On an overcast morning in Gulf Shores, Alabama, we loaded the kids up in the car and set off without telling them where we were going. “Won’t you give us a hint?” my son pleaded. “Does it involve video games?” “Nope,” I said firmly. “Definitely not.” “Does it involve dessert?” my daughter asked hopefully. “Uh, […]

Just a few minutes from Nashville, Rutherford County is filled with crumbling antebellum mansions, interesting historic buildings, and the site of one of the Civil War’s most important battles — So it’s not surprising that it is also home to a number of really amazing ghost stories and haunted places. I’m sharing some of my […]

As a family, we are ocean-obsessed. We take every opportunity we can to go to the beach and while we’re there, we waste no time on the sand — Instead, we’re in the ocean as much as possible. We boogie board if the waves are up, snorkel if it’s clear, play ocean games, look for […]

If I had to be reincarnated as an animal, you’d better believe I’d come back as a zoo baby. I mean, think about it… These little guys live in the lap of luxury, they get waited on hand and foot by the zookeepers, they don’t have to worry about predators or finding food, and they […]

There’s no getting around the fact that Nashville has seen a lot of changes over the last decade. As a Nashville parent, I miss the days when I could take the kids for ice cream on Lower Broad without paying $30 for a parking spot and worrying they’d see something that would scar them for […]

Overcoming many terrible hardships, I braved the savagery of Mother Nature on a bird walk in the treacherous Alabama wilderness. This is my story. Shortly after our vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama began last week, this happened…     It wasn’t the best start to our birdwatching venture, and I was tempted to call the […]

Whether you’re looking for in-town fun or an easy day or overnight trip, this list of things to do with kids in Nashville is tried, tested, and family approved! Between my two stepdaughters and my own two children, I’ve been finding things to do in Nashville with kids for a long, LONG time! We’ve tried […]

  Looking for something new to do this summer? Give Smyrna a try!   If you live in Nashville, you might know Smyrna best as the town you pass through on your way to Murfreesboro. Trust me when I tell you there’s much more to this place than meets the eye. In a region exploding […]

If you live within driving distance of the Great Smoky Mountains, visiting Dollywood is a rite of passage. Country legend Dolly Parton put her name on the theme park back in 1986 and since then, millions have flocked to the area, transforming sleepy Pigeon Forge, Tennessee into a bustling tourist town filled with hotels, restaurants, […]

Just 30 minutes from Asheville, Maggie Valley has all the ingredients for a fun-filled family vacation in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. Check out my tips for the perfect winter weekend vacation! This post was written in partnership with Visit North Carolina Smokies and Travel Mindset. I’m a sucker for a good winter vacation. I […]