A Brit and A Southerner

Why Is the Needles Highway Such An Amazing Experience?

South Dakota

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Aug 15, 2016

Why Is the Needles Highway Such An Amazing Experience?

There are places on earth that are just naturally beautiful. At the same time, there are some natural phenomena that are so unique that you can’t believe they are real. The Needles Highway in the Black Hills of South Dakota is a combination of both. It’s one of those places that you have to see for yourselves, in order to really appreciate how impossible of a geological phenomenon this was to create.

Natural environments frequently offer spectacular scenery but this stunning scenic byway takes this philosophy to the extreme. After taking this breathtaking scenic drive, it’s no surprise to hear that critics have claimed this is an impossible stretch and one that is unbelievable to the naked eye…nevermind thinking about taking a vehicle along this route.

Where is the Needles Highway?

Located at the western edge of Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Needles Highway is an epic experience that you cannot afford to miss. Having spent the morning exploring Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, our plan was to head over to Badlands National Park.

However, when we researched scenic drives in and around Rapid City, the Needles Highway immediately sparked our interest…and we can certainly attest that we have zero regrets.

If you are approaching this drive from Mount Rushmore, you will take a winding drive through the scenic Black Hills and it is about a 30-minute drive to the entrance of Custer State Park from Mount Rushmore.

Admission

We were completely unaware that to take the scenic drive through the Needles Highway, you have to pay the $20 admission fee for Custer State Park. This temporary pass gives you access to the state park for 7 days but of course, we were solely interested in taking the scenic drive.

Is it worth $20 you may be wondering? YOU BET IT IS!! We were a little pessimistic as we handed over our money but that was short-lived. We immediately started the gorgeous drive passing by stunning spires, through intricate tunnels naturally carved into the side of the mountains and sharp turns that require meticulous care as you drive around.

As this drive is closed throughout the winter months, we strongly recommend you plan on visiting this part of South Dakota between spring and fall. We were a little disappointed by the weather conditions that we experienced given the heavy rainfall, but we weren’t going to let a little rain dampen our spirits and enjoy this amazing scenery.

Needles Highway – The Impossible Route

When you think about a 14-mile drive through pine and spruce forests with an array of geological formations surrounding this route, it’s inevitable that you will be intrigued by the potential of this scenic byway.

This roadway dates back to 1922 when construction of this carefully planned route was completed. Former South Dakota Governor, Peter Norbreck, marked the entire course on foot and horseback and after you drive this route I think we will all agree that it was worth the effort.

The Tunnels

On numerous occasions, we stopped before the tunnel because we couldn’t quite believe how narrow they were. I couldn’t begin to imagine a tour bus or larger vehicle navigating along this route but fortunately, we were able to enjoy the scenery and challenges without fearing for our cars safety!

For the bus drivers that drive this roadway, kudos to them for having little fear because you need to be confident and aware of your vehicle size before passing through some of these tunnels.

Here are the dimensions of the two ‘narrow’ tunnels you will encounter on this drive:

8’4″ Wide by 12′ Tall and 9′ Wide by 12’3″ Tall

It’s a cool experience though navigating through them and as long you don’t suffer from serious claustrophobia, you will be completely fine! The Needle’s Eye tunnel is the most famous but mainly because of what you see once you get through to the other side.

The Overlooks and Granite Spires

There are a number of overlooks where you can pull over and admire the panoramic views across Custer State Park. The granite spires are probably the most iconic of all the geological features here and of course help to give the name to this highway.

However, the most challenging and spectacular aspect of this drive are the tunnels that you have to carefully pass through.

Once you pass through the Needle’s Eye tunnel, be sure to check out the actual rock formation where ‘the eye of a needle’ gets its name from. Through the forces of nature, this geological phenomenon was formed and it really is a great representation of the Needles Highway.

The Cathedral Spires are also a popular formation in Custer State Park that can be seen from this scenic drive. For the adventurous folks out there that love hiking and rock-climbing, the Cathedral Spires are a true climbers paradise.

Summary

The beauty throughout Custer State Park and particularly along the Needles Highway may frequently be left in the shadow of nearby attractions like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park but that shouldn’t take anything away from how breathtaking it is here.

