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.

Burnt Glassworks- Glass Blowing in Jax, FL

Ever wanted to learn to blow glass? I discovered you can learn the art of glass blowing right here in Jacksonville, FL and recently took a class at Burnt Glassworks. Read on to learn more about my experience at Burnt Glassworks, and what it is like taking a glass blowing class.

The Art of Glass Blowing

Glass blowing has been high on my bucket list for years. I was always fascinated by the colors and shapes that could be formed from dust to glass. When I got my first job working as a security guard for an art museum in my teens, I would admire the glass sculptures by the famed glass blower, Chihuly, that sat in our gift shop and vowed to save up enough money to buy one.

When looking for a college nearby, there was one university that offered glass blowing glasses, but it was not the best option financially, so I had to pass it up. Now as an adult, I still admire Chihuly’s work and even got to see some of his famous installations in Las Vegas at the Bellagio hotel.

glass sculptures in las vegas — Chihuly 2019 Las Vegas

Burnt Glassworks Review and Experience

Fast forward to now and I’m still drawn to the art, and I was finally able take my first glass blowing class right her in Jacksonville, FL at Burnt Glassworks.

This local studio offers a wide range of classes that focus on making one individual item for you to be able to take home with you. These could include glass orb ornaments, hearts, flowers, starfish, or a wine glass.

Most classes range from $40-67 per person and last anywhere from 10 min to 45 min in length depending on difficulty. It includes one-on-one instruction form a glass professional to ensure you go home with what you create in the studio.

You can also take a couple’s class which makes for a fun date night. If you’re feeling especially inspired, Burntglass now offers glass blowing workshops to become a true master of the glass art!

It Starts with Sand

When you sign up for your class, the first step when you walk in the studio is selecting your sand. These sands are made up of different minerals that offer a wide selection of colors in every hue you can think of.

My buddy and I made stemless wine glasses to celebrate my birthday, and my feminine side was drawn to a combination of pink and white sand that reminded me of Valentine’s Day while my friend chose a lovely purple hyacinth.

Our instructor was very fun and detailed in his instructions making it easy to follow without fear of burning ourselves in the process.

We also got the option of making a traditional wine glass or using one of their molds to add “pineapple-like” texture to our creation. With repeated movements from in and out of the kiln to balancing the rods on bases to roll and blow our melted glass into full-blown wine glasses, it was a fun and exhilarating process to take part in.

One-on-One Glass Blowing Instruction

Our instructor provided individual instruction by reading the needs of the glass as is formed right in front of us. The process can be a delicate one requiring varying levels of force when blowing or pressure when shaping for the correct results.

I had a miscalculation when it came time to tap, and even when I messed up, my instructor was able to salvage my piece into something I love to look upon.

In fact, I love to look for the mistake I made on my glass whenever I use it because it reminds me that even mistakes can lead to something beautiful.

See my video below of my creation from Burnt Glassworks:

Check out their website and facebook for upcoming events!

Fun Things to Do in Jax- Mayport Ferry

A beautiful sunny day in Jacksonville can pull you to the beach and make you dream of spending time on the water. One way to accomplish this without breaking the bank is rolling up to the Mayport Ferry for quick cruise over the St John’s River followed by a seafood dinner at for the whole family.

You can start your day at Huguenot Memorial Park for some fun in the sun. This beach does allow car access to get access to the Atlantic Ocean but 4-wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended to avoid getting stuck in the sand. Otherwise, there is parking on the Family Beach with designed parking areas. Afterwords, follow Heckscher Drive towards Fort George Ferry Landing to get in line for your trip on the Ferry.

Open daily, times frames vary but normally open between 6:15-7:15AM and close at 7:15 PM on weekdays and 8:45 Fri-Sun. One car would cost $6-$7 depending on the day and departs every half hour.

Once on board, you are permitted to get out of your vehicle for a better view of the River where you may spot dolphins and pelicans along the way. There’s also a chance to watch as huge freights transport their cargo as you pass the river which can dwarf the ferry and be pretty exciting for any children to see.

Once across the river, Singleton’s Seafood Shack is next door to the Mayport Ferry Landing and makes a great final destination to grab some fresh fish after spending a long day in the Florida Sun.

Singleton’s got a history. Found in 1969, Singleton’s is family owned and features the largest overwater deck in Jacksonville. The outside is decorated with murals by local artist Gary Mack and the inside offers a wooden boat museum created by the Captain Ray, husband of Miss Ann, who first started cooking fish from their charter fishing operation and led to what we know today.

We treated ourselves with the oysters including Oyster Rockefeller, Parmesan Crusted and Key Lime Panko Crusted. Then our family shared the Fried Mariner’s Combination for Two which included a combo of shrimp, oysters, scallops, clam strips, fish, & two deviled crabs with your choice of two sides. For $55, this fed a family of 3 with leftovers! They also offer a full bar with some specialty cocktails such as Rays Pride, Duval Teal and St John’s Slinger.

