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Our Top Reasons to Revisit Marietta Square Market

DeanLand
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Our Top Reasons to Revisit Marietta Square Market

We were enthusiastic patrons at Marietta Square Market in the grand-opening spring and summer of 2019. But since the pandemic, our restaurant dining has been about as frequent as an Atlanta Falcons Super Bowl appearance. So after a recent downtown walkabout with the grandkids, we decided to mask-up, pop in, walk around and sample an assortment of midafternoon treats.

Marietta has a well-deserved reputation as a foodie favorite, with chef-centric restaurants like Spring and The Butcher The Baker, surrounded by an orbit of down-home favorites like The Local and Stockyard Burgers, seasoned with the weekly Farmer’s Market and finally sprinkled with dessert and treat locations.

In pre-Covid days, we made a series of sojourns to Marietta Square Market, sampling a broad cross-section of the fare. Each time, our visit has been better as outlets gain consistency. We returned in January 2021, and while the market is surviving, the experience sadly doesn’t look as happy or as busy as this.

In March 2019, Marietta Square Market made a grand entrance into this thick gumbo of culinary craftsmanship, offering a trendy food hall concept that has a long European history and was one of the fastest growing food trends in the US. A few months later, the Market seemed to have found its pace and place, though some locations weren’t yet open and others seemed to be struggling for operational consistency.

During those early days, we made a series of summer sojourns to the Market, sampling a broader cross-section of the food fare. Each time, our returns to previous outlets were better than before. And our first experiences at several locations delivered mouth-watering flavor fests that might even encourage Food Network’s Guy Fieri to book a train to Marietta’s new flavor town.

Because of the business disruptions and the fact that our 2020-21 restaurant visits have been about as rare as an Atlanta Falcons Super Bowl appearance, we’re not going to pick favorites from food outlets at Marietta Square Market. Instead, we’re sharing our experiences at those we’ve visited so far.

And then came the coronavirus and Covid-19, striking devastating blows that included forced business closings. Restaurants were particularly hard hit, with permanent closures unfortunately common. For Marietta Square Market — built on the concept that multiple food outlets located in close proximity would serve large dining crowds who shared crowded tables in an open hall environment — the shut down, followed by slow, restricted and careful reopenings, proved particularly challenging. Several of the original tenants didn’t survive.

But the good news is that Marietta Square Market now seems to have adapted to this “new reality” during these “unprecedented times” and “successfully reimagined” its operation. (Did we capture all the proper buzz words?) We made a return visit for a walk-through survey and some quick take-out snacks in January 2021. We found ordering easy and fast, and were able to enjoy our snacks on the outdoor tables.

Food halls are built on the concept that multiple outlets located in close proximity serve large dining crowds who share crowded tables in an open hall environment. To see how Marietta Square Market has adapted to Covid realities, we dropped in for some quick snacks and desserts for outside dining, to the delight of the grandsons.

We’re still not ready to pick favorites from the primary outlets at Marietta Square Market – yet – since we haven’t tried them all.  Instead, we’ll share our experiences at those we’ve visited so far, listed in the order in which we visited. And, we give a strong recommendation that you visit, try individual offers at multiple outlets, and determine your own favorites.  Likely, we’ll do another update on this post once vaccines combined with preventive care make us comfortable to spend extended times at dine-in locations. Then, hopefully, we can complete revisits to all outlets and will be prepared by then to pick favorites.

Before we go further, note that Marietta Square Market is NOT located actually on Marietta Square, but rather across the railroad tracks in renovated warehouses facing Marietta Parkway between Polk and Mill Streets. And neither is it the weekend Marietta Square Farmers’ Market, although combining an early morning visit to the Farmer’s Market with a later visit to the food hall is a great outing.

Enough clarification. On with the food fest!

D’Cuban Café

At D’Cuban Cafe, the coffee station was a beautiful as the coffee was thick and delicious. It provided the caffeine jolt required to restart us after a filling pressed Cuban sandwich that took us on a mental flavor foray to Tampa.

D’Cuban Café delivered an authentic hot, pressed Cuban sandwich originated at Columbia Restaurant that we had craved since relocating from Tampa years ago. Loaded with slow roasted pork, smoked ham, melted Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and mustard, this tasty toasted classic hit all the Florida flavor notes we expected. The coffee station was a beautiful as the coffee was thick and delicious, providing the caffeine jolt to restart us after that filling sandwich. Unfortunately, our side of plantains likely had been held slightly too long, with a limp and soggy consistency that distracted from the flavor. We’re guessing that the early afternoon time of our visit contributed to that small disappointment, so we’ll happily return again.

Just Loaf’N Cajun Café

We grew up in South Louisiana, thus generally have low expectations for “Cajun” restaurants elsewhere. Just Loaf’N Cajun Café served up a good shrimp po-boy on our first visit, as well as excellent fish and shrimp poboys return visits. Born from food truck roots that earned honors as “Best Cajun” by Atlanta Magazine and “Best Bread” by the AJC, Just Loaf’N’s poboys come “fully dressed” with mayo, mambo sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, all served on New Orleans’ own Leidenheimer’s French Bread. While our side of hush puppies was too onion-forward for my tastes, my wife enjoyed them greatly. The seasoned New Orleans fries packed that peppery and salty goodness that hearkens you back to The Big Easy and tempts you to douse your fiery mouth with cold Dixie beer. Hot beignets and icy cold, sugary snoballs are on our list for the next return visit!

Perfectly fried, crispy and moist fried catfish dressed with lettuce, tomatoes and pickles, and all served on fresh French bread from New Orlean’s Leidenheimer’s Bakery. Our Just Loaf’N experience made us want to form a New Orleans second line back to the counter for more.

Bullgogi

The “build your own bowl” concept has gained popularity among millennials who seek to customize virtually every experience. But for older diners who prefer a set menu, Bullgogi and  these poke bowl places can be a bit overwhelming. Falling into the second category, we put ourselves into the guiding hands of a Bullgogi server. With a few basic questions and a sampling taste or two, together we crafted a double-chicken spicy poke bowl with noodles and several toppings. The result was a flavorful blend of available starches, proteins and veggies that tasted great and digested easily on a hot summer day. We won’t hesitate to return, and we’ll probably get a bit more experimental on the next visit.

For first-time diners accustomed to a set menu, Bullgogi and simmilar poke bowl places can be overwhelming. But we put ourselves into the guiding hands of a helpful Bullgogi server and created a dish with a filling flavor festival.

Shai-Karr Eatery

With a main course from Korean-inspired Bullgogi, we sampled a shrimp tempura street sushi roll from Shai-Karr, which is operated by Marietta’s full-service Thaicoon restaurant on Mill Street. In case you haven’t noticed, adding the word “street” to your menu is one of the culinary trends that’s supposed to show you’re both cool and legit. In the case of Shai-Karr, our large sushi roll was on-target for both claims. We wished we had sampled more on this visit. That said, recognize that Shai-Karr has a limited food-court-style menu, and Thaicoon is literally less than 1,000 steps away across the parking lot. So, in all likelihood, we’ll visit Thaicoon for a more complete experience and continue visiting Shai-Karr for appetizers and snack option when we’re at the market.

Admittedly nervous about eating sushi at a food hall, we sampled the cooked rolls at Shai-Karr. Two of us ate well on the rolls, without feeling too stuffed for a dessert. And remember, the parent restaurant, Thaicoon, literally is less than 1,000 steps away across the parking lot.

Four Fat Cows

This ice cream and snack shop has some of the best ice cream we’ve ever tasted, and perhaps the worst location in Marietta Square Market. So, be sure to look for it before making a final dessert decision. Four Fat Cows is operated by a mother and son duo from a family familiar with celiac disease. The store offers traditional flavors, some exotic options, and a variety of gluten free and diary free treats – all allergen free. My double-scoop combination of caramel turtle and carrot cake was gluten free and flavor rich. Kids are sure to love the colorful Superman, birthday cake and cotton candy explosion flavors. For my next visit, I’ve already got my eyes on chocolate bourbon pecan pie, huckleberry pie, strawberry balsamic or one of the many cupcakes we have yet to sample. Our grandsons are converts, too!

Since we had three in our dessert party, I won’t say that the name reflected our post-dessert status. We sampled a few of the unusual flavors, then made our final selections. My double-scoop combination of caramel turtle and carrot cake was both gluten free and flavor rich.

In With the New

Among the original outlets we visited, three have closed, and two have been replaced, in-place, by similar entries. Henri’s Bakery and Grill has moved into a large front-corner location, and offers a range of savory breakfast sandwiches and sweeter baked treats great all-day. I’m a sucker for supersized cupcakes, and those with brilliant white toppings always shine brightly into my dessert-focused eyes. We look forward to returning here for lattes and those cupcakes — or maybe the double doozie, featuring two chocolate chip cookies surrounding a white icing middle, then partially covered in chocolate. Well, who knows what will catch our eye on the return, but we will be back!

Henri’s Bakery and Deli, Buckhead’s iconic 90-year-old bakery, tantalizes all-day-long with breakfast items, fresh pastries, a range of cupcakes and cookies, including their famous Double Doozie.

In one of the largest outlets and featuring both a craft bar and full-service tables, Siete specializes in tacos, tequila and Latin fusion inspired by a trip to New York, of all places! Owned and operated by a local family which deserves credit and support for having the courage to open a sit-down restaurant during a pandemic, we’re looking forward to tasting the well-reviewed El Georgian Guac, ceviche tostados and the wide range of creative tacos. Hopefully, when winter eventually gives way to spring and summer, we’ll also be able to enjoy Siete’s patio and a margarita, tequila flight and one of those tequila craft beverages. OH, we meant OR one of those beverages, not AND all of those beverages — unless we Uber over!

Next Up!

We still have outlets to try that offer barbeque, burgers, crepes, lobster, pitas, smoothie, hot dogs Italian options.  We’ve heard good things about each, and have our menu choice prepared. Frankly, we would have tried Cousins Lobster previously, but we had a Maine trip scheduled on our final pre-Covid visit, and thus wisely left our full lobster consumption allotment open for that trip. Cousins operates food trucks in nearly 30 cities, and restaurants or food hall outlets in another 10.

More Nearby Attractions

If you need to build up an appetite, burn some calories or create other reasons to drop in at Marrieta Square Market, here are a few of our other favorite nearby activities to consider:

  • Gone With the Wind Museum. If you’re looking for Scarlett on the Square, she’s no longer there. Relocated to Brumby Hall, the Gone With the Wind Museum is a perfect spot for fans of this Southern classic movie. And don’t skip the gardens outside.
  • Kennesaw Mountain Hiking. The nation’s most-visited national battlefield, Kennesaw Mountain offers history, hiking and lots more. On weekdays, you can drive to the top, while on weekends you can walk or take the park shuttle for a small fee. Our favorite hike is around KEMO’s backside, a longer, more challenging hike that includes some rock climbs and ascents of both Little KEMO and KEMO.
  • Marietta Walking and Bike Trail. The brick and paved trail follows the railroad tracks through downtown Marietta. Continuing South for less than a mile, you can visit Brown Park, the Confederate Cemetery and Marietta City Cemetery – all good walking and history spots.
  • KSU WWII and Holocaust Museum. A small, somber and interesting local museum, the folks at KSU have done a fabulous job of documenting both the horrors of the Holocaust and the role Georgia played in World War II. Admission is free, and you’ll definitely learn something new.
The Gone with the Wind Museum at its home in Brumby Hall is a perfect pre-or-post dining excursion when you’re in Marietta. And the recreational Mountain-to-River trail is adjacent to the food hall, and leads past lots of good shopping and sightseeing.

All Our Adventures

We’ve been busy at OurTravelCafe.com. You can check out all of our (50+) adventures at OurTravelCafe.com/blog.  We’re adding new stuff all the time. And we welcome contributions by “guest chefs.”  So if you want to share a travel story, location or tip, just leave a comment on our comment form, or drop us an e-mail.

Lobster kissing on Lulu Lobster Boat Tour. OurTravelCafe.com
We’ve been busy this summer and over the past two years recounting our travels — far and near. Check out all our stories by visiting our home page: http://www.ourtravelcafe.com

How to Do the Sloppy Floyd

DeanLand
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How to Do the Sloppy Floyd

When I asked my adult daughter if she and her kids wanted to go with us to Sloppy Floyd, she replied, “Sure, what kind of food do they serve?”

For sake of clarity, our reference to Sloppy Floyd was James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, one of our favorite Northwest Georgia hiking parks surrounded by the Chattahoochee Forest. But you knew that, right!

