Florida Fail: What Not to do When Going to the Springs

I grew up in Florida my whole life and never went to a spring until I was in my late teens. Maybe it’s because my parents weren’t Florida natives and the sound of going to a spring inhabited by gators on the outskirts of your swimming area was really off-putting. That being said, locals know where to go to enjoy the beauty and wonder of these vital ecosystems BUT you better be prepared because entry can feel exclusive.

Many springs offer water activities like kayak and paddle board rentals.

Springs and the Floridian Aquifer

There are over 1,000 natural springs in Florida and each gives a sneak peak into the Floridian Aquifer, a reservoir of water deep below the state that provides over 90% of the our drinking water. The temperatures tend to range between a chilly 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit which balances well with Florida’s scorching summer heat. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to visit. Start with https://springsinflorida.com/ to explore springs by distance and ammenities. It also provides useful information regarding hours and cost of entry.

Beautiful cypress trees support the Florida ecosystem and are known for their “knees” or root outgrowths.

Story Time – The Early Bird Catches the Admission

The springs have been a source of recreation for families for generations- offering fun and entertainment in the beautiful outdoors for a reasonable price thanks to our state parks. When you compare the alternatives like theme park tickets, you can understand how many parents pack up the kids for an affordable distraction. Social media has taken notice of these natural wonders and influencers have been posting about hidden gems in Florida like Kelly Park, King Springs, and anything that allows them to take a instagram worthy selfie with a eye-catching, crystal-blue water backdrop.

For many reasons, the springs can get crowded fast. We packed up and planned to visit Kelly Springs, known for having a natural lazy-river to enjoy. We went on Juneteenth, a Thursday. We arrived around 9AM with the park opening at 8AM. We were very disappointed to learn the park was not only full, but they already passed out their 50 additional tickets that you can redeem later in the afternoon when some of the park visitors leave. Even a nearby house outside of the entrance to Kelly Springs gave a hit of their popularity because they had comical skeletons dressed in summer attire either lounging on lawn furniture or leaning against a paddle board with a sign facing the road for all spring visitors to see that said “Is this the end of the line yet?”

The Rock Bar and Grill features an outdoor lawn with ping pong table, lawn games, and a concert stage.

Disappointed, we pulled over at Rock Springs Bar & Grill, which was sort of a restaurant, bar, outdoor venue that rents out inner tubes for your floating needs. When you step in, it’s a very small bar with several claw machines that caught our eye and a counter to place orders for breakfast sandwiches. When we walked in, it was obvious we were lost and I’m sure they see it everyday. They gave us homemade sausage (obviously the regulars like to start the day early at the bar with some protein) and gave us some words of wisdom, “You need to be here in line by 8AM to get in and at least 6AM if it’s a weekend”. We nibbled sausage, grabbed a beer, and sat out in the very nice outdoor venue to plan our next move.

Wekiva Falls RV Resort

From there, we headed to Wekiva Falls RV Resort, a recommendation from the wise locals of Rock Springs Bar because it was a bit pricier to enter and not well known so it was unlikely to hit copacity. We arrived to check in at the entrance and then we parked in a side grass lot before walking to our oasis which was a solid 10 minute trek to the water area. Several tiki huts surrounded a large stadium that circled around a spring with concrete edge. Full center was a huge water fountain and floating dock with water slide. Leading away from the spring was a winding river that was shallow enough to walk through and offered some shading while you explore. The drawback was this was a sulfur spring so it did take a little getting used to but we came, we found a spring, and we conquered.

Tips to Not End Up Like Me:

Get Up Early: Plan to be at the springs to be in line by opening time. Also check out the springs website and see if they have a online page where you may be able to pay ahead or sign-up for a late pass if you don’t make the cut. Some sites will send you an email notification if they can squeeze you in later in the day. Be on the lookout for QR codes by park entrances to sign in.

Featured is Poe’s springs that fills up by noon

Pack Smart: Some of these springs include a bit of a walk so don’t treat your body like a pack mule. Foldable carts are amazing and can fit in your trunk to fit everything for your day at the springs without breaking your back.

