Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

Our Favorite Nature Walk Near North Myrtle Beach: Vereen Memorial Gardens

Inside: A parent review of Vereen Memorial Gardens with everything you need to know to plan your visit for a nature stroll near North Myrtle Beach, SC.

When you think “family beach trip,” your mind probably goes straight to sandy feet, ocean breezes, and maybe a boardwalk snack or two. But on our latest beach trip, we discovered a place that completely surprised us—Vereen Memorial Gardens, just 15 minutes from the heart of North Myrtle Beach. This 115-acre nature preserve offers peaceful walking trails, towering trees, marsh views, and endless opportunities for wandering in wonder!

If you’re looking for something totally free, wildly beautiful, and the perfect fuel for your child’s sense of adventure, then Vereen Memorial Gardens needs to be on your beach trip bucket list.

We’ve got everything you need to know about visiting this place of beauty with kids in tow!

Quick Look at Vereen Memorial Gardens
🌿 Free admission
🕗 Open daily, 7 am – 7 pm
📍 2250 Hwy 179, Little River, SC
🚻 Restrooms available at the Visitor’s Center
👟 Natural hiking trails + boardwalk option
🦀 Fishing pier with fantastic marsh views
🌲 Wishing trees with hanging seashells
📸 Tons of photo ops and wildlife spotting
🎒 Great to explore for minutes or hours!

Image shows entrance sign at Vereen Memorial Gardens.

Getting There & Parking

We found Vereen Memorial Gardens easily using GPS—it’s only a short drive from North Myrtle Beach, right before you cross the border into Calabash, North Carolina. The entrance is clearly marked, and there is a convenient Visitor’s Center right there in the parking lot.

Image shows visitor's center at Vereen Memorial Gardens.

This parking lot is the first of two free options. This one offers convenient access to the Visitor’s Center with trail maps and information, public restrooms, and trailheads for both of the main trails running through the Gardens. The second option is at the far end of the main road through the Gardens, which will put you right by the boardwalk and Intracoastal Waterway.

We wanted to get our bearings, so we opted to follow the main road and park at the far end of Vereen Memorial Gardens. I recommend that option for anyone who will be hiking with little ones like we were. This parking lot puts you right next to the Boardwalk Trail, which is the easiest to navigate with a stroller, offers instantly gratifying views of the waterway, and—if you do decide to hike the full Gardens—puts the restrooms conveniently at the halfway point.

Image shows Boardwalk Trail at Vereen Memorial Gardens.

The Trails: Choose Your Own Adventure

There’s no need to be a serious hiker to enjoy Vereen Memorial Gardens. This place is just one family-friendly option after another! Whether you’re carrying a baby, pushing a stroller, juggling toddlers, or keeping up with an eager older child, you are guaranteed to find just the right adventure for your family!

There are three main trails: the Boardwalk Trail, the Blue Trail, and the Red Trail. All these trails are wide and mostly level, perfect for beginners. The Boardwalk Trail is less than half a mile in length and in full sun. The Blue Trail and Red Trail are about 1 mile long each, running down the length of the Gardens on either side. They connect to the Boardwalk Trail at one end and to each other at the Visitor’s Center by the entrance. The main trails are also part of a recognized TRACK Trail in the Kids in Parks program, which allows kids to earn prizes for logging hikes like these.

Image shows TRACK Trails sign from Kids in Parks for Vereen Memorial Gardens.

The Blue Trail, Red Trail, and all other trails in Vereen Memorial Gardens have natural surfaces and are almost entirely shaded. There are countless smaller trails branching off the Blue and Red Trails, and these tend to be narrow and have some more difficult terrain to them. All the smaller trails eventually lead back to either the Blue Trail, Red Trail, or main road, so you can easily explore without ever getting lost!

Our family managed to push a double umbrella stroller with ease over the boardwalk, and there were only a few places where we had to navigate around roots or sandy sections on the Blue and Red Trails. When we wandered onto some of the narrower trails, we did have a more difficult time with the stroller and found ourselves carrying it in a couple spots.

Image shows sandy shore on Intracoastal Waterway at Vereen Memorial Gardens.

Sights and Highlights in the Gardens

There were so many beautiful sights to absorb throughout the Gardens, and the natural beauty is one of the biggest reasons this is one of my new favorite places around North Myrtle Beach!

On the Boardwalk Trail, you’ll find yourself looking out at a lush salt marsh and the gorgeous Intracoastal Waterway. There is a fishing pier about midway through the Boardwalk Trail, and it’s a great spot to stop and take in the view, maybe even get some family photos together. Our kids loved looking through the railings at crabs skittering below and a heron hidden in the reeds, and there is even a way to get down on the sand here if you’d like to walk along the shoreline for a bit.

Image shows wishing trees at Vereen Memorial Gardens.

Near where the Boardwalk Trail and Red Trail meet, you’ll also find a little area that feels like magic in the marsh… The wishing trees! Visitors to Vereen Memorial Gardens are welcome to write wishes on seashells and hang them on these trees as ornaments. Most of the shells are oysters, readily available on the sandy shore off the Boardwalk Trail, but you could also decorate a shell that you find anywhere else at the beach and bring it here to add to the magic.

The trees along the Red and Blue Trails are mature, and you’re truly walking through the woods. You will love the diversity of the trees to encounter, as it makes you feel like every twist and turn leads you to a whole new place of enchantment. We could have spent hours exploring all the narrow trails without our stroller, and we definitely plan to come back again and again as our kids get older to let them explore to their hearts’ content!

Image shows sun shining through trees at Vereen Memorial Gardens.

When to Visit Vereen Memorial Gardens

Vereen Memorial Gardens is open year-round, 7 days a week, from 7 am to 7 pm. If you like to visit the beach in the off-season, this is absolutely one of the best possible places you could go to enjoy your time in the area! However, even in the heat of summer, I have to highly recommend this place just because it is so much cooler under the shade of all the trees, and it’s a beautiful way to do something different after spending several days on the sand.

My personal favorite time to visit—without a doubt—is springtime, when the azaleas are in bloom. It’s called Vereen Memorial Gardens for a reason! And if you visit in spring, you’ll find out why. Azalea bushes line a large section of the main road in Vereen Memorial Gardens, and it is the kind of beauty that just makes your heart feel full to behold.

Image shows pink azaleas in full bloom at Vereen Memorial Gardens.

So when should you visit? The answer is NOW!

Details

Hours: 7 am –7 pm, 7 days a week
Address: 2250 Hwy 179, Little River, SC 29566
Phone: 843.249.4157
Website: Little River Chamber of Commerce: Vereen Memorial Gardens

Travel Guide to Coastal SC: Myrtle Beach

There are so many fun things to do in Myrtle Beach!

Find them all in our family guide to Myrtle Beach.

Sweeping views of the Smokies & Gatlinburg at the AnaVista Tower

Inside: A real parent review of a visit to AnaVista Tower in Anakeesta, Gatlinburg, TN

Anakeesta in Gatlinburg is one of the area’s most popular attractions – and for very good reasons! The mountaintop village in downtown Gatlinburg, TN has so many things to do, places to eat, and places to play, including the crown jewel – the AnaVista tower – Gatlinburg’s highest point.

Quick Look: Why Families Love AnaVista Tower Area at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN

360° mountain views from Gatlinburg’s highest point at AnaVista Tower
Wander through mountaintop gardens
Play like a kid at the 3-level TreeVenture course
Unlimited rides on the Chondola or Ridge Rambler
Steps away from downtown—stay close, play all day!

Flying High at Anakeesta

If you happen to look at Anakeesta, the gorgeous mountaintop village in downtown Gatlinburg, from one of the overlooks coming into the town, you cannot miss the AnaVista Tower. It stands as the highest point in Gatlinburg and offers guests 360 views of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Blue Ridge Mountains, and downtown Gatlinburg. I was totally blown away when I got up there. The views are just incredible.

Designed by one of the founders of Anakeesta, Bob Bentz, it is meant to resemble the Lily flower opening its petals to the sun.

The tower stands 50 feet high and has helpful plaques on every side about what you’re looking at, from Clingman’s Dome to Stone Mountain to Pigeon Forge. You can see for miles. There are also chairs set up on every level if you need to take a break on the way up to the top. It’s the highest point in Gatlinburg and is part of Anakeesta’s $6.5 million expansion plans.

Places to stay in Anakeesta

Use the map below to discover great places to stay in Anakeesta for your family.

The map below uses links from Stay 22. Kidding Around earns when you book through these links, through an affiliate relationship with Stay 22.

Surrounded by gardens

The tower is in the middle of the stunning gardens atop the mountain, artfully strewn with lilies, colorful little flowers, roses, lilac, and all kinds of other beauties that I love but have no idea what they are called. The views from the garden are amazing. You get up there and look out over the Great Smoky Mountains and just want to take it all in, to breathe freely, and to never leave. It’s peaceful and serene. The founders of Anakeesta are both landscape architects and it shows.

