Cataract Falls, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

25 September 202022 September 2024

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

The Great Smoky Mountains Laurel Falls Hike

4 September 202022 September 2024

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.

Road Trip on the Bighorn Scenic Byway

1 September 201816 September 2024

Are you a fan of road trips? I absolutely love the energy that comes from driving the open road. I’m also guilty of stopping by every Welcome Center for a few brochures and pulling over to check out the “Scenic View” for a few photos.

I was ready to tackle the 58 mile drive known as the Bighorn Scenic Byway. Met with waterfalls, canyons, forests and open fields, my heart began to race as I traveled west into unexplored territory. There is a freedom of taking to the highway and exploring the pure beauty of the Western United States.

The weather was perfect for taking the route along US 14, flanked by Powder River and Big Horn basins. I was heading towards Greybull and had mapped out a few stops along the way checking out some recommended points of interest.

Without any stops, my drive time would have taken about an hour, but the scenery was so spectacular, I couldn’t resist frequent stops to take photos. While the detours added an hour to my trip, I was certain I would reach my hotel before nightfall. Shortly into my drive I approached the Bighorn Basin looking west where I could see the Yellowstone Plateau in the distance. If I had more time, I would have loved to have spent more time to camp, fish or even pick up a hike or two.

The highway passed a wide range of geological formations and landscapes. As I drove through a small section of the scenic byway, I could see there had been a recent fire. From mountain tops to meadows, there were craggy rock outcroppings that added to the fascinating roadside scenery.

The red rocks seemed to increase the further I drove. Roadside signs along the way documented the elevation as I began to reach the crest of the Bighorn Mountains. Posted signs warned me of falling rocks and wildlife crossing the road.

The mountains in the distance took on a shade of royal blue against the subtle earth tones of the rocks. The drive brought me through a thick forest. Random openings through the trees allowed me a short glimpse of the afternoon landscape. The branches and leaves were a great protection from the sun, casting shadows on the road ahead of me.

The valleys began to open up ahead so I stopped at a scenic overpass to stretch out my legs. As soon as I exited the car, I quickly noticed a doe in the tall grass. She ignored me as she went about eating the grass at the edge of the roadway. Not at all aware that I was there, with her white tail flitting about to swat flies, she headed down the steep slope gently with each step. I slowly followed her for a few feet and in the short distance from where she was standing, there was a buck and a smaller deer at his side. I smiled to myself and was incredibly thankful for another unexpected surprise along my journey.

The road continued to climb and in the distance was a large rock-like structure known as Copman’s Tomb. Copman was an explorer who loved spending time in Shell Canyon and had wished for his ashes to be scattered over the mountain when he died. Having reached an elevation of 8,875 feet, I finally approached Shell Canyon Falls. Here I had planned to visit the interpretive trail and hike the falls.

I parked the car and left a small donation at the trailhead. It was a welcome sight to stretch my legs and enjoy a quiet hike. Shell Falls was a short walk from the parking lot and I could hear the sound of the water crashing against the rocks long before reaching the viewing platform. As I approached the 120-foot plunge, the mist refreshed my skin from the heat of the sun.

Although the Bighorn Scenic Byway had come to an end, there was an endless number of spectacular sights from this point until I reached my final destination. So as the day drew to a close, the sun’s reflection made the reds a bit redder and the oranges a radiant glow. It was a wonderful end to a perfect day of travel and I would be ready to start tomorrow morning, once again hitting the open road.

Were you ever surprised by nature while traveling a scenic drive? I would love to hear about your experience! Kindly provide a summary in the comments below so that I can hear about your adventure! Many thanks for reading about my adventurous drive out West! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

Shell Falls and Canyon is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, mid-May through mid-September. For more information, visit the website at https://www.wyomingtourism.org/travel-resources/detail/Shell-Falls-Wayside-Bighorn-National-Forest/7957.

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Shells Canyon

The Moon Appearing over Bighorn Canyon Scenic Byway

More of Shell’s Canyon

Beautiful geological features at dusk

Exiting the Bighorn Canyon Scenic Byway

Rock formation from the sideview mirror

Spotting my First “Bison” at Sioux Falls, South Dakota

11 August 201821 September 2024

It had been a long day of driving (close to 1,000 miles), but I was on a high having reached Sioux Falls, Idaho. With plenty of energy to explore the Sioux Falls Park, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity for some exercise and a moment to stretch out my legs. The park was around the corner and the sun was beginning to set.

