Endless Views of Lake Erie from Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial

26 May 202417 May 2025

Having lived in Ohio most of my life, I was surprised I had never heard of the Lake Erie Islands when a friend asked me if I wanted to spend a long weekend exploring Put-in-Bay. Curious to learn more about this popular Ohio vacation spot, I found that Put-in-Bay is a town on one of the thirty-three islands that make up the Erie Islands archipelago. The three most visited in Ohio include Kelleys Island, South Bass and Middle Bass islands off the shore of Port Clinton.

The drive was nearly three hours from Dublin so we checked into the Sleep Inn on OH-53 to drop off our luggage and have lunch. We found this great Mexican place next door and had a couple of drinks and tacos at Casa Las Palmas. Just over 10 minutes and we reached the parking lot to catch the ferry, courtesy of Miller’s Ferry, which dropped us off at the island. We had the option to walk or wait for a bus to drive us into town, so we chose the bus for a $2 fee.

The bus dropped us off at the edge of town where we immediately recognized its charm as we found ourselves at the corner of Main Street and Langram Road. Deciding to reach the pier, we made our way through the large tree-filled lawn. To our right I noticed a large Doric column out of the corner of my eye which looked more like a Washington DC monument than an Ohio memorial.

We had some drinks at the Boardwalk and then wine at Put-in-Bay Winery overlooking the lake taking in the boats docked in the harbor. It was the perfect day to slip into the nearby bars for a drink and bar hop the afternoon away.

A long sidewalk arrives at the base of the tower which connects downtown Put-in-Bay to East Point. We arrived at entrance within minutes from the pier and paid the $10 entrance fee. With sunny skies and miles of visibility, I was looking forward to reaching the top.

We boarded the elevator to reach the platform with 360 degrees of breathtaking views. Sailboats and speedboats dotted the crescent shaped harbor.

A closer look at the peninsula that rounds out the moon-shaped edge of the island, shows beautiful homes with gorgeous views of Lake Erie’s clear water.

The monument was named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry who fought against the British in the Battle of Lake Erie. With his famous motto, “Don’t Give Up the Ship”, Perry took control of Lake Erie, which helped win the War of 1812.

A map of the site where the war took place has been engraved in steel on the observation deck. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial was first built in 1915 to represent the long-lasting peace between the United States, Canada and Britain. Standing 352 feet above Lake Erie, it is the tallest Doric column in the world.

The copper rotunda at the top of the tower is decorative and stylish. In memory of those who fought in the battle, the names of Perry and the six soldiers who lost their lives are commemorated on its walls. The bodies of the six have been buried under its rotunda.

Standing 47 feet higher than the Statue of Liberty, Perry’s Memorial is the only international peace memorial in the US National Park System and ranks high on my list of things to do in Put-in-Bay.

Have you visited Put-in-Bay, one of Ohio’s Lake Erie vacation spots? What were some of the activities that are on the top of your list? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Monument
93 Delaware Avenue
Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456
Telephone: 419 285 2184

Where to Stay:

Sleep Inn, Port Clinton
947 OH-53 N
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Telephone: 419 732 7707

Where to Eat:

Casa Las Palmas
4000 E Harbor Light Landing Drive
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Telephone: 419 734 6593

What to Read:

Put-In-Bay books by Robert Adamov

Photo Guide for Put-in-Bay:

Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, Put-in-Bay
Front entrance gate at Cedar Point
Glacial Grooves, Kelleys Island
Inside Crystal Cave, Put-in-Bay
Sunset from West Bay, Kelleys Island
Lake Erie Love signs, Nickel Plate Beach, Huron and Waterworks Park, Port Clinton
“Greetings From” murals, Port Clinton and Vermillion

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The River Trail at Ijams Nature Center, Knoxville, Tennessee

5 May 20243 May 2025

A beautiful canopy of hardwood forest, The North Cove Trail off of the Visitor’s Center leads to the River Trail at Ijams Nature Center. Depending on the season, there are blooms of silverbell and hydrangea or bloodroot and cut-leaved toothwort. In late spring, the strong scent of bugbane acts as a natural insect repellent as hummingbirds feed off of the sweet-smelling trumpet creepers.

Halfway through the .2-mile trail is a bridge. It is the scene of yellow-billed cuckoos and indigo buntings that look like blue, chubby cardinals. The sight of eastern box turtles during the warm summer months and sound of barred owls year around are what draw visitors to this trail throughout the year.