Sign showing inspiration of Anavista Tower

By the way, Anakeesta is less than 10 years old. Millions of people have made their way up to the mountain and already the mountaintop adventure park has earned an impressive number of travel awards.

Read our full review of Anakeesta and all its attractions, including the mountain coaster, the zip lines, the restaurants, and the treetop walk.

TreeVenture

The AnaVista Tower isn’t the only thing gracing the top of the mountain. The TreeVenture adventure course is something you have to see! It easily fits into the landscape of the mountain with natural wood, nets, and fun obstacles for both kids and adults.

That’s right, adults can have just as much fun as the kids! I tried it out and enjoyed the swinging bridges and wobbly structures, and the huge slide. TreeVenture is creatively designed so it’s a challenge for everyone, but also lots of fun.

There are three levels of play on the course, six netted bridges, three treehouses, plus a slide. There’s no extra cost for all this fun!

In the last couple years, Anakeesta has just kept expanding. They have added an outdoor splash pad for the summer, new restaurants in the Firefly Village, and the wildly popular Astra Lumina, which is a night walk that makes it seem like you’re walking among stars. Most recently, they added an over-the-top birdhouse-themed playground that you have to see to believe! We have not done this yet but we do know that it has gotten rave reviews.

Admission

Admission is good for all-day access and unlimited Chondala or Ridge Rambler rides up and down the mountain. Also included in the admission ticket is the AnaVista Tower, TreeVenture, Treetop Skywalk, Treehouse Village Adventure, Overlook Event Area, Vista Gardens Walk, Memorial Forest Walk with interpretive signs, shopping and dining opportunities at Firefly Village, and the most stunning scenic views in all of Gatlinburg.

Be sure to check out their seasonal events as they have a ton going on every season and you don’t want to miss anything when you go.

An adult ticket is $3.499 and children ages 4-11 are $22.99. Kids three and under are free.

The all-day access, I think, is one of the best perks of admission to Anakeesta. We stayed at the beautiful Greystone Lodge, right across the street from Anakeesta, maybe a five-minute walk, and the ability to head down the mountain and take a break there and then come back in the evening is a great way to spend the day. The Greystone has a fun pool, perfect for kids, and a nice way to relax for parents.

Kid riding down a waterslide at Greystone Lodge

Anakeesta also offers seasonal passes, which are good for an entire year from the date of purchase. This is a great option for families if they know they are coming to Gatlinburg at least twice a year and want to make Anakeesta a part of their visit.

Season passes are $69.99 for adults and $57.99 for kids, plus you get extra perks like unlimited access to the Chondola express lane, an extra guest pass, and discounts on food and beverages and entertainment.

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Family Guide

Our Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN Guide is full of all the travel tips and great things to do that make an epic family trip.

Have you been to Anakeesta?

If You Are Looking For A Quiet, Uncrowded Beach Look No Further Than Edisto Beach, SC

Are you thinking about taking a family vacation to Edisto Beach, South Carolina? Luckily, we have put together a guide to everything you need to know to plan the perfect vacation. Local mom Julie has tips on lodging, fun, food, and more!

In a sea of beach destinations full of traffic and tourists, Edisto Island, SC is a hidden treasure. With minimal commercial development, you can enjoy the many local restaurants, shops, and miles of palmetto-lined beach, without the traffic and crowding that many South Carolina beaches are famous for.

Where to Stay on Edisto Island

This map contains Stay22 Affiliate links.

A little about Edisto Island

With both of us working full-time and only having 2 weeks of vacation per year, my husband and I wanted to get the most out of our vacation. We did a lot of research and considered many of the popular destinations in this area, but eventually settled on Edisto for many reasons.

We wanted something that would not be crowded with tourists. Traffic is minimal in this area. The accommodations nearby fit our budget. Plus, there were plenty of options for entertainment within a reasonable distance from our cabin.

Edisto Island is famous for having a clean beach and for having an unusually high number of fossils and seashells to collect.

Where to Stay at Edisto Beach

There are many houses to rent at varying price points at Edisto Island, but our favorite places to stay are the cabins/villas at Edisto Beach State Park. Located on the salt marsh at Scott Creek, the cabins are about 1½ miles from the ocean and are historic Civilian Conservation Corps locations. Available are five one-bedroom cabins/villas (can accommodate four people) and two three-bedroom cabins (can accommodate six people).

These are modern cabins, so you can expect all of the comforts of home, such as air conditioning and heat, queen beds, linens and towels, dishes, appliances, a television with satellite, a screened-in porch, Wi-Fi, and a grill with a picnic table outside. Guests of the cabins have access to a private dock for fishing or just relaxing by the water.

Also available at the park, about a mile away from the cabin site,s are 111 RV sites with electricity and water access and five tent sites. Discounts may be offered in the slow season, generally in the fall and winter.

Things to Do on Edisto Island

Although Edisto Island is not highly commercialized, there is still plenty for a family to do to keep busy and entertained. Here are just a few of the activities that many families enjoy:

Visit the Edisto Beach State Park Nature Trails. These trails are for biking or hiking and will take you deep into the forest and along the marshland for an unforgettable day trip. Visit a 4,000-year-old Native American shell mound and experience the marshes and wetlands up close.

Search for seashells and fossils on the beach (Edisto Beach is famous for this).

Visit the Edisto Island Serpentarium for displays that include feeding of snakes and alligators.

Go on a guided kayak tour where you may get a glimpse of dolphins up close! The island is home to a maritime forest, so there is a lot of wildlife and beautiful things to see.

Explore the Edisto Island Museum to learn more about the island and its history. You’ll learn about the island, African American history, Gullah culture, and more.

Visit Botany Bay Plantation and see the boneyard beach, a beach full of petrified trees with unique structures that are great to explore and photograph.

Find events at the Edisto Beach State Park Environmental Learning Center. Their calendar changes regularly, so make sure to check it out before you go.

Eat at one of the unique, local restaurants such as McConkey’s Jungle Shack or the SeaCow Eatery, just to name a few. Enterprise Pavilion is a waterfront bar, restaurant, and gift shop, and is a great place to check out, as well.

Play golf at the Plantation Course at Edisto.

Take a day trip to Charleston, South Carolina, which is only about an hour’s drive away from Edisto Beach!

See our Kidding Around Greenville Guide to Charleston for more fun things to do in the area.

A boardwalk path at Edisto Beach State Park — Edisto Beach State Park: 8377 State Cabin Road, Edisto Island

Has your family ever visited Edisto Island?

Helpful links to plan your visit:

Find even more local beaches near Greenville in our list of Southeast Beaches Recommended by our Readers.

Looking for more travel help?

From day trips to family vacations, we’ve got you covered with a giant list of travel guides and resources.

Travel the Ocean & River at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, TN

If you’re planning a trip to Chattanooga with kids, the Tennessee Aquarium should definitely be on your radar. Sitting right along the downtown riverfront, this two-building aquarium invites families into an immersive journey literally walking from mountaintop streams to the ocean depths.

With thousands of animals and hands-on learning moments, it’s the kind of place your kids will remember for years. In fact, we took our kids once when they were little and again as teens!

Here’s everything we found helpful—plus a walk-through of what you’ll see in each building: River Journey and Ocean Journey.

🌟 Why the Tennessee Aquarium Belongs on Your Family Bucket List

Two Aquariums in One: With River Journey and Ocean Journey offering totally different ecosystems in two aquarium buildings, you’ll explore everything from Appalachian streams to coral reefs in one visit.
Great for All Ages: We had fun visiting with our teens, but we also saw toddlers splashing in the water play area and older adults enjoying the exhibits. There’s something here for everyone, no matter their age. Touch tanks, butterfly gardens, penguin name bands, and underwater viewing tunnels keep kids engaged—and adults intrigued too.

Thoughtful, Easy-to-Explore Design: Start at the top and wind your way down through immersive exhibits. It’s stroller-friendly, well-paced, and refreshingly air-conditioned—perfect for hot or rainy days.

Take a Peek

Watch our trip to the Tennessee Aquarium!

Ocean Journey Exhibits

We chose to start in the Ocean Journey building. It starts with land-based animals and ends in the ocean depths, with plenty of stops along the way to explore sea creatures, coral reefs, and more.

We loved how this building also followed a downward path—mirroring the journey from shore to deep sea.

Here are some highlights from our visit:

Lemur Forest: It’s always fun when an aquarium throws in a surprise, and this was it. The lemurs were full of personality and fun to watch as they explored their habitat.
Butterfly Garden: A beautiful, peaceful stop. This warm and lush space is filled with butterflies flitting around freely, and if you’re lucky, one might land right on you.
Tropical Cove: This was one of the more hands-on areas. Kids can interact with animals in the Stingray Bay touch tank while learning about tropical species nearby.
Secret Reef: One of the most impressive tanks we’ve seen. It’s enormous—filled with sharks, sea turtles, rays, and schools of tropical fish. We spent a lot of time here just watching the graceful movements and colorful fish.
Boneless Beauties: This section features jellyfish, squid, and other invertebrates in glowing tanks. It’s an odd but fascinating space—eerie in the best way.
Penguins’ Rock: Always a crowd favorite. These penguins are energetic and curious, and their color-coded bands (with names!) make it extra fun to spot your favorites.