I could smell the mist of the falls long before they came into view. The sun felt warm upon my face and I could hear the spray from the water close by as I began making my way towards the roaring sound. From the parking lot, a paved walkway gave start to the art trail winding its way through the woods. Along the path were placards offering a brief overview of the park and its history. Magnificent sculptures were set up along the trail which was a part of “SculptureWalk”, a local event held annually, designed to help “keep the arts alive”. The small hike ended at the spectacular falls, observation deck and café.

Situated in the midst of town, this amazing attraction has been drawing visitors to its location since 1856. Photographs from the late 1800s document the popularity of this site and show how the park has evolved over time. Falls Park sits on 123 acres to include the falls, the cafe as well as the observation tower.

The park requires no entrance fee and accessing the observation tower is also free of charge. An elevator lifts visitors to the top to spend an unlimited time on the platform and it is definitely worth the view.

Known to the Lakota Sioux Indians as “Laughing Waters”, it was the Big Sioux River that wound its way through the town of Sioux Falls. It took over 7,400 gallons of water to drop 100 feet to create this beautiful cascade. During certain times of the day, the sun reflects off of the falls creating a beautiful scene of rainbows.

The “SculptureWalk” statues remain along the path until the next year when the new installments are presented on the lawn. A 20 mile path started at Falls Park and wound its way through the city providing areas of rest for those enjoying the trail.

The Monarch of the Plains, a permanent sculpture, was my first “bison” sighting of my trip.

I was happy to have a nice stroll after driving over 13 hours and this was a perfect way to wind down for the day. The park was busy with visitors and locals, fishing and enjoying the falls and a late afternoon meal at the cafe. There were several vantage points to enjoy the falls including the 5 story observation tower, offering a 360 degree view of the city’s skyline, the falls and the Big Sioux River.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sioux Falls, South Dakota? Did you stop by Falls Park or can you recommend any additional sites in the area? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Thanks for reading my blog post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Falls Park, Sioux Falls
131 E. Falls Park Dr.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Telephone: 605 367 7430

Admission Fee: There is no fee for visiting Falls Park.
Hours: Open daily from 5AM to 12AM
Amenities: waterfalls, observation tower, picnic shelters, sculptures, restrooms, restaurant, open air shelter, bike trail access point, historic displays, drinking fountains and visitor center
Scenic View: Spectacular views of the falls and an observation deck for incredible scenic views of nearby Sioux Falls.
Length of Visit: 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes and be careful on the rocks.

Where to Stay:

Clubhouse Hotel & Suites
2320 S. Louise Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Telephone: 605 361 8700

Where to Eat:

Taco John’s
1920 W. 12th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57106

I ordered a couple of tacos and they reminded me of Taco Bell, but with more of a spicy kick.

What to Eat:

Chislic: Similar to shish kabobs, this local food is made of cubed meat, usually fried while stacked on a stick. German and Russian immigrants are credited for bring this food to the US. Eat this amazing dish as an appetizer or a snack.
Indian Tacos: Similar traditional tacos, the only difference is that the filling is stacked on fry bread instead of tortillas.
Kolaches: Popular in Slavic countries, kolaches are mini pies filled with candied fruit or cream cheese.
Kuchen: Also hailing from Germany and meaning “cake”, this pastry is made with sweet dough and filled with custard, fruit or nuts.
Wasna: A food from the indigenous people of the Great Plains, the snack is made of dried buffalo meat, cranberries and grains.
Wojapi: Another Native American recipe, Wojapi is a dipping sauce made of chokeberries.

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Climbing Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica

10 April 201431 August 2024

It was our one-year anniversary and my husband wanted to take a dive trip to Jamaica. We had decided to stay in Ocho Rios so that we could visit the Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most visited attractions. We found an all-inclusive resort that was close to the falls, offered fabulous amenities and provided an airline discount.

We flew into Montego Bay and took a bus to the hotel. The drive seemed to take forever but after an hour and a half, we finally arrived to a welcoming staff at this luxurious, gorgeous estate. The hotel was absolutely stunning and we could not wait to explore the exquisite grounds. Renting a villa away from the main house, we were offered plenty of privacy and our own private pool.

