Page 22 – A Brit and A Southerner

Whistlers Mountain – How to Enjoy the Amazing Jasper SkyTram?

Canada

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Jun 26, 2017

Whistlers Mountain – How to Enjoy the Amazing Jasper SkyTram?

If you are looking for spectacular views across Jasper National Park, why not consider taking a trip to the summit of Whistlers Mountain? More on the name of this later and why you should never confuse this with its more infamous counterpart that has a very similar name. Rather than thinking about plotting your route to the summit of this peak and how long it may take you, the Jasper SkyTram offers the perfect alternative to reach the top of the Canadian Rockies.

During our recent 48 hours in Jasper National Park, our first experience was taking the SkyTram to the summit of Whistlers Mountain. Not only is this a great way to reach the summit and admire the breathtaking panoramic scenery across this gorgeous national park, it is also an opportunity to visit the tallest and highest aerial tramway in Canada.

We want to share our experience visiting the Jasper SkyTram and while you are planning your itinerary for an upcoming trip to Jasper, perhaps you will consider adding this attraction to your schedule.

Jasper SkyTram Information

Let’s start with some of the essential information that we all need to know before visiting any attraction like the Jasper SkyTram. Your initial reaction to the admission price may be a little negative but please be assured that this is well worth the cost, especially given that you can spend as much time as you like at the summit of Whistlers Mountain.

Admission Prices

Adults – CAD 44.95 (USD 34)
Youth (6-15) – CAD 22.95 (USD 17)
Children (5 and Under) – FREE

The Jasper SkyTram also offers a family package deal which allows 2 adults and 2 youths to travel for only CAD 112.85 (USD 85)

Opening Times

March 24 to May 18 – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
May 19 to June 22 – 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
June 23 to September 4 – 8:00AM – 9:00 PM
September 5 to October 29 – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

***Be sure to check the Jasper SkyTram website for all of the latest details on updated admission prices and opening times. The above information is accurate as of the time of publication of this post.***

Whistler Mountain vs Whistlers Mountain

It’s fair to say that many of you reading this post may have seen the title and thought this was about “Whistler Mountain” in nearby British Columbia. Whistler is a major ski resort just north of Vancouver, BC and shouldn’t be confused with its similar name counterpart that we visited in Alberta.

However, despite the obvious differences between the two, both names have a similar heritage. Named after the whistling sound of the marmots that reside in these mountains, Whistlers Mountain and Whistler Mountain are both incredible natural landmarks that are worth visiting.

We saw a number of marmots (large squirrels) during our visit to Whistlers Mountain but fortunately, we didn’t see any that felt in any danger otherwise we would have heard the iconic “whistle” they are renowned for.

When you head to Jasper National Park, don’t forget the following:

Whistler Mountain = Vancouver, BC

Whistlers Mountain = Jasper, AB

Journey to the Top

After arriving at the Jasper SkyTram 15 minutes prior to our departure time, we admired the scenery from the bottom of Whistlers Mountain.

Of course, we had no idea what to expect once we reached the summit and the reality is, the pictures you can take from the bottom are nothing compared to the panoramas available once you reach the top.

We boarded our gondola along with a couple of other folks from around the world and our two tour guides immediately started telling us the history of the SkyTram along with Whistlers Mountain.

The journey takes around seven minutes and as you climb in altitude, it gives you a greater appreciation of the technology used in creating such an awesome aerial tramway.

Our guide pointed out some of the iconic mountain ranges we could see around Jasper National Park while reminding us that the town of Jasper is a great place to explore while taking time away from the natural beauty of the park.

A flight on the Jasper Skytram will truly heighten your senses.

As we approached the half-way point of the ride, we were warned that there may be a slight “sway” but it was hardly noticeable and certainly didn’t take anything away from the scenery. Perhaps we were all transfixed on the surrounding beauty that we didn’t even notice it!

Approaching the summit of the Jasper SkyTram at an altitude of 2277 meters (7472 ft), I took the opportunity to look back down and it’s only then you realize just how high up you in comparison to where you started.

Summit of Whistlers Mountain

The moment you leave the gondola at the top of the Jasper SkyTram, you realize that your experience at Whistlers Mountain is only just starting. Hiking trails that lead all the way to the summit, offer an opportunity for even more spectacular scenes.

For those of you that are a little less adventurous and prefer to stay in the comfort of the Jasper SkyTram station, there are a couple of interpretive boardwalks that you can enjoy.

Whether you are intrigued by the myriad of wildlife that you may stumble across at the summit or simply want to admire all of the towering peaks that rise above the various mountain ranges that surround you, there is plenty of information to ensure you don’t leave without a plethora of knowledge.

Depending on the time of the year you choose to experience the Jasper SkyTram will likely determine how adventurous you want to get on the hiking trails. We visited in what I would determine the “in-between” season where the majority of the ice/snow was melting but there was still enough to ensure the trails were a little tricky.

The hardest part was actually clambering up from the boardwalk to the start of the trail but once we plotted our way through the deep snow, we had the opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous scenery.

Please remember that the alpine environment and weather can be unpredictable. Always be safe, prepared and dress appropriately.

Summit Restaurant

Ready to enjoy a light refreshment or something to warm you after hiking around the summit of Whistlers Mountain? Let’s take a look at the options available at the Summit Restaurant!

I can’t imagine there are many places throughout Jasper National Park that offer the opportunity to have a fine dining experience while admiring such jaw-dropping views. This is exactly what you can enjoy at the Summit Restaurant.

In terms of cuisine options, well there is a variety to satisfy everyone’s appetites. The local favorite is the elk meatloaf sandwich but if this doesn’t appeal, perhaps a burger, butter chicken or fish tacos will intrigue your taste buds. Breakfast is also available between June and September from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

Summary

Our visit to Whistlers Mountain was our first real introduction to Jasper National Park and what a great way to start our visit to this part of Canada! The Jasper SkyTram is an awesome journey and the reward awaits when you admire the 360-degree breathtaking views surrounding you.

Whether you are an avid hiker or prefer to take a relaxing stroll to enjoy the amazing scenery, Whistlers Mountain is undoubtedly one of the best places throughout Jasper National Park to explore.

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Tourism Jasper for providing us with tickets to experience the Jasper SkyTram in exchange for consideration of a blog post review. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

Amazing Things to Do in Jasper National Park When You Visit

Canada

Chris Boothman

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Jun 22, 2017

18

Amazing Things to Do in Jasper National Park When You Visit

When you think about spectacular natural landscapes, it’s feasible that you may think about places like Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon or perhaps the Mighty 5 national parks in Utah. However, after visiting the Canadian Rockies during our recent trip to Jasper and Banff National Parks, we think that this part of Canada is unequivocally superior to anything we have experienced before. If you are looking for amazing ‘natural’ things to do in Jasper National Park, you have come to the right place.

Having spent an amazing two action-packed days exploring Jasper National Park, we can truly attest that this is the epitome of breathtaking natural beauty. I want to add a caveat now to my earlier statement regarding the Canadian Rockies because it’s all down to personal opinion. We LOVE the aforementioned US national parks and would return to all of those in a heartbeat but after exploring much of what Jasper and Banff National Parks have to offer, it’s one of those areas that we literally fell in love with immediately.

And we are convinced that you will too after reading this post along with our series of other posts on this part of Canada. Visiting Canada in 2017 is particularly exciting given that the Maple Leaf Nation is celebrating their 150th anniversary. We were delighted to have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty throughout both Jasper and Banff but for now, we want to focus on the best things to do in Jasper National Park.

Top Things to Do in Jasper National Park

When thinking about the best things to do in Jasper, well the list is pretty much endless! It’s really going to be dependent on how much time you have in this part of Canada but if you are willing to experience action-packed days, you can easily fit a lot of amazing attractions into your itinerary.

We spent a little over 2 days in Jasper and although we feel like we experienced a lot, there is still plenty to more to discover but we will save that for a return trip!

Let’s take a look at some of the top things to do in Jasper National Park. Whether you are a wildlife spotter, a lover of breathtaking panoramic landscapes or simply want to enjoy the peaceful serenity of a glacial lake, Jasper has it all…and much more I may add!

