brick Tavern in London, Ohio

“If these walls could talk….”   I must have heard this saying at least ten times while I was enjoying a Prime Rib special at the Red Brick Tavern in London, Ohio.

Of course, I agree, but I had not really given it much thought.  The three-story tavern and roadside inn was built by the Minter family in the late 1830s and was a popular stop for Americans in search of opportunities out west.  William and Mary settled here with their nine children in the town they named Lafayette, halfway between Columbus and Springfield.

Most would travel the muddy road known as the National Road which originated from Cumberland, Maryland to include Stanley Watson from Connecticut.  Stanley wed Effa Minter, was given a parcel of land from her father on which the Red Brick Tavern was built in 1836 and was then leased to John McMullen.

Designed in the style of Old English Manor, the Red Brick Tavern originally offered twenty-four rooms for travelers, while the ground level housed the kitchen and dining room.  It was a “reversed L” structure where the front of the building faced the National Road and a narrow section extended along the side street. The third story was the private residence of the family and could be accessed by a stairway with four rooms were located under the gables of the front wing.

According to a placard outside,  the Red Brick Tavern entertained six United States Presidents to include John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor and Warren G. Harding.

Eventually the property would revert back to the Minter family in February of 1854 and would be passed on to the next generation where it would become a school and a rental property.  By 1923, the property would no longer remain in the Minter family and would  sold to become a tearoom and restaurant.

Today, the Red Brick Tavern thrives as a restaurant owned by Cris Cummins and Madonna Christy who purchased the property in 2007.

Known for their home cooked meals, local residents fill the dining room for their daily specials and desserts.  I was excited to learn that in addition to dinner rolls, the restaurant also served cinnamon rolls before the meal.

The Red Brick Tavern had come full circle and was once again a restaurant.  I was happy to visit on Friday night for their Prime Rib special that included a side dish, rolls and dessert.

This little historic gem has been a witness to  American history with the building of the National Road and for hosting several Presidents of the United States and now it was going to witness me eat their perfectly prepared, medium-rare steak, followed by a slice of their decadent peanut butter pie.

Have you visited the Red Brick Tavern in Lafayette?   I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Thank you for reading about my visit to Red Brick Tavern and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do: 

Red Brick Tavern
1700 Cumberland Street
London, Ohio  43140
Telephone;  614 200 5447

Go on Friday and/or Saturday night for their prime rib special and save room for dessert!

Travel Tip Tuesday: Cruise Ship Fitness and Health

Cruise vacations include a wide variety of foods that are accessible twenty-four hours a day, so staying healthy while aboard can be a challenge.   Having worked for the cruise lines on contracts that lasted for periods of 6 months at a time, I can sympathize knowing how easy it is to put on the pounds when surrounded by food.  Here are some healthy tips that will ensure that you can maintain your current weight and maybe even lose a couple of pounds.

1.  Try to keep up with the same routine that you have while at home.  For example, if you have an eating schedule that helps you to maintain a healthy diet at home, then try to incorporate those eating times into your vacation schedule.  The same goes for working out.  If you have a routine already established at home, try to keep with the schedule during your vacation on the cruise ship.

2,  Take advantage of your time in port.  Most passengers go off-shore to explore the various ports of call.  Whether you have signed up for an excursion or decided to visit the port on your own, many of these activities include some type of physical exercise such as walking or swimming.  You will be surprised at how active you are while disembarking the ship for some shore time.

3,  Just because the ship provides some type of food option over a 24 hour period, does not mean that you need to eat for 24 hours.  All-inclusive food offerings make it easy to stray away from your normal eating habits and overindulge.  Step away from the midnight buffet!

4.  You will want to ensure that you have a healthy breakfast each day, especially on the days that you plan to go ashore.  Choose items that are high in protein and fiber so that you will stay full longer until you are ready to eat either at port or back on the ship for lunch.

5.  Learn a new healthy type of exercise.  Many cruise lines offer various sports or exercise activities that you may have never tried at home.  For example, I once took a yoga class just to try it out to see if it may be something that would be of interest.  Check out the ship’s daily schedule for various activities that you can incorporate while you are aboard the ship, and especially during those days at sea.

In addition to these five tips, you should also drink plenty of water and make healthy food choices when selecting menu items for meals.  You will be pleasantly surprised when you reach home after vacation and find that you have actually lost weight on your cruise!  Bon Voyage!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.