For the record, Sloppy Floyd is not a new restaurant. Nor is it:

  • A trendy island bar. That’s Sloppy Joe’s in Key West.
  • A saucy loose meat sandwich, legendarily invented by a cook named Joe at Floyd Angell’s café in Sioux City, Iowa. Again, Sloppy Joe.
  • A song honoring school lunch ladies. Again, Sloppy Joe, written by Adam Sandler and performed on Saturday Night Life with Chris Farley.
  • A bad haircut on The Andy Griffith Show, though Floyd the Barber was a popular character with classic scenes.

And no, grandpa, Sloppy Floyd is NOT what the kids are calling it these days!

For sake of clarity, our reference to Sloppy Floyd was James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, one of our favorite Northwest Georgia hiking parks surrounded by the Chattahoochee Forest. The park’s most photographed and well-known feature is the small waterfall over the gaping entry to the abandoned Marble Mine. And regional anglers would prefer to keep secret that the park’s two man-made lakes are well-stocked with channel catfish, bass, and bream, with easy access from the shore, boats or the fishing docks.

Marble Mine Trail

Sloppy Floyd State Park’s most photographed and well-known feature is the small waterfall over the gaping entry to the abandoned Marble Mine.

Our starting point at Sloppy Floyd always is the Marble Mine trail, a relatively easy, slightly inclined, gravel-and-rock-covered wide trail suitable for families. It’s just 0.8 miles and approximately 300 feet of vertical climb to the wide opening of the former Marble Mine, where a low-volume waterfall drips steadily during wetter periods from a 35-foot ledge above the mine into a reflecting pool. A boardwalk at the mine entrance allows visitors to walk by the side and behind the falls, a sure delight for the youngsters on a hot day as small eddies sneak through crack in the rocks to drip on the unaware or curious. Standing on the boardwalk at its various terminating points behind the falls also provides some natural air conditioning as cool air escapes from the now-closed subterranean passages.

When crossing the lake on the boardwalk, water-loving birds can often be spotted, along with turtles, frogs and the occasional curious fish.

We usually start our Marble Mine hike near the park offices, allowing us a scenic walk across Upper Lake on a permanent boardwalk bridge. A variety of water-loving birds can often be spotted here, along with turtles, frogs and the occasional curious fish. In warmer months kayakers generally can be seen around the lake. (And a variety of boat rentals are available, too, at least they have been in non-Covid times.)

Regional anglers would prefer to keep secret that the park’s two man-made lakes are well-stocked with channel catfish, bass, and bream, with easy access from the shore, boats and fishing docks. In non-COVID years, peddle and paddle boats are available for rent.

From the lake, the trail enters the forest, crossing streams fed from above. Along the route, a variety of abandoned buildings, foundations and heavy metal items can be spotted in the forest, likely ghosts of the mining operation that began here in 1923.

Where to Now?

After exploring the boardwalk and snapping pictures, we were faced with the question, “Where to now?” When hiking with grandkids who generally have exhausted snack supplies, our answer is to take the short connector and head back down on the Jenkins Gap trail.  That route flattens out and joins the Upper Lake Loop, where we follow the lake’s edge through the woods rather than taking the road over the dam and back to the parking lot. We enjoy the lakeside route for the winding path and plentiful flora. However, be on the lookout because you can often encounter some slithering surprises along this route.

Without the grandkids in tow, the question of “Where to now?,” usually is answered with “Going up” — taking the steep route up the Taylor Ridge and the Pinhoti Trail.

But when we’re hiking alone or with mobile adults, our usual response to “What’s next?”is “Going up!” A word of warning: taking this higher route can be strenuous and may challenge those with balance or endurance issues.

Taylor Ridge and the Turkey’s Home

By continuing up on the Marble Mine trail, you’ll climb a relatively steep, narrower trail featuring many switchbacks gaining approximately 500 feet in under a half-mile. When you reach the high point of Taylor Ridge at 1,400 feet, you’ll join a section of the 335-mile Pinhoti Trail as it meanders from Alabama into Georgia. With a prominence of approximately 800 feet above some of the surrounding valleys, the views here are expansive, especially in the winter when the fallen leaves open the vast panorama. Reflecting both the elevation and the plentiful wildlife in this area, Pinhoti is a Creek work for “turkey’s home.”

With a prominence of approximately 800 feet above some of the surrounding valleys, the views here are expansive, especially when the leaves have fallen. But the route down on Jenkins Gap Trail is steep, slippery and strenuous.

As the Pinhoti Trail continued its winding journey to a northern terminus, we completed our loop down on the Jenkins Gap Trail. More words of warning: if you’ve climbed to Taylor Ridge and are uncertain of your abilities or balance, return down the Marble Mine Trail instead.

After descending the first 100-feet of the Jenkins Gap Trail, the dirt trail takes a very steep turn, dropping 300 feet quickly. Slipping often here, we reached for trailside rocks and branches to help maintain our footing. Once traversing this challenging section, the trail gradually returns to easier angles the further you descend until joining the Upper Lake Loop.  

Descending the first 100 feet from the ridge, we kept our heads up to enjoy the views. For the next 300 feet of descent, it was heads down, trying to find firm footing on the steep downward trail.

Lower Lake Loop

The easiest trail at Sloppy Floyd is the near-flat and descriptively named Lower Lake Loop. Following the shore of Lower Lake, the trail crosses the earthen dam that creates the lake, and also over the Upper Lake overflow dam where water flows in. Leaving the park office, it’s easy to follow the Lower Lake Loop until crossing the earthen dam. Once over the dam, the trail rises slightly into the woods, then intersects a campground connector. We learned – the hard way – that keeping left follows the lake trail, while taking the right fork climbs further through the campgrounds and requires a lengthy walk along Sloppy Floyd Lake Road to return to the park office.

The lower lake is created by an earthen dam, and filled from water falling over the dam at the upper lake. In the background, Taylor Ridge towers nearly 900 feet above the lake.

Getting There and Back, With Treats

Coming from the Kennesaw/Acworth area, we usually take I-75 North to Adairsville, then travel west on GA-140, passing through the scenic Conasauga District of the Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest on winding sections of US 27. It’s a beautiful drive, especially in the fall when changing leaves paint with a fall palette on Taylor Ridge.

Quaint and colorful, the City Creamery in downtown Rome is one of our favorite post-hike stops for sweet rewards, especially when we have the youngsters with us. Of course we use the littles as an excuse to stop, but it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages..

Often tired and craving a reward for our exertion, we often follow US 27 south on the journey home, frequently stopping in downtown Rome for a cold treat or warm meal. The City Creamery beckons whenever we have the grandkids with us, or when we just need a cooling reward. If we haven’t packed a picnic with the kids, Harvest Moon Café is a favorite comfort-food stop. And if we’re craving something a bit different, we head to the always-amazing choices of Mediterranean food at The Jerusalem Grill.

When we need something heartier and filling — perhaps accompanied by an adult beverage or two — Harvest Moon Cafe in downtown Rome is just what the adults ordered.
For a more adventurous post-hike dining adventure, Rome’s Jerusalem Grill offers up a variety of Mediterranean fare. And their bakery serves up great dessert options, too.

Just the Facts — and Stats

With various trails, there’s a hike for all at Sloppy Floyd State Park. For our trek starting at the park office, heading up to Marble Mine, ascending to Taylor Ridge, then returning down the Jenkins Gap and Upper Lake Trails, we recorded 4.81 miles in just over 2.25 hours. With the various ups and downs along the way, we climbed more than 1,000 vertical feet over that trek.

We track our outings with Garmin watches, which keep our stats and provide a number of cool visualizations of our day. We track time, distance, calories, maps, rate, elevations and more. We’ve recently upgraded to the Garmin Fenix, and love it!

Before you decide to make the ascent from Marble Mine up to Taylor’s Ridge, keep in mind (again) that this top area is very steep, strenuous and has treacherous footing on the way down. And our best tip for Sloppy Floyd is this: Do NOT hike up Jenkins Gap trail to Taylor Ridge unless you’re a serious and in-shape hiker.

The basic elevation plot was produced by our Garmin watch. I added the white labels and red markers for this version. The key take-away: the upper sections leading to Taylor Ridge are steep, no matter which way you go. Our suggest route flows left to right, starting at the park office, climbing to the Marble Mine, then continuing up the switchback trail to Taylor Ridge. The descent on Jenkins Gap Trail is steep and treacherous. Of course, you CAN do this in reverse, but that long, steep slope on Jenkins Gap Trail should warn you about the effort required to climb.

Who Was Sloppy Floyd?

We were curious about James H. “Sloppy” Floyd, and why a state park was named after him. Detailed biographical information about the man is sparse, but we did find this, which we share without further comment or commendation:

Atlanta Magazine, Who the Hell Is Sloppy Floyd?

New York Times, Obituary

Wikipedia Entry

Where to Light Up the Holidays

DeanLand
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Where to Light Up the Holidays

(We’ve updated information for 2021, with the most important reminder being to call ahead, recheck details and purchase tickets in advance. Due to Covid-19, many of these locations are limiting admissions and changing their visitation options. Where possible, we’ve added links to most current information — but check again before heading out!)

Once Thanksgiving leftovers are a memory, a new season starts at our house.  No, not Black Friday or shopping season.  Rather, it’s immediately the beginning of Christmas Light season for us, and that means putting up our own decorations, enjoying Griswold-inspired efforts in nearby neighborhoods and a few annual treks to some of our favorite Holiday Light displays.

We’re blessed here to have a wide variety of good options for Christmas and Holiday Light displays. Our annual explorations generally include multiple evenings of piling the extended family into the minivan, immediately breaking out sugary snacks for the drive, and doubling down with hot, chocolaty drinks when we arrive at any faux-North Pole, leaving parents to deal later with the sugar-high grandkids while we relax back at home.

Our explorations include sugary snacks for the drive, then doubling-down on hot chocolaty drinks at any faux-North Pole, leaving parents to deal later with sugar-high grand kids while we relax back at home as the best grandparents in the whole, wide world!

Christmas market at Callaway Gardens
We’re blessed with many regional, municipal and private Holiday light displays around the area. Some feature Christmas markets for your decorating and novelty needs.

With a reminder that we don’t accept sponsorships, advertising or freebies for anything we post, here are a few of our favorite festive destinations for Christmas displays, holiday lights and an evening of good fun – plus some tips on how the best enjoy them:

Callaway Gardens, Fantasy in Lights

We put Fantasy in Lights first on our list because it is our most frequent and most favorite of our annual Holiday Lights outings. If you plan just to visit for an evening, the downside is the drive South through Atlanta rush hour traffic. So instead, leave early and spend the day enjoying the shops, restaurants and decorated downtown of neighboring Pine Mountain. Another option is to explore Callaway Gardens, as a free admission is included with each Fantasy in Lights ticket. Allow at least two hours on-site at the Festival of Lights, not including your local travel or parking time.

Callaway’s brand new field of lights spans two football fields, and features a 10-story lighted tree.

When purchasing your ticket, you can choose to ride through the display on their “Jolly Trolley,” an open-air wagon with recorded narratives pulled through the displays at a leisurely pace. Don’t forget your winter wear, including hats and gloves if you plan to take the trolley. Otherwise, you can drive your own vehicle through the displays. The trade-off is enjoying your heater in exchange for waiting in what can be a long vehicle queue. Afterwards, enjoy the animated lake-front displays of the Night Before Christmas and The Nativity Story while sipping hot chocolate or one of the more spirited adult beverages also available. There’s also an indoor Christmas Market which offers some unique regional decorations and gifts, plus features a nice children’s play area.

Santa's workshop at Callaway Gardens Fantasy of LIghts
On previous visits, we took the one-horse open sleigh — or the Jolly Trolley wagon pulled by a pick-up — to see the lights. On our recent visit, we chose the drive-thru option, and enjoyed the heat in our van.

Six Flags Holiday in the Park

Beyond the lights, many of the park’s favorite coasters are decorated for the season, making Six Flags a perfect option for kids one to 92.

Following Halloween Fright Fest, Six Flags rids the park of monsters, mutants and zombies to transform it into a festive wonderland with lights, foods and shows celebrating the Holiday season. Of course, many of your favorite coaster rides are open and operating normally, while others are themed and decorated for the season – making Six Flags Holiday in the Park a great option for families with kids from one to 92, including those in the tween and teen years. One admission gets you into all the attractions, and Holiday in the Park is included for no extra charge for season pass holders. If you’re a season pass holder, check your e-mail and you’ll likely find some special discounts for friends and family. Otherwise, just bring a Coke can and you qualify for discounted admission. Once we’re in the park, we enjoy the decorations and lights on the walk over to the train station, then hop on for a ride to the North Pole.  On the way out, we usually enjoy making s’mores on the open pit fires, always a smokin’ hot way to end a cold evening.