With summer coming around or with friends from out of town, the St John’s Ferry and Singleton’s Seafood Shack make for a unique way experience Jacksonville, FL any time of the year.

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

Beyond Monet The Immersive Experience

Beyond Monet, the fully immersive art exhibit featuring the works of Claude Monet, will take you on a whimsical stroll through the artist’s life where the artist’s life’s works comes alive around you in a story of brush strokes and paint splatters.

This new style of installation was created by the Paquin Entertainment Group, and prior exhibits include Van Gogh and King Tut which I heard were amazing as well. They create the magic by projecting images on smooth walls and columns with a soundtrack to match the mood and moving elements of the paintings. If you want to get your culture on but find it hard to embrace the quiet focus required for reading a book or plaque, this may be a fun way for you to learn more about art.

Here’s what to expect at Beyond Monet:

Starting off in the lobby, the mood is set with a dark entrance with the only light coming from large lit displays of several of Monet’s painting to exclaim you are in the right place while also serving as a perfect photo drop. Next room holds a small bar to splurge on a cocktail. I got the themed drink, Th Water Lilly Harmony, which came in, what we called, souvenir “adult sippy cups” to prevent those inevitable spills that occur regardless of age.

Speaking of accidents, the security guard made it very clear before we enter to fight the urge of leaning on the walls because they are in fact sheets that will result in altering the show for everyone and most likely an embarrassing tumble.

Once inside the exhibit, they do a good job making you feel like your walking into a painting with large frames to pass through, sheets of translucent colors to guide your way, and even a bridge to cross as you read how Monet’s gentle appearing Impressionism was actually considered a form of artistic rebellion in a time when carefully planned perfection was considered the rule.

The main room is where the magic starts. Imagjne a large auditorium with walls that smoothly transition from painted seas to busy railways to lush gardens. The floor ripples with colors and a light melody plays as paintings come to life- sometimes brush stroke by brush stroke. There are a few small benches lined around the room to sit and admire but I preferred sitting in the middle among friends to and watch the history unfold.

Finally, after you’re through, you can move on to the lounge where you can grab a bite to eat or cocktail while you share your experience among one another. An element I appreciated about this lounge was their thoughtfully designed kids area complete with child sized furniture and their own Monet coloring pages.

My experience was had with a great group of friends and I look forward to including my daughter soon for a fun way to introduce her the world of art history

Beyond Monet- Find it in a City Near You

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

Top 3 Movie Picks for a Nerdy Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is near and it’s time to come up with something romantic – fast- that doesn’t break the bank. Fancy dinners and events are lovely but sometimes spending a night in can make a more lasting impression. If you are like me, and prefer something a little more adventurous than the typical love story, check out my top three picks for a nerdy evening at home.

Love Movies for the Nerd in Your Life

Warm Bodies

It’s the classic love story- undead boy meets girl and falls in love but struggles with their relationship in a dangerous world. No, it’s not Twilight, it’s Warm Bodies, the only zombie love story of its kind. It’s exciting and funny with a twist, unlike any zombie movie I’ve seen. I know movies can give unrealistic expectations about changing people but this is the situation it’s probably best for.

Love and Monsters

Again, not your typical love story and it starts out with a seemingly obvious plot about a boy fueled by love and willing to take on a world full of monsters for the main girl . It turns into a kind of coming of age adventure where the main character learns maybe he had people that loved him all along but had to find himself first. It ends hopeful but the real love story is about the boy and a really cute dog which is what we all really need.

Finding love is tough. Finding love after the apocalypse is tougher.

Scott Pilgrim Versus the World

I realize no one will think this is romantic except me but it’s my favorite movie so it makes the cut. Funny, quirky, with great actors/characters, Scott Pilgrim is the story of Scott who is a bit of a jerk (has the tendency to date and ghost) but meets the girl of his dreams (and sometimes inter-dimensional travel) who also has some dating baggage that comes back to haunt her and fight Scott. Despite the ridiculousness of the story, Scott does develop as a character and faces his own demons (literally) to heal and have a healthy relationship. Plus, the gaming humor is noice.

“Step up your game, Scott. Break out the L-word.”

Don’t Forget the Movie Munchies

Grab your favorite candy and some popcorn before the movie or try something a little fancier. My husband and I like making charcuterie boards together. It becomes a little creative project between the two of us and it’s great to nibble on during the movie. Check out some of my favorite items from Trader Joe’s for ideas below:

– Gyoza

– Egg rolls

– Chocolate Covered Almonds

– Cheese (Goat Cheese with Fine Herbs or Spanish Cheese Tapas Sampler)

– Gourmet Deli Selection (Calabrese Salame, Prosciutto, Capolcollo)

– Cherries

– Sliced Peaches

– Crackers

– Fresh Baked French Bread

– Artichoke dip

Hoggetown Medieval Faire 2022

It’s that time of the year again! The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire has returned to Gainesville, FL! We loaded up the caravan and hit the road for a day at the faire. Due to the pandemic, we haven’t attended the faire since 2019 and my first time attending was in 2009, so I was dying to return and keep the tradition alive. Read on to learn what I love about Hoggetowne and what’s new this year since they moved to their new location.

