travel | Not A Perfect LIfe

A Walk Across the Ohio River

travel
August 13, 2015

I love to travel. It doesn’t matter if it’s a day trip, a trip across country, or 8 hours in the car to Baltimore, I’m all in.

A favorite place I like to visit in my home town is a stroll across the Ohio River on the pedestrian bridge in Louisville. The bridge is called Big Four Railroad Bridge.

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It’s a pleasant stroll on a pleasant day, or in the evening, walking from state to state. You can’t do that just anywhere. And walking where there is water adds an appeal all it’s own, especially if it is a body of water you usually drive over instead of walk across.

A lot of time, money and energy has gone into making this an enjoyable place to visit. It now connects pedestrians to Jeffersonville, Indiana. The bridge is finally finished. There was a time you would have to turn around and come back to the Louisville side once you made the trek across the bridge.

There are bicycle rentals, ice cream stands and places to sit and enjoy the view. There are also grassy places to play a pick-up game of touch football or whatever floats your boat. And then there’s that, watching the boats and barges pass by on the ever-flowing Ohio River.

Even on a cloudy day there is much to see and do. One of the best times to walk across the river from Kentucky to Indiana is at night, while the bridges are all lit up and the Louisville skyline is at it’s best.

No matter what time of day you choose to take a walk across the river, it’s always a good idea!

More Baltimore

travel
August 12, 2015

I wanted to tell you more about my trip to Baltimore that I took with my daughter in July. I told you what a great place Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor was and how I highly recommend it because of the many amenities, however, I didn’t expound on the location, and after all, when on vacation or a special trip, location is everything.

Photo credit: Marriott’s website

The view from my room was amazing, but so was the ability to walk out the door and be near so many sights to see, shops to browse and places to eat.

The Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse was one such place, visible from my room. I strolled past this lighthouse many times while taking a walk and then one time decided to venture in. The Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse is a museum these days, with a donation box as the entrance fee. I looked at the photos and the room of the lighthouse keeper. The interesting thing about this lighthouse is that is was moved in 1988 to Inner Harbor in Baltimore after they retired it. It was an interesting place to visit and fun for youngsters because of the stairs and platform that circles the building.

Barnes and Noble was another one of my destinations. There was a Starbucks on the second floor where I purchased my favorite Starbucks beverage, Passion Iced Tea, half sweet please. There are lots and lots of places to eat within blocks of the Marriott but I was watching my weight, which is why I chose Ben and Jerry’s ice cream for my lunch one day. 🙂

There were harbor cruises and water taxis going to a fro in this massive harbor. There were multiple pirate cruises during the day, however, my daughter and I stuck with the tour of the harbor the National Stuttering Association had lined up for those of us who wanted to see the sights via water.

One of the sights we saw while sailing around on the boat was Fort McHenry. There is a buoy in the water that marks the place where Francis Key Scott witnessed the battle that inspired our National Anthem. I would have loved to have been able to visit the fort but time was limited this trip.

One last place of interest to me (and any history buff) was the USCGC Taney, the Last Surviving Warship of Pearl Harbor. I didn’t go aboard due to time constraints but I stood and paid homage to this vessel and all that it represents. It was a solemn moment before I finished my last trek around the city blocks near my hotel in Baltimore.I so enjoyed my stay at the Marriott Inner Harbor and the many sights around town. I would like to visit again someday and take in a few more sights. I will leave you with one last image, this lovely fountain just steps away from our hotel.

Baltimore

travel
August 11, 2015

I recently spent a few days in Baltimore. I went with my daughter to the National Stuttering Conference that is held annually and this year it was held in the beautiful city of Baltimore. We went two years ago to the NSA Conference when it was held in Scottsdale, Arizona and it was amazing~

I can’t say enough about the NSA organization. People who stutter, especially with family and friends, love attending these conferences, along with local chapter meetings. This group truly changes lives for those who stutter, no matter what age.
I was driving so I had to keep my eyes on the road but we were stopped at a traffic light and I just had to take this pic. We’re sort of a baseball family. Both boys played while growing up and we attend games of our local team, Louisville Bats, on a regular basis. The sights you see while traveling…

After sitting in traffic for more time than I wanted, we finally made it to our hotel, Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards. Seriously, the traffic wasn’t bad. I found Baltimore to be an easy city to drive, and so very lovely. It was hard to imagine this city was the home to such violence a few months ago.