Tennessee Aquarium Butterfly Garden Photos

Butterfly at the Tennessee Aquarium Butterfly Garden

Animals Not to Miss in Ocean Journey

🐙 Giant Pacific Octopus
🦈 Sand Tiger Sharks
🐢 Green Sea Turtle
🐧 Gentoo & Macaroni Penguins
🦋 Blue Morpho Butterflies

River Journey Exhibits

We continued our visit by entering the River Journey building to take a freshwater adventure—starting high in the mountains and flowing down through wetlands, rivers, and into global waterways. We really appreciated how the layout guides you through the story of freshwater ecosystems from start to finish. You travel to the top of the building and descend as you go, just like water flowing downstream.

Appalachian Cove Forest: We started our visit in this forested mountain habitat. It feels cool and peaceful with its flowing waterfall and tree canopy, plus otters.
Delta Country & Mississippi River: This section feels like stepping into the bayou, with its boardwalk-style paths and swampy ambiance. They are behind a glass, but you actually get pretty close to alligators.
Tennessee River: We spotted giant catfish and turtles and got a feel for just how many species live in Tennessee.
River Giants: If you’ve got kids fascinated by big animals, don’t miss this. It features freshwater giants like Arapaima and giant freshwater stingrays. Some of these fish are truly massive!
Rivers of the World: This part expands the view to global rivers—from the Amazon to the Congo—with colorful fish and eye-catching habitats. The international feel adds a fun and educational twist to the experience.
Touch and Learn Areas: Keep an eye out for hands-on stations. If you time it right, you might catch a feeding or educational demo.

5 Animals Not to Miss in River Journey

🦦 North American River Otter
🐟 Lake Sturgeon
🐠 River Chub
🐟 Barrens Topminnow
🐟 Arapaima

General Info for Visiting Families

Stroller-Friendly: All areas are stroller-accessible with a smooth one-way flow. We didn’t use one, but we noticed how easy it would be for families with toddlers.
Restrooms: Family restrooms are easy to find, and there’s even a nursing room at the lower level of River Journey.
Tickets: Buy in advance! Timed entry helps manage crowds, and once you’re in, you can stay as long as you like.
Parking: Expect to pay around $14 max for nearby lots. Weekends fill up fast. Chattanooga does offer a free downtown shuttle.
Time: We spent around 2 hours exploring the two buildings with a moderate pace.
IMAX Theater: It’s located just across the plaza and requires a separate ticket.

Fish at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga TN

Dining Near the Aquarium

There is not a food court inside the aquarium, but there are some restaurants near the Tennessee Aquarium. The plaza outside of the aquarium has dining options and space for picnics. Since you enter two separate buildings during your visit, it’s easy to stop outside and eat a snack or lunch between buildings.

The Ice Cream Show is perfect for a post-visit treat. We ate lunch at Agave & Rye—our teens liked the bold decor, and the tacos were a hit (bonus: great Taco Tuesday deals).

Heads-up though: we initially tried walking to the nearby Overboard Bar and Grille, a restaurant on a docked riverboat, but they don’t have bathrooms, so plan accordingly!

Water feature near The Tennessee Aquarium.

Free Water Play Area:
Right outside the aquarium is a free splash-and-play water feature designed like a flowing river. We stopped by in the evening when it was quieter, and it was a great way for the kids to burn off energy before heading home.

Kid-Friendly Extras

Afternoon is Ideal: Since it’s air-conditioned and indoors, this makes a great afternoon activity—especially in the heat of summer.
Follow the Flow: One of our favorite parts of the experience was the way each building starts at the top and winds down like a real waterway. In the River Journey, you can even see through the middle of the building like you’re inside a massive river. Some tanks span more than one floor, and it’s a design that really draws you in.
Interactive Extras: Look for touch tanks (like stingrays!) and live feeding times or talks. We missed one feeding by a few minutes but caught a learning station instead—worth checking the schedule ahead of time.

Our Review: Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium: Review for Parents

As parents who’ve visited several aquariums across the Southeast, we can honestly say this one’s at the top of our list. The way it’s built to flow like a story, the variety of exhibits, and the hands-on moments—it all felt thoughtfully designed with families in mind.

We loved how the entire place unfolded like a journey, from forest streams to deep sea wonders. Our teens remembered it from earlier visits, and we’re glad we went back.

The Tennessee Aquarium

Address:
1 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Tennessee Aquarium Website

The Ultimate Guide to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

There’s more to love in Chattanooga!

Here’s our guide full of things to do in Chattanooga, TN

A Downtown Asheville Day Trip: Trolley Tour, Chocolate & Local Eats

Looking for a fun and easy family adventure just over an hour from Greenville? A day trip to Asheville is calling! Kidding Around team member Crystal spent a full day exploring by trolley, tasting treats, and learning how chocolate gets made with her teens, and they came home with full bellies and had a blast exploring the downtown area. Learn how you can make a day trip to Asheville perfect, with tips for a day full of fun.

Things to do in Asheville, North Carolina

Visiting Asheville, NC? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Asheville, NC!

A Downtown Asheville Day Trip

Hop-On Hop-Off Fun with Gray Line Trolley

We kicked things off with the Gray Line Trolley Tour, which starts at the Asheville Visitor Center, bonus: free parking! The narrated 15-mile loop includes 8 stops, and you can hop on and off at your own pace in between learning about western North Carolina and Asheville. We rode the loop and hopped off at Stop 6 at Grove Arcade to explore, but all 8 stops have some pretty great things for you to explore with your kids.

The Gray Line in Asheville, North Carolina

Overall, the trolley tour experience takes about 1.5 hours if you do not get off at any of the stops. You learn a lot about the city, the architecture, and it’s just fun to ride around sometimes. No matter what you choose to do during your stop, just be sure to plan out your time so that you can make it back to your car on time with the trolley if you have plans for other adventures like we did (We visited the French Broad Chocolate Factory as well).

Stops on the Gray Line Trolley Tour

Asheville Visitor Center
Start your day with free parking, clean restrooms, and plenty of maps and advice to make your visit easy and fun.
Omni Grove Park Inn
Walk the grounds of this historic mountain resort and soak in the stunning views, perfect for a quick photo op or snack stop.
Renaissance & Four Points Hotels
A central jumping-off point for downtown walks, with nearby shops, restaurants, and spots to stretch little legs.
Pack Square
This open plaza is great for kids to run around while you enjoy public art, splash fountains (in season), and local street performers. The drum circles here are pretty electric, and their is regularly live music.
Haywood Park Hotel
Located in a lively shopping district with easy access to unique stores, coffee shops, and places to grab a family treat.
Grove Arcade
A gorgeous 1929 indoor mall filled with local shops, sweet treats, and beautiful details that make it fun for curious kids and adults alike. We highly recommend checking this place out.
River Arts District: North
Families can peek into artist studios, watch pottery or glassblowing, and enjoy murals and riverside strolls.
South Slope Brewing District
While known for craft breweries, this area also has laid-back pizza joints, murals, and a casual vibe that’s stroller-friendly for a quick bite.

I felt like sitting on the left side of the trolley allowed us to see things better, but if you get off and on, you can always switch sides to optimize the experience

When taking the Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour of Asheville, you can get a free 2nd day during certain times of the year, so be sure to check with them if you plan on using the trolley for more than a 1-day visit.

Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville
36 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
Cost: Approximately $19/child and $41/adult

Grove Arcade + Lunch at Huli Sue’s

Inside the beautiful Grove Arcade, we took in the ornate architecture and charming small shops. Grove Arcade is over 100 years old and is a stunning historic building packed with local shops, restaurants, and artists. Plus, it has AC and is fully enclosed, so you can escape the heat or mountain showers. There is a stunning bookstore called Battery Park Book Exchange along with several other shops and restaurants, plus some really unique architecture to show your kids. It’s a perfect place to stop during your day trip, and also has restrooms!

Decor and Poke bowl at Huli Sue's BBQ in Asheville, NC

Right outside the Grove Arcade, you can also grab lunch at Huli Sue’s BBQ and Grill. We chose the Poke bowl, a pulled pork plate, and the creamy mac salad. Everything was absolutely delicious, super fresh, flavorful, and filling.

Grove Arcade
1 Page Avenue, Asheville, NC

Sweet Stops: Asheville Bee Charmer & French Broad Chocolate Lounge

After lunch, we popped into Asheville Bee Charmer just a short walk away—yes, free honey tastings are a thing and yes, they’re awesome. They have lots of honey-inspired products, from hot honey to soaps, which all make a fun gift idea.