Athabasca Falls
Sunwapta Falls
Maligne Canyon
Maligne Lake
Pyramid Lake
Patricia Lake
Jasper SkyTram – Whistlers Mountain
Athabasca Glacier and Glacier Skywalk
Downtown Jasper
Jasper Planetarium

10 awesome things to do but in order to accomplish all of this, you better be prepared for an action-packed itinerary if you only have a short time in Jasper.

Want to know how we did it? Check out our post on how to enjoy a breathtaking 48 hours in Jasper National Park.

Athabasca Falls

If you love the sight and sound of waterfalls, a visit to Athabasca Falls is something you cannot afford to miss! As we left Jasper en route back to Banff, we headed to this waterfall with very little idea of what to expect. It didn’t take long for us to quickly realize that we were exploring a spectacular part of Jasper National Park.

When I read about Athabasca Falls and found the following statement…I knew this was a place we had to visit to see with our own eyes!

Feel the spray of the Athabasca River as it thunders into the canyon below.

Athabasca Falls is a waterfall on the upper Athabasca River and after visiting here, you will quickly realize why it is renowned as the most powerful. It may not be the largest or the widest but in terms of volume of water that powers through this gorge, it is an incredible sight to behold.

Be sure to take your time walking around the various trails to get a better view of the Athabasca Falls and the beauty of this attraction is that you can literally get “up close and personal” with the falls, yet still within the safe confines of the trail.

Sunwapta Falls

Driving along the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park, it would be remiss of you to forget about another iconic waterfall – Sunwapta Falls! In fact, this is a pair of waterfalls known as the “lower” and “upper” falls.

With a drop of around 60 feet, this is another powerful waterfall that is an appealing sight for those that love this type of natural phenomenon.

“Sunwapta” is a word derived from the Stoney language and means “turbulent water.” It’s rather fitting that this is the description given that you can clamber to the edge of these falls and certainly see and feel the power just a few steps from you (don’t worry, there is a barrier preventing you from falling over the edge).

Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is what I would classify as a “hidden gem” in Jasper National Park. If you are planning on taking the wonderfully acclaimed scenic drive to Maligne Lake to appreciate the beauty of this glacial lake or catch a glimpse of the myriad of wildlife to be found along this route, it’s fair to say that you may drive straight past the entrance to Maligne Canyon without any second thoughts.

However, after taking a short hike through the canyon, we are excited to include this in our list of top things to do in Jasper National Park because this is an awesome experience.

Measuring over 160 feet deep, Maligne Canyon is the deepest gorge in the Canadian Rockies so this alone should make you want to keep this on your radar when planning an itinerary.

Maligne Lake

If you manage to take yourself away from the gorgeous scenes at Maligne Canyon, the scenic drive will culminate in the gorgeous sight of Maligne Lake, a glacial lake that is one of the most photographed scenes throughout Jasper National Park.

You may be wondering why Maligne Lake is such a popular spot for avid landscape photographers? Take a moment to think about an idyllic scene with azure-colored water, towering peaks in the background and the sight of glaciers visible from the banks of the lake, and combine all of this together and you have Maligne Lake.

A boat cruise around Maligne Lake is a popular attraction in the Summer months and we had every intention of experiencing this but unfortunately, we had to experience Maligne Lake in the “thawing” phase as only part of the gorgeous lake was visible and the rest was still frozen. This takes nothing away from the beauty of this natural attraction and it is well worth the 1 1/2 hour drive from Jasper town center.

Pyramid Lake

One of the most convenient natural spots to visit for those staying overnight in the town of Jasper is Pyramid Lake (along with nearby Patricia Lake but more on that later).

Not only does this tranquil environment offer breathtaking scenes with reflections of the mountains frequently occurring on the lake, this is also a popular spot for wildlife to roam.

If you are willing to wake up early and head out to Pyramid Lake, you have a distinct possibility of stumbling across a moose, black or even a grizzly bear! Take a stroll across the boardwalk to Pyramid Island to capture even more spectacular views and you may find this to be the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic to fully appreciate your surroundings.

Patricia Lake

A visit to the more popular Pyramid Lake will at least give you the opportunity to pass another gorgeous natural attraction in Jasper – Patricia Lake. It may not have the same popularity and is frequently left in the shadow of it’s more infamous counterpart but there is nothing that can take away from the beauty of this lake.

Named after Princess Patricia of Connaught, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, Patricia Lake offers a variety of hiking trails back to the town of Jasper or deep into the gorgeous mountains that surround the pair of lakes in this part of the region.

Are you ready for a fun fact that I’m sure most of you didn’t know (because we didn’t)? Patricia Lake is notable for its involvement in World War II with the British-inspired “Project Habbakuk”. A prototype vessel made out of an ice composite known as ‘Pykrete’ was constructed with the hope of creating an unsinkable aircraft carrier.

Obviously, plans to move forward with this project ceased for a variety of reasons but it’s certainly a notable claim to fame for Patricia Lake.

Jasper SkyTram

Are you ready to stand on top of the world? Ok, well that may be a little dramatic but when you visit the amazing Jasper SkyTram, you have the opportunity to rise to the top of Whistlers Mountain where you can admire a plethora of breathtaking panoramic scenes across Jasper National Park.

Without going into too much detail as we will be publishing another post dedicated to our experience here, the Jasper SkyTram is the longest and highest aerial tramway in Canada. After riding a gondola to the summit, you have the opportunity to hike to the summit of Whistlers Mountain.

One final word of caution, be prepared to take an extra layer of clothing because at almost 7500 feet above sea level, it’s a little chilly at the summit!

Athabasca Glacier and Glacier Skywalk

If you are looking for the “highlight” experience in terms of the best things to do in Jasper National Park, look no further than walking on the Athabasca Glacier.

When we read the following statement on Brewster Travel Canada’s website, we knew that this was something we just had to try out for ourselves:

Discover the power of nature on the Glacier Adventure – the must-do experience in the Canadian Rockies (Brewster Travel Canada)

But taking a stroll along a glacier isn’t the only jaw-dropping experience at the Columbia Icefield.

Be sure to purchase the “package” which gives you access to this adventure plus also a journey out into the unknown, or should I say, a death-defying walk along a glass-floored Glacier Skywalk.

Don’t worry, we won’t leave you hanging on the edge too long as we will be posting a review of our experiences here in the near future.

Downtown Jasper

Anyone visiting Jasper National Park will likely want to spend some time in downtown Jasper. When you think about idyllic Canadian alpine towns, it’s fair to say that Jasper pretty much fits the bill.

Filled with a variety of restaurants, accommodation options, gift shops and much more, this town is a great place to relax after a day exploring the natural beauty that surrounds this relatively urbanized area. I say that with a hint of caution because it’s far from an urban community but in comparison with the surrounding untouched wilderness, there is a quite of bit of activity here.

Take a stroll along Connaught Drive and when you first arrive, be sure to head inside the Jasper Information Center. Not only is this packed with plenty of information to guide you on your way around the national park, it’s also a gorgeous building and certainly is the focal point of the downtown neighborhood.

Jasper Planetarium

If you are ready to experience an ‘alternative’ attraction when looking for the top things to do in Jasper National Park, head over to the Jasper Planetarium to learn all about astronomy, enjoy an evening gazing at the stars and take a peek through the largest telescope in the Rocky Mountains.

Don’t let your first impressions of the planetarium impact your opinion on the experience. It may look just like an inflatable tent but once you head inside, you are led on a journey through Jasper and beyond.

Summary

We barely touched the surface of the amazing experiences you can enjoy when visiting Jasper. We hope that you are ready to sample some of the best things to do in Jasper National Park based on our own itinerary but we cannot wait to return to enjoy more of the natural beauty throughout this part of the Canadian Rockies.

I think it’s fair to say that Jasper is frequently seen as the “lesser” known national park given its location next to Banff but we are convinced that anyone visiting this part of Canada should add both to their itinerary. Our favorite attraction in Jasper? That’s an incredibly tough decision but having the opportunity to walk on the Athabasca Glacier was definitely a memorable experience we will cherish.