This spring had a quarter of a mile walk to the entrance

Dress to Impress: I highly recommend water shoes. These springs can have rocks, slippery moss, and just questionable stuff that tickles your toes and messes with your imagination. Good snorkeling googles is also a plus since you’ll be swimming in gorgeously clear water which will allow for some lovely underwater sightseeing. Also, the Florida heat is no joke. Bring wide brimmed hats and consider a long-sleeve, lightweight cover up to prevent a pesky sunburn.

Fun Gadget: If there’s one thing that that can drive me crazy, it’s flies! You just want to enjoy food out in nature but they want you to share. To prevent non-stop swatting, try this adorable Flower Fly Fans that does the work for you without messing with your picnic aesthetic.

Hayesville, NC- A Quiet Mountain Getaway

After our stop in Charleston SC, we finally made it Hayesville for our annual friend-cation. With a population of about 1.1K, Hayesvilla is a quiet town with sprawling farmlands and rolling hills that makes for a picturesque getaway that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a central location to explore waterfalls and local treasures.

Family Time

It has becoming a tradition for me and my childhood friend to stay in a cabin in the mountains with our kids for a week of relaxation and fun. Staying with family and friends has the perks of saving on your cabin and having the support for cooking family meals as well as taking turns watching the kids if you need some quiet time- a rare commodity as a parent. We spent out days exploring the local trails and building forts in the woods and our evenings sipping wine, making s’mores and telling spooky stories by the fire.

Waterfalls and Mining

There are rivers and waterfalls all over this area. You will find locations pop up along your drive as you explore but here are some of our favorites we visited over the past 2 years.

Dry Falls

One of my favorite falls, and one we stumbled upon and decided to explore, is Dry Falls. This 75-foot waterfall in located in Nantahala National Forest and allows you to walk behind the falls to stay dry- thus the name, Dry Falls. The path is well paved and gives gorgeous views from all sides of the falls. It was especially exciting for the kids to run under the falls and explore the open rock areas. I definitely felt this was a fun and short walk to keep kids entertained.

Anna Ruby Falls
We took a short drive to Anna Ruby Falls, a rare double waterfall in the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. This is a 0.8 mile walk round trip which was reasonable for our 3 kids ages 5-10 years. They also have a visiting center with bathrooms, gift shop, and picnic areas to address all emergencies from potty breaks to snacks breaks. This walk was a bit steep and it was worth bringing my walking stick. We saw some wild life including a black snack and an American giant millipede despite keeping on a well-kept path. This spot was definitely more populate than the other falls we visited.

Tallulah Falls
On our drive home, we visited Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls which features a 1000 foot chasm with five picturesque waterfalls including L’Eau d’Or, Tempesta, Hurricane, Oceana, and the well-known Bridal Veil pouring into the Tallulah River. Now this walk down is no joke. It’s a steady and steep decline on a staircase that we were able to tackle with a 10 year old but anyone younger would have probably turned into a piggy ride for the trek back up. There is a suspension bridge midway down about 80 feet over the gorge floor that gives some breathtaking views of the falls and cliffs. The base of the falls gets you close up to the glory of the falls and if you really want to explore the gorge floor, get to the park early to snag one of their 100 guest day passes to climb bounders and wade through the waters of the falls.

Mining

Mining is a big attraction in the mountains and you can find them along the winding roads in between towns and on your drive to visit local water falls. We randomly pulled over on our way to Anee Ruby Falls and found a mining business that was shaded making it great for children and parents alike. We purchased a large mining bag while my friend purchased 1 for her two younger children to share. We learned it really is a gamble about what you get. My daughter may have gotten lucky because her bag held more treasures than the 2 bags my friend inevitably bought to make her kids feel happy and balanced with the number of rocks they found. Regardless, it was understandable because the owners explained how they pull dirt from a family owned mountain so they can’t guarantee the quantity of minerals found.

2025 has been an especially crazy year so having this getaway was a much-needed escape away from the noise of life and let us get back to nature. I would highly recommend gathering your family or friend groups together for some personal time bonding in a small town that gives back to some of these charming communities and allows you to visit the public spaces that need our help to stay save and preserved for generations to come. Follow along with more tips and ideas of places you can visit that don’t break the bank and create opportunities to teach your young ones along the way.

