Downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee

19 November 202022 September 2024

It was my birthday and I wanted to walk around Gatlinburg to spend time visiting some of the shops and a couple of wineries on the main thoroughfare. While the rest of the family decided to stay in for the day, Scott was up for taking Nolan to Cooter’s Garage to see the Duke’s of Hazard memorabilia and would later meet me at Loco Burro for lunch.

A section of shops off of the main strip also included the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The aquarium exhibits over 10,000 species of sea creatures with additional activities to include animal encounters, glass bottom boat rides, breakfast with mermaids and overnight sleepovers with the sharks.

In the distance, standing 407 feet tall is the Gatlinburg Space Needle. The observation tower, visitors can reach the top with views of the Great Smoky Mountains, downtown Gatlinburg and the nearby peaks. Completed in 1969, the tower has been open for over fifty years.

I was surprised to find so many places to shop in Gatlinburg in addition to its wide number of restaurants and activities. Coves of small businesses sell services and tourist items that take shopping to a whole new level.

The Skylift is a part of Gatlinburg’s Skypark which also includes a SkyBridge, SkyTower, SkyDeck and SkyCenter. This attraction is perfect for viewing the morning sunrise, overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains.

There are several wood carving shops that offer multiple sizes of merchandise for purchase. From small signs to large life-size animals, the unique designs and workmanship are absolutely astonishing.

The shopping areas are uniquely designed for shoppers and non-shoppers as well. Plenty of seating is available for those that need a rest from walking the main street or for waiting on their friends who can’t get enough of the merchandise Gatlinburg has to offer.

Downtown Gatlinburg is also a dieter’s nightmare. Candy shops beckon sugar addicts with large signs and free samples. From fudge to taffy, there seems to be an endless abundance of sugar for enticing anyone with a sweet tooth…

As well as an abundance of moonshine and wine.

In the midst of all of the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg, I noticed a hidden gem that I may have missed if I wasn’t looking. A beautiful two-toned log cabin with a stone fireplace is the Ogle Cabin, built around 1802. It is believed to be the first structure built in this area and was used as a school, hospital and museum. In 1986, it was registered as a historical site.

Gatlinburg is a place of hidden treasures and is open year around. From history buffs to foodies and lovers of the outdoors, this vacation destination is spectacular.

Have you visited Gatlinburg? What was your favorite part of your visit? 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 stroll around downtown Gatlinburg and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cooter’s Place
542 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 9909

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Rockies
88 River Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 430 8808

Gatlinburg Space Needle
115 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 4629

Gatlinburg Sky Lift is now Gatlinburg SkyPark
745 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 4307

Ogle Cabin
576 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
900 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 430 3034

What to Eat:

Shrimp

The Loco Burro, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

1 October 202022 September 2024

I chose Loco Burro’s with its outdoor patio to people watch from the second floor. The hostess led me towards the escalator where I rode it to the top. The restaurant had just opened for the day, so there were several tables available. I chose one with a view of the Observation Tower.

From here, I had a clear view of the Parkway which was beginning to fill with tourists and traffic. My server dropped off a menu with some chips, three salsa samples and took my drink order for a house margarita on the rocks with salt.

I decided on the chicken burrito with a side of beans and rice which arrived on a large platter and could have fed a family of four. Finishing my meal, I requested a box to pack up my leftovers and continued to drink my margarita while eating a few more chips.

I was surprised when my server dropped off a large plate of desserts and learned that my friend Dave had called the restaurant and ordered them. We had just talked for a few minutes prior, so I was appreciative of his kind gesture. I knew there was no way I was going to finish these, so I waited for Scott and Nolan to arrive.

Within minutes of my dessert delivery, I noticed Scott and Nolan walking up the Parkway and waved down to them .

When Nolan saw the dessert at the table, his eyes were huge and he had such a big smile on his face. Such a polite little guy, he would ask me if he could have another bite each time he had taken one. I told him, that if it was okay with his father, he could have as many bites he was allowed.

Before leaving the restaurant, we noticed a mechanical burro and we begged Scott to ride it. Of course Nolan wanted to ride it but he wasn’t tall enough, so he begged his dad to ride it instead. The wait staff was encouraging him to do it and told him that if he could hang on for twelve seconds, they would purchase our meal on our next visit.

Nolan was happy to put the helmet on but he didn’t seem too excited wearing it. Within seconds, he was taking it off and handed it to his dad.

Scott put on the helmet, mounted the mechanical burro and turned it on. He stayed on for a few seconds and we couldn’t help but laugh when he fell off onto the large cushions underneath. We laughed so hard and cheered him on for a couple of attempts before he decided he was finished. Although he didn’t beat the record, we had a lot of laughs.

