Read more about the article Gibbs Gardens – Ball Ground, GA

Gibbs Gardens – Ball Ground, GA

Located just an hour north of Atlanta, Gibbs Gardens opened to the public a few years ago. However, not everything is newly planted. Jim Gibbs, founder of well-known Gibbs Landscaping, spent over 30 years creating these gardens on his 300-acre property.

We arrived during the early part of November to see the fall colors. Volunteers directed us to a parking spot and we entered the welcome center and gift shop. Presenting the tickets we bought online, another volunteer gave us a map and told us to head to the Japanese gardens. During the walk, we passed the Waterlily Gardens and Monet Bridge. (more…)

Read more about the article A North & South Carolina Thankgsiving

A North & South Carolina Thankgsiving

Readers might remember that we had an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving in North Carolina last year. This year, we repeated it, but with a twist. First we had my in-laws with us and we added a quick trip to Greenville, South Carolina to the itinerary.

Thanksgiving morning began with our traditional watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on TV and brunch. We jumped in the car and drove to Highlands, NC. This time, we walked the 1/4-mile path to Dry Falls. Because the large amounts of rainfall, the falls were anything but dry. Water roared fiercely down the cliff and a rainbow reflected from the water.

We arrived at the Main Street Inn in Highlands for a scrumptious Thanksgiving buffet. Just like last year, we drove over to Cashiers and visited High Hampton Inn. Then on to Greenville. (more…)

Read more about the article Bentonville, AR – Wal-Mart Museum and Crystal Bridges of American Art

Bentonville, AR – Wal-Mart Museum and Crystal Bridges of American Art

It was Day 3 of our “Wild, Wacky Adventure” to Arkansas and Oklahoma. You can click here to see our complete trip itinerary.

The original plan was to see the University of Arkansas and then head to Oklahoma. Since we had driven around the college the previous evening, we had extra time in the morning to do some more exploring.

I read all about the Wal-Mart Museum and decided it would be fun to see since it was small and only took about 1/2 hour.

But then I realized the Wal-Mart Museum was close to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. I read that it was great to see not only for art, but for its architecture – similar to the Getty Museum in L.A. When I found out it was free (thanks to the Sam Walton family), I felt we had no excuse not to visit.  We’d go and stay about 30 minutes. Well an hour and a half later, we finally left and I’m so glad we visited it! (more…)

Read more about the article Scenic Arkansas and Eureka Springs
Along Scenic Highway 7

Scenic Arkansas and Eureka Springs

This was our second day of our “Wild, Wacky Adventure” in Arkansas and Oklahoma. I knew that travel from point A to point B would be easy if I followed the interstate, but that would be too easy. Instead, we opted go the long way from Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton to Fayetteville, AR via Scenic Byway 7 through Jasper and head through Eureka Springs, make a quick detour in Missouri, and then head south to Fayetteville.

Scenic Highway 7

When we left Petit Jean, we went out the back way through Dardanelle and Russellville to get to Hwy 7. This north-south highway was first state designated scenic highway and I could see why. First it twists and turns and goes up and down a lot. We stopped at one of the first rest stops in Arkansas. The wives of Rotary Club members, fondly called Rotary Anns, got the restroom built in the 1930’s.  It’s not a typical rest stop, but a stone structure and picnic tables, which was kept very nice. Yes – there were restrooms too and our first view of the Boston mountains. Signs detailed the history of the road, the rest stop and the mountains.

Arkansas Grand Canyon

Before we got to Jasper, we stopped at the famous Cliff House Inn & Restaurant. Nestled in the side of the mountain, we had a view of the Arkansas Little Grand Canyon. Not a canyon in the sense of rocks, but more of a canyon of green trees. An outdoor deck with hanging baskets of flowers offered more views. (more…)