Jacksonville, FL to Charleston,SC Day Trip

SPRING BREAK- JACKSONVILLE to CHARLESTON

For our Spring vacation, I felt I had to experience some place new which led us to the Holy City of Charleston, South Carolina for our next pitstop to explore.

CHARLESTON SIGHTS AND HISTORY- RAINBOW ROW

We were not in Charleston for long but me and my mini were determined to get some steps in to experience as much of the city as we could for the evening.

As a Jacksonville native, I grew up in a city that is so spread out with no functional form of public transportation, I very much appreciate a walkable and safe city and Charleston was just that. We observed beautiful coastal boardwalks and clean streets filled with beautiful architecture dating back from colonial to early 19th century styles. A prime example of this is Rainbow Row which is a series of 13 pastel-colored historic homes located on East Bay Street, just along the Battery. These houses built in 1740 are a great example of Charleston single houses which were inspired by English townhouses to utilize space . These townhouses often had a business on the bottom floor with living space above their shop. Rainbow Row now draws tourists from around the world and you will often spot brides and tourists having photoshoots for their pastel backdrop. It’s not quite known why these homes were painted pastel but some theories include: the bright colors helped guide drunken sailors back home, the light colors helped reduce heat absorption during the summer, or each color may have indicated what type of store was based in each building. Regardless, Rainbow Row is a beautiful example of Charleston history.

After visiting Rainbow Row, take a stroll to the Public Peer and admire the coastal views and marsh along Concord Street which will lead you to another fun photo spot, the Pineapple Fountain. This fountain also welcomes visitors to dip their toes in the water so be ready to take some fun pictures!

THE HOLY CITY- HISTORY AND HAUNTS

What has become somewhat of a tradition when visiting a new city, we like to take part in the local ghost tours as a fun way to learn the history and lore of the area.

Skeletons decorating the outside of a hotel and restaurant in Charleston.

We signed up for the a walking, nighttime ghost tour which started out in the courtyard of the Washington Square at 8PM. With little light and no one in sight, it set the mood for a spooky evening but I’d have to say I felt quite safe. We actually had several dressed officials walk through while we waited to meet our tour guide who approached us to welcome us to the city and ask how our visit was. They definitely exemplified Southern charm! Once our tour guide arrived, we learned he is a 16th generation Charlestonian and he provided us with a variety of stories both spooky and historical.

When going on a ghost tour, they tend to take you to specific locations to share the haunting claims and backstories as well as some historical info about death during past time periods.

HAUNTING LOCATIONS

For haunting locations, we visited the Mills House hotel and learned about an affluent doctor of the area known for helping the poor and investing in the community but also had a penchant for investing in the time of other women besides his wife. One day, his late night doctor visits were investigated by his wife which lead her to this hotel and resulted in her getting her revenge on her husband and his lover. Unfortunately, she followed him to the hotel but not to the correct room leading to the end of an innocent couple- or so the story goes.

HAUNTING HISTORY

As for some haunting history, I have learned that making sure someone was truly dead was both a real fear and concern for families and their loved ones. Many illnesses that haunted the past led individuals to appear dead only for their family to discover they were alive during burial or even sadly, after it was too late. This led to some interesting safety practices such as setting up a cord from coffin to the surface attached to a bell. This acted as a way for those buried as a result of coma, paralysis, or severe sickness who were still kicking after burial to be able to reach out to those on top-side and let them know there was a mistake. It’s a popular rumor during ghost tours that this is where the saying “Saved by the bell” originated.

GULLAH AND THE BOO HAG

My favorite part of the tour was learning about the lore and culture of the Gullah people who were descendants of enslaved Africans who keep their distinctive traditions alive in their language, food, and stories. Probably the most famous cryptic of South Carolina originated from the Gullah culture who believed in the Boo Hag who was like an energy vampire who haunted you once you made eye contact and drained you of energy as you slept. She’s known for being a skinless creature who leaves you feeling exhausted every morning until you can’t go on any more and she would wear your skin during the day if you put up a fight. There are beliefs that you can get the Boo Hag away from you by distracting her with things to count like grains of rice (OCD much?) or the bristles of a broom. It is my opinion that the Boo Hag may have been the inspiration for the creature from the psychological thriller, Smile (2022).