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Tourism Jasper for collaborating with us on this trip and providing passes to the Jasper SkyTram, Athabasca Glacier, Glacier Skywalk and Jasper Planetarium. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse – How to Enjoy an Amazing Mixology Class?

Kentucky

Chris Boothman

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Jun 19, 2017

7

Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse – How to Enjoy an Amazing Mixology Class?

Are you ready to find your inner flair and a touch of je ne sais quoi flamboyance to create a perfect cocktail using Jim Beam’s finest bourbon whiskey? This is exactly what you should be prepared for when you visit the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse in downtown Louisville to enjoy an epic mixology class experience. Whether you are an expert bartender or don’t know the difference between a whiskey glass and a shot glass, the mixology class is the perfect experience to learn all about the bourbon whiskey cocktail scene.

Bourbon whiskey may not be the first liquor you think about using to create a perfect cocktail but after enjoying a mixology class at the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse, you likely will want to reconsider this thought process. Thanks to our awesome bartender teacher for the night, Daniel, we can now well and truly say that we are experts in the field of bartending!

Ok, so that’s a slight exaggeration…perhaps a HUGE exaggeration, but regardless of our talent levels before and after the mixology class, nothing can take away from the amazing experience we enjoyed thanks primarily to Daniel’s awesome lesson.

If you are planning a bourbon-inspired weekend in Louisville, you have picked the right blog to read! We enjoyed an amazing 48-hours experiencing some of Louisville’s finest bourbon distilleries and we will be posting more of our experiences from around the city. But this post is all about creating that perfect cocktail. Let’s find out how we did and hopefully you will be inspired to add this creative experience to your Louisville itinerary!

Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse Tours

Ready to head downtown Louisville to enjoy one of the amazing tours and experiences at the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse?

If you already enjoyed the Jim Beam American Stillhouse in nearby Clermont, this is definitely a great alternative with a more “modern, urbanized” feel to the location. Both offer a great experience and we highly recommend visiting both Stillhouses if you have time when you are in the Louisville area.

Here is the selection of tours currently available, including the awesome “mixology” class that you can participate in.

Tour the Visitor Center

No reservations are necessary and anyone can just walk inside the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse located on the vibrant 4th Street Live in downtown Louisville to enjoy a small working distillery, a bottling line, a tasting experience and of course, the opportunity to create your very own personalized bottle of bourbon.

Taste of History

For those wandering around downtown Louisville and want a quick introduction to Jim Beam’s iconic bourbon flavors, head inside the Urban Stillhouse and participate in the “Taste of History” tour.

For only $6, you can learn about the history and heritage of this brand while at the same time enjoying a sample of four flights, including the rare Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse Select, only available inside this location. Two other favorite options are chosen by the expert guides while the fourth option is entirely personalized dependent upon your own preference!

Jim Beam’s bartenders and guides will lead you through the process of enjoying the perfect Jim Beam bourbon while also learning about Booker’s signature “Kentucky Chew.” Did I also mention that you get to take home your very own commemorative Jim Beam shot glass?

Tableside Cocktails Tour

We were delighted to participate in a brand new experience that the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse has recently introduced. The “Tableside Cocktails” experience is a great way for anyone to become a bartender in just 30 minutes. These experiences are available every hour between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, Monday through Saturday.

Adults – $18

As there is limited availability on this tour, we strongly recommend making reservations by calling the Urban Stillhouse at (502) 855-8392.

Enjoy A Personalized Mixology Class

Welcome to your very own bartending bourbon 101 mixology lesson!

After briefly speaking with the manager of the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse, we learned that this tableside cocktail experience has only been offered since March 2017, so we were honored to be able to enjoy such a new attraction in downtown Louisville.

I recently read an article on the Insider Louisville website that indicated the following…

Mixology doesn’t have to be intimidating (Insider louisville)

I have to admit that I fell into the category of being slightly nervous about what to expect. These nerves didn’t last long thanks mainly to our awesome guide!

Our personal bartender for the evening was Daniel and we quickly realized this was going to be an awesome experience. He immediately made us feel comfortable despite neither of us having any bartending experience (Heather “claimed” to have some but I will admit that I had zero experience!) and shared a brief history on the use of bourbon in creating cocktail concoctions.

Introducing us to the ingredients that can be used to create the perfect whiskey sour, we were ready to watch Daniel throw together a delicious cocktail. We quickly realized that we should probably pay close attention as it would soon be our turn.

As we learned the difference between a strainer and a shaker and all of the associated techniques to be used with each of the cocktail making tools, we were ready to enjoy the hands-on experience and create something that “hopefully” would be drinkable.

The first step was to mix together the Jim Beam bourbon and the lemon juice. After combining the egg whites, we were ready to add some personalized flavor in the form of jam (or jelly depending on where you are from).

A range of flavors was available from peach jalapeno to blackberry and Heather and I both opted for a different option so that our final cocktails were very different. I think there was a little bit of “internal” competition going on between the two of us but fortunately, Daniel was there to ensure both of us stayed on track!

Creative Cocktails – The Result

I am sure you are ready to find out what our final products looked like. I have to admit, we were both proud of what we created, especially given this was our very first experience in the world of mixology. My creation of a peach jalapeno whiskey sour tasted great though Heather will argue that her blackberry concoction was the better of the two. Either way, both looked great and the taste was acceptable.

Daniel gave us both kudos and although neither of us can compete with his talent in the bartending industry, it’s the experience that makes this such a worthwhile place to visit.

experience first-hand how to craft a truly unique and great tasting cocktail and lots of laughs as you and your friends experiment and enjoy a well-balanced cocktail that will make you the life of any party! (Jim Beam)

The experience is advertised above as having “lots of laughs” and we can both well and truly attest that this is definitely true! Whether we are going to be the life of the party moving forward, well only time will tell, but thanks to Daniel, we can both say that we know how to create a unique Jim Beam bourbon cocktail!

Summary

Visiting the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse and participating in the mixology tableside cocktail experience was one of the most entertaining activities we have done. If you are planning a visit to Louisville to experience the awesome bourbon distilleries, be sure to add this to your itinerary because you won’t be disappointed.

It’s very different to anywhere else in Louisville and offers a “hands-on” experience rather than simply just learning about the history and process of making bourbon and then having the opportunity to sample the different flavors.

You may find the inner bartender inside you or perhaps you will realize that you need to find an alternative industry. Either way, one thing is for sure, you will have an AMAZING time experiencing this and thanks to Daniel, we both cannot wait to go back and enjoy this again!

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Go To Louisville for hosting us on this trip and to Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse for allowing us to participate in the Tableside Cocktails experience. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

How to See Elephant Rocks State Park in the Heart of Missouri?

Missouri

Chris Boothman

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Jun 15, 2017

4

How to See Elephant Rocks State Park in the Heart of Missouri?

Breathtaking natural landscapes and geological phenomena are not necessarily words you would associate with the state of Missouri. However, when you hear the name Elephant Rocks State Park, surely this has to be a really awesome experience? Don’t worry, this state park in the heart of Missouri doesn’t disappoint in a number of ways.

From awesome hiking trails to the amazing sight of huge boulders that create this extraordinary landscape, Elephant Rocks State Park is certainly a location you should consider visiting if you are planning a trip to Missouri. Perhaps the location is a factor that will prevent huge volumes of visitors to this state park but at the same time, I think this is a benefit given that it will help preserve the gorgeous natural phenomenon that can be found here.

Where is Elephant Rocks State Park?

Having spent much of our recent travels heading far and wide away from Arkansas as we embark on visiting all 50 US states, we decided to visit our neighboring state of Missouri to see what Elephant Rocks State Park was all about. Located in the Arcadia Valley area of Missouri, this state park offers a number of attractive reasons that will likely inspire return visitors given the beauty throughout the area.

For those of you unfamiliar with the state of Missouri and the geography surrounding here, Elephant Rocks State Park is a little over an hour south of St. Louis along US Highway 67. Visiting from Arkansas, it was approximately 3 hours from our hometown of Jonesboro.