Asheville Bee Charmer display of honey and goods

Then we couldn’t resist stopping at the nearby French Broad Chocolate lounge, where we shared drinking chocolate, Chocolate crème brûlée, and ice cream. Let’s just say, it was my dessert dream come true. The lounge has a fun, relaxing vibe, and the staff are super friendly. The lounge has lots of teas and chocolate items to choose from, plus cakes, espresso, cheesecake, liquid truffle, and so much more!

French Broad Chocolate Lounge
10 S Pack Square, Asheville, NC

Factory Fun: French Broad “Bean to Bar” Tour

Just a 4-minute drive from downtown, we headed to the French Broad Chocolate Factory & Café for a scheduled “Bean to Bar” tour. We recommend booking at least a week in advance, these fill up fast! The tour was fascinating, our kids loved it, and it was full of everything chocolate. They also have other treats and ice cream in addition to chocolate. Check out our full review of the French Broad Chocolate Factory, and find out everything you need to know to plan a trip to this fantastic experience tour.

Here’s what we loved most during our tour:

We got to taste three chocolates and a raw cacao bean
Learned about ethical sourcing and the full chocolate-making process
Walked through the amazing “aroma shower”
Ended with a Wildflower Honey Caramel Bonbon
Got a 10% discount in the shop (which you can use at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge later on if you choose to do the chocolate factory tour first).

Display of chocolate at French Broad Chocolate factory

French Broad Chocolate Factory
821 Riverside Drive, Asheville NC

Find out what it’s like to tour the French Broad Chocolate Factory tour in our full KA Review of the factory and cafe!

Been to Asheville with your family? Tell us your must-do stops in the comments below!
And if you’re looking for more adventures, check out our Day Trips From Greenville Guide!

An Asheville day trip is unique and fun, and something your entire family will love! We took a trolley tour that led us around the downtown area, where you can stop and explore! Plus, we visited a real-life chocolate factory, and so can you!

Relaxation Awaits at The Ridge Outdoor Resort in Sevierville, TN

If you want to be close to all that the Sevierville, TN area has to offer but not be in the middle of crowds, The Ridge Outdoor Resort is the place to be. Kristina and her family spent a couple of nights here exploring what the resort in Sevierville has to offer, and she’s got all the details on how to plan a great family trip here.

Thank you to Visit Sevierville for inviting us to stay at The Ridge Outdoor Resort.

When on vacation, I love to try new things and experience unique adventures. But I also enjoy some downtime and relaxation and The Ridge Outdoor Resort in Sevierville, TN is absolutely perfect for both of those goals – and it’s just three hours from Greenville, SC.

My family and I stayed in one of their glamping tents and had such a great time exploring Sevierville but also hanging out at the pools and resting up for our next adventures. Here’s why I think you’ll love a stay at The Ridge Outdoor Resort.

About The Ridge Outdoor Resort

Having only opened in 2019, The Ridge Outdoor Resort has already established itself as one of the area’s best luxury RV and camping, and glamping resorts. They have multiple options for lodging, many amenities, and they are surrounded by 50 acres of Smoky Mountain beauty.

The Ridge Outdoor Resort currently has more than 150 RV sites, eight glamping canvas tents, and five luxury tiny homes. They have two zero entry pools, a hot tub, two bathhouses, two dog parks, a catch-and-release pond, laundry, on-site deli, playground, kids room with games, and fitness center.

The Pools

We really enjoyed our time at the two pools located at the resort. Both are zero-entry pools, which are perfect for smaller kids who can’t swim well or at all.

The pool closest to the main building at the resort has a hot tub and the pool is about five feet deep. They also have umbrellas and chairs you can relax in right in the shallow water in the pool. I loved that! There’s a bathhouse right next to the pool if you need.

The other pool, located on the opposite end of the resort, has a small lazy river and covered tables and chairs plus bathrooms. My kids went around that lazy river a seemingly infinite number of times, with and without tubes.

There are tubes provided plus plenty of lounge chairs at both pools, which is really nice for catching up on all that reading I had been meaning to do. There are large umbrellas if you’d like to sit in the shade and plenty of sunny spots if that’s your thing.

You can request pool towels from the registration desk.

Our Glamping Tent

I’ve stayed in glamping tents before but none as large and accommodating as our two-bedroom, one bathroom tent at the Ridge Resort. It was amazing!

There is a huge porch with a gas fire pit, oversized chairs, and a picnic table. Once you step inside, there’s a good size living space with a table, sofa, and television plus a kitchen. Head down the hallway and there’s a full bathroom and two bedrooms. I was impressed with how much they fit into this tent.

Tents all have air conditioning and heat so you can stay any time of the year and be comfortable. We stayed during July and it was really, really hot but the tent was cool, especially at night. Because it is a tent not with solid walls, the air conditioning and fans are louder than they are in a house but honestly, it didn’t bother me at all. I sleep with a white noise machine so this was actually perfect. I wish I could have spent a longer amount of time here because it was so comfortable and relaxing. For our family of four, it was the perfect size and never felt cramped.

I especially loved the porch because it somehow got a nice breeze even in 90+ degree heat during the day. I had morning coffee out there and didn’t want to leave. As of this writing, glamping tents are offered at $210/night. Some are pet-friendly.

Tiny Homes & RV Slips

There are five tiny homes at the Ridge Resort that can sleep anywhere from 1-6 guests and come with all the modern amenities of glamping: a kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. Each tiny house also has AC and heat so they can be enjoyed year-round.

I don’t have an RV so I’m truly not well-versed in RV language but the Ridge Resort offers both Premiere and Signature sites. All sites include all the amenities at the resort plus the Signature sites also have an outdoor wood-burning fireplace, outdoor television, grill, and individual hot tub. I may need to start researching RVs.

Fishing, Golf Carts, Kids Room & Other Amenities

The amenities at the Ridge Resort are awesome and family-friendly. While our favorites were the two pools and hot tub, the resort also offers golf cart rentals, a golf simulator, free wifi, two dog parks, and seasonal activities.

They also have a deli on site that you can order food from right from your phone. There are plenty of restrooms and bathhouses at either end of the resort plus a camp store if you need any last-minute items.

If you are like me and absolutely love Jeeps, you can rent one from the resort to bop around in during your time in Sevierville. They are $125/day + tax.

Overall Mom Review

Looking for The Ridge Outdoor Resort reviews? Here’s our mom review.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Ridge Outdoor Resort in Sevierville, TN with my family. They just made it so easy to relax, which I find is often a tough thing to do in my daily life. Besides the pools and the beautiful glamping tent, my favorite thing was the location.

We had to drive no more than 10 minutes to get anywhere we needed to go. Everything was so close, but we weren’t in the midst of all the action, just close to it, which made our trip there so much more peaceful and relaxing.

If you’re looking for a unique glamping experience with lots of amenities in an ideal location in Sevierville, The Ridge Outdoor Resort is it.

The Ridge Outdoor Resort Website
1250 Middle Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN
865.505.3111

Want More Fun?

Don’t miss things to do in Sevierville, TN!

More Nearby! Pigeon Forge to the Great Smoky Mountains

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Relax in Sevierville, TN at The Ridge Outdoor Resort!

Your Next Family Beach Trip Awaits at the Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort

If you’re trying to figure out a great vacation for your family that is within a few hours of the Upstate, has plenty of entertainment within walking distance, and is located directly on the ocean, the Westgate Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach may be just the ticket.

Kristina visited the resort for a couple of days with her kids at the invitation of the Westgate and has all you need to know to plan a wonderful trip to the coast!

Family enjoying the beach at Myrtle Beach.

First impressions are meaningful. After we checked into the Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort and walked through the brightly lit hallways, catching glimpses of the pools, lazy river, and splash pads, I still wasn’t quite prepared for what I saw when we opened the door to our one bedroom villa. The view was amazing as the balcony looked out over the ocean with its shades of blue, green, and teal.

We saw people splashing in the waves, parasailing behind a boat, and relaxing on the beach. It was a moment when you can feel your shoulders relax and stress start to slowly leave your body. As a parent, those times are fleeting and I remember the instances when they happen. This was one of them.

As we got to explore Westgate’s oceanfront hotel, I came to find myself thinking I wish we could have stayed just a couple more nights to enjoy the place even more and experience the list of activities that I was making a mental list of as we saw more things to do there. For reference, I was there with my two kids, ages 10 and 6.

About the Westgate Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach

Westgate Resorts are located all throughout the country from Las Vegas to New York to Cocoa Beach to Orlando to Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg. Each one is different and unique yet all have the same excellent service and seek to provide a positive and memorable experience for their guests. If you’re looking to enjoy the beach, Westgate oceanfront resorts are a great option.