Boo Hag can be kept away with Haint Blue paint inspired by the difficulty of farming indigo for making dye.

Along with the tour, we learned some local gossip and modern advancements like their solar paneled trash cans that help keep the city clean and turn up profits which actually help reduce local property taxes. I can’t encourage ghost tours more. They are the most fun ways to learn about history and support local.

If you’ve been on a ghost tour, how was your experience?

Jacksonville, FL to Savannah, GA Day Trip

For a fun day trip from Jacksonville we love to escape to Savannah, GA which is known as the Hostess City of the South for good reason. It’s a fun trip where you can admire their manicured parks, blooming azalea bushes, and towering oaks as you explore their thriving art scene, history, and Southern charm.

Enjoying a colorful walk through Savannah

Shopping in Savannah

First, we stumbled upon Vintage, a colorful clothing store with a selection of vintage outfits as well as modern designs celebrating the city which make for better souvenirs than a typical tourist magnet. They offered a custom creation station where anyone can decorate a bag or wallet with patches or buttons for a fee. My daughter was excited to make her own wallet which I felt was a fun, hands-on memory but also act as a functional souvenir.

Next we visited the Book Lady Bookstore which felt like walking into someone’s English home with shelves of books from floor to ceiling. The exposed brick wall and colorful arm chairs scattered around made it feel historic with a touch of cozy. I found a corner filled with thrillers and went home with a collection of scary stories- one of my favorite souvenirs to collect on my travels.

Stepping down into the oldest independent bookstore in Savannah

King Street and the Stone Stairs of Death

I feel like a visit to Savannah isn’t complete without a stroll along King Street. Known for being a lively hub of music and entertainment, King Street holds restaurants, bars, and candy shops for whatever craving you may have as you walk along the riverwalk to observe the rushing waters of the Savannah River. The trek down to the water front is a steep one and the various stairs that get you there have been nicknamed the Stone Stairs of Death. They are not only notorious for their uneven footing but also for being the favorite path for inebriated tourists. You can actually join the Facebook group about unfortunate visitors who take on The Stone Stairs of Death with sometimes comical consequences.

Mead Tasting at Savannah Bee Company

If you survive the stairs, check out the Savannah Bee Company for a mead tasting! Mead is fermented honey and brewers are not as wide spread as craft beer. For about $15-20, you can sample a variety of meads at their mead bar. The options are between their standard meads and elevated options. Go with a friend and you can sign up for a tasting of each to sample them all. Mead can be as versatile as wine so this is a great chance to learn what options are available while catching a small buzz for your walk along the river.

Oysters and Terrapin

We were on a mission to find some oysters because nothing says vacation more than oysters on the half shell. We got our fix at The Fiddler’s Crab House where we sat on their second floor patio and enjoyed some of the best fried fish I’ve had in a while. The restaurant is nothing fancy but I admired the exposed brick walls which were adorned with old newspaper articles. One in particular caught my eye about Terrapin Soup.

Once thing I love about traveling, is the opportunity to learn about quirky trivia of the past and this trip lead me down the rabbit hole about turtle soup. The diamondback terrapin was once commonly found along the East Coast and Gulf Coast of the United States and was considered a normal part of the Native American diet for centuries. Even the name “Terrapin” came from a combination of various indigenous words meaning “good-tasting turtle”.

Initially, terrapin stew was just an affordable meal popular along costal communities and especially in the South. Then, seemingly overnight, turtle stew became a gourmet dish on the menus of the top restaurants in the country. With increase in popularity came the rise in demand, jump in value, and, sadly, decline in population. Surprisingly, Prohibition may have saved the small, coastal turtle by eliminating an important ingredient of Terrapin Stew- liquor.

Our trip was short, but you could easily spend several days enjoying all the Savannah has to offer. If you live in Jacksonville, it makes for a great day trip where you can find a park, pack a picnic, and enjoy the open-container law with a cocktail in hand as your admire the city!