Snow globe at Six Flags Holiday in the Park
Children’s rides, the carousel, roller coasters, and the train all operate during Holiday in the Park. Plus, the snow globe offers cool photo opportunities.

Petit Creek Farms Christmas Light Show

Located in nearby Cartersville, Petit Creek Farms is a year-round best bet for affordable family fun. The Christmas Season is no exception, with approximately one mile of Holiday lights, a petting zoo, Georgia reindeer and Santa visits. Plus, the carload pricing scheme is family friendly, and we often find additional discounts using Groupon. It’s no wonder this local attraction consistently is rated in the Top 20 for family Christmas lighting by AtlantaParent.Com.

Rockin’ Christmas, at Whitewater in Marietta

This is billed as the world’s largest drive-thru animated light show. We won’t challenge that in court, but the claim seems dubious (or maybe, just legally-nuanced!) compared to, say, Callaway Gardens.

Cars are in continuous motion through the serpentine traffic pattern at World of Illumination, winding through a computer controlled, music-synchronized LED light field in the parking lot at White Water theme park. Rockin’ Christmas replaces the 2020 show, Candy Rush.

The 2021 show, Rockin’ Christmas, is one of three shows offered by World of Illumination, and they seem to travel annually to different locations.

The drive-through-only display is located in the parking lot of Six Flag’s White Water theme park off Barrett Parkway in Marietta. Cars are in continuous motion through the serpentine traffic pattern, winding through a computer controlled, music-synchronized LED light field featuring seasonal and whimsical characters and shapes. Using short-range FM broadcast, music plays through your vehicle speakers as you drive. While there is a smattering of seasonal Christmas and holiday music from Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Trans Siberian Orchestra, the lights also dance to a rocking Queen medley, “Happy” by Pharrel Williams, and other non-seasonal tunes.

The whimsical characters and seasonal shapes dance to a smattering of Christmas music, but also to a medley soundtrack of rock and pop tunes.

Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights

If you’re counting steps, Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights is the perfect choice, using much of the 4,100-ft walking trail at the year-round attraction to create four different Holiday-themed realms. And as an outdoor attraction, Rock City welcomes pets, but beware that your pets may not like the large crowds, other pets and the light displays. Our grandkids were as fascinated with the traditional nursery rhyme area as they were with the bright and blinking Holiday displays.  One planning note: there’s only one mountain road up to Rock City and thousands of people who want to visit. Part of the location opens at 4 pm, and it’s best to get there early – which means before the 6 pm full opening time. If you do, you can tour the displays, then enjoy the view seated with hot chocolate on one of the overlooks as hundreds of headlights form a twisting line up the mountain.

Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights
As an outdoor and walk-thru attraction, Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights allows pets. But beware, large crowds and blinking lights may not be enchanting for your pets.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Note that I’ve used the TM to reflect the trademark with the Polar Express on the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad in Bryson City. That’s because while there are many holiday train rides that feature lights, treats, Santa and songs, only those that pay the proper licensing fee can officially use the Polar Express story, songs and characters from the movie. And that, in a nut shell, is why we drove all the way to Bryson City rather than opting for a more convenient Holiday train ride. We’re glad we did it, but we definitely wouldn’t make the 300-mile round trip drive again in one day for the 75-minute experience. Instead we’d make a weekend of it, spend some extra time in Bryson City and maybe even plan a visit to The Biltmore while “in the neighborhood.”

Holiday train ride with elves at SIx Flags
You’ll find Holiday train rides all around Atlanta and Georgia, including at Six Flags and Stone Mountain. But if you want the characters and songs from Polar Express, you’ll have to find the officially licensed attraction.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

It’s impressive and beautiful. But it’s also ItP (Inside the Perimeter), which means a painful trek through Atlanta traffic, then more potential hassles to get to convenient parking. City crowds and manners also may be overwhelming compared to more laid-back locations. Prices tend to be higher, too, though value and regular nights do offer some relief compared to premium night pricing. How do you know what’s a premium night at Atlanta Botanical Gardens? Simple, if you want to go on a convenient weekend or holiday, you’ll pay more for that premium convenience. Beware, too, that tickets are good only for a specific date unless you upgrade to a “flex” ticket.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens is impressive and beautiful at the Holidays, but it’s ItP (Inside the Perimeter) location can mean traffic and parking problems.

Neighborhood Lights

Laser lights and Christmas Joy yard sign
Age and technology have conspired to convince me that three laser projectors, two colored fluorescent bulbs and a hand-made yard sign can suffice for neighborhood decorations. But  I haven’t given in to movie-themed blow ups.

We do enjoy riding through nearby neighborhoods and enjoying the Holiday creativity. Sometimes we stop and gawk. Other times we point and laugh. And if we don’t have the grandkids with us, I might occasionally mutter, “WTF?”

Let me get something off my chest about neighborhood decorations and displays. I’m not a modernist. And while age and technology have convinced me that three laser projectors can pass for a whole-house lighting display, I’m just not a fan of blow-ups, especially those based on recent movies. At the theatre, I’ll tolerate yellow mumbling minions for 90 minutes because my grandkids enjoy them. But what they have to do with Christmas or the Holidays is beyond me.  The same goes for Disney mice, and random dinosaurs. Bah. Humbug.  Ok, I better stop on this deviation before I get my full Grinch on.

What Are Your Favorites?

We don’t have an exclusive on Holiday light rankings. We’d love to know about your favorites, especially since our extended family will be visiting around Christmas time and the idea of getting out of the house for a few hours will sound great.  That is, until we pack everyone into even tighter quarters of minivans and child seats and venture into the December darkness.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Winding Walks in The Woods at Red Top Mountain

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Winding Walks in The Woods at Red Top Mountain

Recently, we’ve headed out to Georgia’s Red Top Mountain State Park to explore the various trails, enjoying the canopy and lake breezes while escaping the withering heat of the last days of summer and enjoying the changing colors of fall. We’re describing these outings as walks rather than hikes since we’re not quite sure where to draw the line between the two and we certainly don’t want to offend serious hikers – like those who trek the 2,200+ miles of the Appalachian Trail from the Georgia gateway at Amicalola State Park.

Colorful scenery on Red Top Mountain trails
We enjoyed lots of natural scenery on our walks through the piney woods along Lake Allatoona, while also escaping the withering heat of the final days of summer.

Regardless of the characterization, Red Top offers several trails featuring clear paths, consistent footing, mild elevation changes and some short inclines that will increase your heart rate if you’re an average American over age 40. The trails are well-traveled even on weekdays, and you generally maintain cell phone coverage, so even novice hikers can feel comfortable when heading out on an outing.

Whether escaping the withering heat of summer or wandering the wide trails to enjoy the colors of fall, Red Top Mountain offers trails to fit every fitness level.

Choosing Your Route

Selecting your trail is easy, thanks to a trail map from the Georgia State Parks. Available online in advance or as a pamphlet at the park, the maps provide solid information about each trail, including an elevation guide. While these aren’t detailed hiking maps like you might need on technical trails, they provide enough information for the average walker out for a casual stroll.

Visitor center at Red Top Mountain State Park; OurTravelCafe.com
Multiple trails start and end at the visitor center. Helpful rangers provide trail maps and advice, and restrooms are a welcome site.

For those who like shorter walks, three trails feature walks under one mile. The Visitor Center trail starts at the park visitor center, and circles for 0.75 miles through nearby woods and small hillsides.  The Lakeside Trail also measures 0.75 miles and offers a fully ADA-accessible loop along the shores of Lake Allatoona. The White Tail trail is 0.5 miles one-way ending at a scenic point along the lake, which means your walk will total one mile when you return.

We like covering longer distances, thus prefer the 3.5-mile Iron Hill trail and the 5.5-mile Homestead Trail.

Iron Hill Trail: Share With Bikes

If shaded walks on flatter terrain with lots of water views sounds great, the Iron Hill Trail is a great bet. You’ll enjoy wide open or tree-framed views of Lake Allatoona over approximately half of the trail, with several opportunities to walk down to the shoreline if you wish. These sweeping, panoramic views are great year-round, whether you prefer blue water filled with boat and bathers or fall colors reflecting in smooth lake waters. The gravel-covered trail offers relatively easy footing, generally without ankle-challenging roots and ruts.

Lake views from Red Top Mountain hiking trails; OurTravelCafe.com
The Iron Hill and Homestead Trails are among those providing wide open and tree-framed views of Lake Allatoona. A marina also offers boat rentals.

Both walkers and bicycles are permitted on the Iron Hill trail, which can present challenges and frustrations for both types of users. The number of bikers on the path swells on the weekends, so weekday walking is more bike-free than weekends.

Since I’m both an avid bicycle rider and walker, I’m not taking sides here. But I will say both types of users should be aware of, communicative with and courteous to the other. If you’re walking, keep to the right, and consider walking single file if you’re in a group. And if you hear someone yell out, “On your left,” just keep moving ahead and stay to the far right of the trail.

Check Out The Video on Hiking Iron Hill Trail

If you’re on a bike, be sure to call out clear warnings well in advance. Be prepared for that “deer-in-the-headlights” reaction that freezes many walkers smack in the middle of the path, or worse yet, the backward glance over the left shoulder accompanied by a few leftward meandering steps putting them precisely in the middle of your handlebars.

The shore-hugging Iron Hill trail provides lots of panoramic views of Lake Allatoona, plus some intimate glimpses into colorful small coves.

We particularly enjoy the Iron Hill trail in the fall, as the shore-hugging trail offers spectacular views of colorful hidden coves.

Homestead Trail: A Walk in the Woods

For a bike-free walk over more challenging terrain, the Homestead Trail is your best choice. Technically, this trail would qualify as a hike as it features elevation changes, a natural trail bed, requires adjustment of your stride to accommodate obstacles, and is best undertaken wearing ankle-protecting hiking boots or shoes.

Homestead Trail at Red Top Mountain; OurTravelCafe.com
Homestead Trail is a pleasant walk in the woods on a natural, compacted path. Ruts, roots and other ankle-twisting surprises make hiking boots a good choice.

Homestead Trail takes its name from several abandoned homesteader locations in the area, with some traces still visible along the loop portion of the trail near Lake Allatoona.  Starting at the Visitor’s Center, you’ll walk about a mile through the native forest, often following a small stream that feeds the lake. Crossing Lodge Road, you’ll begin the loop portion on an undulating path which features several uphill sections gaining 75 to 150 feet of elevation over relatively short distances.

Chimney at abandoned homestead; OurTravelCafe.com
Several abandoned home site give Homestead Trail its name. Keep an eye out and you can find some of the remaining signs of former sites.

While the path generally is well traveled over tightly compacted soil, footing can be treacherous in spots. Natural drainage can create a few slippery wet sections even during dry season.  Roots protrude at unpredictable spots, and also contribute to deep ruts cut by water running downhill during heavy rains. And limbs, trees and even leaves that hide uneven ground create unexpected trip hazards.  Plus, while looking down, you’re likely to find some interesting ground creatures and plants that make for interesting – and literally overlooked – photo opportunities

Natural sites at forest floor level, OurTravelCafe.com
With uneven ground and trip hazards, it’s a good idea to keep your eyes focused on the forest floor while walking. Doing so will also help you find some overlooked sites.
 
Spider web at Red Top Mountain, OurTravelCafe.com
But don’t look down constantly, or you’re likely to encounter some surprises. We found this just off the main trail, but walked through lots of smaller strands on the trail.

Other Favorite Walks

All this writing about walking got us to thinking about others who write, sing or remind us about different types of walks.  Here are some of our favorites:

A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson. One of my all-time favorite writers, and not just as a travel writer. This inspired and inspiring book recreates his hilarious path to and trek on the Appalachian Trail with a very interesting friend. Skip the movie – it’s horrible.

The Walk, Richard Paul Evans. Actually, a series of books which tell the ultimately-uplifting story of a man finding faith and friendship after overcoming death, depression and evil as he walks from the Pacific Northwest to South Florida.

A Good Walk Spoiled, John Feinstein. Back to the light side, one of my favorite sportswriters tells stories from the PGA tour. Published in 1995, it’s a bit dated now, but still great fun for us boomer types who remember golf before Tiger Woods.

Dead Man Walking. Growing up Catholic in Louisiana, we have special connections to this true story of a Roman Catholic nun who becomes the spiritual adviser to a convicted killer in the Louisiana State Prison. Susan Sarandon won an Oscar for her 1995 portrayal of Sister Prejean – but she’ll always be Annie Savoy in Bull Durham to me since I have her autograph on an original movie script.

Walking Tall.  The original 1973 movie version and sequels, and not the 2004 remake.  Yes, The Rock brought big-time wrestling cache to the remade story of Sheriff Buford Pusser, a professional wrestler-turned-lawman. But Joe Don Baker and his baseball bat are forever ingrained in my memory.