Regardless of your appreciation of nature, just taking this drive to admire the beauty will surely inspire you to want to explore more natural landscapes. This was the perfect appetizer for the Badlands Scenic Drive which we experienced later that day. Both are epic drives and certainly South Dakota should now be on your radar for geological beauty!

Have you experienced the Needles Highway? Are the Black Hills of South Dakota an attractive area that you are inspired to visit?

5 Epic Reasons You Should Want to Visit Louisiana

Louisiana

Chris Boothman

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Aug 11, 2016

12

5 Epic Reasons You Should Want to Visit Louisiana

When you visit Louisiana it’s inevitable that you will be sampling a myriad of delicious cuisine while perhaps stumbling across one or unique situations that would only happen in this state. The iconic city of New Orleans is so very different to any other city across the United States and typifies much of the culture and inherent beauty of the state of Louisiana.

It goes without saying that anyone visiting Louisiana will likely have NOLA at the top of their bucket list but we want to introduce a variety of other reasons why you should want to visit the Pelican State. We are delighted to introduce a Louisiana native, Nancie Clark from Aperture Of My Soul, who shares her top reasons for visiting this beautiful southern state.

Living in Louisiana for the past 12 years has given Nancie some great insights to the South, though she is still considered a ‘Northerner’ to her Louisiana friends. There have been times that she has felt culturally uneducated but over the years, she has come to appreciate the rich cultural heritage that is reflected throughout Louisiana. Let’s take a look at why she recommends everyone should head south sooner rather than later.

Plantations

Louisiana’s history is filled with controversial practices. Sugar and cotton plantations were abundant with the majority of the labor being done by slaves. Today, we view slave labor as inhumane. The architectural styles of the plantations vary equally as much as their sizes.

My idea that all plantations are large properties is a misconception. Passed down through the generations, some properties have hundreds of acres, while others only have a limited number of acres remaining of the original land.

Visiting plantations, like the famous Oak Alley Plantation, allows you to appreciate the beauty of the plantation and pay respect to those lives that were the foundation, albeit not of their free will, of Louisiana.

Swamps

I have to admit, my favorite aspect of Louisiana is the swamps. Mysterious, beautiful and wild, the swamps of Louisiana are filled with diverse plant and animal life. There are an abundant number of swamp tours available throughout southern Louisiana. Cypress trees filled with hanging Spanish moss bring out the romanticism of the swamp. With the sharp contrasting danger of alligators sunbathing on a log.

I have taken numerous swamp tours and each one has its own flavor. Riding through the swamps you will see the camps (homes) along the swamp banks and realize that nature and Louisiana culture are closely intertwined.

Parades and Festivals

Who doesn’t know that Mardi Gras rocks in Louisiana? Beginning Jan 6th on King’s Day, Mardi Gras runs through Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Parades, large and small, fill the weekends and some weekdays throughout Mardi Gras. Every year, the Krewes crown Kings and Queens of their parade. Be prepared to yell “Throw me sumthing Mister” in your best ‘Nawlins’ twang. You’re guaranteed to go home with some Mardi Gras beads.

Louisiana is a festival wonderland. Crawfish festival, Boudin (a type of sausage) festival and Jambalaya festival are just a few. You can’t have a festival without some amazing cajun/zydeco music and dancing. Louisianians love to dance! I’ve grown to love zydeco music but have yet to kick up my heels in a Cajun 2-step.

Food

Food in Louisiana is known to be spicy. Tabasco and Tony Chachere’s are like salt and pepper on the table.

Cajun and Creole are often used to describe Louisiana’s native food. Similar in their flavors, Creole is known as “city food” and Cajun as “country food.” For seafood lovers, dishes like shrimp etouffee, charbroiled oysters, crab au gratin never end. Crawfish boils fill the spring months.

Po-boys are another Louisiana favorite. You can enjoy every kind of Po-boy imaginable, including a french fry and brown gravy Po-boy! Yum! On the sweet side, you can’t leave Louisiana without tasting the tempting beignets. Streaks of powdered sugar down the front of your shirt is like your rite of passage as an honorary Louisianan.