Trying the Savannah Honey-Bee on my walk!

Fun Things to Do In Jax- Check Out a Show at The Florida Theater

If you live in Jacksonville, FL, you know our downtown are is…well…lacking, but if there is one place worth visiting- it’s the Florida Theater . Located at the corner of Forsyth St and Newman, St stands what was the largest theatre in the State of Florida when it first opened in 1927 and now acts as a nonprofit arts center with old-world charm.

A HISTORY

Along with the charm, The Florida Theater brings some historical notoriety. In 1956, it’s believed Elvis Presley himself performed on stage with his infamous gyrating hips which led to public concern from city officials and congregations around the country. This didn’t effect tickets sales as the theater sold out every one of his shows.

Now in the present, the Florida Theatre’s mission is “To enhance the quality of life in North Florida by providing diverse and memorable arts and entertainment experiences and by maintaining a unique historic Jacksonville landmark.” It is also one of only three theaters in Florida left from the 1920’s with the same elaborate and vintage theater aesthetic.

A here’s just one example of the memories that can be made when you visit the Florida Theatre. My mother grew up in the 60’s with artists like The Turtles, The Cowsills, The Little Anthony, and The Vogues,and playing their music on the airwaves

I wanted to surprise her with tickets to the Happy Together Tour to relive those childhood memories. She was so excited, she went and bought a new dress for the date. It was not until we were in front of the theater that I noticed what my mom was wearing. She called it her “palm-tree dress” and I had to explain to my very innocent mother that those were not palm trees.

Happy Together Tour

Florida Life- De Leon Springs, Florida

For my daughter’s eighth birthday this year, I took her to De Leon State Park for a day of swimming, learning, and pancakes! My daughter had never visited a spring before which had to be fixed- especially being a Floridian. It’s a totally different experience than a trip to the beach. We felt more submersed in nature and Florida history and had a blast playing in the sun. Here’s what we did, what we saw, and what you should know if you too would like to jump in the spring known as “The Fountain of Youth”

Before any trip, I did my research. The spring is open 365 days a year, open at 8AM-sunset, and costs $6 per vehicle. The park has a designated swimming area which is 500 feet in circumference and the water is a crisp 72 degrees, but if you go on a hot-summer day, the cool water is a welcome relief on you sun-kissed skin. Separating the swimming area from the gorgeous Spring Garden Run is a concrete walkway that leads to rental area, Eco/Heritage Boat Tour, and small history room. The swimming area was not too deep for myself so we rented one raft for my daughter, brought our towels, checked out the concession stand for a snack, road the boat tour, took a quick tour of the museum on site, and dined at the Old Spanish Museum.

Rentals Fees

Canoe & Kayak Rentals: $22 first hour; $11 for each additional hour
Single Kayak:$15 first hour; $7.50 for each additional hour
Tubes: $5 all-day

Eco/Heritage Bout Tour

For $15 per person, the tour is a 45 minute long boat ride and gives you the opportunity to see some beautfiul, native flora and fauna. We saw plenty of gators swimming by our boat and they boast potential sightings of otters, manatees, deer, osprey, bald eagles, sandhill cranes and black bear. I’d have to say, this was the most informative tour i’ve been on. From the history of the park and how its changed over the years to the medicianal uses of marsh plants, I felt I learned a lot. My favorite bit of history were about mallow flowers that native Americans used to make marshmallows.

History Museum

The history museum was a very small room with a few children running around as they took a small break from enjoying the spring. Despite its size, I did enjoy reading about the Mayaca who lived at the location for at least 6,000 years. The spring has a unique history with involvement in the Civil War before becoming a tourist attraction. In the early 1900’s, there was a hotel and casino at the site and even a passing circus with a water skiing elephant!

Building on far side of the spring with bathrooms and small history room

Old Spanish Mill Restaurant

As I’m writing this entree, I just learned the Old Spanish Mill is official closed as of September 12! I am both sad to learn such a wonderful and fun piece of history is gone but I also feel so blessed we got to experience it. The restaurant is located in a 100-year-old replica of the 1830s sugar mill, features cook-your-own pancakes at the table and freshly made bread and cookies. We loved making our own pancakes on the table griddle and topping with chocolate chips and homemade peanut butter.