Have you eaten at Loco Burro in Gatlinburg? What did you order? Did you ride the mechanical burro? 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 downtown Gatlinburg adventure and wishing you many Happy Travels.

Where to Eat:

Loco Burro
735 Parkway, Suite 1
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 430 5624

What to Eat:

I’m a burrito girl and their chicken burrito was amazing! I also recommend the salsa trio and don’t forget to save room for dessert!

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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Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Plain City, Ohio

15 December 201616 September 2024

A couple of months ago, I decided to take afternoon walks after my busy days at work. A great way to wind down, I started searching local parks close by to get a little fresh air and some exercise. I happened to find Glacier Ridge Metro Park one afternoon after hiking through Battelle Darby Creek and decided to check it out. Located in rural Plain City, Ohio outside of Columbus, I found the Honda Wetland Education Area and shared the walking path with a young man and his German Shepherd.

Returning from the hike, I noticed the park’s office was closed, but it was swarming with a flock of swallows circling overhead. A nearby nest was on the rooftop where a mother bird guarded her nest.

Glacier Ridge is one of the newer parks in the Columbus Metro Parks center, opening with 1,000 acres in 2002. The park system took an interest in restoring Glacier Ridge to its natural habitat after it had been agricultural land for years.

Wildflowers flourish along the nearby stretch of land as fragile blooms push forward through the wild, grassy underbrush. As a result of the park’s conservation efforts, there are now several species of plants and animals, with a large population of birds.

The clouds started breaking up, so it was the perfect time to climb the observation tower. I reached the top for a beautiful view of the wetlands and surrounding area. From here I could see herons and geese and sound of bullfrogs in the distance. I waited long enough to enjoy the quiet sunset in hopes of seeing more wildlife.

I decided to return to Glacier Ridge during the winter, excited of what I may find in the snow. I once again strolled the Wetland Education Area and hiked the Ironweed Trail to explore the north end of the park.

Leaving the wetlands, I passed over a creek where the trail opened up into a large field. There was a clear view with little obstruction from trees and the water seemed to continue to ice over as the temperature continued to drop. Dedicated runners and hikers walking their dogs slipped past me while I took photos. Footprints quickly disappeared with the new fallen snow and the silence continued until another visitor appeared on the trail.

Crossing the bridge, I noticed a weathered barn that reminded me of a scene in an Amish painting. Glacier Ridge seems so different in the winter months, so naked and exposed compared to the spring when life begins to flourish with bugs, birds and wild beasts. The crunch of snow under my feet and the swishing of my ski pants are the only sounds I heard as I continued deeper into the park.

There were no signs of life, only snow covered shells of plants that once thrived in the spring and summer months. The thistles grew fat as the snow broadened their core, creating little snow monsters protecting the prairie. I enjoyed the feeling of the sting of cold on my face and the light touch of snow as it fell from the sky.

The hike would total 5.6 miles round trip, but it was worth the experience to see in the winter. Besides feeling a sense of accomplishment for completing the Ironwood Trail, I was also reminded that parks are not only for the summer, but can be a great way to exercise all year around.

Have you hiked Glacier Ridge Metro Park? When is your favorite time to visit? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading my blog post about Glacier Ridge Metro Park! Happy Trails!

Make sure you visit Glacier Ridge during their interpretive programs, which cater to all families and individuals of all ages. There are four trails that range from .8 to five miles, cross-country skiing trails and trails for horseback riding. In addition to picnic areas, there is also a wind and solar learning center and disc golf course.

What to See and What to Do:

Glacier Ridge MetroPark
9801 Hyland Croy Avenue
Plain City, OH 43064
Telephone: 614 891 0700

Hours: The park is open daily from 6:30AM until dark
Length of Visit: 1 to 2 hours, or additional time depending on the activity
Scenic View: There is an observation tower for beautiful views of the surrounding area
Amenities: Trails, cross country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, disc golf course, wind and solar learning center, dog park, Honda wetland education area, observation tower, picnic shelter, restrooms, playground and
Tips for Your Visit: Ensure that you have visited the website to confirm the latest information about the park. Pick up the Metro Parks magazine, ParkScope, which is published on a quarterly basis.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus/Dublin
500 Metro Place North
Dublin, OH 43017
Telephone: 614 766 9900

Where to Eat:

Matt the Miller’s Tavern
6725 Avery-Muirfield Drive
Dublin, OH 43016
Telephone: 614 799 9100

I started out with the Bavarian Bites, warm and soft pretzels served with roasted garlic sauce (my favorite) and sweet & tangy mustard sauce. For my main course, I chose the Miller Salad with the addition of sesame crusted Ahi Tuna. The restaurant has an extensive drink menu to include several types of bourbon.

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