Whether you intend on spending a full day exploring this state park or perhaps some of the nearby natural attractions, there are plenty of options in this region. We opted to spend a couple of hours early in the morning hiking around Elephant Rocks State Park before taking the short drive north to spend time “exploring off the beaten path St. Louis.”

Braille Trail

It’s all about hiking and exploring when you visit Elephant Rocks State Park. If you are visiting for the first time, we strongly encourage you to take the interpretative “Braille Trail”. This self-guided walking tour allows you to follow a trail specifically designed for everyone to enjoy this amazing landscape.

At various points around the trail, there is interpretive signage providing more information on the landscape and also some history of this state park.

Designed especially for people with visual or physical disabilities in 1981, Braille Trail is the first of its kind in Missouri state parks and is designated as a National Recreation Trail.

Although the estimated hiking time suggests you can complete this 1-mile trail in 30 minutes, realistically you should probably plan on spending more than an hour around here with all the viewpoints available and other off-road experiences you may want to explore.

Engine House Ruins Trail

There is also an opportunity to head off the beaten path and take a more challenging adventure through the natural terrain that makes up this state park.

Known as the Engine House Ruins Trail, this 0.4-mile trail is still relatively easy but offers a different experience to the traditional route that the majority of visitors will stick to.

We opted to explore both trails and although we anything but expert hikers, this was a comfortable yet enjoyable hike with very few other hikers taking the time to head along this route.

Simply follow the blue arrows sporadically affixed to trees and feel free to take your own route to really appreciate the views beyond the bluffs and drop-offs beside the trail.

Depending on the direction you start this trail, the ancient ruins (ok, so it only dates back to the 1890’s) of the Engine House offers visitors the opportunity to view the location where train engines from the Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad were repaired.

Explore the Elephant Rocks

You can hike to your heart’s desire but for most visitors, the highlight has to be the amazing granite rocks that you can clamber over and admire. As you wander out into the open space where all of these giant boulders are located, it’s pretty easy to understand where the name “Elephant Rocks” was derived.

These rocks date back over 1.5 billion years and although this is understandably a popular attraction for children to enjoy, I think we can all find our inner childhood for a few moments to enjoy these awesome natural features.

giant boulders that stand end-to-end like a train of circus elephants

The Missouri State Park’s website elaborately describes these boulders as an “end-to-end train of circus elephants”. I’m not sure that’s exactly how I would explain their appearance but who am I to argue, given that it’s pretty awesome way to vividly describe these geologic formations.

It’s a location that inspires you to take a number of selfies and why not! These rocks provide the perfect backdrop for an amazing family photo or perhaps creating a memory exploring this state park with your hiking buddies.

Missouri Fall Foliage

The beauty of these rocks goes well beyond the historic granite formations. Their location in the heart of gorgeous surroundings creates a myriad of amazing landscape viewpoints.

On a number of occasions as we wandered around the rocks, we just stopped to admire the beauty highlighting the Missouri fall foliage. I’m sure this is pretty spectacular all year round but we felt pretty fortunate to visit while the vibrant colors were in full show.

Having recently spent time exploring the breathtaking fall foliage in Minnesota, we could be forgiven for thinking that Missouri was going to fail at living up to our high expectations. Don’t worry, in the heart of the Arcadia Valley, it’s pretty easy to stumble across a myriad of scenic views across the foliage.

Summary

Elephant Rocks State Park lived up to the high expectations created by its name. We actually visited with pretty low expectations given the remote location in Missouri but we left satisfied that this was a great location to stumble across and one that we look forward to visiting in the future.

For those of you visiting the St. Louis region of Missouri and want a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of city life, consider a short drive south into the rural valley to explore Elephant Rocks State Park. We think that you will be happy with your decision!

What’s the quirkiest/strangest location name that you have visited around the world? Did it live up to expectations? Have you spent much time exploring Missouri?

CabinZero Backpack – How to Enjoy the Perfect Weekend Getaway?

Travel Tech 101

Chris Boothman

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Jun 12, 2017

7

CabinZero Backpack – How to Enjoy the Perfect Weekend Getaway?

Have you ever fallen in love with a product that you can well and truly claim has changed the way you travel? We have enjoyed using a variety of travel products, many from leading brands in the travel industry while others are from up and coming organizations looking to thrive in this saturated market. However, nothing can quite compare to the experience we have enjoyed with the amazing CabinZero backpack!

And we are ready to share our experiences with you and after reading this post, we are convinced that you will be raring to ditch your other travel bags and add a CabinZero backpack to your collection.

Long gone are the days where you need to think about checking luggage along with finding that perfect carry-on to handle a change of clothes and all those valuable tech gadgets. With the CabinZero Backpack range, you can enjoy all of these in requirements in one bag…it’s that simple!

Our CabinZero Experiences

We have been using our CabinZero backpack for a little over two months on a variety of trips, ranging from day trips to long weekend getaways. We have posted product reviews before on our site after one experience but after using these bags on our weekend in St Louis, we knew that we had found something special.

Rather than giving a typical review after a one-time use, this product deserved better and instead, we opted to use this on trips to Louisville, Dallas, Nashville and our biggest test to-date, an international trip to the Canadian national parks of Banff and Jasper over the Memorial Day weekend!

We are actually the proud owners of TWO CabinZero backpacks, notably the larger 44-liter and the smaller 28-liter option. Both are perfect for a weekend getaway and together, they provide an ideal combination for us to explore the world one weekend at a time!

But what makes CabinZero so different to anything else in the market? Let’s take a look at why this brand is creating such a cutting-edge product and how you will quickly fall in love with the perfect companion for your next weekend getaway!

CabinZero Brand

Forget Samsonite, forget The North Face and forget all of those other high-profile brands that have a myriad of products waiting to capture your attention! Take a moment to focus solely on one brand that will change how you travel…WELCOME TO CABINZERO!

It all started in 1993 when founder and current CEO, Neil Varden, headed on a journey or as refers to it “an epiphany” to India to explore and to find himself. Armed with a large backpack, his 6-week journey took him all around but after returning to the UK, he quickly realized two things. Firstly, he had to return to India and secondly, he needed to find a better bag.

Varden returned with a smaller bag and this time experienced India for six months but yet again, his return to the UK revealed a very similar pattern…another trip back to India was needed but this time, with the “perfect” bag!

As we fast-forward to today, we can see how the CabinZero brand evolved! Varden developed a cost-effective solution that would not only satisfy the nomadic traveler but also the every-day traveler looking to head on a weekend getaway aboard the low-cost airlines that are dominating the international market.

Now is also a good time to mention where the name CabinZero comes from?

Cabin Sized = Zero Hassles. CabinZero. Neat huh?

After using two CabinZero backpacks for our recent travels, it’s fair to say they have 100% achieved their goal.

Socially Responsible Brand

Before indulging in the vast array of colors, designs and product lines offered by CabinZero, I want to touch on an important aspect of this brand – social responsibility. All too frequently we hear about brands that offer low-cost solutions across a variety of needs but at what cost “behind the scenes?”

CabinZero is the epitome of a socially responsible brand on a number of fronts.

No Sweatshops – All factories are hand selected by Varden and he, along with his senior management team, frequently visit them to ensure high working standards are in place. All of the factories used are also part of an internationally recognized scheme that is socially responsible ensuring that no sweatshop conditions are experienced.
Quality and Safety – All products are inspected for quality throughout the production lifecycle and final shipment inspections are conducted by CabinZero staff in China or Vietnam. A stringent quality and safety check is a critical component in ensuring that customers are 100% satisfied with their purchases.
Reducing Environmental Impact – Although it’s critical for all CabinZero products to pass regulatory tests, the real benefit in reducing the impact on the environment is the creation of high-quality, durable products meaning that consumers don’t have to constantly throw away bags and replace with new ones.

These are the three key components that CabinZero strives to address with everything they produce but it’s also interesting to note that this brand is committed to supporting charitable organizations in less economically developed countries while maintaining high ethical standards.

Classic 44L CabinZero Backpack

Let’s take a look at our first CabinZero backpack, also known as Heather’s backpack given that she generally takes more clothes! Regardless of whether you are male or female, the 44-liter option is an ideal choice for everyone given that it can accommodate so many items.