Old Spanish Mill Restaurant

What To Know Before You Go

Visiting a spring is a nice change from the beach. I felt very safe with my daughter in the water with no rip currents to be wary off and a clear sepration from the spring for anyone worried about access from alligators. It was a busy summer day but still felt we had a comfortable distance from other visitors.

Bring what you would typically bring to the beach (towels, sunscreen, tube, packed lunch, water) but some visitors may feel umcomfortable with the natural growth on the spring’s floors so I’d consider bringing water shoes as some spots are very slippery. A person that day told me she slipped on the steps going in and injuried herself so severely, they had to call their trip short early so be cautious! Otherwise, pack up a lunch and the kids to check out a spring before the last of Florida’s heat has passed!

De Leon Springs State Park

Lookout Mountain

Our winter road trip started with a trip to Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This mountain is home to three amazing attractions; Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway. Be ready with some comfy walking shoes because you will be climbing to the peak for epic views of Tennessee valley, delve deep underground into the mountain to witness hidden, natural wonders, and go for a ride through history up the side of Lookout Mountain.

Rock City

There is just something magical about Rock City. It is a nature trail that is 1700 feet above sea level with a 4,100-foot Enchanted Trail with twisting walkways through beautiful rock formations, woods, and gardens. While there you can also view the 100-foot waterfall known as Lover’s Leap, cross the 200-foot Swing-A-Long Bridge, and explore the Fairytale Caverns created by founder, Frieda Utermoehlen Carter who was influenced by her love for European folklore. At the very top, you can also enjoy the Flag Court and See Seven States while enjoying a beverage or snack from their café. This location is so whimsical and I kept getting Tolkien vibes on the trails.

Tickets were $24.95 for adults and $14.95 for children.

See Rock City Website

Ruby Falls

I’m going to start off by saying that I am fascinated by caves so the thought of descending 260 feet underground to walk nearly 3 miles to see the tallest and deepened underground waterfall in the United States did not faze me…so long as I didn’t think too hard about it. Our tour guide was funny, friendly, and informative. They have you watch a very motivational movie right before your tour begins which is about Leo Lambert who accidentally discovered the falls in 1928 and named it after his wife, Ruby. Watch it! It was actually well done and helped you envision what it must have been like to crawl into a mountain only to find a waterfall. Along the way, you will see some fascinating cave formations, and finally, the falls themselves deep within the mountain.

Tickets for the Cave Walk to Falls Tour were $24.95 for adults and $13.95 for children (3-12)

Ruby Falls Website

Incline Railway

The last stop was the Incline Railway which takes you in a railway car to the top of Lookout Mountain on what is one of the steepest inclines (72.7% grade) in the world. Known as “America’s Most Amazing Mile”, the Incline has carried millions of riders from around the world in complete safety since 1895. A ride on the incline is about 15 minutes in each direction and you will learn the history of the area as you take in beautiful views. There is a gift shop at the top but we explored the neighborhood surrounding the top of the mountain which led us to Point Park, a National Park and battlefield during the Civil War. We enjoyed the ride, the views, and learning about the technical endeavors of history.

Tickets are $15.00 roundtrip for adults, $7.00 for children (ages 3-12). There is metered parking at both the bottom and top.

Ride The Incline Website

Travel Tips for Lookout Mountain

I have visited Rocky City and Ruby Falls twice now. First when my daughter was 4 and again when she was 7 and we loved it both times. I also took her by myself during the first trip and felt very safe doing it. This is what I would recommend to anyone planning to explore Lookout Mountain.

Be prepared for lots of walking and wear comfortable shoes and socks.
I would not recommend bringing a stroller to Rock City or Ruby Falls due to some very tight spots and lots of stairs.
For Rock City, I would go as early as possible (opens at 8:30AM) to take my time and enjoy the beauty and magical vibes of the trails in peace.
Plan a nap in the middle of the day to keep little ones’ energy up if you plan to do multiple attractions on the same day.
I always bring a small backpack with me for snacks, drinks, band-aids, a place for discarded clothing, and a small toy for bored or fussing emergencies.
Some locations still require you buy tickets before showing up so make sure to check the website before your trip.