This wasn’t my first stay at a Westgate property. My kids and I stayed at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort in Gatlinburg, which has an indoor waterpark and is five minutes from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and had an incredible time. I hadn’t been to Myrtle Beach since I was a teenager so was looking forward to a new experience at their resort in the coastal city but didn’t really know what to expect since it was in a much different location than the one in Gatlinburg. My expectations were exceeded.

Child play at the waterpark in the Westgate Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach

Special features of the Westgate Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach

The Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort towers right over the beach with stunning views of the ocean out of the rooms overlooking the water. It’s closer to the South end of Myrtle Beach and 40 minutes north of Huntington Island State Park. It took us just over four hours to get there from Greenville and we never even got back in the car while at the resort until it was time to go home, since everything we did was within walking distance.

The resort itself has multiple pools, including a lap pool, outdoor pool, a lazy river, and a splash pad for the little kids. There is a fitness center and business center if you need it. There’s a bistro that serves sandwiches, coffee, and ice cream as well as a full family-friendly restaurant, Drafts Sports Bar & Grill, plus a beachside bar with all the fruity drinks you could imagine one of those serving.

And the beach is literally right outside the resort. They also have tons of family activities you can do – some are free and others have a small charge. We were so busy doing other things that we didn’t even get to do this (so we need to go back, obviously).

Excellent customer service

The customer service at the resort was excellent. Whenever I had a question about anything, their front desk representatives immediately answered. I asked for another package of coffee one morning, and they sent me up three packets within five minutes and then called me back to make sure I got them! They have people on site who can help direct you to different shows or experiences you may want to do like ride a banana boat, go parasailing, or see the Pirates Voyage show.

Spacious accommodations

We stayed in a one-bedroom villa that overlooked the ocean. It was huge. The bedroom was enormous with a dresser, TV, desk, and jetted tub. The shower and bathroom were spacious with a double sink and two showerheads – one was a rainwater one, which I just loved. There are a couple of closets for storage if you need them also.

The view from an oceanfront bedroom at Westgate Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

We had a full kitchen, which was so nice because I used it to make a small dinner the first night we were there and we ate on the big balcony and watched for dolphins. The living space has a dining area with a table and chairs plus a pullout sofa and a smaller loveseat. There’s a huge television, too.

Both the one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas are equipped with kitchens. Overall, I was really impressed with the room. And it was so clean, like spotlessly clean. The resort takes great care in cleanliness to keep guests and employees safe and healthy.

The location is ideal

With a family in tow, I take into consideration the safety and ease of entertainment possibilities of places to go on vacation. I felt that the location of the Westgate Myrtle Beach was just perfect. It’s not in the more densely populated beach boardwalk promenade area, yet there is plenty to do within walking distance. I didn’t find the area to be loud or people up all hours of the night.

We decided to walk one afternoon over to the super neat SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, which is just past the boardwalk area with tons of shopping and restaurants. It was a little over a mile and you can walk on the sidewalk or take the beachside trail. You can stop at one of the piers and walk out onto it ($2-$3/pp) or stop and grab a bite to eat. There were vendors along the way selling icees and fruit. I’d certainly suggest bringing enough water since it was really hot.

We had a lot of fun stopping in the beach shops as my kids love to check out all the neat trinkets and t-shirts and hats. It was a great way to spend the afternoon.

Of course, the beach is literally right outside the resort and it took us all five minutes to walk there. Lots of people were out looking for shells and shark teeth. Downwind Sails Watersports is next door to the resort and they do parasailing trips, jet ski rentals, banana boat rides, and sailboat trips.

Things to Do Near the Westgate Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach

There’s no shortage of things to do at or close to the resort. The beach and pools are the obvious choices if you’re headed for a beach vacation. The weather was perfect when we went and we enjoyed a lot of sunny outdoor time. My kids really loved the pools, especially the lazy river. It’s small but fun. The splash pad is wonderful for smaller kids and is just over a foot deep at its deepest.

Riding the swings at Family Kingdom in Myrtle Beach

There are lounge chairs everywhere so you could easily just hang out and let the kids get out their energy in the water. There is music playing outside at the pools, also. I was pretty happy since there were a lot of 80s and 90s hits thrown in! We regularly saw Westgate staff cleaning and straightening up the area.

Towels are provided at all the pools which was really nice since I hate carrying around towels.

Family Kingdom

Directly across the street is the Family Kingdom amusement park, an old-school carnival-type park that has all the best rides that I enjoyed as a kid, like the big swings, the Ferris wheel, the thunderbolt, the log flume, and bumper cars. We loved this place! They also have all those fun games that people hardly ever win prizes at like ring toss and basketball but are ever so enjoyable.

There are rides for both big and little kids and you can purchase a wristband that gives you unlimited rides or buy a set number of tickets to use at the rides you want to go on.

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

We also took a ride on the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach and got stunning views of the city. We really loved this and if you pick up one of those coupon books around the resort, there is a coupon for $2 off your ticket. The SkyWheel is a little over a mile walk from the resort but like I said above, it was an easy walk and we stopped in the beach shops along the way. There are plenty of ice cream shops also, a must-do for any beach vacation.

Where to Eat Near the Westgate Myrtle Beach

Let’s talk about food options. Drafts Sports Bar & Grill is the on-site restaurant at the resort. We had their burger, chicken sandwich, and tatchos (tater tots topped with cheese and bacon – definitely order this). Everything was delicious and fueled us up for a fun night at the Family Kingdom amusement park, which we did a couple of hours later because food and spinning rides don’t go together.

Tatchos at the Drafts Sports Bar and Grill inside the Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort.

Although we didn’t eat at the bistro, the food in there looked amazing. Plus, they serve Starbucks coffee so you know you’ll be able to get your caffeine intake. They also have ice cream. You really don’t need to leave the resort.

There are a few pizza places that are nearby and of course, you can order food via any food delivery app nowadays. But you really don’t have to if you want to have a tasty burger with pickles, onions, and dripping with cheese. Yum. You can find breakfast, lunch, and dinner within walking distance of the hotel.

Tips on how to make the most of your time at the Westgate

A couple of things to note that may make your stay more enjoyable at the Westgate Myrtle Beach resort:

The resort has a new, big parking garage so parking is plentiful right outside their doors. You can easily unload your car in the parking garage and head inside, or at the main lobby and use a cart to get it to your room instead.
The hotel is newly renovated!
Bring a beach chair and sand toys if you need that for your family. There may be places nearby to rent these, but I didn’t see any. Or you could just buy a cheap one when you get there at a local beach store or Walmart.
Eat earlier in the afternoon. We did this so we could enjoy some evening entertainment and still get to bed at a decent hour, which was late for my kids! But we had so much fun that it was worth it. Plus, some dining places close fairly early and you don’t want to be stuck without dinner for your hungry kids.
Plan to relax. Relaxing is just not in my personality. I find it nearly impossible. But even though there were shows I wanted to see and things I wanted to do with my kids, the best times of the trip were when we just hung out at the pools and beach and did nothing.

Booking Your Trip

Planning your vacation at the Westgate is easy – just go online and pick your dates and room. Then pack your bags! Rates vary widely depending on the season.

Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort Website
415 South Ocean Boulevard Street 2, Myrtle Beach
843.448.4481

Plan Your Next Epic Vacation!

KA Travel Guide to Myrtle Beach, SC

Take a family beach trip to Westgate Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC!

Walk Under Sharks at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, TN

If your kids love fish and ocean life, a trip to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, should be on your list.

The attraction is a super neat experience. You’ll see live shows, learn about creatures in the touch tanks, walk under sharks swimming above you in an underwater tunnel, and so much more.

We have everything you need to know to plan your trip to this family-friendly and educational attraction.

Thanks to Ripley’s for the media tickets so we could do this review.

This article includes:
About Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
What to See and Do at Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg
Ripley’s Aquarium Live Shows
Homeschool Events and Sleepovers at Ripley’s
Tips for Visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Where to Stay Near Ripley’s in Gatlinburg

Get Ripley’s Aquarium Tickets

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Get your Ripley’s Aquarium Tickets.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

My dream as a teen was to work at an aquarium. I even went so far as to look at colleges that have excellent marine biology programs. While this career wasn’t meant to be, I still really enjoy learning about all the creatures of the sea – and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is just the place to get up close with some of the coolest of them.

The aquarium is truly state-of-the-art and houses thousands of ocean creatures like sharks, eels, stingrays, sea horses, and even penguins (awww!). The building sits right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg and there is a parking garage adjacent to the aquarium. It’s across the street from the Greystone Lodge and Anakeesta.

They offer unique add-on experiences that let guests get up close and personal with many of their animals. Maybe even while sitting in a glass bottom boat! While we weren’t able to participate in those attractions, I’m hoping to do so if I’m able to go back. Maybe next time you are visiting the aquarium in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, you will get to experience one!