Walk This Way. This Aerosmith song is an all-time favorite and launched the band and lead singer Steven Tyler to prominence. Oddly, it also brought rap to the mainstream when Run-DMC covered it with the help of Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry. My special connection: Perry says the famous guitar riff was inspired by New Orleans funk group, The Meters – who played at my high school prom.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side. I’m still shocked that Lou Reed’s exquisite story telling about cross-dressers traveling to New York and becoming prostitutes was ever played on radio in the mid 1970s. Well, it was almost exclusively on FM – which is totally beyond the understanding of any post Baby Boomers.

Christopher Walken. Wonderful, weird and wacky, Walken’s myriad characters are found in legendary movies. And who doesn’t like a good Christopher Walken impression. Even with 100 movie credits, one of my favorite Walken film bits is a Saturday Night Live skit with Will Farrell and a cowbell.

Never done it, never will:

Walking Dead, the series.  Nope.  Ever since I saw the original “Night of the Living Dead,” zombies – along with clowns – are among my fears.

Moonwalking. Bad knees, no rhythm and profound clumsiness haunt me like zombies. And I prefer Thriller.

Walk a Straight Line.  What, with my situational positional vertigo?  Not a chance.

Iron Hill Trail route at Red Top Mountain, OurTravelCafe.com
The 3.5-mile Iron Hill Trail follows along the banks of Lake Allatoona. The gravel-covered trail offers relatively easy footing, generally without ankle-challenging roots and ruts.
Homestead Trail at Red Top Mountain; OurTravelCafe.com
For a bike-free walk over more challenging terrain, the Homestead Trail is your best choice. It features elevation changes, a natural trail bed, requires adjustment of your stride to accommodate obstacles, and is best undertaken wearing ankle-protecting hiking boots or shoes.

Updated: November 2020

Originally Published: October 2018

A positive spin on the summer of 2020

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A positive spin on the summer of 2020

By Gary Meehan

At the end of March, like many folks, as the pandemic was beginning to take hold and ravish the food service industry in which I work, I was placed on indefinite furlough. 

I wasn’t surprised. In fact, I welcomed the news.

‘Out back’ at ‘The Cottage’ with Molly the Cat (18 years young!)

As a self-employed entrepreneur for the past 30 years, a real vacation was a luxury I rarely took. Even those times when I did, I would still ‘check-in’ with the office each day. So, while I would enjoy the change of scenery, I never really received the full benefit.

For years the seasons came and went — this summer I took time to notice (and capture) what nature provides

That’s why when I received the news, I took it as a sign that I should use this opportunity for some long overdue down time.

I live in south-western Ontario in Norfolk County. Ontario’s south-coast (I know, thinking of Canada having a south coast makes me smile too). Norfolk is a mostly agricultural area where everything from corn to ginseng, soy, wheat, tobacco, potatoes and other crops are grown.

Many years ago the government offered incentives to farmers to grow ginseng in an effort to help wean them off of tobacco crops. The spaces in-between make for a great walk close to home.

I love this area, especially after this summer. Along with all of the land dedicated to agriculture, we’re fortunate enough to have great swaths of Carolinian forests, beautiful beaches, lakes, miles of trails – many of which are reclaimed rail lines, even a budding wine region. Oh yes, and given the recent change in marijuana laws, a budding ‘bud’ region too 😉 Not to mention the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve, and some of the prettiest little ports you’ll see anywhere. 

The Shadow Lake Trail in beautiful Waterford, features woodland pathways and rail lines that have been converted to walking and cycling trails. Locals know this area as the ‘Waterford Ponds’

The county is 1600 square kilometres (620 square miles) and yet has a relatively small population of only 65,000 people. Simcoe, where I live, is the largest ‘centre’ with a whopping 14,000 residents. 

Port Dover is one of my favourite places to ‘hang out’. A commercial fishery (perch, pickerel) still operates here. I spend my time on the quieter commercial side and leave the more crowded side to the ‘tourists’.

Norfolk county is one of Ontario’s best kept secrets. About an hour and a half SW of Toronto, residents there have traditionally vacationed in the other direction in the  Kawartha lakes region, NE of the city. When we first moved here almost 20 years ago, we would do the same.

Even in winter, the Lake Erie shoreline is a great place to unwind

The idea of vacationing in our own backyard came when we noted how many trailers, boats and campers were heading to our area as we were leaving. So, about 15 years ago I decided we should save the 3 hour drive north and do the same. I’ve never looked back.

Port Rowan sits on Long Point Bay across from ‘The Point’ itself.  Long Point is technically a 40 km (25 mi) long sand spit that features beautiful beaches, bird sanctuaries, cottages and a conservation and camping area.

During the lockdown, of course, I had no choice. My summer off would be spent re-claiming my property, planting a vegetable garden, long walks along the trails (and through the ginseng fields), morning drives along the ‘waterfront trail’ and trips out on the boat fishing and sightseeing.

Businesses like Burning Kiln wineries, with its eco-adventure ‘park’, trail system, and ‘glamping’ — is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of the county.

It took a few weeks for my mind, body and soul to catch on. It took some convincing that ‘we’ were really going to just relax and forget about work for a while. And while it was strange at first, I was able to settle in to a great routine. As well as discover some truths about myself that will serve me now that I am working again.

The Hahn Marsh is part of the Big Creek National Wildlife Area and a big draw for duck hunters each fall.

I learned that taking time for myself is a good thing. That I don’t need as much money to ’live’ as I thought I did. That my policy to take on every opportunity that presented itself as if it could be my last only led to always working.  

Sunflowers at sunset.

I learned that the trees that need dropping and chopping aren’t an inconvenience but an enjoyable way to get some well-needed exercise and a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. And the flames and crackle of a backyard ‘campfire’ create a beautiful atmosphere to meditate and gain some inner peace. That planting and maintaining a vegetable garden is hard work (that for a time hurt my back), but made supper way more enjoyable than store-bought produce.

There’s something very calming when surrounded by farmland for as far as the eye can see.

I rekindled my love of cooking. With my kids now grown and in their own homes, it was too easy to ’skip the dishes’ and let someone else do the cooking. Now, I understand that cooking for myself, just like I would do for them, can be a healthy form of self care that is good for my soul — from the quality of the food and ingredients to the preparation and presentation of the plate.

I like to take and collect photos of the interesting ways folks use old vehicles as garden ‘art’. Bottom right is the Attawandaron, docked in Port Dover—a steel boat I watched one man build over the course of 2 to 3 years. Take me, take me!

Most of all I learned to love where I live. The small bungalow that is my house (which I affectionately call the cottage). The property, which compared to the neighbours is ‘rough around the edges’ (which I affectionately call ‘homestead-esque).  The fields and dunes, lakefront and beaches, marshlands, forests and winding roads with a picture worthy view around almost every corner.

Signs, signs, everywhere the signs…

I realize the pandemic has in so many ways been tragic for too many people. Even we lost a dear uncle overseas. But I can’t deny that in some sense, I have benefitted immensely from it. 

With a county-wide commitment to clean energy, wind turbines generate enough to power over 30,000 homes 

I’m fortunate enough to be working again. But instead of treating every opportunity like it might be my last, the summer of 2020 has taught me the importance of taking time to breathe, enjoy my surroundings and put health – which naturally leads to joy and happiness – first.

The ‘south-coast’ can be beautiful (and windy) in summer!

About the Author: Gary Meehan is an executive marketing consultant and serial entrepreneur based near Toronto, Canada. With knowledge, skills and networks developed over 30 years in this industry, Gary works with the world’s leading brands and provide services across the entire marketing spectrum – from product development and design to business development and product launches. He has worked and traveled extensively in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Before discovering fully his entrepreneurial spirit, Gary sailed the world as a merchant seaman.

Where to Find Free Fall Fun and Friendly Frights

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Where to Find Free Fall Fun and Friendly Frights

With the continuation of COVID-19, many friends and neighbors are debating their trick or treat plans. But whatever your decision, there’s still plenty of opportunity for free Halloween fun and some friendly frights by visiting local scarecrow displays in Acworth and Woodstock.

On two consecutive Wandering Wednesdays, we loaded our grandsons into the monster truck and went in search of Halloween scarecrows in Acworth and Woodstock.

Sponsored by local civic and business organizations, both towns engage creative and fright-loving friends to build scarecrow displays that line their main streets and business places during the weeks leading up to and days just past Halloween.  Sponsoring organizations in both cities conduct contests and award prizes to the winners.  In Acworth, judges award five prizes for Best Overall, Most Creative, Most Traditional, Best School Entry and Mayor’s Choice. In Woodstock, visitors pay $1 to vote for their favorite scarecrow, with proceeds supporting ongoing beautification efforts in the downtown area.

Sponsored by local civic and business organizations, scarecrows line the main streets and business places during the weeks leading up to Halloween.

We Visit Woodstock

In the pedestrian-friendly downtown where most of the walkways are set away from traffic, it generally was easy to keep the boys nearby and safe, even with the many distractions drawing their attention.

On one of our Wandering Wednesdays in October, we packed up the grandsons for a half-day outing to visit the Scarecrow Invasion. We’re always surprised by the amount of activity in and growth near downtown Woodstock. As usual, many downtown parking spots on Main Street were full by our 10 am arrival, but we found parking in the city lot at the corner of (Nightmare on) Elm Street and Market Street.

The usual assortment of Halloween frights mingle with characters from movies and story books to create an odd witch’s stew of fall fun.

With over 175 scarecrows, Woodstock’s displays lined both sides of Main Street with spill-overs on Towne Lake Parkway and the shopping and restaurant district of Chambers Street. Portrayals included the usual assortment of Halloween frights, plus cartoon and movie characters, lots of pirates, and many local themes. While some displays included one scarecrow, many featured elaborate sets with multiple figures, sound and even motion. Our littles (five and seven-year boys) loved the interactive displays, which mostly included the opportunity to sit and take a picture with the friendly frights.

Our five and seven-year-old grandsons loved the interactive displays, like this one where they were photobombed by a yellow butterfly.

In the pedestrian-friendly downtown where most of the walkways are set away from traffic, it generally was easy to keep the boys nearby and safe, even with the many distractions drawing their attention. However, in a few locations where there is no dividing space between the sidewalk and traffic, we kept them closer to avoid any potential mishaps. And though we passed on it, a Scarecrow Invasion Scavenger Hunt starts in the downtown Visitor’s Center, challenging participants to locate scarecrows and answer questions for a prize.

From timely current events like blasting the coronavirus through the creative uses for floral skills to timeless stories, the scarecrow display the talents of area groups.

We needed just over 75 leisurely-paced minutes to see all the scarecrows, including extra time for photos and discussions with excited little boys. Then we selected from the wide array of restaurants for a take-out lunch and picnic in the park.

Scarecrows Around Acworth

The 2020 version of the Acworth Scarecrow Parade marks the 10th annual event, which ends Nov. 6. Until then Acworth’s scarecrows line both sides of Main Street between Lemon and Mill Streets, with a few spilling over to Center Street and Southside Drive.

For the 10th Annual Scarecrow Parade, Acworth chose the theme, “Totally ’80s.” While these guys busted a move, we simply enjoyed the show.

With a theme of “Totally 80s,” the Acworth Scarecrows feature typical Halloween characters often dressed in spandex exercise wear, posed in funky dance moves, and reflecting historic 1980s cultural moments. You’ll also find some local color and characters, like the Chef Henry scarecrow outside the landmark downtown Cajun restaurant.

Local flavors and celebrities were featured too, like this scarecrow Chef Henry outside his Louisiana restaurant of the same name.

We combined our Acworth visit with an afternoon walk, so we parked at Logan’s Farm by choice to get a few extra steps and allow the littles to climb up the pedestrian bridge and watch trains pass below. And with a good assortment of shops and restaurants to choose from, we stopped in for a sugary special treat of shaved ice at Flavors of Hawaii. Our full exploration of the Acworth scarecrows required less than an hour, plus some extra time spent in the extended walk and bridge stop.

From Kiss to astronauts, the Totally 80s theme showcased some of the iconic figures of that long-past decade — back when I still had hair!

Other Halloween Excursions

One of the victims of this year of COVID was one of our favorite Halloween events: the balloon glow at Kennesaw State’s Owl-O-Ween.

Because of the pandemic, many traditional Halloween events have been curtailed or cancelled.  Owl-O-Ween at Kennesaw State University featuring hot air balloon displays is one of the cancellation victims, but we hope it will be back next year.  Over at Six Flags, where we are season ticket holders, Fright Fest is underway, though it’s taken on a different vibe in 2020 due to distancing and pandemic concerns.