Family Roadtrip- Tips for Winter Travel in the Smoky Mountains

Our first family road trip that created some of the most amazing memories as a family, all started when my husband got talked into sitting through a timeshare presentation. Long story short, my husband was at a Bass Pro Shop and Blue-Green Resorts offered a deal for a 3 days, 2 nights stay at any resort in the country BUT you have to sit through a timeshare presentation first. I was pretty apprehensive, to say the least, and we actually sat on the credits for almost a year before using them, but we were desperately overdue for a vacation.

Since the start of the pandemic, my husband and I hadn’t had more than 3 consecutive days off at the same time for the past 2 years with the exception of someone’s death, being a caregiver for a sick family member, or having COVID- none of which was very relaxing. I think we could tackle a little timeshare presentation if it meant getting away for a while.

Being Floridians, we actually enjoy going on trips during fall and winter. We also love off-season so we can explore more and there are fewer crowds. That led us to our decision to drive up to Chattanooga, Tennessee followed by Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area, before finishing up with a stop in Kentucky for what would be a week-long road-trip for a chilly mountain getaway.

A Floridian’s Tips for Hiking in Winter

As I mentioned before, my husband and I are born and raised Floridians, and we still get overly excited about snow and mountains so we planned to explore National Parks and get out in nature. We did our research and had a great, safe time. Here are some tips for beach bums like us who want to hike chilly in February weather in the mountains.

Wear Layers– I did so much research on what to wear! I was so nervous about my 7-year-old and could already imagine her crying about being cold so I asked everyone I knew for tips. The reoccurring mantra was “wear layers” so you can always add or take away if you get too cold or hot. I did invest in a thermal layer for both my daughter and me to wear under our clothes. We then finished with a nice insulated jacket and we were fine all week.

With a long sleeve shirt and Bib-Overall set, my daughter was warm without a coat for a hike

Accessories– I am so thankful I got snow gloves. We came across ice and snow, and having the resistant gloves to keep my hands dry was a game-changer for me. I felt like, so long as my hands were warm, I was fine. I also found this multi-pack of face masks on Amazon that really helped keep my nose warm. Lastly, everyone said wool socks are the way to go.

Snacks– Do not forget water and snacks! I bring a small backpack that is comfortable but I can at least hold water bottles and some light snacks while hiking. Even though it’s cold, it’s still important to stay hydrated. Also, walking can take a lot out of you, and my blood sugar will keep dropping when I’m too excited to remember to eat. My go-to snack is dried apricots for quick carbohydrates but granola bars, fruit, and nuts make convenient snacks too.

Hiking Staff– These are not a necessity but they can be useful and fun. My little family each got a unique wooden stick from a local National Park that had a sale but you can purchase metal trekking poles as well. These can be useful for walking on uneven ground and help with posture and balance. Lastly, most National Parks sell these collectible hiking staff medallions you can add to your staff as a little souvenir!

Extra Warmth– Another reoccurring tip was to bring a thermos with hot soup or cocoa to drink. Adults and kids would appreciate a warm and comforting treat after a long, chilly day. My friend also gave me some heated pads that can be kept in pockets for added warmth.

Do Your Research– We have taken on a few hikes that were pretty challenging. Play it save and research your hike first to see if you and your little ones are safe and prepared. Try AllTrails which helps find local trails and breaks them down by difficulty levels. It’s a great way to get out in the wild while playing it safe.

What are your tips for chilly trips? Next up, I’ll share some amazing spots to check out in Tennessee.

Hoggetowne Medieval Festival

Every year, the Gainesville fair grounds steps back in time to become Hoggetowne , a medieval world full of fantastical characters and mythical creatures. I first started going about 10 years ago and I have been returning nearly every year, dragging along friends and family members ever since. Now we look forward to it all year, and here are my favorite parts of the Hoggetowne medieval festival to check out.