The River Trail was marked by a placard along the path and connected North Cove Trail with the Will Skelton Greenway. Along the .7 mile trek grew American bladdernut and the spicebush which produces bright red fruit in the fall. Yellow trillium and yellow celandine poppy come into sight during early spring, while Christmas ferns appear during the holiday season.

Located on the trail is the Boardwalk that runs along the Tennessee River. One of the highlights of this section of the walk is the geological rock formations and Maude Moore’s Cave.

A group of boy scouts paddle their canoes along the quiet, calm Tennessee River. It was a cool, peaceful morning for earning their badges as they identified plants and trees on the banks of the waterway. Along the river were sounds of the yellow and grey prothonotary warblers and swallows flying overhead.

Granite rock structures protruded from the cliffs. The serene landscape and solitude were interrupted by the sounds of birds perched in the nearby sycamore trees. The area is home to the white-eyed vireos, common yellow-throats, bald eagles and ospreys.

It was early enough in the morning where the coolness of the day appeared as a mist hovering over the river. We noticed a fisherman in a kayak trying his luck at catching bluegill and sunfish.

We soon approached one of the entrances to Cave Springs Caves, which were carved out by an underground stream. These entryways have been boarded up with wood to protect the bats and salamanders that live inside. Known by the locals as Maude Moore’s Cave, it was given this name because Maude, after having shot and killed Roy Harth, she hid in this cave system until giving herself up to law enforcement. She was later found not guilty for acting in self-defense.

On occasion, we looked over the side of the Boardwalk into the Tennessee River to see if there were turtles, lizards or snakes resting along the rocks. There was also the potential to see blue herons, belted kingfishers and crested cormorants that frequent the area to snack on a fish or two.

Although we couldn’t feel it, the earth beneath us was moving, creating faults and folds that are eventually exposed at the surface. Along the River Trail at Ijams Nature Center, there is a geological fold of rocks as a result of the pressure from the underground movement, but lucky for us, we hadn’t even noticed.

We came to a point where we had to decide whether to follow the River Trail or stay on the boardwalk. A set of rock stairs led up into the sugar maples, but we opted to continue towards the gravel road that leads to an old quarry and cedar glade. We eventually passed an obstacle course and noticed a placard that informed us of the meadow habitat up ahead.

We crossed through the field and found a small pond, home to frogs, salamanders and newts. The Visitor’s Center was within view, ending our hike and so we decided to go in for an opportunity to learn more about the Ijam’s nature center and its habitat.

Have you had the chance to visit Ijam’s Nature Center in Knoxville? What was the most fascinating aspect of your visit? I would be interested in hearing about your time spent at Ijam’s if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my hike and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ijam’s Nature Center
2915 Island Home Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37920
Telephone: 865 577 4717

Where to Stay:

Four Points Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House
1109 White Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37916
Telephone: 865 971 4663

Where to Eat:

Babalu
412 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902
Telephone: 865 329 1002

Check out my write up on this fabulous tapas restaurant, Babalu.

What to Eat in Knoxville:

Brunch at Bistro on the Bayou
Chicken pot pie
Fried Green Tomatoes
Mac and Cheese
Meatloaf
Tennessee Whiskey

What to Read:

Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitor’s Guide to Its Stories and Places, by Jack Neely

Photo Guide to Knoxville:

Bike Sculpture
Bridge Sunrise
CityView Sunset from SoKno
Fort Dickerson Quarry
Gay Street
Greetings from Knoxville Postcard Mural
House Mountain
Sunsphere
Tennessee Theater on the corner of Gay Street and Clinch Avenue
A View from the Bluffs

Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee

28 April 20243 May 2025

Ranked as one of Knoxville, Tennessee’s top attractions, I was looking forward to checking out Ijams Nature Center for the morning before traveling down to Gatlinburg for the week. Having visited the website, I noticed the museum had won several awards and was ranked as a top destination. I wanted to hike the River Trail along the Tennessee River for its scenic views and bird watching and then stroll through the nature center to learn more about the surrounding area.

The exhibits were extremely informative and centered around the ecology of the Tennessee River. I learned that the river was home to over 230 species of fish, 100 types of mussels and the Cherokee Indians before the British began to build settlements here in the 1700s.