Your Vacation to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge: Aquarium Must-Sees

A huge pool of sharks and fish

When you enter the aquarium, you’ll walk through the beautiful lobby with a giant sea turtle skeleton hanging from the ceiling and see opportunities for kids to play on some equipment. But keep going through the small tanks of creatures and head to the ginormous tank full of sharks and thousands of gallons of water. You can look right into the water and see all the sharks just chilling and swimming. If you are lucky, you’ll get to see a shark feeding!

Seeing this giant tank is really cool, but also a bit unnerving. The animals are so close, and there isn’t a huge barrier to you know, falling in. I don’t think this happens, but I can be paranoid because let’s just admit it, I’m scared of sharks. We do have it on good authority that people do drop their cell phones into the tank pretty often.

The shark tunnel

Not gonna lie, I kind of sped through some of the tanks of sea creatures to get to the main attraction: the shark lagoon! This giant tunnel makes you feel like you’re swimming with the sharks. You are guided on a slow conveyor belt through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks, a dangerous reef, and other fish that swim so, so close to you. It’s really incredible and easily our favorite part of visiting the aquarium.

Seeing the movement of the animals from below them was unusual and memorable. You usually don’t ever see that and even if you did nothing else at the aquarium, this alone would probably be worth the cost of admission.

The shark tank at Ripley's Aquarium in Tennessee

Pet a penguin at the penguin playhouse

Penguins are adorable. I melt whenever I get to see them and find them so much fun to watch. At Ripleys of the Smokies, you can actually pet a penguin as an add-on experience ($49.99/person) and get a take-home photo with one. If you’d like to be super adventurous, you can paint with a penguin. How many people can say they’ve done that? Well, you can and it costs $75/person to do so.

The penguin exhibit at Ripley’s is well done. You actually can even step outside and stand under one of the tanks in this certain way that allows the penguins to burst forth in swimming directly above your head, but in a way that feels like they are swimming straight toward you. You feel somehow in the tank with them.

All the penguins also have individual profiles – like a dating site – where you can learn more about them like when they were born, where they are from, and which ones like to take walks around the aquarium at sunset.

Touch tanks

Since no good aquarium is without opportunities to feel the creatures that roam the seas, Ripley’s offers guests the opportunity to touch stingrays while a guide gives information about them. For a small fee, you can buy food and have the rays swim right up to you to eat.

There were several other touch tanks throughout the aquarium. You could touch horseshoe crabs – who did not seem to care one ounce what was happening in their lives. You could even touch jellyfish if you wanted. That was super cool and a little bizarre.

The aquarium staff keeps the jellyfish extra cold so that all of the people touching them won’t damage their gel-like “skin”. They felt sort of rubbery and smooth. As weird as jellyfish are, and as painful as their sting can be, they’re kind of fantastic to look at as they glide and float through the water.

Live Shows at Ripley’s Aquarium

If you have a favorite animal or mythical creature like say, mermaids, be sure to check the live show schedule when you plan your visit. You’d hate to miss the penguin parade if you came all the way from Greenville to watch this.

There are neat coral reef dive shows and animal feedings as well.

Penguins at Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Special Events and Field Trips

Sleepovers

If you’d like to get together a group of your closest friends, scouts, or family and have a sleepover they’ll never forget, you can make it happen at Ripley’s of the Smokies. They have several options to choose from and pre-planned sleepover dates for some programs.

I do think it’d be pretty awesome to sleep in the aquarium. At least I’d have something interesting to look at when I would inevitably wake up at 3 am thinking about how sharks are swimming over my head.

Homeschool Programs

Ripley’s is currently offering homeschool programs once a month to homeschool students and their teachers. You can check out their homeschool programs on their website.

Large aquarium at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

If you are homeschooling and can’t make one of those programs, Ripley’s offers homeschool discounts for walk-ups of $10.99 per student and sibling(s). Teaching parents cost $19.99 plus tax. You’ll need proof of homeschooling to take advantage of this great discount AND to fill out the form on the Ripley’s Aquarium website.

Tips on Enjoying Ripley’s Aquarium

Here are a few suggestions on how to best enjoy the aquarium:

Get there early. Gatlinburg has soared in popularity over the last few years and downtown is packed. It’s best to go here early to avoid the worst of the crowds and spend time at the exhibits that interest your kids the most. And weekdays usually have fewer crowds than weekends.
Any age person will like this. The aquarium is a great crowd-pleaser because just about everyone in your family, no matter their age, will find something they like.
Park next door. If you can, park right next to the aquarium so it’s an easy walk. You do have to pay to park unless you stay across the street at the Greystone Lodge (which we highly recommend). You can make a day of seeing the aquarium and some other attractions within walking distance, like Anakeesta, the Sky Bridge, or other Ripley’s attractions along the main drag.
Plan to spend a couple of hours there. While it’s possible to speed through the aquarium, there is a lot to see and kids may want to linger in some areas so plan to spend around two hours at the attraction.
Strollers are fine but babywearing may be better. You’re allowed to bring strollers but if there are a lot of people, it may be easier to use a baby carrier instead to better navigate the aquarium.
Tickets are good for a year after purchase. This is good knowledge in case you need to bail on a scheduled trip. You don’t need a reservation either unless you are doing an add-on experience.

Plan Your Visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Tickets to the aquarium alone are $39.99/adult, $24.99/ages 6-11, and $9.99/ages 2-5. Ripley’s also offers several combination ticket packages where you can visit the aquarium plus one, two, three, etc. attractions.

Ripley’s is open daily from 9:00 am – 11:00 pm. If you think you’ll want to come back over and over again, which you may after going once, an annual pass may be the way to go.

So, next time you are on your family vacation to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, aquarium visits are a must for your itinerary!

Where to Stay Near Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Find a place to stay in Gatlinburg, TN. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Website
88 River Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
865.430.8808

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What is your family’s favorite aquarium to visit?

See the Smokies in a Whole New Way through a Cool PINK® Jeep®

Inside: Local mom, Kristina, takes a tour around the Smoky Mountains in a pink Jeep tour with Smoky Mountain PINK® Jeep® tours.

It’s hard to miss the bright pink Jeeps around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, guests clearly loving the experience seeing all the Smoky Mountains have to offer. We sent Kidding Around contributor Kristina to the Smokies to check out the Smoky Mountain PINK® Jeep® tours and try the off-roading experience. Here’s why it should go on your itinerary the next time you’re in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.

Media tickets were given for this review but the opinion is solely that of the author.

I looked across the back of the PINK® Jeep® to see both my kids with wide smiles on their faces, bumping around on the seat as we navigated a forty-degree drop in the off-roading obstacle course in Pigeon Forge. Some of our fellow guests may have whelped a bit, too. Having never been off-roading, this was quite the experience – and one we were thrilled to try out.

I had known about PINK® Jeeps® for years, ever since my family vacationed at the Grand Canyon and Sedona in Arizona. The brightly colored Jeeps are hard to miss and I distinctly remember how cool they looked. So when I had the opportunity to give the brand new Smoky Mountain PINK Jeep tour in Pigeon Forge a try, it was a no-brainer. I had waited 15 years for this! It didn’t disappoint.

What is a PINK® Jeep®?

PINK® Jeep® has been around since 1960, founded in Arizona for the purpose of taking tourists and guests around the backroads and giving them a chance to truly enjoy the scenery without any of the stress of driving or navigating unfamiliar roads. They opened up shop in Pigeon Forge, just 15 minutes from Gatlinburg, in April 2019 and have been giving visitors an awesome experience in the mountains ever since.

The Smoky Mountain PINK® Jeeps® have both seven and nine-seater Jeeps and certainly can accommodate children. They have car seats available as well. Children must be at least 18 months old to ride.

The Roaring Fork Tour

There are plenty of tours to choose from for your adventure. We did the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, a 2.5 hour tour that wound through the back roads of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The motor trail is paved and winds through the forest. Our apt guide told us all about the park’s history and stopped along the trail to check out the deer and turkey we saw. Some cars ahead saw a bear but we couldn’t see it! Our guide did say there are often bear encounters along the way, which is super cool.

There are also a handful of cabins from the 1800s and the settlers who first lived there. We got out to explore the old buildings and take short trails to the creek. We passed a small waterfall and then went to the off-roading course. It was a lot of fun, and I can totally understand why people love doing this. There are bumps and steep drop,s and hills. And the course overlooks Pigeon Forge, which is a beautiful view.

Each Jeep has about $100,000 poured into them, which makes the vehicles perfect and safe for these adventures.

Having never been on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, I had no idea it was the location of a trail I’ve been eying for several months, Grotto Falls, a waterfall that you can walk behind. Not one to pass up an opportunity for waterfall chasing and knocking off a bucket list hike, I took my kids later that same afternoon to the trail for the hike. I wouldn’t have known where the trailhead was, or rather that it was so close to Gatlinburg and easily accessible if it weren’t for the PINK® Jeep® tour.

