Grotto Falls is pretty popular. First, it’s the only waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that you can walk behind. Bam. Instant appeal. Second, it’s a short hike. Only 1.4 miles from the Trillium Gap trailhead to the falls. Minimal effort for maximum beauty. Ironically, Grotto Falls’ popularity and the short trek to …
Continue reading When Hiking Trillium Gap to Grotto Falls, Don’t Skip Brushy Mountain!
Welp. I found my sweet spot. My hiking sweet spot, that is. And I don’t mean location. I’m talking distance. After nearly two months of life in Tennessee – hiking lotsa trails of various lengths – I’ve discovered that 8-mile hikes are juuuuuuust right, in that Goldie Locks-esque sort of way. Don’t get me wrong. …
Friends, I hiked eight miles to see a bunion in the Smokies. Though I don’t have bunions, they’re hereditary on my mom’s side – so I grew up quite familiar with ‘em. Outside of my family, though, it’s not often I hear much bunion talk. Maybe that’s why I was so intrigued when several Tennesseans …
Continue reading Hiking the Appalachian Trail to Charlie’s Bunion
I now live less than an hour from the nearest mountains. Just pinched myself. Not dreaming. It’s entirely possible for me to drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in under 60 minutes – and I've taken advantage of that several times in my first month as a Tennessee resident. Can ya blame me? …
Continue reading A Hidden Gem in East Tennessee: Obed Wild & Scenic River
Welp. I did it. After 5+ years of being a Florida girl, I traded the beach for the mountains. And honestly, I’m sitting here thinking, What took me so long?! Tennessee is a state for adventurers. A state where – after just a few short weeks – I already feel like I belong. Though I’m …
Continue reading A Tennessee Waterfall Adventure: Hiking Abrams Falls in Cades Cove
I’ll admit. I’m one of those people who can’t travel without buying souvenirs. Still, I tend to avoid the kitschy, tourist shop tchotchkes. Okayyyyy, so I’ll also admit that I do sometimes wind up with a cheap ol’ trinket that means nothing other than to prove I was there. That’s the exception to the rule, …
I’ll admit, I am not a foodie by ANY stretch of the imagination. In my everyday life, I tend to keep it pretty basic – as in, I rarely spend money eating out, and if a recipe has more than 5 ingredients, I start to lose interest. Not exaggerating. Now, I will say that travel …
Continue reading Food Adventures: A Non-Foodie’s Guide to Local Foods in Australia & New Zealand