Photo credit: Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards website

I loved my room at Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor. It was spacious and had a spectacular view of the harbor. The fifth floor offered a deck in which to view the fireworks display for the 4th of July, and a nice place to gather with friends, family or to sit in the sun after a dip in the pool just through the door.

I was pleasantly surprised with a fireworks show right outside my window the very first night there. I later learned this show was compliments of Under Armor. Thank you for sharing with all the guests of Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor!

I love to travel. Having nice, spacious, clean and comfortable accommodations makes it an even better experience.

I would love to visit Baltimore again and stay at the Marriott Inner Harbor.

Cincinnati

travel
July 27, 2015

Friday was spent in Cincinnati. I kick off a new job schedule Monday and I wanted to have one last day of freedom. I’m exaggerating about the freedom thing. This new job that I have taken on will be a rewarding venture.

The drive to Cincinnati is about 90 minutes from home. We kicked the day off with a stop by Cracker Barrel for one (or a stack) of pancakes. They have the best, with a crispy edge and cooked-just-right center, and that warm, tasty syrup, but I digress…

We had a tentative list of places to see during our short stay in Cincinnati. The first on the list was the Khron’s Conservatory.Since my traveling partner and I are huge fans of flowers, we put this place close to the top. We were not disappointed either, except for the fact that we missed the butterfly show.

This conservatory is nestled in the hills of Cincy, right above the Ohio River. A quiet place to stroll and view all of nature’s beauty. The admission was only $4.00 for adults so well worth the hour+ that we were there.

Next up…

I am a burger junkie as I have stated before. It is my goal to try every burger east of the Mississippi, and then beyond. Not really, but I do love a good burger! I was looking for best burgers in Cincinnati . Thanks, Google for spitting out the list! We also wanted a view, There’s nothing better than eating a tasty burger while feasting on a picturesque display of God’s creation. Montgomery Inn was just the ticket!

The food was delicious, though admittedly, I didn’t have a burger. This place is best known for their barbecue so I had a pulled pork sandwich with homemade Saratoga chips. I did get to taste the burger because my traveling companion ordered a burger and fries…the best of both worlds. The pulled pork was one of the best I’ve had.

Another one-of-the best from Montgomery Inn was the Key-lime Pie. I’m not a fan of real tart anything but this piece of pie was a slice of perfection.

The view was very lovely too, as we opted for AL Fresco, with a cool, not very humid breeze gently kissing our faces as we dined. I totally recommend Montgomery Inn for lunch. Great portions for the price~

We booked a ride on The River Queen, through BB Riverboats. We were hoping for The Belle of Cincinnati, but she was occupied elsewhere.

This particular cruise was a pirate cruise, which was not our first choice, but a sight-seeing cruise nonetheless, just with pirates. Arg.

Captain Frank not only pointed out historical sites and beautiful architecture while floating on the Ohio, he regaled us with a tale of how the vessel became a pirate ship, flying a cross and skull flag for now and forevermore. This story has it’s origination from a race with The Belle of Louisville. Thanks Captain Frank, for an enjoyable and lovely stint on your boat.

That concluded our time in Cincinnati. We did have one more item on our list and again Google saved the day. We wanted ice cream. It is said that ice cream cures all ills. I’m not so sure about that but it does taste good.

Google’s choice…Bruster’s Real Ice Cream. We stopped in Florence Y’all, a small town in route to our final destination…home. I’m not sure what made it so but this ice cream is exceptional.

A day in Cincinnati was just what the doctor ordered, but also produced the desire to return and explore the Queen City a wee bit more, especially along the river and around The Great American Park, home to the Cincinnati Reds. I want to find that carousel Captain Frank mentioned…

Smoky Mountains

travel
April 23, 2015

I have been visiting the Smoky Mountains since I was a kid. I remember going there on family vacations while growing up. And then my husband and I started visiting the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg for anniversary trips . We visited both Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains in March and I gotta tell you, I never tire of those mountain views with the river running alongside the road as we venture into the National Park.

I especially enjoy visiting the Smoky Mountains in the spring, although there are a few roads and sights we are unable to see during that time, due to the roads being closed because of possible snow and ice in the higher altitudes.

One of the reasons I like this time of year is the weather is just right for hiking, and if you wander into the mountains very far, there are plenty of chances to hike!

There is always such a peacefulness in the mountains that I really enjoy. It’s nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and deeply breathe the mountain air and enjoy the nature that surrounds you.