Heather is a huge proponent of the vibrant purple color and why not!! It’s gorgeous and makes it easily identifiable in the cabin, especially if there are other backpacks in the overhead space. But the CabinZero backpack is more than just a gorgeous color.

Characteristics

Here are some of the key characteristics that make this our new favorite backpack.

Global Luggage Tracker – Powered by Okoban, there is a built-in global luggage tracker making this safe, secure and creating a worry free product that will give you piece of mind as you travel the world!
Lockable Zippers – You can easily add your own lock to increase the security of this backpack.
10 Year Warranty – The CabinZero brand offers a 10-year warranty on all their backpacks…and for a quick LIKE of their Facebook page, you can increase this to 25 years!

Technical Specifications

Volume: 44L
Weight: 760 grams (approx)
Dimensions: Fits 55 x 40 x 20 cm
Composition, Outer: Waterproof polyester, Lining: Polyester

Our Thoughts

We love how spacious this bag is and regardless of your desire to pack everything but the kitchen sink, we are confident that the 44-liter backpack will accommodate all of your needs. When we first opened the bag, we didn’t realize quite how much we could pack into this bag but we were quickly astounded at just how much we could fit inside the space.

Another feature that I really love about this bag is the simplicity. We have used a variety of bags that have different sized pockets and compartments and although you may think this will help keep you organized, it can actually have the reverse effect because you have no idea where anything is.

I realize that this is a catch-22 situation and everyone has different but I challenge you to consider the CabinZero backpack as a viable alternative to those products with multiple pockets.

Classic 28L Cabin Sized Backpack

For those of you that already have the larger backpack, perhaps you will be intrigued by the smaller version that we have been fortunate enough to enjoy over the last couple of months. It is very comparable to its larger counterpart but marketed as an “ultra-light” option that can still accommodate your travel needs.

The 28-liter CabinZero backpack is the perfect bag for everyday use and also for short weekend getaways. Combine this with the 44-liter, and you have the perfect setup for a longer vacation without having to worry about carrying a number of larger bags.

Technical Specifications

Volume: 28L
Weight: 600 grams (approx)
Dimensions: Fits 39 x 29.5 x 20 cm
Composition, Outer: Waterproof polyester, Lining: Polyester

Our Thoughts

Why is the 28-liter the perfect companion to the larger 44-liter version? Well, it’s the ideal backpack to carry around as you explore on your travels while you can leave your larger backpack in the hotel with all of your clothes. You can easily fit your DSLR camera, laptop, iPad and other tech gadgets with you and still have plenty of space for a waterproof jacket, umbrella and of course, anything you choose to purchase on your travels.

We also think this bag is trendy and modern, particularly because of the vibrant color scheme available but with a variety of colors to choose from, all travelers can benefit from this 28-liter backpack.

Another great benefit of this smaller backpack is that you can take this as your second carry-on item. On our recent trip to Canada, we took both CabinZero backpacks without any issue because the smaller version can simply slide under the seat in front of you…it’s that convenient!

Summary

We LOVE our CabinZero backpacks! It’s such a simple concept but the appearance, quality, and affordability make these great options for all types of traveler. In our opinion, there are just not enough superlatives to describe how awesome these backpacks are.

I know we all frequently read reviews where someone promotes a product and I will be the first to admit that I am generally very skeptical about these. However, we challenge you to check this backpack out for yourself and you will quickly realize why we are so positive. We literally found ZERO negative aspects about these backpacks.

Whether you opt for the larger 44-liter or the compact 28-liter option (or why not both!!), we are convinced that these backpacks will quickly rise to the top of your packing list and ensure that your next weekend getaway is the perfect experience. The concept of packing can be a hugely frustrating, time-consuming and difficult process…not any longer, thanks to the CabinZero backpack product line that is helping transform the way we can travel!

Disclaimer – CabinZero provided us with two backpacks in exchange for consideration of a blog post. The views contained within this post are entirely our personal opinion/experience and we received no final compensation for this.

Jim Beam American Stillhouse – Why Bourbon 101 Is the Best Tour?

Kentucky

Chris Boothman

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Jun 8, 2017

11

Jim Beam American Stillhouse – Why Bourbon 101 Is the Best Tour?

Kentucky may be famous for the iconic horse race that takes place at Churchill Downs every year but I would argue that this state should be renowned for something on a much larger scale – bourbon whiskey! What better place to start your experience that the world’s largest brand of bourbon – Jim Beam. A visit to Clermont, Kentucky, located about 20 minutes south of Louisville, will give you the opportunity to take a guided tour of the historic Jim Beam American Stillhouse.

Anyone visiting the state of Kentucky would be hard-pressed to avoid the sight and indeed smell of bourbon. But why would anyone want to avoid this? Instead, embrace this experience and consider taking an awesome tour around the various distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. For those of you that would prefer to visit just one, after reading this post hopefully you will be inspired to choose the Jim Beam American Stillhouse as your chosen distillery.

Let’s take a look at why our experience in Clermont was the perfect introduction to the world of bourbon whiskey! We enjoyed an epic weekend in Louisville as we enjoyed the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, but we can well and truly attest that the Jim Beam American Stillhouse was the perfect way to start 48-hour hour experience.

Jim Beam American Stillhouse Tour Options

A visit to the Jim Beam American Stillhouse will offer you a variety of tour options. Depending on whether you book in advance may determine the limited options that are available to you. This is unfortunately what happened to us as we failed to book in advance and we were left with only one viable option as we still wanted to experience the distillery tour.

However, with a little more planning you can enjoy the full experience at Jim Beam but after reading this post, you may consider the tour we took to be sufficient to appreciate everything this American Stillhouse has to offer!

Jim Beam Distillery Tour (Including Tasting)

The most popular of all tours lasts 90 minutes and offers visitors the opportunity to explore the entire process of distilling bourbon whiskey at Jim Beam. The final part of the tour offers a tasting of iconic Jim Beam bourbons.

Adults – $14
Ages 7-20 – $7

If you are interested in experiencing the full Jim Beam Distillery Tour, be sure to make an advanced reservation here: Jim Beam Distillery Tour

Jim Beam Bourbon Bar/Taste of History

If you have already sampled the distillery tour and simply want to return to Clermont to enjoy a traditional bourbon beverage, why not participate in the new “Jim Beam Bourbon Bar” cocktail experience? For only $8, you can appreciate the versatility of bourbon with a perfectly concocted cocktail.

Whether it’s a traditional Old Fashioned or perhaps something with a little more flair, visitors can enjoy a unique cocktail in the bar next to the tasting room!

Tickets can be purchased at the main desk before heading over to enjoy your favorite whiskey inspired cocktail!

Jim Beam Bourbon 101

I think it’s fair to say that we were pretty fortunate to stumble across the Jim Beam Bourbon 101 tour.

We had every intention of taking the full distillery tour but unfortunately, all of the tours for that day were sold out. However, the Bourbon 101 tour is a condensed version that pretty much offers much of the same experience but lasts only 45 minutes.

Adults – $10
Ages 7-20 – $5

Be aware that the Bourbon 101 tour tickets are sold on a first come, first serve basis at the front desk of the American Stillhouse and unlike the full distillery tour, online reservations cannot be made in advance.

History of Jim Beam

Our tour started inside the American Stillhouse as our guide greeted us before leading us outside to board one of the shuttles that would take us into the heart of the distillery. The short journey from the Stillhouse gave our guide the opportunity to give us a quick history lesson and share the seven generations at Jim Beam.

Seven generations, more than 200 years, countless challenges and one goal: to make the best bourbon in the world.

It all started in the 18th-century when Jacob Beam sold his first barrel of Old Jake Beam in 1795. David Beam continued the growth of the distillery in the first part of the 19th-century followed by David M. Beam, but perhaps the iconic figure in the timeline was the fourth generation, Colonel James B. Beam.

Shortly after Prohibition ended, James Beam was inspired to rekindle the brand by rebuilding the distillery in Clermont that we see today. Following the completion of the distillery, the infamous “Jim Beam” was unveiled and ever since that historic day, it’s been the number one bourbon throughout the world.