But that doesn’t really bother us because our family doesn’t enjoy real Halloween frights. Thus, we’ve enjoyed simply driving around Brookstone and the surrounding neighborhoods checking out the creative displays, which seem to be more prevalent and elaborate this year than in the past.

Arrgh, matey. That’s it for this post. But keep yere eyes open and yere spirits high for others. Or, just click one of the links in the main menu.

Tell Us Why You Love the Tellus Museum

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Tell Us Why You Love the Tellus Museum

We discovered the wonders of the Tellus Science Museum on our very first house hunting trip to the area. And we’ve been going back ever since, maintaining our Grandparents-Plus annual membership for free admission for our most-frequent visitors, free show tickets, discounted admission for others and endless fun — especially on rainy or cold winter days.

Walking on the moon — or moonwalking on the moon, if you have those skills — is just one of the spacey things to do at the Tellus Museum. We’ve enjoyed our Grandparents-plus membership for multiple years, with these among the multiple reasons.

Located just north of Cartersville directly off I-75, the Tellus Science Museum often may be overlooked by families considering their indoor outing options. That’s understandable with Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium, the Fernbank Museum, College Football Hall of Fame, World of Coca-Cola and others as more-popular and well-known destinations. While we enjoy those places, we much prefer bypassing the big crowds and higher prices for the friendly confines and peaceful exhibits at Tellus.

Beyond price and peace, here are the top five reasons we love visiting the Tellus Science Museum rather than other area attractions:

Stan the T-Rex is a fan favorite in the Fossil Gallery. Had humans occupied the earth with dinosaurs, we might have been Stan favorites, too.

Dinosaurs. What kid or adult doesn’t love dinosaurs, especially those fully reconstructed to life-size? The Tellus Fossil Gallery features nearly 20 full replicas of dinosaurs, including a collection of fossilized fish native to the Georgia area. Even before you reach the fossil gallery, a massive apatosaurus skeleton welcomes you in the main hall. Inside the gallery, Stan the T-Rex towers over the other creatures, demonstrating top-of-the-food-chain dominance of the pre-historic world. Beyond the looking, the fossil gallery features multiple interactive stations where kids of all ages can learn more about the lives, habits and extinction of the ancient mammoth beasts. And speaking of mammoths, Tellus has a replica skeleton of a mammoth, too.

Long after the dinosaurs were extinct, but still long, long ago, Columbian mammoths were present in Georgia. They’ve been gone from the state for more than 21,000 years — just slightly longer than the most recent UGA national championship in football — but you can see their size from this fossil at Tellus.

Gemstones. Many of us know about Georgia’s gold rush, marble and granite deposits, and the plentiful quartz forms that yield crystals, gold dust and even the rock formations at Stone Mountain. The Weinman Mineral Gallery at Tellus displays these and lots of other minerals, in their native rock form and also in all their polished glory. Tellus helps to recreate the spirit of gem discovery with a downloadable gemstone treasure map that turns the gallery into an interactive game. Our family usually spends several cycles in the darkened fluorescent mineral tunnel, fascinated as different light types create a brilliant, ever-changing color display.

Call us rock geeks if you must, but our family always stays in the darkened mineral tunnel, watching the changing colors and fluorescence of rocks and gems as they are subjected to UV and other lights.

Spaceships. Inside the Millar Science in Motion gallery, you’ll find lots of space devoted to space, filled with rocket engines, replicas of spaceships from Sputnik to Apollo, and even a real moon rock. Displays of early motorcycles, automobiles, outboard boat motors and aircraft also are arranged throughout this gallery, offering lots of curiosity-creating corners for accidentally learning history. One of our favorites — and a Tellus treasure — is a full-scale replica of the Ford Quadricycle, Henry Ford’s first motorized vehicle. Ford built only one of these, now on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan. The Tellus replica is one of two known replicas.

Mercury (black) and Apollo (white) capsules are part of the expansive space display within the Millar Science in Motion Gallery. Rocket engines, a space shuttle tire, a real moon rock and more dazzle young and old alike.

Mega-Machines. Arranged outdoors adjacent to the parking area and free for exploration without admission charges, this collection of huge mining equipment always draws the immediate attention of our traveling group. Plus, each October, Tellus brings in other mega-machines for their annual Heavy Metal in Motion Saturday. This fun, family event requires admission, and also includes bounce-houses, children’s activities and lots of big, loud engines. (COVID-19 Note: Check with the museum for information about the 2020 event.)

Our boys love the mega-mining machines on permanent display in the parking lot. Each October, Tellus also hosts its Heavy Metal In Motion Saturday, an additional-charge event that features even more machines, many operating to the sound of roaring engines.

Cool Science Shows. An ever-changing schedule of science shows fills the planetarium theater at Tellus. Whether you explore volcanoes and experience the beauty and fright of liquid lava flows, or prefer a more tame and quiet experience for a younger crowd, the Tellus schedule has something to accommodate all. Most days, there are five or six different features on the schedule. And I’ll admit that this grandfather had to be nudged by one of his grandkids more than once after reclining in the cool, dark theater.

Throughout the day, a variety of cool science shows are featured in the planetarium theater. Our favorites include the space and nature films with lots of sound and action. Otherwise, with dim lights and reclining chairs, the Grandparents-plus membership permits a quick nap.

While we maintain a Grandparents-Plus membership to entertain our local and visiting family, we’re still hoping to participate in special events at the Tellus observatory, too. Evening events — like International Observe the Moon Night on Sept. 26, 2020, and regular SCIence FRIday Nights — excite our inner science geek, but our schedules and priorities have (so far!) prevented us from attending.

Covid-19 Precautions

Because of contamination risks, the interactive, touch-everything, kid-designed Big Back Yard area currently is closed. The fossil dig also is closed. The gem-panning activity is open, with social-distancing, handwashing and other precautions required. Pre-purchased, timed-admission tickets are required, and can be purchased on the website. And while not required, face masks are strongly suggested and always appreciated by those who breathe the same air as you indoors.

The interactive Kids Back Yard and fossil digs have been closed in 2020 because of Covid-19. However, panning for gems remains open, socially-distanced and fun.

Plan Your Visit

Want a quick peak at the exhibits before making a decision? Of course, the website is helpful, with information on all the admission prices and more. You can also take this video tour for an overview.

Our Post-Museum Special Treat

This picture from a family visit in 2016. While our grandkids and out-of-state visitors have grown since this summer photo, the whole gang still loves a visit to Tellus.

For the adults, visiting Tellus — inside, air-conditioned, seating available, and lots of kids activities to occupy the littles — is a treat in and of itself. But sometimes, those kids just need to have some extra sugar added before we return them to their parents. That’s when we head to our favorite Cartersville treat stop, Coconuts Ice Cream, to end a special day. Whether hand-scooped cones, shakes and malts, sno-cones or other treats, the car ride home is unusually quiet while mouths are full, at least until all that sugar kicks in.

This is one of only two known full-size replicas of the Ford Quadricyle, Henry Ford’s first “automobile.” Notice the mirrors under the vehicles, which provide a cool undercarriage view not often seen, and intriguing in these early vehicles.
Everyone has a favorite dinosaur. One of mine happens to be the elasmosaurus, a long-neck sea monster. These predators had long necks and four flippers. Some believe one or more survived in the cold, deep waters of Loch Ness in Scotland, fueling the legend of the Loch Ness monster. None have been spotted in Lake Allatoona.

U-Pick: Fun Days on the Farm

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U-Pick: Fun Days on the Farm

Growing up in a family which owned farms or made large gardens, I never considered the seasonal harvest as a source of amazement and fun. But as we’ve evolved into a more suburban, supply-chain dependent society, our family has rediscovered the simple joys of spending a few hours at a farm and learning more about how our food is produced.

Our favorite farm days are the seasonal U-Pick events, when we get the freshest seasonal offerings and an experience with the kids and grand kids.

Since moving to Georgia, we’ve loaded the family into the minivan for a few hours or a full day at some of Georgia’s agritourism destinations. We always enjoy great selections of fresh produce, but our favorite days are the various U-Pick options offered during seasonal harvests.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many locations have changed procedures to include protective requirements and distancing. We recommend calling ahead to learn more.

Before we get knee-deep in strawberries or over our heads in a peach orchard, let’s say that a farm visit might just be a pandemic-perfect outing. While COVID-19 has changed procedures at many farms, it’s still possible to enjoy the U-Pick days and farm visits while maintaining social distance. Many location have changed their procedures to accommodate social distancing, including limiting admittance. We’d recommend that you contact a farm before visiting to learn about specifics. (And our visit to Jaemor was in pre-COVID days, thus the closer quarters and unmasked participants.)

Heading South to Southern Belle

Southern Belle Farms, located near McDonough, GA, features a large farm store, expanded weekend farm experiences and seasonal U-Pick options.

After months of sheltering in close quarters, we sought a safe family outing that would get us out of the house for a day. So while it’s not necessary for us to drive this far to enjoy a farm visit, the wide open spaces and social-distancing-friendly procedures at Southern Belle Farm provided a perfect solution. Plus, we were attracted to the wide variety of U-Pick options available in mid-June, including blackberries, blueberries, peaches and strawberries. We checked the website for information, then made an additional call to confirm details before deciding to visit.

The colorful and delightful blackberry plants are extensive and easy to reach. This sure beats hunting blackberries in the wild along fence rows.
The blueberry patch was reaching peak readiness when we visited in mid-June. We elected the option to pick a mixed basket of berries, including blueberries, blackberries and strawberries.

Upon arrival, we headed to the check-in gates and faced our first decision: what would we pick and how much. We made the easy decision, and selected the option for a large basket of mixed berries plus a small quantity of peaches. Baskets in hands, we headed to the blueberry and blackberry patches first. We walked through several rows, then found a sweet spot where ripe berries were in easiest reach for our grandsons. With quick instruction and a little encouragement, the youngsters reached in without delay.

For most of the visit, we were far enough from other pickers to leave our masks off. But when others came close, we could slip them on and off quickly.

We repeated this process for the peaches, seeking an isolated spot in the center of a long row where few others ventured. We were fortunate that many peaches were within easy reach of the 5-and-7-year olds, though some lifting and shoulder time was enjoyed. We then ventured to the strawberry field, where the low-growing plants made it easiest to find an unoccupied area. Filling our remaining berry basket space quickly, we finished our field time and headed to the country market for some refreshing treats.

Family Days at Jaemor

In contrast to the mid-week, mid-day, early summer visit to Southern Belle, we headed to Jaemor Farms early on an August weekend (in 2019) to enjoy one of their U-Pick days for peaches. Our early arrival helped us avoid the longer lines and more crowded spaces that we saw as we left later in the day.

In the pre-COVID days at Jaemor Farms, we joined other visitors on a wagon ride out to the peach tree orchard. Our grandsons were thrilled with their tractor and wagon time.

This was our first peach-picking experience, and the friendly Jaemor workers offered their tips on finding and picking the best fruit. On this visit, our plan was to stock-up on peaches for snacking, baking for the upcoming holidays and making refreshing daiquiris during the end of summer. With seven pickers using 14 hands, we snagged two large boxes in less than 40 minutes — even after trying to slow our little helpers in order to stretch out our visit time.

We met several of these harmless residents as we picked peaches. The first view always sent the little ones away squealing, but we were able to bring them back for some teachable moments about the benefits of insects.

Finished with our fresh harvest, we boarded the wagon for the return trip, then stopped in at the farm market for more selections. We grabbed ripe tomatoes, a variety of peas and beans, plus some bright-green okra from the well-stocked shelves before returning to the minivan to stash the bounty.

Before, after or without the picking experience, most of these farms also offer extensive market selections of regionally-grown goods. The Georgia Grown program is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and promotes farms throughout the state.

But we weren’t done — of course there was still time for the other treats, but more on that later.

Falling for Burt’s

Near Dawsonville, GA, Burt’s Farm is one of our favorite fall stops. We’ve visited on the busy weekend to enjoy the full range of adventures including hayrides, petting zoo, country crafts, homemade treats and Halloween pumpkin selection, though we prefer the quiet weekdays when we often combine it with a hike at nearby Amicalola Falls.

Fall weekends are the busiest times at Burt’s Farm, when families come to find the perfect pumpkin for Halloween. It’s also the time when the farm offers a full range of family adventures, including wagon rides, a petting zoo, and fresh farm treats.

While it’s not a U-Pick farm, you’ll enjoy Burt’s wide selection of virtually every size and type of pumpkin you can imagine during the fall season. Wheelbarrows are provided to help you move your large, heavy and multiple selections.

While we enjoy the weekend fun with the whole family, we often stop by Burt’s during those fall weekdays when we visit nearby Amicalola Falls. You can always find Burt’s offerings online throughout the year.