Costumes

Get out your royal robes, cloaks, and elf ears! Some visitors to the medieval faire look like they walked of the set of Game of Thrones and it’s so exciting to see the lengths people go to to get into character. Of course, it’s absolutely acceptable to wear whatever is comfortable, but why pass up on an opportunity to be fancy? For my first visit, I threw together a gypsy-like costume. Now, every year, I try to make something different!

Shopping

If you’re looking to purchase a costume, Hoggetowne is a great place to start building up a fantastic wardrobe. Vendors offer some amazing quality items such as unique props, leather works, and weapons are available. I like to see what each of my friends are drawn to. The guys now have kilts, another has a penchant for buying swords, and I took home a monstrous eye patch to add to our collections. Some day, I swear I’ll take home a pewter goblet I’ve been eyeing them every year and someday I’ll have one so I can be the real queen of our castle (home).

Grub

Eat, drink, and be merry! I like to do so by grabbing a turkey leg and paying a visit to the local pub! Set up at either end of the event are make-shift pubs where locally brewed beer can per purchased and enjoyed with a “stinger” of honey-mead wine that creates a whole new concoction to enjoy. Specialty mugs and even a bottle of mead are also available for sale. And don’t forget, “Huzzah to the tipper!”

Play

Hoggetowne offers a number of activities such as axe throwing, carnival games, and dragon barrel rides. My favorite activity by far is archery.

Anyone can step-up and try their hand with the bow to attack the guards of the enemy castle. With the guidance of an instructor, you too can shoot the guard of the watchtower. If your aim shoots true and you hit the knight in the head, you will receive a commemorative wooden token for your troubles. Each year offers a new token design to add to an archer’s collection.

Entertainment

Any medieval festival wouldn’t be the same without a collection of wild and entertaining performers. Our of our favorites includes the Birds of the Gauntlet, which is a live performance of falconers with their beautiful, trained birds of prey. Mixed in with the show is a great message about animal conservation. Visitors can stop by their tent and meet the stars up close!

Next up is the Davince Brothers. This show is led by the amazing Bob who pulls the audience in to tell a love story that’s full of shenanigans and something about a donkey. You will cry laughing.

Best for last, our caravan of friends always makes it a point to see Barely Balanced. This team of acrobats never fail to amaze with their flexibility, balance, and strength nor their ability to get a packed out audience dying with laughter. A visit to Hoggetowne without them just would not be the same.

Hoggetowne medieval faire has become a tradition! Check it out if you are in the area between the end of January and beginning of February every year. It is a chance to step away from the distractions of the modern world and visit one of history, fantasy, and fun.

#momblog #momlife #igers #florida #fun #familyfun

ZOO Lights

As I’ve already mentioned, our family loves the Jacksonville Zoo! When we heard about the ZOO Lights , we decided we had to go to celebrate the ending of a great year.

The funny part was that we tried on two separate weekends to go and it was raining! When we finally went, the rain caught us in the middle of the zoo but we still had fun. If anything, the rain, and the reflections made in the puddles created made for some very fun photos.

18 edit with new size — Dancing in the rain

You can imagine, with the zoo being closed at night, you might not see many animals but we were able to experience the Stingray Bay which was open to the public (it usually costs an additional fee on regular days) and saw some beautiful flamingos who were still enjoying their lagoon as usual.

The rest of the park was lit up with beautiful lights in patterns of animals from the entrance all the way to the Asian Bamboo gardens. Along the way, Christmas music played to get you into the holiday spirit.

15 edit with new size — Beautiful carousel at night.

4 with new size — The trees played to music near the giraffe area.

17 edit with new size — The Moon Gate entrance to the Asian Bamboo Garden

There were some surprise visitors as well such as The Grinch who was seen lingering around the Petting Zoo (and handing out green glow sticks!), Disney Princesses were spotted exploring the Range of the Jaguar, and The Jingle Bell Jukebox Revue performing on the lawn among a little Winter Wonderland complete with fires and smores.

This was the first time in a while that I brought my camera to the zoo, and I was so pleased with the results. It inspired me to play around with photography more into 2019. Here’s to 2019! It’s looking bright!

16 edit with new size — And thank you to Community First who sponsors to many wonderful events in our Jacksonville community.

That Nerdy Mom

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