Stuffed taxidermy animals were strategically placed throughout the wildlife displays of trees and small ponds. Shallow pools held turtles and local fish which can be found within the river.

I was most impressed with the life-like paintings of Dr. Earl O. Henry, dating back to the late 1940s. Dr. Henry began his interest in birds when he was a young boy, imitating their songs. He was an active member of the Tennessee Ornithological Society that was founded by H.P. Ijams for whom the center is named. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Dr. Henry returned to Knoxville and began to embrace his talent for painting the local birds.

Harry Pearl Ijams helped form the Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. An enthusiastic outdoorsman, H.P., as he was known by friends, purchased 20 acres where he set up the Ijams Bird Sanctuary to monitor the various species and study their habits. H.P. would later be regarded as the “Father of Knoxville Ornithology”.

It was a wonderful experience visiting the Ijams Nature Center, learning about the Knoxville wildlife and the men and women who were instrumental in protecting them.

Have you visited the Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee? What were your thoughts? I would be interested in hearing about your time spent at the exhibit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my time spent at Ijams and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ijam’s Nature Center
2915 Island Home Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37920
Telephone: 865 577 4717

Where to Stay:

Four Points Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House
1109 White Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37916
Telephone: 865 971 4663

Where to Eat:

Babalu
412 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902
Telephone: 865 329 1002

What to Eat in Knoxville:

Brunch at Bistro on the Bayou
Chicken pot pie
Fried Green Tomatoes
Mac and Cheese
Meatloaf
Tennessee Whiskey

What to Read:

Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitor’s Guide to Its Stories and Places, by Jack Neely

Photo Guide to Knoxville:

Bike Sculpture
Bridge Sunrise
CityView Sunset from SoKno
Fort Dickerson Quarry
Gay Street
Greetings from Knoxville Postcard Mural
House Mountain
Sunsphere
Tennessee Theater on the corner of Gay Street and Clinch Avenue
A View from the Bluffs

Inside Ijams Nature Center

Ijams Nature Center

Babalu, An Upscale Experience Sharing Tapas

21 April 20243 May 2025

Before browsing the Farmer’s Market in Knoxville, we stopped at a tapas restaurant called Babalu. I loved the décor and the idea of sharing a few plates instead of having a full meal for lunch. Tapas are a Spanish-style way of eating where “small plates” are the perfect size portions for sharing among family and friends.

Selecting an outdoor table along the sidewalk patio, we had plenty of opportunities for people watching and taking in the urban scenery. We started out with a bowl of Babalu’s fabulous, tableside guacamole. As we watched our server combine the ingredients, we learned their secret ingredient was sun-dried tomatoes, which enhanced the guacamole’s chunky texture. This is one of Babalu’s signature, upscale avocado dip served with homemade chips and I highly recommend it.

Other starters that looked just as amazing were the flash-fried-calamari and yellowfin tuna ceviche.

Choosing three tapas was difficult because there were so many from which to choose. We ordered the beef empanadas, a selection of three tacos and the filet on a stick which came with a grilled tenderloin covered in a teriyaki glaze, rosti potatoes, broccolini and pico de gallo.

The food was spectacular and the service was fabulous. The small plates were the perfect sized portions and we were ready to tackle the Knoxville Farmer’s Market.

Have you had the opportunity to eat at Babalu? What was your favorite item on the menu and how was the service? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reviewing my post about Babalu in Knoxville, Tennessee and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ijam’s Nature Center
2915 Island Home Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37920
Telephone: 865 577 4717

Market Square Farmer’s Market
Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee

Where to Eat:

Babalu’s
412 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902
Telephone: 865 329 1002

Where to Stay:

Four Points Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House
1109 White Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37916
Telephone: 865 971 4663

Visiting the Historical Knoxville’s Market Square Farmer’s Market

14 April 20243 May 2025

2016 marked the 225^th year of Knoxville’s Market Square Farmer’s Market and my family happened to be passing through on our way to Gatlinburg. Farmers and vendors from all over East Tennessee have been coming to downtown Knoxville to set up shop at the Market Square, surrounded by fabulous restaurants and interesting boutiques.

From Babalu Restaurant, we walked towards Market Square to visit the Knoxville Farmer’s Market. Located along a long pedestrian mall, it was here, in this very location, where the first market opened for the sale of farm produce. We were curious to see what vendors would be there and what items we could buy.