The faire takes place every year on the last two weekends of January and the first weekend in February. Tickets can be bought the day of but I prefer buying them online. Parking isn’t bad but you may need to be prepared for some walking or you can wait to jump on a small shuttle to the entrance. Adult ticket prices are $20 for a full day of shows, access to a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, and just the chance to dress up with other people who love fantasy just as much as you do. It’s well worth the money.

Check out their website for details on time, date, and ticket prices

The new location seems to provide more room for the vendors compared to previous years and I felt the walk from parking to the actual faire was shorter. The website does encourage masks but they are not required. Because it’s outdoors, and there is a lot of room for social distancing, I felt very safe attending the faire. Plus, if you enjoy dressing up like I do, it’s easy to make a mask fit in with a costume for those moments you may get too close to someone.

Another new change to the faire was a scavenger hunt for attendees. We enjoyed finding clues as a family and at the end of the day, my daughter turned in her scorecard for a piece of treasure.

The vendors are full of amazing artists and artisans of some of the most fun medieval-inspired items you can imagine. Expects lots of leather clothing, “magical” trinkets, elf ears, and talismans to choose from. My husband and I agree to buy one pricey item every year for the home or to build up our cosplay game. This year, my husband treated himself to a beautifully made, green vest with gold buttons.

Included in your ticket is the option to watch a wide variety of shows. We hit up the jousting tournament, Da Vinci Brothers comedy show, and the amazing Barely Balanced acrobats! These performers are dedicated to their craft and have been present since I first came years ago. I love it when I get a chance to talk to them and learn about their experiences because their lives are fascinating.

The Winning Knight of the Jousting Competition

We played some carnival-like games with a medieval flare to them and tried our hands at archery. After some activities, we filled our stomachs with some yummy food, and thankfully they had a vegetarian burrito option. I have to admit, we also love going for the beer! They have two beer tents run by a local brewery, and they really get into the spirit making the tent feel more like a tavern. You can meet some interesting characters there! Ask them for a “bee sting” which is a little shot of mead they’ll add to your beer for a fun twist. Oh and don’t forget to tip! “Huzzah to the tipper!!”

The Lost World of Dragons

I have no idea where August went but I had to make a post about The Lost World of Dragons before it’s gone as well! You still have one more weekend to check out the imaginative exhibit at Museum of Science and History (MOSH) in Jacksonville, FL!! Fantastical yet historical, the exhibit has interactive sections that teach about dragon lore from around the world. As someone who grew up with a fascination for mythology, my inner-child was hyped and taking my own little girl just made it that much more special.

Candy Keane and I had the opportunity to set up shop for the opening night and had a blast. We shared our book, I’m Going to My First Comic Convention!, as well as some art and crafts. It was so fun being back in the convention scene again this year even though it is still a much smaller scale. We did get a bit in costume too with some medieval inspired looks and still rocked our masks.

The exhibit itself is full of interactive activites that pull you into the fantasy world with lifesize dragons that tower over you and come to life. Mythology, quizzes, and photo ops make for a fun day at the museum for all ages. Check out MOSH’s website for more details and explore this magical world this weekend while you still can!

Book Review: Wizard and the Lizard, The Magic of Marvelous Manners

Katie Reed is back with the next installment of her magical book series, Wizard and The Lizard. In this book, you meet two new characters, Mage and Page, and the four magical words that can change your life- “Please”, “Thank You”, “Excuse Me” and “Sorry”. The story starts off with the lovable main characters, Wizard and Buddy the lizard, then pulls the reader into a playful lesson about manners being like magic that can strengthen friendships. It’s a perfect way to introduce an important message that all young children should be aware of.

After reading the book, I wanted to have a little fun with the magic words we learned and talk about the importance of growth as a person and in relationships. So to drive the points home, my daughter and I picked out some flowers packets and planted them like the magic words to see them grow into something beautiful. We used recycled plastic items so we could reuse them as well.

As for the book itself, I just have to say the cover is gorgeous! After working alongside Candy Keane to illustrate our own children’s book for the first time, I’ve learned to appreciate a good font! As for the new magical stars of the book, Mage and Page, I love the color and designs for these fun characters! Illustrator, Jenna Wing-Hu drew them to be so charming. They are perfect to help teach etiquette is a fun way!

As a mother, I realize keeping our little monsters in line can be a hassle. I love books that open my little one’s eyes to vital lessons like how to be a kind and good person. The Magic of Marvelous Manners fits right in to our library and not only brings a smile to my little girl’s face but adds some magic words to her vocabulary.

Available at Amazon

That Nerdy Mom

Mom+Nerd+Artist

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