New Orleans

No one can visit Louisiana without spending time in New Orleans. An iconic symbol of fun and carefree living, your experiences in New Orleans are only limited by what your time and wallet allow. Walking through the French Quarter during the day, the history of New Orleans is revealed. Royal Street is the quieter art center of the French Quarter. Street artists fill the sidewalks, each with their special style of art for sale.

But when the sun goes down, a different French Quarter awakens. On Bourbon Street, music fills the air and the alcohol and people flow freely. For more music and food, Frenchman’s Street is where the locals hang out.

A trolley ride down St Charles Avenue, reveals a very different side to New Orleans. Beautiful mansions and oak trees are full of southern charm. City Park is the 7th most visited urban public park in the United States. Home to the Art museum, Storyville children’s park, Botanical gardens and many more activities, you can spend a day exploring.

A visit to New Orleans is not complete without a visit to St Louis Cemetery No. 1. Established in the 1700’s, it is the oldest existing cemetery in New Orleans. Other cemeteries like Lafayatte in the Garden District are equally as interesting to stroll around.

Visit Louisiana – Our Thoughts

We fall in love with New Orleans a little more each time we visit! Living in Arkansas, we are a relatively short drive away from a variety of delicious cuisine options that capture our imagination every time we head there.

Whether you want to sample some of the finest oysters from Acme Oyster House or prefer a po’boy from Mother’s, there is a little bit of everything in NOLA.

We loved taking different walking tours around the various districts in New Orleans. A French Quarter walking tour will introduce you to the Napoleonic history here along with the trade industry that once thrived around Jackson Square.

Alternatively, head over to the luxury side of New Orleans and take the Garden District Tour, where the likes of Sandra Bullock and John Goodman reside. It’s also the area where the house in the Benjamin Button movie was filmed. This is also an interesting spot to check out one of the infamous cemeteries (Lafayette) that Nancie mentioned.

I could spend all day sharing our favorite restaurants around New Orleans but be sure to check out our post on Where to Eat in New Orleans for a few of our top recommendations.

Summary

Although the focus of this post has primarily been about New Orleans and some of the surrounding neighborhoods, it’s inevitable that anyone interested in visiting Louisiana will be introduced to an incredibly unique experience. The cuisine is something else and although it may not have the aesthetic appeal that makes you want to dive in (though many would argue with this), I strongly encourage you to give it a try!

Thanks to Nancie for sharing their thoughts on why you should visit Louisiana. In addition to her website highlighted above, you can also follow Nancie on her travels via her social media networks:

Twitter – @Apertureofmysoul
Facebook – Aperture Of My Soul
Instagram – Aperture Of My Soul

Have you visited Louisiana before? Does the allure of New Orleans cuisine and French inspired architecture appeal? What are your top things to do in NOLA?

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5 Epic Reasons You Should Want to Visit Kentucky

Kentucky

Chris Boothman

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Aug 8, 2016

2

5 Epic Reasons You Should Want to Visit Kentucky

Home of the most famous horse race in the world and one of the best bourbons, Kentucky is a certainly a state that should be on your radar if it isn’t already. From the gorgeous and historic Churchill Downs racecourse to the iconic taste of Jim Beam, making time to visit Kentucky is certainly something you should be doing.

We are delighted to introduce Michelle Weigold from The Great Wide Somewhere, who has graciously offered to share her top reasons for visiting ‘The Bluegrass State’. Given that it’s her hometown state, we are fairly confident that we have an expert on board to share her top reasons for visiting Kentucky.

If you are not familiar with what Kentucky has to offer before reading this post, by the time you have followed Michelle’s recommendations, we are sure that you will be ready to book a trip to Louisville or another part of the state sooner rather than later.

The Kentucky Stereotype vs Reality

When most people think of Kentucky, usually the first thing they envision is horse races, big hats, and maybe some barefoot, overall-clad children running around a coal mine in the hollers of the Appalachians. While these images (however stereotypical) do represent portions of the beautiful bluegrass state, there is so much more than merely banjos and moonshine in the great Commonwealth of Kentucky!

As a born and raised Kentucky girl with a penchant for exploration, here are my top five epic reasons as to why you should visit my old Kentucky home.