There are so many trails to choose from while visiting the Smoky Mountains; short, easy to moderate hikes, or long and strenuous ones for those who are more adventuresome and, well…younger. As for me, I stick to the shorter, more moderate hikes these days, though I do have fond memories of greater feats.

Oh, the things you see while walking along the path, and the birds you hear. It really is an amazing world we live in.

These are the steps we didn’t take, that we would have taken in younger years gone by. We knew where they led and it was up…

The sound of rushing water while walking makes for a more enjoyable time. I most definitely don’t get to do this at home! With all the big rocks that line the river, there are plenty of opportunities to sit and enjoy the day, or just to catch your breath~

And if you’re feeling really adventurous, like the group of college-aged boys, you climb on the rocks in the water. I remember the days, but now, I am content to watch the younger folks explore and take a few risks instead.

Footbridges I can handle. This was a beautiful setting that helped to bring our hiking times to an end. It had been a peaceful, albeit sore-muscle inducing time in the Smoky Mountains.

The day was growing old and our stomachs were telling us it was getting close to feeding time. We ventured back to Gatlinburg and dined Al Fresco, so to squeeze in a few more hours of the pleasant day we had just experienced.

I’ll never tire of the Smoky Mountains. Though there are plenty more places I want to see, it was nice to take a few days and revisit an old friend.

Greystone Lodge Gatlinburg

travel
April 10, 2015

I have been away from this space for awhile. I have been making a lot of changes the last month or so in my professional life, but things are becoming more normal now – whatever “normal” means, so I hope to begin writing on a regular basis again. I digress, however, I am here to talk about Greystone Lodge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Greystone Lodge has been in Gatlinburg for many years. They recently remodeled the entire place inside and outside, so the accommodations are very nice indeed. I am very picky when it comes to hotel rooms (just ask my family). There have been numerous times while on a family vacation or a short getaway that we have actually left the hotel in search of a more accommodating one. I tell you to let you know that if I’m comfortable in a room, then it’s going to be good. In case you need a reminder you might want to read What a Trip.

The staff at Greystone Lodge that both checked us in and served the complimentary breakfast were friendly and efficient. The rooms were comfortable and clean and nicely decorated.

Greystone Lodge is located right in the heart of Gatlinburg. It sits directly across from Ripley’s Aquarium, and a trolley shuttle hub. It is also within walking distance to all the shops and restaurants, and there are many. This is the front view of a very busy exchange in Gatlinburg.

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Another great feature of Greystone Lodge Gatlinburg is that it is situated on the river, with many rooms having private balconies to enjoy this water feature. We, of course, had one such room.

The entrance to The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is an easy drive from Greystone Lodge. Staying in Gatlinburg is really the best of both worlds with so many things to do within walking distance from most any place you choose to stay, and a short drive to the gentle and rolling mountains that make up the park.

Although we have been to Gatlinburg many times in the past, this was our first stay at Greystone Inn. I’m guessing it won’t be our last!

Jacksonville

travel
February 10, 2015

Last week the hubs and I traveled south to Jacksonville, to attend a friend’s wedding. We helped with the set up on Friday, and went to the rehearsal and dinner afterwards. The wedding was Saturday at 5:00 and the bride had everything under control, so we had a little time for sightseeing before the wedding.

The weather was a little too cool for a walk on the beach, so we walked beside the beach on a nice brick walkway.

I can never get my fill of palm trees. It doesn’t matter how many I see, I’m going to be snapping pics. Much like the ocean. I NEVER tire of seeing the big pond. Jacksonville is a nice city. The beach area is well kept and very inviting.

We just had to walk through the elegant One Ocean Resort. It is an amazing place. It’s on my list of must-stay at places…one day…maybe?

We then made our way to the Mayport area, where the Naval Base is located. When I visited my friend last October, she took me to Singleton’s Seafood Shack, a kind of icon of the area, right next to the ferry. I loved sitting out on the deck and watching the dolphins play. This time we weren’t so lucky as to see the frolicking creatures, however, we did get to sit on the deck and enjoy the sunshine while we ate a delicious Maui sandwich with fries on the side.

This was a sight from the benches we perched on as we ate our lunch. Across the bay was a resturuant we ate at several years ago.

As I recall, the food there was tasty as well. I always have a must-do when I go to the coast. I have to eat fried fish while looking at the water. It doesn’t have to be the Atlantic. It can be a bay or even a marsh, I just need the ambiance served with the meal.