The square, just over an acre in size, has been a popular meeting place for street musicians and artists since the 1880s. I imagine listening to the music of Duke Ellington or watching the fiddle contests of Frank Murphy back in the 1920s. We watched a guitar and cello duo playing at one of the street corners in front of a furniture shop, Enjoying the talent of these musicians, we stayed for a few songs and dropped off a tip in their instrument cases.

In addition to the vendor’s booths, there were children dancing through the fountains and busy outdoor cafes along the market square. It is a different scene than that of the late 1800s farmers who would pull their wagons up to the Market House. Back then, there was a monthly cost of three dollars for merchants who rented a stall.

After the marketplace opened in January 1854, several shops and venues were built along its outskirts. Among the sites were a grocery, saloon and lumberyard. Over twenty years later, additional services were set up to include a mill, a boarding house, physician and pharmacists offices, more saloons and Peter Kerns’ confections store. Today there are several upscale and casual sidewalk cafes where one can find a seat to enjoy the exciting hustle of the market scene.

On the north end of the square is Knoxville’s City Hall, built in 1868. Just five years earlier, in 1865, this area had been occupied by the Union Army and converted into barracks and storage for ammunition during the Civil War.

By the early 1900s, prohibition closed the saloons, residents began to move out to the suburbs and small businesses began to close, replaced by chain commercial commerce and movie theaters. Eventually, the Market Hall would be replaced by the open-air market in 1960 in hopes of revitalizing the city.

In addition to the traditional stalls of produce, crafts and more, food trucks line the alleys for an expanded option of lunch items, baked goods and delicious local foods. Today, Knoxville’s Farmer’s Market continues the tradition it began 225 years ago, with a modern twist and we loved the time that we spent here.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Knoxville’s Farmer’s Market in Tennessee? What did you buy? Did you eat at one of the restaurants or food trucks? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for exploring the Farmer’s Market with me by reading my blog post. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Market Square Farmer’s Market
Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee

Open every Wednesday (11 AM to 2 PM) and Saturday (9 AM to 2 PM) starting in May through November, the Market is open in the heart of Knoxville.

Where to Stay:

Four Points Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House
1109 White Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37916
Telephone: 865 971 4663

Where to Eat:

Babalu’s
412 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902
Telephone: 865 329 1002

We ordered Babalu’s signature guacamole, made table side, which was absolutely amazing (secret ingredient? sundried tomatoes!). We decided to share three tapas which included the beef empanadas, three tacos and grilled tenderloin with a teriyaki glaze and we enjoyed our meals.

What to Eat in Knoxville:

Brunch at Bistro on the Bayou
Chicken pot pie
Fried Green Tomatoes
Mac and Cheese
Meatloaf
Tennessee Whiskey

What to Read:

Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitor’s Guide to Its Stories and Places, by Jack Neely

Photo Guide to Knoxville:

Bike Sculpture
Bridge Sunrise
CityView Sunset from SoKno
Fort Dickerson Quarry
Gay Street
Greetings from Knoxville Postcard Mural
House Mountain
Sunsphere
Tennessee Theater on the corner of Gay Street and Clinch Avenue
A View from the Bluffs

The Beauty of Yosemite National Park’s Yosemite Valley

7 April 20248 February 2025

Starting my vacation from San Francisco, I finally made it to Point Reyes National Seashore and then stopped in Columbia, California before reaching Yosemite. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and only four hours from downtown San Francisco, I was excited to see for myself the beauty of Yosemite so eloquently described by John Muir.

Entering the park from the west, I couldn’t help but notice fire damage to the trees, leaving them wrangled and charred. I was surprised to learn from the park ranger that the fire was actually healthy for the forest to allow for growth of new vegetation. While it can take a few years for this to happen, there are so many positive effects of contained fires in the park.

Traveling further into the forest, the hues of green grew stronger and the views more spectacular from the outlooks. Soon I would be facing massive sequoias, expansive granite cliffs and towering waterfalls within the park.

Looking closely at the granite cliffs, I noticed a stratification of fractures on the face of the spectacular bluffs. It amazed me to think that people from all over the world would come here to climb these rocks and I could only imagine the high they must feel to reach the top. With its scenic beauty and challenging physical activities, It is no surprise that approximately 3.5 million visitors visit Yosemite each year.