Since pumpkins are one of the main attractions, you’ll be 100% correct if you guessed that the most crowded times are the October weekends preceding Halloween. If you use pumpkins for cooking and not just decorations, the best time to visit Burt’s may be those weekdays following Oct. 31 when the crowds are gone and the selection remains plentiful. That’s when we return to grab those small, sweet pumpkins that are perfect for pie-making, and also make an authentic and healthy base for real pumpkin smoothies.

During previous fall visits, we enjoyed time in the petting zoo. But before you plan a family visit beginning Sept. 1, 2020, we recommend you contact the farm directly to see what’s available.

How Ya Like Them Apples?

Fall is apple picking time in North Georgia, and we’ve been up to Ellijay several times for both sweet and tart varieties. The Red Apple Barn has been among our favorite stops, where you can also enjoy wagon rides. And in October, they also offer pick-your-own-pumpkins.

Rather than fight huge weekend crowds, we visited BJ Reece orchards with our grandkids on one of our “wandering Wednesdays” when things are quiet and distancing is easy.

For our first 2020 trip, we visited another favorite, BJ Reece Orchards, and snagged a peck of September Wonder and Golden Delicious varieties. Weekends are mad houses here, with large crowds and lots of family-friendly farm fun like the petting zoo. Rather than fight those crowds, we visited BJ Reece on one of our Wandering Wednesdays when things are quiet and distancing is easy.

We headed down to the far end of the rows, where only the most intrepid and adventurous pickers had picked before. Even after two weekends of big crowds, our kiddos were able to reach and pick the ripe fruits from ground level.

Even after two weekends of big crowds, we found apples in easy reach from ground level for the grandkids, making it an easy-on-the-back-if-not-the-wallet outing.

After the short one made short work of filling our bag, we dropped our fresh apples at the car and ventured into the farm store to be tempted by more apple varieties and the always-tempting array of farm-baked goodies.

We couldn’t decide among apple donuts, an apple stick, apple fritters, apple cider and a pumpkin cream-cheese roll, so we did what good grandparents do and purchased all of them!

Decisions, decisions . . . are not necessary. Life’s short. Buy one of everything.

While we’ve mentioned Red Apple Barn and BJ Reece here, you’ll find a plethora of other choices in the Apple Capital of North Georgia. One thing you won’t find in 2020 is the Apple Festival. It’s been cancelled due to Covid-19.

Fresh Farm Treats!

It’s not all about the vegetables on our farm visits! Virtually every agritourism farm offers a tempting array of fresh-made goodies to satisfy the sweet tooth. And since we’re 100% into the full-flavored farm fun, it would be down-right irresponsible to ignore these converted culinary creations.

There’s much more to farm fresh than produce. When visiting with our without grandkids, we always explore the bakery and specialty items. Strawberry donuts and soft-serve peach ice cream are among our favorites at Jaemor.

In fact, if I was honest with myself and my family when they suggest such visits, I might just admit that the cakes, candies, cobblers, donuts, ice cream and pies are my primary reasons for these trips. But instead of incriminating myself when my doctor might also be reading, I’ll suffice it to say that we always allow our teenage son and grand kids to pick these treats as rewards for their patience and good behavior.

The heapin’ helpin’ of blackberry cobbler at Southern Belle Farm was the perfect way to end a mid-day June visit.
Who loves their visits to Georgia farms?

More on Georgia Agri-Tourism

Farm fresh in Georgia means close inspection, hand selection and a much wider variety of choices than your local grocery. When we visit the farm, we often get sufficient quantities to pickle, can or freeze our goodies for year-round enjoyment.

Moving to Georgia more than five years ago, we knew nothing about the state’s commitment to promoting its farms and farmers. We discovered the Georgia Grown agri-tourism promotion program by accident, driving the backroads of rural Georgia on the way to Amicalola Falls when we saw a state-sponsored road sign for Gibbs Gardens. Without internet connection in the car, we looked it up back at home, and we were introduced to the rich offerings throughout the state. Since then, we’ve become regular users of the Georgia Grown website to locate fun and filling stops for our in-state adventures.

We also were delighted to learn about the Georgia Farm Bureau’s certified farm market program, including the farm passport program. Because of COVID-19, we haven’t been able to explore the farms necessary to collect prize-winning passport stamps, but we have used the online and printed resources as great planning tools for upcoming trips.

Also Mentioned Here

Here are a few of our other blogs about places and adventures we’ve mentioned in this post:

  • Amicalola Falls. Near to Burt’s Farm in Dawsonville, it’s the tallest waterfall in the Southeast, cascading more than 600 feet.
  • Gibbs Gardens. This 220-acre botanical wonderland is one of the nation’s largest residential estate gardens.
  • Driving Georgia Back Roads. We’ve found some interesting and intriguing locations on our drives from here to there.
  • Our Favorite Fall Spots. Yes, fall is our favorite Georgia season, and here are some of our favorite spots to visit for fall color.

Georgia Back Roads Reveal Hidden Waterfalls

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Georgia Back Roads Reveal Hidden Waterfalls
Along the way to the main attractions, hiking trails allow great views and often provide a natural, relaxing soundtrack from smaller falls and cascades.

Before the onset of fall, our family decided to take a quick jaunt to the North Georgia Mountains, enjoying the waning days of summer by chasing waterfalls and dipping our toes into the cool mountain streams that feed and flow from them. With two grandkids (Five and seven years-old) and our teenager, we loaded the minivan with some basic supplies and headed up to Vogel State Park, our waterfalls-central headquarters for this trip.

Georgia’s Vogel State Park served as our cabin-camping headquarters. Nestled in the mountains, there’s easy access to lots of falls, Georgia’s highest mountain at Brasstown Bald, and the convenience of food and supplies in nearby Blairsville.

Planning Our Route

Usually, I’m a meticulous trip planner, mapping specific routes, estimating times and failing miserably at trying to cram way too much activity into even long summer days. But this time, I decided to leave time and routes to destiny, simply reserving a two-night stay in a two-bedroom cabin at Vogel State Park and determining the rest along the way based largely on the enroute choices given to elementary and high school kids. Our only restrictions were we had to leave after 9 am on a Tuesday, once the little ones were in our care, and we needed to return by 7 pm on Thursday.

Before exploring Georgia’s waterfalls, we stopped for an underground adventure at Consolidated Gold Mine in Dahlonega.

Once we were on our way and headed up I-575, we made our first collective routing decision: we would bypass Amicalola Falls, one of our all-time favorites and a frequent destination for us, and instead visit the Consolidated Gold Mine in Dahlonega. Following that stop (which we cover in another blog post!) and another for ice cream, we set course for our first falls stop.

Dick’s Creek Falls

After driving approximately 30 minutes on beautiful, curvy mountainous Georgia Hwy 19, we turned onto Dick’s Creek Road for the three-mile drive on a gravel forest road to reach the small parking lot. Not realizing another lot was located just 500-feet around the next turn, I forced my minivan into the only remaining small, unlevel, deeply-rutted parking spot. We jumped out of the vehicle and headed down the short, wooded path to the falls.

Just below Dick’s Creek falls, a sandy beach lines the outflow creek, offering easy access to the cold water and some family relaxation.

Reaching the creek below the falls, we climbed out onto a large rock in the creek to get a full view, snap a few pictures and watch a larger group play in the falls outflow stream. Then we headed up the side path and climbed above the falls to watch more intrepid visitors make running leaps into the deep pool. We climbed a bit further, where the creek enters a small rapids area before plunging over the larger cliff below.

Between the small upper cascades and the larger lower falls at Dick’s Creek, an intrepid fly fisherman flicked his rod in hopes of a catch.

A trout-fisherman flicked his fly rod, while a family of five soaked in the creek and slid through one rocky rapid with a smooth surface. After shoes were removed and bare feet waded into the cold water, our littles decided a full-body dip likely was beyond their temperature and adventure comfort zone. We waded for a few minutes, then reversed course before heading on to Vogel State Park for the evening.

Trahlyata Falls

Found just below the outflow dam of the man-made lake, Trahlyata Falls is a short hike down a dirt trail. The observation platform is built over part of the falls, so a detour off the main trail yields the best photographs.

In the morning, we walked from our forest-view cabin along the man-made, stocked Lake Trahlyta at the entry to Vogel State Park. Crossing the dam, we descended the spur trail to a natural soundtrack of singing birds and falling water. When we reached the wooden observation deck built directly over a portion of the falls, our littles decided they were feeling more adventurous than the previous day and wanted to play in the stream.

We had packed watershoes for this excursion, so we slipped those on, a great decision given the slippery rocks lining the stream bottom. While footing was occasionally treacherous for the elders, the youngsters enjoyed intentional and unintentional splashing into the stream. Feeling even braver, we ventured to the side of the falls, where we boosted them onto a ledge and allowed them to sit in a small, cold stream of falling water.

Priceless reaction to learning that nature provides natural cooling to moving and falling waters.

Once the novelty of the falls wore off on the youngsters, we headed back to the beach and lake for playtime and relaxation before our afternoon excursion.

Helton Creek Falls

Despite mixed reviews about the condition of the winding forest road to Helton Falls, our minivan made the trip without incident.

While we entertained a return to Dick’s Creek in the late afternoon, we chose instead to visit the double-falls of Helton Creek instead. Just down Highway 19 from Vogel, we turned into a mountain residential neighborhood on Helton Creek Falls road before joining the gravel downhill route down into the canyon. Despite the mixed reviews about the road from our Georgia hiking and waterfall Facebook groups, our minivan had no trouble on the downhill or uphill segments.

The panorama view from the top may suggest that sliding down Helton Creek falls is a tempting option. Don’t be fooled, as the jagged and jutting rocks further down make sliding impossible.

A full parking area and high-trafficked path led to a relatively crowded viewing area, surprising to us on a Thursday during this summer of COVID. While we brought masks for safety and wore them because of crowd size, we decided to maximize our photo opportunities in a minimum amount of visit time. In retrospect, that turned out to be a great decision as our little ones wore out on the hike back up and remained grumpy until we made S’mores on the campfire back at the cabin.

At the end of a long day, S’mores made over a campfire provided a happy ending to a fun adventure.

Duke’s Creek Falls

Checking out of our cabin at Vogel on the second morning, we headed toward Helen, bypassing a potential stop at DeSoto Falls, instead visiting Duke’s Creek Falls. While it’s possible to catch a glimpse of the main falls from a viewing platform near the parking area, we chose to walk the wide, winding path on it’s 1.1 mile descent to the main falls.

From the parking lot, the walkway changes from paved, to board walk, to a wide dirt trail with switch-backs descending to the falls.

Along the way to the main attraction, the switch-back trail allows great views and sounds from smaller falls and cascades along the creek. At trail’s end, three viewing platforms snuggled into the narrow canyon enable naturally air-conditioned and close-up views of the two main falls – a multi-tiered smaller falls formed from Duke’s Creek and the 150-foot tall cascading falls of Davis Creek. In the summer, much of the taller Davis Creek drop is hidden by trees, so we’re already planning a fall and winter return. (And we did it in November, with a second video below!)

The falls cascading from Davis Creek plunge 150-feet down to the out flow creek. During summer, leaves obscure the view so we immediately made plans to head back in the fall to enjoy the full seasonal experience.
We returned Nov. 23, when most leaves had fallen (or been blown off by the remnants of Hurricane Zeta!) The unobstructed view added to the majesty of the dramatic falls.

Anna Ruby Falls

We grabbed a fast-food lunch in Helen, sitting in the riverside park to eat while watching tube groups finish their down-river float. Then we headed up toward Unicoi State Park and Anna Ruby Falls.

Waterfalls, Georgia, Hiking
Two creeks create the twin falls at Anna Ruby Falls. The tallest measures 150-feet; the shorter 50-feet.

Each time I visit Anna Ruby Falls, the sites evoke Mick Jagger singing the opening lines of Jumpin’ Jack Flash:  I was born in a cross-fire hurricane.  While this time was no different, the virtual song was accompanied by the whining of tired boys totally over their grandparents fascination with waterfalls. So again, quick pics, then a stop-and-go hike back to the parking lot with a nearby thunderstorm providing extra bass to the Stone’s ditty playing in continuous loop.

And, for Our Return Trip . . .

We’re already planning a return, likely in the fall and definitely without the grandkids. While they had a great time and we enjoyed them, too, we left much undone and unseen. So learn from us.  If you make this trip, pace yourself better than we did, allowing more time for exploration and fewer activities.

Our newly-renovated, two-bedroom cabin at Vogel State Park was a perfect headquarters for our family’s Georgia waterfalls adventure.
During the 2020 Summer of COVID-19, many visitors wore masks on the trails and near the visitor center at Anna Ruby Falls.
Please, leave nothing behind but your footprints!