The only other place on my list was the Kingly Plantation. I have been there before and I wanted to show my husband but we didn’t quite make it there.

The clock was ticking and time was running out for our time of sightseeing in Jacksonville. The hour of the wedding was drawing near and it was time to turn our thoughts toward the Ponte Vedra Cultural Center where the wedding was taking place.

It was a lovely, quick visit. I will return to Jacksonville because that’s where my friend lives. Jacksonville is a great place to visit. I’m looking forward to the next visit!

Jekyll Island

travel
February 9, 2015

Last week my husband and I stayed at Days Inn on Jekyll Island. I just wrote about why the other day: My Best Friend’s Wedding. It’s been many years since I’ve stayed at a Days Inn, but having been to Jekyll Island before, I felt sure it would be nice.

Five years ago, on our 30th wedding anniversary, we visited Jekyll Island and Savannah, Georgia. I enjoyed our stay this time as well, although it was a little short. In case you didn’t know, Jekyll Island is a part of the Golden Isles in southern Georgia. I love the area! There is some controversial history associated with Jekyll Island back in the early 1900s. It involved a secret meeting and the Federal Reserve. If that piques your interest then I will allow you the pleasure of researching it for yourself.

We were pretty much starved by the time we arrived on the island and finished checking in. We were ready to eat some real food. Our early morning breakfast at IHOP (can you say pancakes?) and snacks while driving had long since come and gone. We were advised to try out the cuisine at Latitude 31º by the locals and so we did! The food was tasty, the ice tea was southern sweet and the room was full of slightly tipsy golfers, so the entertainment was, well entertaining. Even though we were stuffed to the gills (sorry), we had to try a piece of Key Lime Pie, an appropriate coastal dessert. It was delish!

Our room at Days Inn was comfortable, though we could tell it was an old building. The main thing was an ocean view with a balcony, things we don’t see in Kentucky. It was all that and more! We enjoyed our continental breakfast with the lively group of snowbirds who invited us to join in their fun. We kind of wished we could have. We hated to leave the warm feel of the sun’s rays as it touched our faces and made us long for spring.

We had things to do in Jacksonville, and people to see, so we purposely set our sights on the road heading south. I have a feeling we’ll be meeting again, Jekyll Island!

Do you love to travel? Where are your favorite places to visit again and again?

Savannah Georgia

travel
February 5, 2015

On our 30th wedding anniversary, almost five years ago, my husband and I visited Savannah, Georgia. What a beautiful, picturesque place it is!

We stayed at River Street Inn, a historical building which once served as a cotton warehouse back in the 1800s. The inn sits right on the banks of Savannah River, which is a major exporting body of water. The sights were amazing! The staff at River Street Inn are friendly, polite and quite helpful.

We loved our view from the balcony of our room, although the balcony was standing room only. It was a great place to watch people walking below on the brick roads as they shopped, dined and listened to the street musicians play their instruments and show their stuff!

The room itself was decorated very nicely. The hardwood floors were nice. They were old and sort of squeaky when you walk on them but a very inviting room.

They provide big, comfy robes that were nice to wrap up in and sit in the window seat.

I love the floor to ceiling windows. The whole inn was full of character. There were several sitting areas with books and interesting places to sit. The front of the building walks out onto street level, while the back is lower on the river side.

While we were staying in Savannah there was an oil spill that closed the Savannah River. The liners and ships were waiting in line out in the Atlantic. Once it was cleared the traffic flow was a sight to behold.

Savannah, Georgia is a an interesting place to visit. One of my favorite places to stay. I would like to return again one day and hopefully stay at the River Street Inn.

Florida in the Fall

travel
November 7, 2014

So this is Florida in the fall. There are flowers in bloom, and not just the fall variety. In fact, I saw no mums at all. The Azaleas are blooming again. The trees are of the palm and pine variety, however, there are a few deciduous trees that are barely changing colors.

I took a walk around my friend’s neighborhood while she ran a few errands. I’m definitely not in Kentucky anymore.

I should totally live here. Why you ask? Because there are palm trees in the yard, and it’s warm in November, and there’s an ocean right down the road.

See, pretty flowers still in bloom!

And a ride down a palm tree lined road in Ponte Verda. No leaves changing colors. Just lots of lush green vegetation with flowers galore.

And a walk on the beach. Would I miss the fall season with the trees making a brilliant show of color as winter slowly creeps in? I think I might get used to it.

So this is what fall looks like in Florida.

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