PINK Jeep Tours

Besides the Roaring Fork Tour, Smoky Mountain PINK® Jeep® Tours also offers the Gatlinburg Loop Smoky Mountain Tour, the Newfound Gap Smoky Mountain Tour, and the Foothills Parkway Smoky Mountains Tour. Ticket prices start at $99, depending on the tour. Tours range from two to three hours in length.

It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and layers are always a good idea. We did a morning tour in October, when temperatures were in the 80s during the day but cooler in the morning and my kids forget their light jackets in the car – so they borrowed mine, and a gentleman on our tour offered his, which was so kind. So be prepared.

Gatlinburg Sky Bridge — Gatlinburg SkyBridge as viewed from the PINK Jeep

You don’t do much walking, but if you want to explore, wear closed-toed shoes. Watch the weather and bring rain gear,r it looks like rain. The Jeeps are enclosed and heated or cooled, but it’s way more fun to have everything open.

An important note about pregnant moms – they aren’t allowed on the 4×4 trail, only the paved ones. They can do the paved part and wait at a scenic overlook while the Jeep does the off-roading.

I found the Smoky Mountain PINK Jeep tour to be a fantastic way to make those memories with your family that will last for decades to come.

Have you been on a PINK® Jeep® Tour?

PINK® Jeep® Website
2611 Parkway Pigeon Forge, Pigeon Forge, TN
800.873.3662

Winter version of Galtlinburg, Pigeon Forge silo.

Looking for more fun in Gatlinburg? We’ve got your Ultimate Guide to Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Tour the Smoky Mountains in a cool pink Jeep with PINK® Jeep® Tour and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Chattanooga, Tennesse: Things to Do on Your Family Vacation

Is your family planning a vacation to Chattanooga, Tennessee? Things to do there are endless! There are so many fun things to do in the Chattanooga/Lookout Mountain area that we have put together a full guide for you. We will share attractions to visit, places to eat, suggestions on where to stay, and more for a Chattanooga family vacation!

This article includes:
What Is There to Do in Lookout Mountain
Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee Things to Do
General Area of Chattanooga, Tennessee Things to Do
Where Should We Eat in Chattanooga
Where Should We Stay in Chattanooga

Find a place to stay in Chattanooga. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.

Spending just a weekend in Chattanooga? Don’t miss this easy family itinerary for a weekend getaway to Chattanooga, TN. We’ve done all the planning work for you!

The Read House hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

What Is There to Do in Lookout Mountain

The view from Lookout Mountain in Tennessee.

See Rock City

Rock City is a 4100-foot garden trail that winds through natural rock formations. One of the most significant parts of the park is a lookout point where you can see up to 7 states.

1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA

Rock City garden space at Lookout Mountain in Georgia

Learn More about Rock City at Lookout Mountain, Georgia in our KA review!

Ruby Falls

Take an elevator 26 stories down to see a cavern and the waterfall that it hides over 1,000 feet underground.

1720 South Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN

The [Hotel Chalet] is fun to visit, even if you don’t stay there. We also took a cruise on a river boat. Nearby to Chattanooga is Rock City, which was a lot neater than I was expecting. We also went down into caves and saw Ruby Falls and took an incline railroad ride. We did a combo ticket for the falls, railroad, and Rock City attractions.

Ashley

Incline Railway

The railway descends Lookout Mountain with a descent that goes up to 72.7% grade. This grade is one of the steepest railway grades in the world.

The top of the railway offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas.

Tickets are round-trip.

3917 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN

Point Park Battlefield

This National Park is the site of a famous Civil War battle near Chattanooga that was called the “Battle Above the Clouds”.

110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, TN

Chattanooga Tennessee: Things to Do With Kids

Did you know that the same people who designed downtown Greenville, designed downtown Chattanooga? It has a very “Greenville” feel to it.

Tina

Chattanooga Zoo

This 13-acre zoo has six major areas with 4-5 exhibits in each. The zoo also offers multiple programs throughout the day, has a choo-choo train, camel rides, and a carousel. This zoo is a great option to fill out your itinerary during your Chattanooga family vacation!

301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN

Check out our KA review of the Chattanooga Zoo, the perfect place to visit during your family vacation!

Meercats at Chattanooga Zoo in Tennessee.

Creative Discovery Museum

The Creative Discovery Museum includes 15 permanent exhibits and a temporary exhibit.

The family-friendly exhibits include a Culinary Corner where kids can pretend to cook, an Evacuation Station that allows kids to dig in the sand, and a Lookout Tower that gives kids a 3-story view of the city.

321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN

Walnut Street Bridge

This pedestrian bridge is a fun way to see the river and explore Chattanooga. The bridge leads to the Tennessee Aquarium and Hunter Museum of Art on one side and Coolidge Park, Renaissance Park and it’s surrounding art shops and restaurants on the other side.

1 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN

Aquarium, Zoo, both are great! Ruby Falls is fun, the incline train will take you up the mountain. There is a fountain downtown the kids can play in. There is a great hot dog place their as well near the fountain, but can’t remember the name. We found a great house to rent. Chattanooga is our go to summer destination; we love it!

Candace

Tennessee Aquarium

Tennessee Aquarium is known for its wide variety of fish, animals, and plants that live in fresh and saltwater.

The aquarium includes several touch tanks, a butterfly garden, a rainforest area, and other unique exhibits in addition to fish tanks.

1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN

Aquarium is a favorite, especially with younger kids, because you follow a “path” through the entire space vs the hub and spoke model in Atlanta.

Theresa

Review of the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga

Find out what makes the Tennessee Aquarium a must-see on your Chattanooga family vacation!

Coolidge Park

This downtown Chattanooga park should be on your itinerary. It’s located right beside the Walnut Street Bridge.

The park includes a 100-year-old restored carousel and an interactive water fountain. Admission is a $1.

150 River St, Chattanooga, TN

The carousel is unforgettable! Coolidge Park and walking the huge bridge is another favorite. I would agree that their downtown is similar to Greenville. Enjoy!

Christa

Renaissance Park

Enjoy the outdoors at this 23-acre wetland is a beautiful spot to explore nature in downtown Chattanooga.

River St, Chattanooga, TN

Ross’s Landing

This park is located on the riverside near the Tennessee Aquarium and the Southern Belle Riverboat. It offers a playground and a large amphitheater.

201 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN

CARTA’S Downtown Electric Trolley System

The downtown electric trolley in Chattanooga is free to ride and provides an easy way to transport your family around the downtown area. This is a must-do on your Chattanooga family vacation, simply because it is always fun to ride the trolley!

The Southern Belle Riverboat

This river cruise company offers several different daily cruises, including 1.5 hour tours, lunch and dinner cruises, and sunset cruises.

You can enter the dockside boat’s gift shop for free even if you aren’t booking a cruise.

201 Riverfront Pkwy, Pier 2, Chattanooga, TN

We liked the dinner cruise with live music and dancing the kids really enjoyed the dancing

Nichole

Glenn Miller Gardens

This public area at the Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo has outdoor games, a scenic seating area, and actual trains. It’s a great area to let the kids play while you relax.

1400 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga Lookouts

If you are visiting during baseball season, be sure to check out the Chattanooga Lookouts schedule to see if they have any home games during your visit.

201 Power Alley, Chattanooga, TN

High Point Climbing Gym

This award-winning climbing gym has a number of unique climbing fixtures including an outdoor climbing wall that overlooks the city.

219 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN

Hunter Museum of American Art

If you have older kids on your Chattanooga family vacation, then the Hunter Museum of American Art is a great museum to check out. They have art in a variety of mediums, interesting special events, and rotating exhibitions.

10 Bluff View St, Chattanooga, TN

Bluff View Art District

A great one-stop area for multiple things to do, the Bluff View Art District has dining, art galleries, a coffee house, and excellent views of the city!

411 East 2nd St, Chattanooga, TN

General Area of Chattanooga, Tennessee: Things to Do (includes nearby areas)

Tennessee Racoon Cave near Chattanooga Tennessee. — Raccoon Mountain Caverns, Chattanooga, TN

Raccoon Mountain Caverns

Often recommended by locals, Raccoon Mountain Caverns specializes in educational tours of the Raccoon Mountain Cavern. The caverns are a must-see during your Chattanooga family vacation!

We took this tour as a family and were impressed with the tour guides’ ability to entertain even the smallest children while still giving a full presentation of the history and science behind the cavern.

Raccoon Mountain also has a campground, RV park, and cabins.

319 W Hills Dr, Chattanooga, TN

Lake Winnie

This popular amusement park is only 15 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. The park includes thriller rides, family rides, and kiddie rides, and also has a 5-acre waterpark.

1730 Lakeview Dr., Rossville, GA

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Visiting this museum is an adventure because the museum is an actual running train and your visit includes a train ride.

4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN

Big Soddy Creek Trail

You can take this easy trail to a stunning, crystal-clear swimming hole to relax with your children. You can hike past the swimming area to see a waterfall as well!