24 Hours in Portland

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24 Hours in Portland

In this summer of COVID and political unrest, our televisions are filled with depressing news and concerning images, no matter where on the political spectrum you find yourself. That said, as an avid traveler, I’m reminded that most disturbances are temporary while locations usually retain or regain their charm.

So as I watch news accounts of protests and violence in Portland, I prefer to reflect on the less-than-24 hours we enjoyed in the city on a recent visit, and to relive that too-short stay with a few pictures and memories. I hope you’ll enjoy the virtual trip, and forget for awhile the current images.

Amtrak Cascades train in station
We scheduled an early-morning departure from Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station aboard the legendary Amtrak Cascades. Our business class seats provided a comfortable and care-free journey.

Arrival by Train

We traveled to Portland from Vancouver on the Amtrack Cascades, an 8-hour care-free trip. This was the mid-point of a multi-week vacation that started with an Alaska cruise and would end with an eight-day driving tour through Bend, OR; Crater Lake National Park, driving up the Oregon and Washington coast, then circling through Olympic National Park before ending in Seattle.

Tacoma Narrows twin bridges
Always framed within the wide train window, mountains, bays, forests and the Tacoma Narrows twin-span suspension bridges were among the varied scenery enjoyed along the way.

The Cascades journey is one of America’s great train routes, with snow-capped mountains, blue bays, rain forests and other natural wonder always framed in a large train window. The beauty didn’t end on the train, as Portland’s Union Station features some outstanding examples of designs in terra cotta, molded brick and neon signs. We made it through the Portland station with ease and secured a taxi to our hotel with plans for an evening stroll through the riverfront park.

Portland Train Station lobby with neon signage
Arriving in Portland around 4 pm, we were welcomed by a vision of the splendor of rail travel in the past.

COVID Note: We’re thrilled we made this trip in 2018, as COVID and budget cuts have greatly reduced service on the route between Vancouver and Portland. If you’re thinking about taking this or any train, check with Amtrak directly to confirm plans.

Neon sign reflecting on terracotta at Portland Union Station
The polished terracotta walls reflected the plentiful and colorful neon signs that adorned the Portland Union Station.

Unbeknownst to us, our Sunday evening arrival coincided with the concluding events of Portland’s PRIDE festival at the riverfront park. Traveling with a somewhat-sheltered 13-year-old boy, we audibled into a casual dinner, a stroll through the very walkable downtown, and a trip to Ruby Jewel for ice cream. (COVID Note: Ruby Jewel switched to an ice cream-sandwich-only menu in July 2020).

Rainbow over downtown Portland
Unbeknownst to us, tens of thousands of people were celebrating PRIDE Day as we arrived, causing us to change some of our evening plans. Perhaps this rainbow, which appeared over out of our window upon arrival at our hotel, was a sign.

Donut Haven and Heaven

During our early evening, we flipped through some of the available tourist information about near-downtown attractions and discovered Portland’s love affair with donuts. Who knew? We considered the various options, skipping the walking and biking donut tours for lack of time. Thus, in the morning, we set our sights on Blue Star Donuts, walking to its flagship store for some high-sugar delights.

Blue Star Donuts in Portland featuring real maple and bacon donut
We weren’t aware in advance of Portland’s apparent love affair with donuts. On Monday morning, we walked to Blue Star for sweet treats, including the real maple and bacon donut pictured in the upper right.

We had read that line could be extremely long, but our arrival at 8:30 am on a Monday morning found a quiet lull in the donut day. Claiming a few treats, we found an outdoor table and enjoyed our bounty. I’ll say here that if we return, I’m all in on the donut bicycle tour!

Sad COVID story: In June 2020, Blue Star closed all its Portland locations. But Portland still has a plethora of local, craft donut shops to delight your donut desires, including those named NOLA Donuts and Voodoo Donuts that tease the curiosity of our Louisiana heritage.

World’s Greatest Bookstore

Feeling temporarily stuffed but recognizing the sugar high likely was temporary, we headed to Powell’s City of Books. Our fast-reading son had devoured his vacation books during the first half of the trip nearly as fast as his chocolate donut(s) and we knew he’d be bored in the car unless we reloaded. (NO, he won’t use any electronic reader. He prefers turning pages, and we’re not discouraging him!)

Panorama of Powell's City of Bookx
Powell’s City of Books takes up a full city block, and it takes a panoramic photo to begin to capture the immensity.

When a friend had suggested pre-vacation that we “had to visit” Powell’s, we politely chuckled, thinking, who intentionally would visit a book store on vacation? But our arrival quickly dispelled our skepticism, and we chalked up our previous amusement as a lesson learned.

Store Map of Powell's City of Books
We didn’t have to ask for an AAA map since the helpful folks at Powell make them readily available for store navigation. Once we found the right section of the store, a knowledgeable and helpful staff member shared delightful insights about adolescent literature that met with our son’s approval.

The Portland flagship store of the largest independent bookstore in the US, occupying an entire city block and housing over one million volumes. Multiple stories awaited us and we wandered — map in hand! — through expansive sections on history, geography, biography, fiction and adolescent literature. While that last phrase may sound like an oxymoron, the very knowledgeable and helpful staff helped our son discover a few new treats by displaying a keen interest in his reading interests. Just perhaps, his interest was increased by the fact that she was a cute college-age girl taking time with a pimply teenage boy.

Pioneer Square

Frequently referred to as the city’s living room, we navigated to Portland Pioneer Square primarily because it was between Powell’s and our hotel. Plus, we had read that it was a likely location for later-morning food trucks, a must after the breakfast donut sugar rush had dissipated.

Pioneer Square, Portland's Living Room
Pioneer Square is a core element of Portland’s very walkable and pedestrian-friendly downtown. Adjacent to the historic courthouse and also hosting a farmer’s market in one corner, the square was a summer base of operations for several food trucks.

A small summertime farmer’s and flea market occupied one corner, and we found food trucks on the opposite corner. Between and around us wandered an assortment of tourist, business people, shoppers, city strollers and vagrants. Everyone was polite and friendly, most keeping their distance even in the pre-COVID days.

Yolko Ono Sandwich from Fried Egg I'm in Love
A hearty Yolko Ono breakfast sandwich from Fried Egg I’m In Love provided needed sustenance after our donut sugar-high. Egg Zepplin, Smells Like Protein Spirit and Free-Range Against the Machine were among the music-inspired entree names.

For a more solid brunch, we chose Fried Egg I’m In Love’s mobile location at the Square. After studying the punny names of the offerings, we decided to split a Yolko Ono sandwich. While we take no position on whether Yoko Ono broke up the Beatles, we will testify that many eggs were broken up to create this fabulous Yolko Ono sandwich.

International Rose Test Garden

Checking out of our hotel shortly after noon, we jumped in the car and headed to the International Rose Test Garden. Besides making this a definite, must-visit stop in Portland, my other tip is: don’t jump in the car to go. Parking is extremely limited, so rideshare or other transportation is a good choice.

International Rose Test Garden in Portland
With more than 600 varieties and 10,000 rose bushes, the International Rose Test Garden is a Portland kaleidoscope of color. It was the one must-see item on our Portland agenda before arrival. Our mid-June visit coincided perfectly and coincidentally with peak bloom season.

Parking challenges aside, what’s not to love about this Portland attraction? It’s outdoors. It’s beautiful. And it’s free!

International Rose Test Garden in Portland
If you can’t find peace and beauty at Portland’s International Rose Test Garden, you’re either not trying or simply beyond hope. Perhaps understanding more about the spiritual benefits of stopping to smell the roses might help.

Visiting in mid-June at the peak of the bloom season, we wandered through the 10,000 rose bushes taking pictures, sniffing blooms, drinking in the color and watching the pollinators perform their crucial magic. After about an hour and somewhat high on life from the fragrant benefits of stopping to smell the roses, we crossed the street to . . .

Portland Japanese Garden

Occupying over five acres in Washington Park, the Portland Japanese Garden features pagodas, reflecting ponds, and winding pathways through and around Japanese maples, bamboo, irises and waving grasses.

Bridge over reflecting pond at Portland Japanese Garden
If you were overly frustrated by limited parking for the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden, a few minutes on the winding pathways of the Japanese Garden will help you recenter and find your inner peace.

Due to its popularity, timed admission tickets are available, so check on line for these in advance or plan to wait around for the next opening. Fortunately, we checked on availability on arrival at the rose garden, and purchased tickets for a well-timed garden entry 75 minutes later.

Hidden waterfall at Portland Japanese Garden
We were enthralled by the landscaped beauty of the gardens. But the nature of a hungry teenage beast won out over our thirst for peace and tranquility, and we trekked much more quickly that hoped through the relaxing surroundings.

Once we entered, we were pressed to get moving by a hungry teenager, thus trekked more quickly through than one normally would in such a serene location. The nature of the whining teenage beast quickly won out over natural beauty so we did our best to snap a few pictures before making our exit.

Enjoyment Within Tight Constraints

As originally Portland was but an end-point for our train journey and a rest stop before the next leg, we didn’t invest much time in planning our visit. We’re certainly not pretending this is a “best of” or “top tips” review of the city. We did thoroughly enjoy our limited time in the city, and took with us fond memories of the visit. Most of all, it makes us sad to see the disturbing images from the city, and we pray for solutions that allow residents and visitors alike to revel in the quirky eccentricity that makes Portland special.

AC Hotel by Marriott in Portland
Our overnight HQ for our 24-hour stay was the AC Hotel, a boutique offering from Marriott located convenient to the walkable areas of the city.

More Pics from PDX

Here are a few more pictures, just because we couldn’t face the idea of not using them.

Amtrak luggage tags
We found the luggage tag rack at Portland Union Station. While we knew the generally-accepted definition of SOB, we weren’t sure of SOB;s location. Turns out, it’s the code for South Bend, Indiana.
The dining and beverage care onboard the Cascades offered in-route options. Admittedly, it wasn’t the grand dining car from the movies, but it was a functional option for quick snacks.
Mount Hood rising above landscape
We admit to using a filter to pull in the details on this out-of-the-train-window shot. The effect simply highlights the spooky feeling that where ever we traveled in the Portland area, we were being followed and watched by Mt. Hood. The volcano is 53 miles from the city (more than 70 driving miles) but it always seems so close.
Japanese gardens are rich with symbolism and hidden messaging.
Demolition along railraod route
While Amtrak Cascades is one of the country’s most spectacular scenic train routes, you’ll still see a fair share of urban renewal and “wrong-side-of-the-tracks” views that are inevitable as you approach and leave major population and industry centers. We end with this as a message during these disturbing times that you can choose to focus on the ugliness of Portland or any city if you wish. From our perspective, we’ll continue to seek, enjoy, contribute to and remember the diversity and beauty.

Nearby Summer Walks

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Nearby Summer Walks

During this year of COVID-19, we’ve been looking to short walks through outdoor areas as a way of breaking up the stay-at-home monotony while getting some needed exercise. That’s proven more challenging as we reach midsummer, when the temperature and humidity meet at 85 and above and the breeze abandons us when it’s needed most.

On days like these, we love ambling along wide shaded paths that keep the bright sun away and allow us room to veer around fellow hikers to maintain proper social distance. This week, we enjoyed two of these near our NW Cobb County, GA, home: The Noses Creek Trail at Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park and Allatoona Pass Battlefield.

Wide hiking path on a former railroad right-of-way
The wide, shaded paths at Noses Creek and Allatoona Battlefield parks are for escaping the heat and keeping social distance during these trying times.

Before describing the trails, we should warn you that the parking areas at both locations are relatively small. Thus, you may want to avoid weekends and other peak days. And also recognize that Noses Creek requires a $5 parking fee, or the use of a National Park, Federal Lands, or Kennesaw Mountain limited-use pass available for this park.

Noses Creek Trail

This walk offers a few different options depending on your fitness and curiosity. The main trail from Burnt Hickory Road to Dallas Highway is a wide, shell-covered, gradually-sloping 3.0-mile round-trip route shared by hikers and horses. If you’re not in the mood for the full walk route, the trail crosses scenic Noses Creek approximately .75 miles from the Burnt Hickory Parking lot, thus offering a scenic and relatively-easy 1.5 mile walk if your turn around at the bridge.

Bridge over a stream
The bridge over Noses Creek is near the midway point of the outbound route. It offers a scenic view and is a perfect landmark for those who want a shorter walk.

Like the rest of Kennesaw Mountain park, historic markers identify key areas of the Civil War encampments and fortifications here throughout the spring and early summer of 1864. Most of the actual battle was fought to the North of Burnt Hickory Road near Pigeon Hill, and to the South of Dallas Road, so you won’t see many references to key battle points or actions on this walk.