Yosemite Valley is the most visited area of the park and is open all year around. Measuring 7 miles long and only 1 mile in width, it is home to Bridleveil Falls, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, the parks most distinctive rock formation.

While Yosemite is famous for its dramatic waterfalls and granite peaks, I was hoping for a little trickle of water during the mid-October fall. I was pleasantly surprised as I parked the car and started my trek towards Bridalveil Falls, to see the water coming down as waterfalls run strong during the spring and summer months. Usually dried up by the fall season, I was thrilled with the 620 foot trickle as well as the tranquility of this amazing place.

The fall season brings cooler weather and in some cases snow. Fortunately, the days were sunny and warm, and with the help of a below freezing sleeping bag, I was able to sleep comfortably during the cold nights.

The park was quite easy to navigate and there are seven designated areas: Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Glacier Point, Tioga Road, Toulumne Meadows and Hetch Hetchy. The park covers approximately 750,000 acres and is about the size of the state of Rhode Island. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, it is the perfect location for backpackers and birdwatchers. An abundance of wildlife make their home in the park and I was so happy to see a buck along the side of the road.

In the distance, the view of El Capitan was breathtaking as it stands close to 3,500 feet tall. With a permit, visitors can climb up to the top of this gargantuan mound of granite. The beauty of this place inspired famed photographer Ansel Adams, capturing spectacular photos of the area. I was so happy to be experiencing the majesty of this beautiful space first hand.

Half Dome, looming in the distance is a hiker’s paradise at 8, 842 feet and requires a permit to hike. There are a limited number of passes that are distributed and can be collected at the visitor’s center.

The sun was beginning to set and I would be staying the night in a canvas tent in Curry Village. The sunset seemed so much more brilliant here in Yosemite with colors of orange and pink illuminating from the clouds.

And as I humbly reflected on the sights I had seen on my first day at Yosemite, I could not have said it as brilliantly as John Muir. “As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens and get as near the heart of the world as I can.”

Have you had the opportunity to explore Yosemite National Park? What fascinated you most about your visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message about your visit in the comments section below.

Yosemite is located in northern California in the Sierra Nevada. For more information about Yosemite National Park, you can visit their website at https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm.

The Beauty of Yosemite, Camp Curry and The Redwoods

30 March 20242 February 2025

Blog Post Update! Camp Curry is now Curry Village!

I awoke early after having spent the day exploring the Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park. The sun had already set when I arrived at Curry Village. Spending the night in a canvas tent, the attendant suggested that I also rent a sleeping bag as the temperature would be falling overnight. It was the best $10 I spent the whole weekend.

Camp Curry (now Curry Village) is one of three camping options at Yosemite National Park and provides such amenities as the Curry Pavilion, Village Coffee Corner, a Taqueria as well as a Pizza Deck & Bar. Additional campsites can be found at Housekeeping Camp and Yosemite High Sierra Camps.

I awoke to breathtaking precipices surrounding the camp. The crisp smell of fall was in the air as the colorful leaves of the trees blanketed the ground and crunched beneath my hiking boots. I was happy for the opportunity to stroll among the largest grove of sequoias in the valley – a landscape of picturesque valleys and sweeping plateaus with granite formations carved naturally by the wind, rain and glacial ice.

Dressed in layers, I set out to visit the Majestic Yosemite Hotel. Located in Yosemite Valley, I admired its natural architecture seamlessly blending into the surrounding scenery. Additional accommodations at the park include the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, White Wolf Lodge, the Wawona Hotel, Toulumne Meadows Lodge and The Redwoods.

Over a cup of coffee, I flipped through the Yosemite Guide, the park’s newspaper. The publication is available at each entrance into the park as well as the visitor’s centers. I decided my next step would be to visit Mariposa Grove where I could stroll among some of the largest Redwoods in the world.

As I approached Mariposa Grove, I noticed that parking was scarce, so I backtracked to the Wawona Hotel where I could catch a free shuttle. I learned that there 21 stops on the shuttle route and that the park officials highly recommend the service, especially during season, when approximately 1000 passengers board the buses per hour. There were also designated transports which would drop off hikers at some of the more remote trailheads and offered transportation for sightseeing tours.

While waiting for the bus, I found myself exploring the Pioneer Yosemite History Center which was extremely informative and fascinating.