Ciboney Ocho Rios was considered one of Jamaica’s most luxurious hotels with a AAA Four Diamond Rating. Located on the northern coast, east of Montego Bay, it sat on 45 acres offering a long list of unbelievable amenities to include watersports, concierge, on-site basketball, golf, and volleyball, a salon and spa, gift shop, boutique, and several fabulous restaurants.

We made reservations for the Italian restaurant and decided to stay on the resort for the remainder of the day to enjoy all of the complimentary offerings. We were excited to check out the resort’s entertainment and found ourselves dancing until 3 o’clock in the morning. Each night was based on a theme, and we just happened to arrive on disco night.

We awoke for breakfast and had several hours before meeting our tour group for an afternoon snorkeling excursion. The restaurants served fantastic food with so many options. We loaded up on fresh fruits and made to order omelets that kept us full until lunch.

Heading back to the room after breakfast, we took a short nap and then sat around the pool until it was time to meet our tour in the lobby.

Our afternoon snorkeling trip was a bit uneventful but we were able to see horseshoe crabs and handle sea urchins. I was hoping that our dive in a few days would provide more excitement with colorful fish or sea rays and sharks. It would be Mike’s first underwater dive and I was hoping he would be hooked to finish his underwater certification.

We had a free day before returning home and scheduled a trip to Dunn’s River Falls. We were excited for the opportunity to climb up the 600 foot waterfall surrounded by lush, tropical forests. From the bottom of the falls, we posed for photos and then carefully made the trek behind a large group of tourists as a local guide directed us through the climbing process. The water was refreshing and it took us about an hour and a half to reach the top.

We boarded the transport back to our hotel and enjoyed an afternoon at the small beach across from the resort until it was time for dinner.

Placing an early reservation, we changed out of our swim gear and showered before enjoying a lovely Italian dinner. The food was excellent and we took advantage of our last night at the resort enjoying the entertainment with drinks and dancing.

We absolutely loved our vacation at Ciboney in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and would highly recommend the resort. We later learned that the Ciboney had been purchased by Sandals Resorts and had been renovated and renamed the Sandals Ochi.

Have you been to the new Sandals Ochi or perhaps you had actually been to the Ciboney resort? 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 celebratory visit to Ocho Rios and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Dunn’s River Falls & Park
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Telephone: 876 974 2857

Admission Fee: Adults: $25; Child: $17 (ages 4 – 12).
Hours: 8:30AM to 4PM daily (regular hours); When cruise ships are in port, the facility opens at 7AM
Guided Tours: Included in the admission price
Amenities: Guide during the falls climb, tubing, beach bar, dolphin swim, zipline, catamaran cruise and city tours are included in the Dunn’s River Falls Tour Packages
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: If you are staying at a local resort on the island, schedule your visit when the cruise ships are not in port. Wear comfortable old tennis shoes or water shoes for climbing the falls. Bring your camera and the guide will take photos for you. Tipping is not included in the fee for visiting the falls and the guides expect more than what you would expect to pay in the US, so be aware.

Where to Stay:

Sandals Ochi
130131 Main Street
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Phone: 888 726 3257

Where to Eat:

ValenTino’s Cucina Romana
Sandals Ochi
130131 Main Street
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Phone: 888 726 3257

What to Eat:

Bammy was one of my favorite treats in Jamaica. Made from cassava or yucca, this sweet dish is then soaked in coconut milk and deep fried.
Coco Bread is made with coconut milk, giving it a lovely sweetness.
Jerk Chicken is the national dish for the island of Jamaica. Made with a blend of spices, the Jamaicans also provide jerk pork, jerk fish, etc.
Jamaican Curry Goat is another meal that is popular with Jamaicans, but is difficult to find at touristy restaurants. Half Moon is highly recommended for trying this Jamaican delicacy.
Jamaican Meat Pies are similar to empanadas, a pastry filled with meat.
Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper is a staple in making the island’s hot sauce.
Rice and Peas are really a dish of rice and red beans and is a popular side dish that goes well with Jerk dishes.

What to Read:

Jamaica Me Dead, by Bob Morris
Wide Sargasso Sea, by Jean Rhys
Rasta Heart, by Robert Roskind

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