T. Jeremiah Beam was the final “Beam” in the legacy as the Beam brand was forced to pass the reins to Fred Booker Noe II. Renowned as “The Innovator,” Noe revitalized the declining bourbon category with his legendary Small Batch Bourbon Collection.

Fred Noe became today’s master distiller and introduced many of the flavors that we see on the market such as Red Stag, Honey, Apple, and Maple.

Bourbon 101 Guided Tour

Do you know the five criteria that have to be met in order for a whiskey to be classified as a bourbon? You can learn all of this along with step by step details of the various processes that go into the distilling of bourbon whiskey on the Bourbon 101 tour at the Jim Beam American Stillhouse.

Here are the five rules that every aspiring bourbon maker has to satisfy:

It must be made in the United States – Although 95% of the world’s bourbon is made in Kentucky, as long as it is made in the US, it can be classified as such!
The mash must comprise of at least 51% corn.
Aging has to take place in a new, charred, oak barrel.
Whiskey cannot enter a barrel at higher than 125 proof and cannot be bottled at less than 80 proof.
Only water can be added and only if it is being used to reduce the proof.

So how does it all start? Well, the perfect mash comprises of a secret mix of corn, rye, and barley malt. Our tour started in a cool room where our guide shared the history of Kentucky’s limestone filtered water and how it is used to create the perfect mash. But of course, the secret ingredient of yeast is a closely guarded family secret but adding this is what ensures Jim Beam’s iconic taste remains consistent.

Walking through the small distillery learning about the fermentation and distilling processes was an eye-opening experience and our guide even gave us the opportunity to sample the distilled bourbon before it heads into the oak barrels to age for several years.

Bourbon Tasting 101 Experience

Anyone visiting the Jim Beam American Stillhouse will likely have one thing in their mind, having the opportunity to sample some of this brand’s iconic bourbons.

If you enjoy the Bourbon 101 tour, another key benefit of the condensed experience is that you don’t have to wait as long before sampling three of your favorite bourbon drinks.

Before indulging in Jim Beam’s iconic flavors, our guide gave us a quick overview of the best practices to follow when sampling this drink. There are actually four distinctive stages that we should all experience in order to fully appreciate bourbon whiskey.

Study the color – Each bourbon has a distinctive shade associated with the flavor. A lighter amber indicates a lighter flavor.
Nose the bourbon – Before enjoying your first smell of bourbon, be sure to open your lips so that you can breathe through your mouth.
Take a taste – Don’t forget the “Kentucky Chew” experience! Take a small sip of bourbon and let it swirl around the roof of your mouth before sucking in a little air to gargle it, allowing all of the flavors to hit the tip of your tongue.
Enjoy the finish – Bourbon isn’t cheap so ensure that you enjoy every last sip!

Visitors are handed a credit card loaded with three credits so that you can wander around the tasting room and enjoy your very own personalized tasting experience!

Our guide gave us a brief overview of all 18 flavors available, ranging from the traditional Jim Beam bourbon to the new whiskey flavors that are becoming more and more popular in the market.

However, there is one piece of advice that was best said by Fred Noe when describing the best way to drink bourbon…

Drink it any damn way you please (fred Noe)

Summary

Whether you prefer a classic Jim Beam bourbon such as “Jim Beam Black” or one of the innovative flavors, a visit to the Jim Beam American Stillhouse is definitely the place to go to learn all about this iconic brand. For the bourbon connoisseurs out there that enjoy small batch collections, the Knob Creek flavors are also available, so it’s fair to say there is pretty much everything you need to enjoy bourbon whiskey.

After enjoying the Bourbon 101 tour, we would argue that this is the best way to enjoy the Jim Beam American Stillhouse. Although I cannot comment on the enjoyment level in the full distillery experience, for those of you that prefer condensed versions of tours, this is definitely an awesome alternative.

Regardless of whether you are a bourbon expert, the Jim Beam American Stillhouse experience is for everyone to enjoy. Undoubtedly the best part is at the end when you can enjoy your favorite bourbons but be sure to appreciate all of the history throughout this distillery in Clermont.

Are you a fan of Jim Beam bourbon whiskey or do you prefer other brands?

How to Appreciate a Visit to the Huntsville Botanical Garden?

Alabama

Chris Boothman

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Jun 5, 2017

0

How to Appreciate a Visit to the Huntsville Botanical Garden?

Anyone that has visited a botanical garden may be under the illusion that it’s all about a variety of floral species in a perfectly manicured setting. If that’s your impression of a botanical garden, that’s perfectly fine and to an extent, that’s pretty much what they are all about. However, after spending a few hours at the Huntsville Botanical Garden during our recent visit to the Rocket City, I have come to the conclusion that there is a much deeper appreciation that we should all have when visiting this type of attraction.

After reading that last paragraph, you may be thinking that I am becoming this huge botanist and I am going to start relaying a myriad of floral descriptions and highlighting the science behind this domain. Botany is understandably an intriguing subject to many but by all accounts, I’m just not into all of that. However, one thing is for sure, I can certainly appreciate a gorgeous location portraying floral varieties from across the globe.

Let’s take a look at our journey through Huntsville Botanical Garden and perhaps by the end of our story, you too will have a greater appreciation of botanical gardens in general.

Huntsville Botanical Garden Information

A visit to a botanical garden may not necessarily be something you would associate with the city of Huntsville, particularly when the amazing US Space and Rocket Center or the historic antebellum homes of the Twickenham historic district awaits you. However, if you choose to add Huntsville Botanical Garden to your itinerary, I don’t think you will leave disappointed.

The spectacular array of flowers on display throughout the 112-acre oasis in Huntsville makes this a no-brainer in our opinion! You can quite easily spend several hours exploring this venue and this is one of the most affordable attractions in the city. Alabama may not be the first state you think of visiting for botanical gardens but I would argue that this should be on your radar.

Admission Prices

Adults – $12
Children (Age 3-18) – $8

One of the benefits of Huntsville Botanical Garden is that it is open all year round! For those visitors exploring Huntsville between November to February, you can save $2 on admission prices.

As always, we recommend checking out the website for the latest prices as the above are only accurate at the time of publication.

Opening Hours

April to September – Monday to Thursday (9:00 AM to Dusk); Friday & Saturday (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM); Sunday (11:00 AM to 6:00 PM)

October to March – Monday to Saturday (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM); Sunday (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

Address

4747 Bob Wallace Avenue,
Huntsville, AL 35805
Tel: (256)830-4447
Website: http://hsvbg.org/

Eloise McDonald Propst Guest Center

From the moment we pulled into the parking lot at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, I knew that were getting ready for an awesome experience. The sight of the Eloise McDonald Propst Guest Center is enough to make you realize that this is an amazing attraction worth visiting.

If you have been following our travels over recent years, you will know that I am fond of gorgeous architecture and I was immediatley attracted to the design of this Guest Center. I realize that the botanical garden isn’t trying to focus your attention on this part of the experience but it’s certainly a great way to welcome visitors.

A plethora of information is available inside along with a gift shop where you can purchase memorabilia to remind you of your visit to Huntsville. After talking to the knowledgeable folks inside the Guest Center, we headed outside to yet another breathtaking sight.

The view overlooking Little Smith lake with the fountain in the middle is a real sight to behold. Welcome to Huntsville Botanical Garden!

Self-Guided Tour

The beauty of this botanical garden is that you walk at your own pace and explore any different area that you wish. All of the different segments to this garden offer a unique reflection on a different aspect of botany.

Whether you are intrigued by a spectacular array of hydrangeas or perhaps you enjoy wandering through a deciduous trail of evergreen azaleas, you can be sure that your journey through Huntsville’s natural paradise will leave you eager to return.

Be sure to collect a map of the gardens before heading out of the guest center because you won’t want to miss everything this attraction has to offer.

You can also download a copy online before heading to Huntsville: HSVBG Map.

Let’s take a look at a couple of our favorite spots around the garden that we don’t think you can afford to miss!

Four Seasons Garden

The picturesque abundance of floral beauty is scattered through the 112 acres. However, one area in particular that you cannot help but love is the Four Seasons Garden located in the heart of the botanical garden.