The bus arrived and within minutes we arrived at Mariposa Grove. Options for visiting the grove included taking the trail or purchasing a ticket for the tour. With limited time in the park, I decided to take the tram tour which would last about an hour. In the distance, I caught my first glimpse of one of the oldest redwoods in the forest, the Fallen Monarch.

Mariposa Grove is located in the section of the park called Wawona. Near the south entrance, it is home to over 500 mature sequoias. Wawona means “sound of the call of the owl” and the Indians believed that the owl was the guardian spirit of the “Big Trees”.

The tour included a stop at the Mariposa Grove Museum. The exhibit provided an overview of Yosemite’s history and was included in the excursion as one of the highlights of the trip.

Traveling a short distance of under 15 miles from Wawona was Glacier Point Road Junction. It was here where I was guaranteed phenomenal views of Yosemite from Glacier Point Overlook.

There was a short walk to the overlook and I was in awe of Half Dome as it majestically stood in the distance.

From this vantage point, I was looking down into the valley floor, 3,214 feet below.

A posted placard pointed out the major highlights which could be seen from the Glacier Point Upper Terrace. Yosemite Falls was a mere trickle during the fall season.

The time came when I needed to begin my drive towards Bakersfield. I would be leaving Yosemite National Park by way of Tioga Road and High Country which remained open through November. Heading south, I would follow along the rugged crest of the Sierra Nevada. I took a moment to stop at Tenaya Lake where the reflection of the mountains were a gorgeous scene while watching the sun begin to set.

Driving along the 39-mile Tioga Road, I also encountered a stop at Olmsted Point which is known for its spectacular views of the Tenaya Canyon. There was an easy half-mile round-trip hike which takes about a half an hour. From here, one can take in the breathtaking view from 8,400 feet above sea level.

It was not long until I exited the park and the sun had set leaving a beautiful pink hue on the mountains. With only two days to explore Yosemite National Park, there were so many additional activities that I was not able to fit into my schedule. I will return again when I can participate in a ranger or photography walk, take a long hike or experience a horse drawn stage ride in the summer.

Yosemite also hosts special events throughout the year to include the Bracebridge Dinner which takes place 8 nights in December, a Vintner’s Holiday and Yosemite’s Springfest. Open year around, there are additional winter events that are posted on the National Park’s website.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Yosemite National Park? What would you recommend on a future visit? I would love to hear about your trip to the fabulous national park if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. I appreciate your recommendations as well! Many thanks for reading about my first visit to Yosemite and I wish you many Happy Travels!

For more information about Yosemite National Park, check out the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm.

Finding Inspiration in the Grand Tetons

23 March 202423 September 2024

The beauty of the Grand Tetons can hardly be explained in words. With its tall peaks, winding rivers, waterfalls and spectacular wildlife, I could not pass up the opportunity to visit here while making plans to explore Yellowstone National Park.

The sunlight glistened on Jenny Lake as I prepared to ride the ferry over to the south side. I would catch as soon as exiting the boat and venture towards Cascade Falls and Inspiration Point. From the top, there were spectacular views of the Grand Tetons and the surrounding area.

The wait was short and the ride most astounding. I heard the slight humming of the boat’s engine and the stirring of the water beneath. The fresh air was as intoxicating as the views from the small vessel that carried us across the lake. The crags and boulders appeared intermittently between the pines and provide the most beautiful reflection. The immense stature of the Tetons were noticeably present and grand and we arrived at our destination in a short time.

The moderate trail was broken in and we made our climb through the forest and over a large stream. Soon it was taking a more steep approach as we closed in on our final destination of Inspiration Point. The sounds of the falls in the distance challenged us to quicken our step and as we pressed on to the glorious view that we were about to witness.

We sat atop of the rocks overlooking the lake as a silence fell among us. It was a magical experience, so breathtaking that we could have stayed the afternoon taking in the scenery. It is no doubt, inspirational.

Have you taken the ferry to Inspirational Point? What other places did you visit at Grand Teton National Park? I would love to hear about your travel experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

The Jenny Lake shuttle runs every 15 minutes for a cost of $9 roundtrip.