Rolling Hills, Horses, Bluegrass, and Basketball

If you want to see the Kentucky that most people envision, take a drive near the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The rolling bluegrass fields, white picket fences, and horses happily basking in the sun will make you feel like a character in a storybook.

Towns like Lexington (“The Horse Capital of the World”) provide ample opportunities for views and experiences of the horse industry. Take a drive down Lexington’s Old Frankfort Pike, and see grand horse farms and old southern mansions. Spend a day at the scenic Keeneland race track, admire the athletic beauty of these animals, and learn the art of betting.

Take a stroll across the campus of the University of Kentucky, and get a small taste of the state’s great appetite for basketball too. If you want to experience horses, history, and bluegrass- Lexington is the place to do it!

The Bourbon Trail

A simple truth: If you want true bourbon whiskey, you come to Kentucky. If you want to sample and try its many varieties and note its subtle differences, spend some time on the bourbon trail. The trail is a network of nine distilleries scattered throughout central Kentucky, providing guests the opportunity to visit these beautiful places, sip some bourbon, and get stamps on their “passport”.

Most of the stops offer tours, and the chance to learn the history as well as about the distilling process, all while enjoying gorgeous views. Particularly scenic stops include Makers Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Heaven Hill.

Mammoth Cave

Most people outside of Kentucky have no idea that the state is actually home to the world’s longest network of caves. Yes, you read that right- not just America’s longest cave network – the WORLD’S!

Stretching out over 400 miles of epic passageways, this National Park is mysterious, awe-inspiring, and truly fascinating. Visit the park to go on an underground cavern tour, try your hand at spelunking, or to admire the stalagmites and stalactites, all while dodging those pesky bats!

The Red River Gorge

Located in the mountainous central part of the state, The Red River Gorge is a canyon system near the Red River. It is a protected geological area attracting thousands of campers, rock climbers, and adventure seekers each year.

Natural Bridge State Park is adjacent to this area and is one of the most beautiful hikes in the American south. Part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, this part of the state offers stunning hikes, dramatic cliff-side views, pristine forest, and is a rock climber’s heaven!

Small Towns and Kentucky Hospitality

Kentucky is home to many small towns that epitomize the American south. Walk through any little “map dot” town and you can usually find an old town hall, ‘mom and pop’ restaurants, charming old barns slowly fading away, and friendly locals ready to serve you up some sweet tea and chicken.

Small towns like Rabbit Hash in Northern Kentucky (where a dog is the town mayor and the general store opened its doors in 1820), or Augusta and its picturesque Victorian homes, can give you a little taste as to what you can find in any small town you stumble upon.

The extremely charming and beautiful little city of Bardstown was recently named “the most beautiful small town in America”, and is the site of the official “Old Kentucky Home” – the inspiration behind the great state anthem.

Visit Kentucky – Our Thoughts

I honestly can’t believe that we haven’t explored more of Kentucky given the close proximity to Arkansas. However, our time visiting Louisville was amazing so we are excited to head back and explore more of what Kentucky has to offer. The stereotypical reasons for visiting Louisville were certainly attractive enough for us to head there.

The stereotypical reasons for visiting Louisville were certainly attractive enough for us to head there. After driving back from Cincinnati, Ohio we took an awesome guided tour of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.

I can just imagine the atmosphere inside this venue when the Derby is taking place. Our tour was awesome and we can highly recommend this to anyone, regardless of your interest in horse racing.

We spent a little more time in Louisville on our next visit when we headed to Valhalla for the 2014 US PGA Championship. We spent a day exploring downtown including the infamous Louisville Slugger Museum which provided a great deal of insight into the history of baseball and of course, the iconic bat that we are all familiar with.

But as you can see from Michelle’s review, there is so much to see in Kentucky than just visiting Louisville.

Summary

Who is ready to tackle the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky with us? After reading about all the bourbon spots around the state and the number of samplings you could experience, we are certainly ready to head back to Kentucky and find out exactly why this is such a popular spot for bourbon connoisseurs.

Meanwhile for horse racing aficionados, taking a trip to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby is surely the ultimate experience.

Have you visited Kentucky and if so, what are your must-see attractions around the state? Do you prefer to relax with your favorite bourbon or perhaps get out and explore the natural features of the state (Mammoth Cave and Red River Gorge for example)?