Historical markers along a hiking trail
Throughout the Kennesaw Mountain Park, historical markers show troop locations and battle information. Most of the fighting occured north and south of this trail section, thus markers reflect troop encampments.

Our favorite route is walking the main trail from the Burnt Hickory parking area to Dallas Highway, then hiking back on the narrow Hardage Mill Trail. This path through the woods adds some additional elevation change, and requires good balance and greater attention on the exposed roots and water-eroded sections. This trail parallels sections of the Civil War-era earthworks constructed by Confederate troops to defend this entry-way to Atlanta.

Before rejoining the main trail, Hardage Mill Trail drops down to the banks of Noses Creek. We often see families here, allowing the younger ones a few minutes to play in the slow-moving water. It’s easy to walk across the creek in several places, rejoining the north section of Hardage Mill Trail on the opposite bank rather than climbing up to the bridge, then following the trail down again.

A family plays near a mountain stream
The terrain at Noses Creek is great for families, without steep elevation changes. We often see families playing near the creek. This time, our grandsons joined in the creek-side adventure.

If you’re looking for beautiful vistas, overlooks or other scenery, this is not the trail for you. However, we’ve frequently encountered small herds of deer on our visits, and a coyote sprinted across our pathway on the most recent walk. And there’s always something interesting to see looking down at the forest floor, where a variety of colorful mushrooms and insects often peak from beneath leaves, brush and fallen trees.

We often see small herds of deer on the Noses Creek Trail. Accustomed to humans walking through, we’ve been able to capture good pictures, even with a couple of noisy young boys walking with us.

Allatoona Pass Battlefield

Hidden in the woods along an abandoned railroad right of way, the Allatoona Pass Battlefield park offers an easy walk with a forest canopy providing shade to most of the path.

Tracing the shores of today’s Allatoona Lake, the wide main path is an easy 1.8 mile, out-and-back walk, with only the gradual elevation change of the Civil War-era Western & Atlantic Railroad right-of-way. For the adventurous and those who can handle elevation changes, side trails offer the opportunity to climb the high points and explore former Union gun battery and stronghold locations which contributed to a Federal victory in an attack by Confederates with heavy artillery and superior numbers.

Wooden steps lead up a hillside
For the curious, adventurous and fit, side trails lead to the Union Star Fort on one side of the deep cut, and a gunnery placement on the other.

The first half of the main trail passes beneath the elevated positions occupied by the Federals on both sides of the railroad. A star-shaped earthworks fort occupies the hill on the left as you walk outbound, while the hills on the right are home to an elevated artillery battery position. On the hills on both sides, numerous signs explain troop placements and battle conditions. However, the only marker on the main trail is near the entrance, so you may want to stop there to acquaint yourself if you’re interested in the battle history and not just the walk.

Also near the entrance, a small memorial stands to the troops from each state which fought in the battle. While it’s surprising, there is no Georgia memorial as no troops from Georgia were present on the site during the battle.

Past the Deep Cut, the trail follows the shoreline of today’s Allatoona Lake. A side trail leads down to the lake shore and offers panoramic views.

Just past the hills and about half-way on the outbound walk, a small trail branches off to the right, dropping downward on a penisula into the lake. We usually save this side-trip for the return journey, walking out on the shaded path to the lake’s edge and taking in the panoramic view. Unfortunately, we often find this area littered by uncaring park users. We often pick it up and pack it out, but the potential for COVID transmission by touch has discouraged us from this lately.

Beside the panoramic view, just off the end of the peninsula is 40-foot-tall platform, home to an osprey nest. During late spring and early summer, you’ll often see the mature birds flying over the lake and bringing food to the new hatchlings. In June and July, the baby birds are easy to see as they stretch the heads above the nests calling out for food.

Just off the shoreline, a 40-foot-tall platform provides a nesting spot for ospreys. A joint project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Georgia Power, these platforms have been essential to returning osprey to the area. In the Spring, you can watch the adult birds hunt and return food to the nest for their hatchlings.

More on the Battle at Allatoona Pass

Many who visit are surprised to learn that unlike nearby battles at Pickett’s Mill and Kennesaw Mountain, this battle did NOT occur as General Sherman steadily marched his army from Chattanooga and through northwest Georgia toward Atlanta from March to July 1864. Rather the Battle of Allatoona Pass occurred three months later, in October 1864, as the Confederates attempted to take the railroad lines and prevent supplies from reaching Sherman’s garrison in Atlanta and his Army marching toward the sea. Historian Brad Butkovich details the battle in his book, “The Battle of Allatoona Pass, part of a Civil War series that also features another of his books on the June 1864 battle at nearby Pickett’s Mill. While I’ve included a link to purchase the book on Amazon, it’s also available in several book stores and historical sites in Acworth and Kennesaw.

Today, the former path the the Western and Atlantic railroad is shaded by surrounding forest and an overhead canopy. That wasn’t how it looked during the battle in October 1864.

For a shorter, faster, overview, you can also use the virtual battlefield tour.

Another bit of surprising history from the relatively-small, late-in-the-war battle: the Christian Hymn, “Hold the Fort for I Am Coming” was inspired by orders given by General Sherman during this battle.

Other Nearby Walks and Trails

We’ve explored and chronicled our walks at several other nearby locations. If you’re looking for walks that range from easy to challenging, check out these:

Red Top Mountain State Park. Red Top offers several trails featuring clear paths, consistent footing, mild elevation changes and some short inclines that will increase your heart rate.

Red Top Mountain State Park features several trail choices along the lake shore and through the woods. Look closely and you can find the remains of abandoned homesteads along the trails, or spot the bridge from the closing scene of Ben Afleck’s movie, The Accountant.

Pickett’s Mill Historic Battlefield Park. Enjoy good hiking and perhaps even learn why Union soldiers and their families were determined to keep the memory of this battle alive even though it was one of the last Union defeats of the war.

Cooper’s Furnace. At Cooper’s Furnace and Allatoona Dam, we explored the Civil War-era ruins, enjoyed an easy hike, and took in the scenery, getting out in nature without the fuss of major planning or a long drive.

KeMo’s Backside. A shapely, well-rounded, and beautiful natural attraction often unseen by those drawn to Kennesaw Mountain’s more recognizable and oft-visited full frontal approach.

US Georgia Kennesaw Mountain sunrise hike
For a difference experience, try a pre-dawn walk up the paved road to the peak of Kennesaw Mountain. On a clear day, you can experience a magical sunrise, then take the wooded patch back down.

Experience Sunrise on Kennesaw Mountain. It’s magical to watch the twinkling transition of the surrounding metropolitan area’s awakening from street and building lights to the early hues of morning sunlight.

Short Drives to Waterfalls

If you have more time and are attracted to the beauty, fury and sound of falling waters, try these:

Short Walks to Tall Waterfalls. After a bit of a drive, you can visit these without over-taxing walks. We highlight the easy trails, but others can up the challenge if you wish.

Cloudland Canyon. There’s nothing near Cloudland, and it takes planning and time to visit. And that’s perfectly OK for nature lovers who dislike hordes of visitors posing for ridiculous selfies instead of pointing their cameras at the spectacular scenery surrounding them.

Hemlock Falls waterfall with colorful leaves
Hemlock Falls at Cloudland Canyon State Park, GA

Favorite Drives: Oregon Coast Highway

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Favorite Drives: Oregon Coast Highway

In today’s new reality, Americans are more interested than ever in driving trips. Driving renews that sense of freedom and personal control, while enabling exploration and discovery not possible on packaged trips or other modes of transportation.

Among our all-time most-memorable driving trips: the Pacific Coast Highway in Oregon. While we’re neither saying we saw all or the best of the coast on our two day drive, it’s easy to say that we enjoyed every mile and minute of the drive and our stops along the way.

Following are some of our favorite highlights of a one-day drive which started one early morning in Eugene, and finished at sunset at Cape Kiwanda.

After an early-morning departure from Eugene, we started our coastal day on the banks of the Siuslaw River in Florence at River Roasters Coffee. Our family selections of lattes and hot chocolates warmed our hands before the coastal drive warmed our hearts. The patio at River Roasters offered a good view of the historic 1936 drawbridge, one of many ornate arched bridges along the PCH built by the WPA.
River Roasters is located in a former automobile repair and outboard motor shop. The exterior retains signage from the past, and the interior retains the nautical and outdoor theme. Tucked away in the restroom, we found this antique Evinrude outboard motor and gas tank set, along with what appeared to be a propeller from an airplane or airboat.
We headed South from Florence to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. We hiked through the coastal forest, down to the dunes, and out to the shore. After walking along the beach, we took the return route over the dunes, fighting to keep our feet while laughing and sliding in the loose sand. Warning: walking in loose sand is very tiring, especially when climbing, so the dune route is not recommended for those with limitations or different abilities.
Through the forest, down the dunes, and past the sea grass, we finally found the Pacific Ocean and some of its inhabitants. The spray from the roaring waves coupled with the cool June day limited our beach time here.
After enjoying nature, it was time for some man-made, motor-powered fun. We let our 14-year-old sun choose the tour vehicle, thus piled into this sand rail dune buggy for an escorted tour with a professional driver. I landed the front seat — not by choice but by default after our son took the back and insisted his mom join him. Occasionally, I could hear him laughing over the sounds of the motor and his mom’s screams as we literally flew off the top of some dunes at speeds of 70 mph.
We stopped at the Mo’s location on the docks of the Siuslaw River to warm ourselves again, this time with some of their famous chowder. While we came for the chowder, we also enjoyed some of their lunchtime seafood specials, all while watching the river flow by on its way to the Pacific.
Next stop was the Haceta Head Lighthouse, approximately 20 minutes north of Florence. With lots of scenic overlooks, we just stopped the car to gaze at the natural splendor of the ocean, rocks, coastline and forest. With limited time, we chose not to visit the small lighthouse and keeper’s house, which are open to the public an operated by a non-profit organization. Nor did we stop at the Sea Lion Caves, a popular tourist attraction for families located on the drive from Florence.
A few miles north of Haceta Head Lighthouse, don’t miss the natural wonders in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. Short walking trails lead to incredible views. A small parking lot at the Visitor’s Center is the best place to start.
Unfortunately for us, the tidal gods weren’t cooperating with our vacation timetable. We missed the most spectacular near-high-tide views at Thor’s Well, where crashing waves are forced through a seaside cavern before exploding upward through the collapsed ceiling and shooting high above the surrounding volcanic rock. We still enjoyed scampering over the rocks in search of pictures, while listening to the awesome beat of the waves crashing into the rocks. Word of warning from experience: those rocks are slippery!
Continuing with natural scenery and crashing waves, we stopped near Seal Rock for more photography. Frankly, there are enough seals on the Oregon coast that almost any rock could be so named. This was near the small town of Seal Rock, at Seal Rock State Park.
Having lost track of time in our meandering, we stopped in Newport for some dock-side dining. First, we walked the open areas of the docks, watched seals swim near the boats, and watched a few fisherman preparing for the next day’s work. Another of the WPA arched bridges provided a dramatic backdrop. We dined at Local Oceans Seafood, noted for purchasing all its seafood directly from local fishermen and transforming them into haute cuisine. We enjoyed watching the preparation in the open kitchen as well as the incredible flavors of the dishes.
Around 8 pm, we finally reached our only planned stop of the day: The Inn at Cape Kiwanda. After stashing our stuff in our comfortably-appointed room, we headed out for a walk on the beach. There, we watched local Pacific City doreymen run their historic boats up on the beach to deposit tourist who had paid for the experience.
Like beaches everywhere, you will encounter the usual and unusual. A gentle wind helped this guy create giant bubbles that gently lifted off his wands and loated for short distances on the ocean breeze, before popping to the squealing delight of kids from the nearby resort.
Evening winds pushed up waves large enough to attract local surfers to try their skills.
Oregon’s coast is littered with these haystack rocks, giant lava formations eroded and shaped by the currents and waves. This one is just off the coast at Cape Kiwanda. One of the most famous is just up the highway near Ocean City, which visited on Day Two of our drive.
For a closer view, the Inn at Cape Kiwanda has tripod-mounted binoculars for checking out the nearby haystack rock.
After a good night’s rest, we decided to start the next day with a mid-morning horseback ride on the beach. Nearby Green Acres Beach and Trail Rides offered a reasonably-priced, one-hour ride that included sand dunes and the beach.

Man Without a Plan

Frankly, we did this drive without a specific plan, other than a start and end point. We did a small bit of research in advance, just enough to jot down a few notes about Thor’s Well, Haceta Head and our planned stopping point at Cape Kiwanda. Virtually everything else was left to exploration, discovery and spontaneous decisions. Did we see and enjoy all the best site? Who knows. But we thoroughly enjoyed this free-form drive.

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