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Teton National Park
PO Box 170
Moose, WY 83012
Telephone: 307 739 3399

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Grand Teton National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Grand Teton National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Grand Teton National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Scenic drives throughout the park include the Teton Park Road, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Signal Mountain Summit Road.
Length of Visit: To maximize your visit to Grand Teton National Park one would need at least a couple of days to experience all that the park provides.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Signal Mountain is perfect for sunsets.

Where to Stay:

Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
3385 Cody Lane
Teton Village, WY 83025
Telephone: 307 201 6066

Where to Eat:

The Deck @ Piste
Rendezvous Mountain
Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83025
Telephone: 307 732 3177

I ordered the Southern Belle made from White Wine with Orange and Passion Fruit. In addition, I had a glass of Henry Estate Pinot Noir to accompany my House Meatballs and Fries.

A Very Friendly Chipmunk

Incredible Vantage Point returning from Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point Hike

Gorgeous views of Jenny lake from Inspiration Point

The Shuttle Stop

Hidden Falls

A Chipmunk Waiting for Snacks

A Magpie

Waking Up to the Beauty of the Grand Tetons

16 March 202423 September 2024

Having arrived in Jackson around midnight, I missed the opportunity to experience the extraordinary splendor of the Grand Tetons. I was so excited to begin exploring the ethereal beauty of this national park and wildly anticipated the journey that was ahead of me over the next couple of days.

Entering the park from the south, the first glimpse of the magical peaks were spectacular. With scenery as gorgeous as this, I knew I was about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

Within minutes of my drive, a herd of elk crossed the road, hardly noticing the cars coming to a stop. The eloquence in their gait was one of careless grace as they reached the grassy knoll on the opposite side. The bull, imperiously leading his harem of does, stood out among the pack with his eight point rack identifying him as the leader of this domain.

My plan for the day was to drive as far north of the park as possible and backtrack through the Grand Tetons before heading east towards home. My first stop on this agenda was Colter Bay where I would hike the short trail near the marina.

Strolling the serene path I realized that, regardless of where I am, the Grand Tetons are a central fixture within the park. Robust and dominating the skyline, their snowy peaks are a welcome site. I could not resist the gorgeous backdrop against the beautiful sailboats anchored in the cove.

The weather was perfect for hiking the Lakeshore Trail. The trailhead, originating at the marina, was a 45-minute figure eight path. I strolled along the beach and crossed over the causeway which led to an island on the other side.

The trek took an unexpected shift through the woods where fir trees lined the path on each side. The shadows from the morning light offered protection from the sun and there was a momentary coolness to the air.

I completed the hike and after standing in awe of the marina, began my trek towards Jenny Lake. I was so excited to board the ferry to explore Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. Reaching the southern part of the lake, I was just in time for the water taxi which runs every fifteen minutes. The round trip fare was $18 and well worth the serene trek across the water. The ferry arrived on the west side of Jenny Lake and drops visitors off at Cascade Canyon trailhead.

The afternoon was spectacular spent hiking, but I had only a short time to visit Mormon Row and the Snake River Lookout. With a half a day ahead of me, I had so much more to explore and I felt I was just getting started.

Have you visited the Grand Tetons? What were some of your activities during your stay? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post about the Grand Tetons and I hope you stick around to check out my next post about this fabulous location! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Teton National Park
PO Box 170
Moose, WY 83012
Telephone: 307 739 3399

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Grand Teton National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Grand Teton National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Grand Teton National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Scenic drives throughout the park include the Teton Park Road, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Signal Mountain Summit Road.
Length of Visit: To maximize your visit to Grand Teton National Park one would need at least a couple of days to experience all that the park provides.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Signal Mountain is perfect for sunsets.

Where to Stay:

Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
3385 Cody Lane
Teton Village, WY 83025
Telephone: 307 201 6066

Where to Eat:

The Deck @ Piste
Rendezvous Mountain
Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83025
Telephone: 307 732 3177

I ordered the Southern Belle made from White Wine with Orange and Passion Fruit. In addition, I had a glass of Henry Estate Pinot Noir to accompany my House Meatballs and Fries.