Why Camping in England Is Unlike Anywhere in the World?

Travel Tips

Chris Boothman

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Aug 4, 2016

18

Why Camping in England Is Unlike Anywhere in the World?

“Do you want to go camping this weekend?”…it’s a common question that many of us have been asked throughout the years! “Not in a million years!!”…and that’s a response we frequently hear! The sound of roughing it in the middle of nowhere with a leaking tent, critters wandering across your feet and searing hot temperatures in the middle of summer is understandably not an appealing attraction for everyone. But don’t worry we have a solution. Try camping in England!

The stereotypical camping experience is one that I just described above but when you experience camping around England, it’s a completely different scenario. In fact, if you are fortunate enough to find a campsite similar to ones we have experienced, it may well feel like luxury accommodation. We want to share a couple of our experiences and why camping in England should be on your radar the next time you take a holiday.

Camping in England – Why is it Different?

I want to start with a caveat that of course, not all camping experiences in England are going to be positive! It’s the nature of travel and I’m sure those of you that have camped around England will know where I am coming from.

But before you start associating all camping experiences with a negative connotation, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why we think it’s so different than anywhere else in the world.

Appearance

Campsites around England are generally very well maintained and manicured. Much of our camping experiences (more specifics on this later) has been in Devon and Cornwall and throughout these counties, campsites have a very welcoming appearance that makes you want to stay there.

A typical English campsite will have a shop on site where you can purchase essential food, drink, daily newspapers and basic camping gear if you forget something. Depending on the campsite, you will either have community bathrooms or if you are lucky, private bathrooms where you can enjoy a relaxing shower after a night under the canvas.

Availability

When you travel around England, there are always campsites readily available. Booking in advance is always recommended just like with any type of accommodation but if you prefer to travel spontaneously, you won’t struggle to find a campsite to pitch your tent.

There is a treasure trove of places to explore if you’re considering going camping in England (Visit England)

There are numerous websites available offering the best campsites available within a given location. UK Parks and Pitchup are two alternatives that we have used previously but if you prefer to go directly to the campsite, many have that option too.

Accessibility

If you have camped in other countries such as the United States, you will know that many of the campsites are sometimes difficult to find. Hidden off the beaten path can make it difficult to find but for the most part, you don’t have these issues in England.

As you drive along the motorway or main roads in England, campsites frequently have signs advertising their accommodation options and where you can find them. Alternatively, just use your GPS and the majority of campsites will already be in there.

Affordability

One of the biggest challenges for travelers visiting England is finding affordable accommodation. Well, camping is by far the cheapest option available! You can find high-quality campsites around England for £10-30 per night in the heart of peak season (June-August), with all amenities included.

Electric grass pitches are also available for a slightly higher rate if you need an electric hook-up but just having these various options is something that makes England’s campsites stand out from other countries.

Find the Perfect Tent

Hopefully, you are now convinced that taking a camping trip in England is a feasible option. However, the next step is to find that perfect tent that will be your home for the days and weeks ahead during your holiday. It’s critical that you find the perfect tent that is right for you, dependent upon the number in your party, your luxury desires and of course, your budget.

Whether you want a 2 man dome tent or perhaps a 4 man tunnel tent, the opportunities are endless. When choosing your tent, first choose a design based on your group’s size and whether you need additional space for travel gear or dogs.

It’s also important to consider ‘ease of use’. Remember, if you are road tripping around the country and plan on staying at multiple sites, you will quickly want to become an expert in putting your tent up and pulling it down.

Campsite Recommendations

Throughout my childhood years, we would take family vacations to campsites around England and stay in a caravan which is another awesome way to experience the UK. However, in 2010 I brought Heather over to England for the first time and we spent a month road tripping around and exploring the beauty that lies within this historic nation.

Camping with our trusty tent (though we did have a couple of nerve-wracking experiences when the infamous English rain started pouring in, or so we thought only to find out we didn’t have the door closed properly) was perfect for us providing enough flexibility to allow us to explore to our hearts content.

Here are three of our favorite campsites in various English counties based on our experiences.