Where to Eat in Chattanooga During Your Chattanooga Family Vacation

Vacations are expensive! So, to kick things off, here’s how you can save a few dollars.

Here’s our Kids Eat Free (AND CHEAP) list for Chattanooga, TN.

Ankar’s Hoagies

Mediterranean/Middle East Restaurant that serves lunch and dinner

5966 Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN

Ankar’s Hoagies on Brainerd Rd. Steak in a sack (pita) & onion rings are to die for! We eat here every time we go back. Taco Mamacitas on North Shore. Best sangria we’ve ever had. Bones BBQ on Brainerd Rd. Classic southern style and their banana pudding alone is worth a visit!

Amy

Taco Mamcita

A fresh-Mex restaurant that serves taco fusion.

109 North Market St, Chattanooga, TN

Clumpies Ice Cream

Handcrafted, small-batch ice cream with seasonal flavors

3 locations including 1401 Market St, Chattanooga, TN

City Cafe (southern dinner but delicious share a meal). Taco Mac (kid friendly- during the day bar)

Mary

Taco Mac

Taco Mac is known for their buffalo wings and draft beers.

423 Market St, Chattanooga, TN

Bea’s Restaurant

Bea’s Restaurant serves family-style fried chicken dinners.

4500 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga, TN

Good dog. It’s a hot dog place in downtown that has plain ones but also funky unique ones

Jennifer

Good Dog

Good Dog serves a variety of hot dogs including high-quality all-beef hot dogs, vegetarian hot dogs, sausages, and more. Their menu includes vegan and gluten-free options. They offer several housemade ketchups and condiments with their meals.

34 Frazier Ave, Chattanooga, TN

Flying Squirrel

Note: This bar/restaurant is 21+ for all meals but brunch. Brunch is from 10:30-3 and is upscale American southern cuisine.

55 Johnson St, Chattanooga, TN

Urban Stack

Urban burger joint

12 W 13th St, Chattanooga, TN

Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Fried chicken and Southern foods

526 E ML King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN

Champy's World Famous Chicken and City Diner in Chattanooga Tennessee. — Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken (left); City Cafe Diner (right)

Edley’s Bar-B-Que

Slow-cooked barbeque

205 Manufacturers Rd, Suite 110, Chattanooga, TN

Acropolis

Greek food

2213 Hamilton Pl Blvd, Chattanooga, TN

We just got back from there! The restaurant 1885 right by the Incline Train has sidewalk chalk through their entire outdoor seating and our two year old played all through dinner. Super yummy burgers too. And I second Urban Stack. And the BEST coffee shop we’ve found in all our US travels was Goodman Coffee in the warehouse district shipping downtown. So. Good. Those little energy peanut butter bites they makes were great at the start of our day at the Aquarium.

Sarah

1885 Grill

Located near the St. Elmo Incline Railway station.

3914 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN

Goodman Coffee Roasters

Warehouse Row, 1110 Market St., Chattanooga, TN

Boathouse and Foodworks for full-service. I haven’t been to Big River Grille in years but it is close to aquarium and has pool tables. Mr. T’s Pizza and Purple Daisy (both in St. Elmo near Incline) are budget-friendly local spots. Lupi’s for specialty pizza.

Elizabeth

Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar

Seafood, oyster bar, and traditional fare with riverfront dining

1459 Riverside Drive, Chattanooga, TN

Foodworks

205-C Manufacturers Road, Chattanooga, TN

Big River Grille & Brewing Works

Near the Tennessee Aquarium and Children’s Creative Discovery Museum.

222 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN

Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream

From scratch pizza.

3924 Tennessee Ave., Chattanooga, TN

The Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe

Barbeque and picnic foods, located at the base of Lookout Mountain.

4001 St. Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN

Lupi’s Pizza Pies

406 Broad St A, Chattanooga, TN

Where to Stay During Your Chattanooga Family Vacation

Hotels and VBROs in Chattanooga

The Hotel Chalet

Formerly the Chattanooga Choo Choo, Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo is an iconic hotel and is a classic choice for visiting Chattanooga.

1400 Market St, Chattanooga, TN

The room we were in was a converted old boxcar. It was so fun. We also went to the aquarium. I was very impressed with it. It’s probably one of my favorite aquariums.

Alexis

The Garden Walk Inn

This popular bed and breakfast on Lookout Mountain has a scenic garden trail, a pool, and a gazebo with a jacuzzi.

1206 Lula Lake Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA

My parents live on Lookout Mountain. A great place to stay is the Garden Walk Inn. The carousel downtown is a must ($1). Then you must get Clumpies Ice Cream! The children’s museum is great for under 10. The aquarium is cool but lots of walking my 6 year old couldn’t make it all day. . . Raccoon Mountain caves are a few minutes further but way better. They have excursions for all abilities. The towing museum is great for any toddler who loves vehicles (but all you need is the free gift shop you can’t touch anything in the small museum). McKay’s used books is heaven for any reader and you must eat at City Cafe!

Mary

Embassy Suites Chattanooga

2321 Lifestyle Way, Chattanooga, TN

We enjoyed staying at the Embassy Suites rooms are great for families and breakfast is our favorite of hotels.

Nichole

Cabins at Cloudland Canyon Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park has a variety of styles of camping sites, cottages, and yurts available for reservation. Your family will have access there to hiking trails, horseback riding trails, bike trails (and rentals), cave tours, and more depending on the season.

122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, GA

We stayed in a cabin at Cloudland Canyon Park.

Deirdre

Airbnb

If you enjoy staying at an Airbnb, our family stayed at Country Corner in the City. It comfortably slept eight people (two families) and was pet-friendly.

For even more ideas on fun family trips near Greenville, see our travel guide.

Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

Getting There & Parking

The Trails: Choose Your Own Adventure

Sights and Highlights in the Gardens

When to Visit Vereen Memorial Gardens

Details

Quick Look: Why Families Love AnaVista Tower Area at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN

Flying High at Anakeesta

Places to stay in Anakeesta

Surrounded by gardens

TreeVenture

Admission

Where to Stay on Edisto Island

A little about Edisto Island

Where to Stay at Edisto Beach

Things to Do on Edisto Island

🌟 Why the Tennessee Aquarium Belongs on Your Family Bucket List

Take a Peek

Ocean Journey Exhibits

Tennessee Aquarium Butterfly Garden Photos

Animals Not to Miss in Ocean Journey

River Journey Exhibits

5 Animals Not to Miss in River Journey

General Info for Visiting Families

Dining Near the Aquarium

Kid-Friendly Extras

Our Review: Tennessee Aquarium

A Downtown Asheville Day Trip

Hop-On Hop-Off Fun with Gray Line Trolley

Stops on the Gray Line Trolley Tour

Grove Arcade + Lunch at Huli Sue’s

Sweet Stops: Asheville Bee Charmer & French Broad Chocolate Lounge

Factory Fun: French Broad “Bean to Bar” Tour

More Things to Do Near Asheville, NC

See Red Pandas, Black Bears, Gray Wolves, and Pet Goats & Sheep at This Nature Center Near Asheville

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Biltmore in Asheville, NC with Kids

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Go Old School and Play All Day: Asheville Retrocade

Trolls Take Over the Arboretum: A New Family Experience

10+ Ways To Celebrate Christmas In Asheville, NC

About The Ridge Outdoor Resort

The Pools

Our Glamping Tent

Tiny Homes & RV Slips

Fishing, Golf Carts, Kids Room & Other Amenities

Overall Mom Review

More Nearby! Pigeon Forge to the Great Smoky Mountains

About the Westgate Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach

Special features of the Westgate Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach

Excellent customer service

Spacious accommodations

The location is ideal

Things to Do Near the Westgate Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach

Family Kingdom

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

Where to Eat Near the Westgate Myrtle Beach

Tips on how to make the most of your time at the Westgate

Booking Your Trip

See More Things to Do in Myrtle Beach

What to Expect at Pirates Voyage in Myrtle Beach

What to Expect at Medieval Times: Myrtle Beach, SC

Be Charmed by the Miniature Paradise of Brookgreen Gardens in Myrtle Beach, SC

Kidding Around® Myrtle Beach, SC: Things to Do, Where to Stay, and Places to Eat

Our Favorite Nature Walk Near North Myrtle Beach: Vereen Memorial Gardens

Your Next Family Beach Trip Awaits at the Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort

Get Ripley’s Aquarium Tickets

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Your Vacation to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge: Aquarium Must-Sees

A huge pool of sharks and fish

The shark tunnel

Pet a penguin at the penguin playhouse

Touch tanks

Live Shows at Ripley’s Aquarium

Special Events and Field Trips

Sleepovers

Homeschool Programs

Tips on Enjoying Ripley’s Aquarium

Plan Your Visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Where to Stay Near Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Get Ripley’s Aquarium Tickets