What to Read:

Where the Water Goes, by David Owen
Great Alone, by Kristin Hannah
Where the Forest Meets the Stars, by Glendy Vanderah
Journey, by James A. Michener
The Cocktail Hour in Jackson Hole, by Donald Hough

Photo Guide for The Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole:

Oxbow Bend
Schwabacher Landing
Mormon Row
Snake River Overlook
String Lake Roadway
Willow Flats Overlook
Elk Ranch Flats Turnout

Ohio Winery: Stone Crest Vineyard

9 March 202414 May 2025

“It’s all my wife’s fault,” Mike Barker said when I asked him why he and his wife Cheryl opened Stone Crest Vineyard. Her father, Riece Brown, had been making wine for a few years and the Barkers decided to “hone his craft” and planted their first vines in 2005. The name Stone Crest is based on both the soil, abundant with sandstone and its location on top of a hill. Since officially opening in 2007, the Barkers have expanded their vineyards and offer nearly twenty varieties of wine.

Ranging from dry to sweet, Stone Crest Vineyard’s award winning wines are available to sample. I found a great location at the tasting bar to enjoy some of the vineyard’s amazing wines and had a great chat with Fred. My tasting included the Chardonnay, Gemstone, Red Stone, Blue Stone and Peach.

Chardonnay – lightly oaked, dry white….14.95; My sister loves Chardonnay, so I picked up a bottle for her
Gemstone – semi sweet rose blend of pink Catawba 10.95; I absolutely love rose, so I couldn’t pass up adding this bottle to my collection
Red Stone – Concord, sweet red classic concord wine 10.95; Another great wine to have on hand for my friends who like “grape juice”
Blue Stone – blueberry and grape, sweet berry blend 11.95; A gold medal winner at the Ohio Wine Competition for the last 12 years
Peach – sweet peach made with peach juice…9.95; Crisp and fruity

Additional wines on the menu:

Winemakers Select 2013 – dry red with dark fruit flavors for 12 95
Winemakers Select 2017 (Malbec) – dry, bold red…17.99
Pinot Noir (out of stock) – dry red with great finish…17.99
Cabernet Franc (out of stock) – dry red with notes of cherry and black currant…17.99
Dry Riesling (out of stock) – dry white with hint of lemon….14.95
Tranquility (out of stock) – dry white that reminds one of Pinot Grigio …10.95
Semi sweet Riesling (out of stock) semi-sweet white with an apricot notes …14.95
De Vine – concord semi-sweet red, the fruit of the vine…10.95
Bouquet – Niagara – semisweet white with a fragrant bouquet 10.95
Dos Vinos – blend of semisweet red where two wines are blended to perfection…12.95
Red Raspberry – with a bite of raspberry pie (out of stock) – 9.95
Apple – sweet apple with a hint of cinnamon – 8.95
Waterfall Wine – out of stock; Niagara sweet white 9.95
White Stone (out of stock) – Catawba sweet white with flavors of citrus and kiwi…10.95

In addition to Stone Crest Vineyard’s spectacular wines, they winery offers slushies as well as the mix which is available for purchase. I tried their homemade slushie sangria which was absolutely delectable which is a combination of their Blue Stone, Red Stone, Cherry and Peach wines. This would be the perfect solution for a hot summer day.

Stone Crest Vineyard is located in the rural plains of Frazeyburg, Ohio. This lovely winery is open year around on Friday and Saturday evenings from noon to eight. Offering weekend dinners with a selection of two choices, these sold out gatherings include a baked potato, salad, roll and dessert. Their website’s calendar lists offerings such as pork loin or chicken, prime rib or baby back ribs, scallops with the option of filet mignon or chicken. Reservations required. Enjoy a bottle of wine with friends relax outside by the hillside waterfall or book a romantic weekend dinner at Stone Crest Vineyard. The winery accommodates bus tours and private events, so sample a few wines and buy a few wines for the holidays or special occasions.

Have you visited Stone Crest Vineyard? Which wines did you enjoy? I would love to hear about your experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for supporting The Suite Life of Travel by reading my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stone Crest Vineyard
10310 O’Dell Road
Frazeyburg, OH 43882
Telephone: 740 828 WINE

You can also check out their Facebook page!

Where to Stay:

The Inn at Dresden
209 Ames Avenue
Dresden, OH 43821
Telephone: 740 754 1122

Where to Eat:

The Inn at Dresden
209 Ames Avenue
Dresden, OH 43821
Telephone: 740 754 1122

We enjoyed an amazing breakfast of Bananas Foster French Toast which was absolutely sumptuous! In addition, we had a light dinner where we were served a couple of Filipino dishes of eggrolls and Chicken Adobo which were robust with amazing flavor!