Easily accessible from the paved walkway that winds through the gardens, an area spanning two acres offers a broad variety of floral species that generate a mass of color and contrast all year round.

From flowering shrubs to a diverse selection of trees, this part of Huntsville Botanical Garden is a botanist’s dream, especially if you are fond of plant species that can flourish in all climates.

This is understandably one of the most popular spots for visitors, particularly as it’s en route to the gorgeous aquatic garden that we immediately fell in love with!

Damson Aquatic Garden

It’s not every day that you get to relax by a gorgeous water feature with Canadian geese and their offspring wandering around right in front of you!

This is exactly what we experienced at the breathtaking Damson Aquatic Garden and this is certainly a part of the botanical garden where you can easily lose track of time.

A scattering of water lilies can be seen flourishing in the 100-foot pool while the aquatic pavilion is the perfect place to relax while enjoying wildlife settling in to their natural habitat.

This is certainly the quintessential representation of a thriving ecosystem as the whole community here creates the perfect environment for visitors to enjoy and embrace the beauty of nature.

Purdy Butterfly House

Did you know that Huntsville was home to the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house? The Purdy Butterfly House consists of an area of 9,000 square feet and allows over 2,000 butterflies the opportunity to fly around in this open space.

Combine this with an assortment of other wildlife including frogs, fish and turtles, and you have another epic example of a blossoming (pardon the pun there given that we are at a botanical garden!) ecosystem thanks to the maintenance and preservation of this location.

If you are interested in visiting the Purdy Butterfly House and want to experience the myriad of butterflies around you, be sure to book a visit to Huntsville between May and September as outside of these months, given the open-air setting, the butterflies are not here!

Summary

After reading this post, I hope you are as excited about visiting Huntsville Botanical Garden as we were during our experience. Many botanical gardens around the world offer very similar experiences but there was something quite unique and almost magical about this attraction.

I think when you can visit an affordable attraction and be able to spend all day enjoying the beauty, you know you have found somewhere that is well worth returning to. This is exactly how we feel about Huntsville Botanical Garden!

How to Enjoy a Weekend in Louisville on the Bourbon Trail?

Kentucky

Chris Boothman

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Jun 1, 2017

5

How to Enjoy a Weekend in Louisville on the Bourbon Trail?

When you think about Louisville, Kentucky, what’s the first thing that springs to mind? Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, also known as the most famous horse race in the world. Or perhaps the Louisville Slugger Museum, an iconic location home to the famous “Louisville Slugger” baseball bat which is made here. Either of these answers is certainly accurate but we want to share another iconic reason for spending a weekend in Louisville…the Kentucky Bourbon Trail!

Louisville is home to a myriad of distilleries that are part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and what better place to start your experience learning about bourbon whiskey than in the heart of the city itself.

We were fortunate to spend a recent weekend in Louisville experiencing several of these historic distilleries and although we are anything but bourbon connoisseurs, we can well and truly attest that this was a valuable experience that we hope will inspire you to visit after reading our post.

Whether you are a Jack Daniels whiskey fan and have experienced the Jack Daniels Distillery Tour in Lynchburg, Tennessee (shhh…we shouldn’t be mentioning that name around these parts of Kentucky) or you love a sip of the finest Johnnie Walker Scotch from across the pond, experiencing the Kentucky Bourbon Trail dedicated to learning all about the history of bourbon is definitely something you will enjoy.

Weekend in Louisville

A visit to Louisville doesn’t necessarily have to focus solely on sampling the finest bourbons in the world. But if you have the slightest interest in allowing your taste buds to experience a variety of flavors in the bourbon line, you are certainly in the right place!

Our visit to Louisville saw us experience a couple of different iconic distilleries, some of which are within walking distance of our downtown accommodation while others are just a short drive away.

Be prepared to allocate some time to experience the bourbon trail but also don’t forget to experience some other awesome attractions, including the aforementioned Slugger Museum and Churchill Downs and a couple of other entertaining options that we enjoyed on our recent visit.

Here is a brief overview of some of the attractions we sampled during our action-packed 48 hours in Louisville!

Jim Beam American Stillhouse
Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience
Muhammad Ali Center
Belle of Louisville and Spirit of Jefferson River Cruise

It’s a long list of things to do but Louisville is one of those cities that you cannot help but fall in love with, especially when you can sample a few glasses of bourbon at each location! This post will cover our bourbon tour (those highlighted in red) but this is just a small selection of places you can visit along the Urban Trail.

Before exploring why this was such an entertaining weekend, let’s take a look at our recommended hotel option if you are planning on staying in downtown Louisville.

Where to Stay in Louisville?

Ready to head on your very own “urban bourbon trail?” If you are planning your route around Louisville’s downtown distilleries, it’s likely that you will want somewhere to stay where you won’t have to worry about driving!

Don’t worry, we have the perfect accommodation option that is affordable, trendy, modern and is in the optimal location to take advantage of many of Louisville’s bourbon scene. Welcome to the Aloft Louisville Downtown!

Located directly on Louisville’s infamous “Whiskey Row”, the Aloft Louisville Downtown is everything you could possibly need in a hotel.

Relax in the gorgeous lobby area on the ultra-modern sofas or enjoy your favorite beverage (in addition to 60+ bourbon selections!) at the Corner Restaurant and Bar.

Our room continued the theme of modern luxury with a hint of local flavor as we enjoyed a gorgeous Louisville montage above our bed. We had all the amenities we needed to ensure our stay was ultimate perfection.

I have to admit the hardest part was getting up in the morning because the bed was incredibly comfortable. But with the thought of bourbon on our mind, we headed on our adventure around the Kentucky Bourbon Trail!

We will be sharing a more in-depth review of what we consider to be the best downtown hotel in Louisville!

If you are already convinced that this is the perfect place to stay, check out the latest rates and availability here.

Jim Beam American Stillhouse

When you think about iconic bourbon whiskeys, what’s the first brand on the tip of your tongue? If you are novice like we were, it’s plausible that the only brand you can name is Jim Beam! Please forgive our ignorance but that’s the idea behind experiencing the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as it will certainly broaden your horizons and quickly make you more knowledgeable about this iconic drink.

Our adventure around Louisville started in nearby Clermont, Kentucky, home of the original Jim Beam American Stillhouse. Located about 20 minutes south of downtown Louisville, this is a great option to experience if you are heading to the city from the south (experiencing a weekend in Nashville is a viable option if you want to visit both Tennessee and Kentucky on your trip!).

A word of warning before heading to this attraction, be prepared to go early in the morning to book tickets if you are looking to experience the full guided tour. We unfortunately arrived early afternoon and missed the full tours but the “Bourbon 101” tour is definitely a great alternative.

After experiencing a great tour of the distillery (apparently a shortened version), we headed to the tasting room to sample three of our favorite Jim Beam flavors. Whether you are a traditionalist and want to enjoy the Jim Beam Single Barrel or perhaps one of the modern flavors (peach, black cherry, honey et al.), there are 18 different options to choose from.

As our tour guide eloquently informed us, if you are visiting the Jim Beam American Stillhouse on your own, be sure to quickly make some friends and you can enjoy multiple samples!

Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse

After experiencing the original Jim Beam American Stillhouse, it’s no surprise that we were ready to enjoy the modern version of the Urban Stillhouse on 4th Street Live! in downtown Louisville. We checked in to the Aloft Louisville Downtown hotel and took the short walk over to enjoy our epic experience….and EPIC doesn’t begin to explain how amazing it was!

Are you ready to be a bartender for the evening? This is exactly what you can experience at the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse when you take the mixology class. We had our very own private bartender, Daniel, who gave us step by step directions on how to make the perfect whiskey sour.

An interactive experience allows you to show all of your hidden bartending skills and create the perfect concoction. I have to admit that Heather was a real natural (I’m sure she has done this before and never told me!) and although I struggled a little to grasp the fine intricacies of creating a whiskey cocktail, it was a memorable and enjoyable experience!

