Weekend in the 904

We’ve all seen that article. You know what I’m talking about. A study was done on 75 of the largest U.S. cities and Jacksonville, Florida ranked #1 in a contest that no city wants to win where we came out on top as America’s most boring city! Check out the article here to see all the factors they looked at. While I do agree our nightlife is seriously lacking, I would have to say, as a born-and-raised Jacksonvillian, our city has absolutely evolved in amazing ways over the past several decades.

I believe there are many to thank for this evolution such as the creators of Riverside Arts Market (RAM) , Downtown Vision , Games, Arts, And, Music (GAAM) and many more. These groups brought culture, events, and opportunities to local business to thrive in Jacksonville. These organizers may consist of appointed counsels or simply volunteers who felt the city deserved something more. Don’t forget to take into consideration that Jacksonville is the largest city in the United States by land area so even though it may take us a while- we are improving. Now let me take you along for a fun, affordable Saturday in Jacksonville to show you what the city has to offer.

We started our Saturday at 9AM for a free yoga class offered by Yoga Den in the San Marco Area . With the iconic lions of Balis Park nearby and the sounds of the bubbling fountain, we threw our mats down and followed the guidance of our experienced instructor for a much needed stretch on a peaceful Saturday morning. One thing about Jacksonville is that we love our four-legged friends and we were blessed that morning with the presence of Miss Petal the pit and were graced with her kisses.

Our next stop was San Marco Books and More, a local staple since 1972. Not only do they offer timeless classics but local flavor as well. We explored the store with its timeless charm and unique finds for bookish fans before we added to my daughter’s summer reading list. Then we stepped back into the sun to find something to fuel our day. This led us to Juice Box, a local business that offers fresh juices, smoothies, and fruit bowls. We were ready to hit up Riverside Arts Market which offers local farmer’s produce, artists’ creations, and food trucks in one local space with ample parking.

One such creator of RAM was Bella the Scientist: The Steam Squad that offers live experiments to inspire young minds to get hands on and learn. These local creators will get your children excited to learn about science with a fun, hands-on experiment that cost less than a bag of chips, and if they inspire them to take science beyond the classroom, they also offer camps and birthday packages for sprouting, young minds.

The Riverside Arts Market is really where it’s at in Jacksonville on Saturday. It’s just a place for niche art to thrive. For example, there was an elderly gentleman making balloon animals with the experience of a pro- something I never considered for balloon-husbandry. As my daughter walked around with a balloon creation on her head, we wandered over to the main stage where we got a chance to hear about local Jacksonville educators prepare and encourage the community to build up our youth during summer break. As we listened, we also devoured some pizza from a literal furnace on the back of a truck. Our whole experience was a work of love from the well manicured stadium seating in front of the local Jacksonville educators on stage to the rows of local artists and creators selling their goods.

Close to RAM are many opportunities for fun including The Cummer Museum and Gardens just next door that offers traveling exhibits, rotating art collection, and family events. Take a walk to the Riverside/5 Points area for antique shopping, restaurants, bars, and music. This is my favorite area of Jacksonville and we as a whole are only getting more exciting!

Honorable Mentions:

Artist Walk Skatepark under the Fuller-Warren bridge, between Park St. and Riverside Ave. This shaded spot under the bridge is a new addition to the area for skaters of all ages. From a former security card, don’t forget “No touching the art!!”

The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens: Voted one of the best zoo’s in the US, where you can check out over 100 acres of award-winning exhibits and gardens.

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?

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.

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.

Florida Shark Teeth Hunting

When most people think of Florida, the beautiful beaches are one of the first things that come to mind. People think of sand, waves, and fun in the sun. For me, the beach brings to mind one of my favorite things- shark teeth!

Shark teeth hunting is a favorite past time shared with my family and I love teaching my daughter about all the teeth and fossils she can find! I often find people from Flordai who say they’ve never found a shark tooth. My family loves helping newbies out, and I love educating people on how they can join in. So here are my tips for finding your own teeth or fossils on your next beach trip.

Timing

You can go any time of the year which is another thing I love about shark teeth hunting. Whether the hot summer or chilly winter, the beach can be enjoyed and the hunt is on! It’s the time of day that plays a bigger part for me. The tides switch between high and low every 6 hours. We have our best luck at low tide so try going 1-2 hours before low tide (google low tide for your beach) so the water is pulling back while you search. It gives us a wide space of sand to explore and it exposes a nice new layer of beach cleaned by the waves.

Summer or Winter, you can’t pick a bad time for beach combing.

Prioritize

You can occasionally find a shark tooth sitting prettily on a smooth span of empty sand, but I tend to have the best luck in the clusters of shells that gather in spots at random. No surprise, there will be thousands of shells in these groups so focus on two things.

Color. Though shark teeth may come in a variety of colors (white, brown, gray, black), most are black. I focus on that color against the majority of white and tan sand and shells.
Shape. Look for triangles and points. If you have not noticed, teeth are pointy! Narrowing your search to black triangles will hopefully help look for the tooth among the shells.

Take it slow

There are a lot of teeth out there but they are hiding. It’s a game of Eye Spy. Take a deep breath and enjoy the sand between your toes as as you search the sand for a prize. You never know…you may find “the big one”!!

My best find so far. A broken megladon tooth on New Years Eve

Tips #1 You never know where shark teeth will show up, but you may want to try less populated areas that have had less human activity for more luck. Try a local park with beach access to explore instead of the busy beach full of spring breakers.

Might even find rare porcelain from a sunken ship??

Tip #2 Don’t forget to bring something to carry your treasures. Our family recycles old gum and mint containers which are perfect to not lose a tiny tooth you try keeping in your pocket.

As I mentioned before, besides shark teeth, you can find sting ray barbs , puffer fish mouth plates, and vertebras!

Get out there and enjoy this beautiful word! It is a wonderful way to spend quality time and teach our children something new without spending a dime! Do not forget to keep the beach clean so we can enjoy it for generations to come.

That Nerdy Mom

Mom+Nerd+Artist

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