Cornwall

Camping in Cornwall was one of the best experiences during our month long England road trip. We stayed at Trevella Holiday Park in the quaint village of Crantock, just outside of Newquay. It’s no surprise at all to hear that Trevella is an award winning campsite as the pristine condition of the whole park was a pleasure to be part of.

Facilities include a café servicing delicious cuisine, crazy golf course and heated outdoor swimming pool to make your stay memorable and relaxing.

Address
Crantock,
Newquay,
TR8 5EW

Tel: 01637 830308
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.trevella.co.uk/

Directions: Click Here for Directions to Trevella Holiday Park in Cornwall using Google Maps

Devon

If you are planning on visiting Cornwall, why not spend some time on the gorgeous English Riviera in Devon. We spent several days exploring the region while pitching our tent at another awesome campsite.

Ross Park Caravan Park is primarily for caravans but there is a leisure field where you can pitch your tent during the summer months. Located in the wonderfully named village of Ipplepen, it is just a short distance from Newton Abbot and Torquay is only about 20 minutes away.

Looking for a few days of solitude and relaxation away from everything? Ross Park is the perfect place for you! Don’t let the sound of pitching a tent on a field fool you because you are able to experience all of the amenities of the caravan site for less than £20 per night.

Address
Park Hill Farm,
Moor Road,
Ipplepen,
TQ12 5TT

Tel: 01803 812983
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.rossparkcaravanpark.co.uk/

Directions: Click Here for Directions to Ross Park Caravan Park in Devon using Google Maps

Isle of Wight

It’s not just mainland England that has amazing campsites! Once you have figured out how to get to the Isle of Wight across the Solent, check out the amazing selection of campsites available. We stayed at The Orchards Holiday Caravan and Camping Park in Newbridge and had yet another great experience.

This was one of the ‘busier’ campsites that we stayed at but the high-quality facilities and high levels of cleanliness were second to none. You don’t even need to leave the park to enjoy Fish & Chips, as the food bar offers a variety of menu options available. I certainly agree with the campsite’s philosophy of having a ‘wide variety of amenities and activities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.’

Address
Main Road,
Newbridge,
PO41 0TS

Tel: 01983 531350
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.orchards-holiday-park.co.uk/

Directions: Click Here for Directions to The Orchards Holiday Caravan and Camping Park on the Isle of Wight using Google Maps

Useful Resources

Also, don’t just take our word for it that camping is the way forward in England! There are a myriad of resources available on the web and also at your local bookshop about camping in England.

I also recommend checking out the awesome Ultimate Camping Guide by Halfords. We recently stumbled across this guide while planning another camping trip in England and found this a great resource not only for beginners but also for those that are experts in the outdoor lifestyle.

Whether you are still searching for the perfect destination in England or just need a handy packing checklist, Halfords has produced a top quality book that is available as either a downloadable PDF or a printed version.

Summary

Camping in England is undoubtedly a unique experience and one that you just have to try for yourselves before comparing it with other countries around the world. Nowhere else have I seen campsites that are quite as luxurious so if you are looking for the luxury camping experience, well England is the country for you.

When Heather and I talk about our favorite trips around the world, we frequently look back on our 2010 camping experience around England. Not only because of the amazing locations and attractions we discovered but because of the overall adventure that we embarked on. Our philosophy for traveling around England is pretty simple now.

Camping + Road trip = awesome adventures

We hope that you are inspired to explore camping options in England and we would love to hear your experiences.

An InLinkz Link-up

Where is the Needles Highway?

Admission

Needles Highway – The Impossible Route

The Tunnels

The Overlooks and Granite Spires

Summary

Plantations

Swamps

Parades and Festivals

Food

New Orleans

Visit Louisiana – Our Thoughts

Summary

The Kentucky Stereotype vs Reality

Rolling Hills, Horses, Bluegrass, and Basketball

The Bourbon Trail

Mammoth Cave

The Red River Gorge

Small Towns and Kentucky Hospitality

Visit Kentucky – Our Thoughts

Summary

Camping in England – Why is it Different?

Appearance

Availability

Accessibility

Affordability

Find the Perfect Tent

Campsite Recommendations

Cornwall

Devon

Isle of Wight

Useful Resources

Summary

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