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

When Evan Williams emigrated to the States from his homeland of Wales, he set about creating a precedent in the state of Kentucky with his iconic bourbon flavor. In 1782, Williams opened Kentucky’s first commercial distillery and to this day, the brand has honored his name and created an interactive experience for visitors heading to Whiskey Row.

Entering the distillery located along Main Street, you are greeted by a huge whiskey glass in the window that has been transformed into a water feature, providing a representation of bourbon pouring over the glass. Be sure to grab a selfie here before organizing a guided tour of the distillery.

Although this location is downtown and you don’t get the same experience (i.e. the smell of bourbon isn’t apparent here) as a distillery in a rural spot, this is definitely a well organized experience where you can learn all about the history of bourbon.

Our tour guide told us that the Evan Williams distillery is probably the best distillery to start at if you are planning a tour of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, primarily because of the history and how you gain a better understanding as to the process and timeline of bourbon production over the last 200+ years.

Visitors can enjoy an artisanal journey through history before heading to The Phil Hollenbach Co. bar to enjoy another sampling of bourbons in addition to a special surprise that provides the perfect accompaniment to your final tasting.

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience

Although we headed to the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience knowing that this was going to be our final stop on this bourbon trail, we were excited to learn about how this brand has developed and transformed the original Stitzel-Weller distillery into today’s Bulleit brand that I am sure many of you are familiar with.

Originally opened on Derby Day in 1935 and reopened to the public in 2014, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery is one of the true cathedrals of the American whiskey

When you approach Bulleit, it’s noticeable that the gated entrance still advertises as the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in honor of the original founders of this location. The dilapidated appearance of the rickhouses made it appear that this was an abandoned property and until recently, this was a reality.

However, the transformation and re-opening of this distillery helped the Buleit brand expand their growth and today, visitors can experience everything that has taken place at this historic distillery.

A traditional tour experience is led by a knowledgeable guide who shares the history, development and present day practices of the Bulleit whiskey company. The finale saw us enter Tom Bulleit’s office and sample three of his iconic whiskey flavors.

Summary

You would think that after sampling these four awesome and distinctive distilleries that we would be getting tired of the smell, sight and taste of bourbon. It actually had the opposite effect and we are already planning a return trip to Kentucky to sample more of the distilleries on the Bourbon Trail.

Whether you are contemplating a weekend in Louisville to experience something similar or simply passing through this gorgeous city, be sure to add at least one of these bourbon distilleries to your itinerary. You won’t regret the decision! The difficult aspect is picking which one to visit…in our case, we recommend all four of them.

You may be wondering why we haven’t indicated our favorite bourbon? Well, that’s purely because it’s incredibly difficult to choose between all of them as each one has a unique flavor. Personally if I had to pick one, I would go with Evan Williams as there was a much sweeter taste to the bourbon. But I think it’s fair to say you can’t go wrong with any of these iconic bourbon brands!

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Go To Louisville for hosting us on this trip. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

St. Augustine – Why Is the Oldest City in the USA So Amazing?

Florida

Chris Boothman

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May 29, 2017

4

St. Augustine – Why Is the Oldest City in the USA So Amazing?

Did you know that the oldest city in the USA is St. Augustine, Florida? I will be completely honest and say that I had no idea. St. Augustine is famous in the world of golf given that it is home to the iconic World Golf Hall of Fame museum which inducts golfing legends but when it comes to American history, I had no clue that this city in north-east Florida was so iconic.

In fact, I still can’t believe it because when you think about American history, you normally associate the early colonies in states like Virginia and Massachusetts rather than Florida. But heading to Jacksonville on our July 4th weekend road trip, we realized that this was the perfect time to explore St. Augustine and understand the history behind the city that has recently celebrated its 450th birthday (September 2015).

St. Augustine – Oldest City in the USA?

Let’s take a step back in time to look at the history of America.

The Roanoke colony was established in 1585, Jamestown in 1607. The pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620.

The above quote highlights what many believe to be three of the most iconic dates in American history. However, where does St. Augustine fit into this historical timeline? The first permanent settlement dates back to 1565 when the Spanish explorer, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, landed ashore in Florida and named the location St. Augustine after the patron saint of brewers.

The history of St. Augustine never receives the same attention as the locations mentioned above given that the narrative generally dates back to the English story of Jamestown and the pilgrims.

However, the hope is that more people will realize that St. Augustine deservedly sits at the top of the hierarchy when it comes to American history and after exploring this beautiful Florida destination, the city is certainly doing all the right things to attract more folks to this part of the country.

Downtown Historic District

As we entered the city limits of the oldest city in the USA, we immediately realized that St. Augustine was a city to experience either on foot or taking the quirky trolley that navigates visitors around.

We parked in the garage directly behind the St. Augustine & St. Johns County Visitor’s Information Center. Parking is only $12 for the day which I thought was pretty reasonable, especially given you could spend all day exploring this historic downtown area.

We spent some time inside the Visitor Center gathering some additional information and a handy map of the downtown area. After only a few minutes of walking around, the weather took a turn for the worse and we encountered a typical Florida summer storm that lasted for quite some time.

Fortunately, we had umbrellas and headed into a quirky undercover neighborhood at the start of St. George Street. A variety of stores grabbed our attention, not only because of the weather and our desire to stay dry indoors but also because of their bizarre yet attractive decor and merchandise.

The Black Parrot Candy Shop immediately pulled us through the door, primarily because of the nostalgic candy available and refreshing selection of frozen drinks. Don’t worry, if you don’t have a particularly sweet tooth, this is also home to a wide selection of barbecue and hot sauces that you can sample. Beware some of the hotter alternatives because they are pretty spicy!

St. George Street – Heart of St. Augustine

Much of downtown St. Augustine is located along St. George Street, a pedestrian only zone where no vehicles are allowed. From boutique souvenir shops to local restaurants, there are plenty of attractions here to capture your attention.

Located on the corner of St. George and Tolomato Street is an iconic construction in the city of St. Augustine. The Oldest Wooden School House dates back to the early 18th century though an exact date of construction is unknown.

Take some time to admire how this red cedar wooden construction has served the test of time thanks to the preservation of the local government.

As we continued walking along St. George Street, it was impossible to avoid noticing the Spanish inspired constructions along with the vibrant colors typical of a Spanish neighborhood. There are a few spots along here that reminded me of our experiences in Barcelona as we explored some of Antoni Gaudi’s famous work.

Even jewelry stores are located in buildings such as Casa Rodriguez, certainly not an architectural design that you would associate with a typical Kays or Zales in cities around the country.

Another interesting aspect of St. George Street is how many of these historic buildings have been renovated to create indoor malls with a variety of small stores offering local merchandise and souvenirs. Take some time to visit St. George’s Row and The Spanish Plaza and although you may not find anything worth buying, it’s a pretty cool experience to wander through and check out everything St. Augustine has to offer.

Best Restaurants

Rather than debating over where the best restaurants are located in St. Augustine, I am just going to share our personal experience. After researching several spots, we decided to visit The Prince of Wales, a British pub located on the corner of Spanish Street and Cuna Street.

When you think of stereotypical British pubs, the outside of the Prince of Wales is anything but a typical reflection. However, this quaint building certainly grabbed our attention and we headed inside to sample some fine British cuisine. We didn’t leave disappointed! The interior of this pub is everything typical of what you associate with England.

From the infamous “British police bobby helmet” that was on the wall to the malt vinegar and HP sauce on every table, it certainly made me feel right at home. The menu offers a variety of options at very reasonable prices, though I went for the ‘small’ Fish and Chips and Heather ordered a Beef & Guinness Pie with mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Our friendly Scottish waitress was always on hand to refill our drinks (not something that you would normally encounter in England given there are no free refills) and we didn’t have to wait very long for our food.

We actually shared both dishes though Heather’s meal was a little on the cold side. Despite this, we really enjoyed our dining experience and this gave us enough sustenance to continue our journey exploring St. Augustine.

After enjoying your main meal, take a trip to Kilwin’s and enjoy one of their famous caramel apples or perhaps sample their decadent ice cream selection.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

If you are looking for iconic focal points throughout St. Augustine, well there are plenty of them. We mentioned the Oldest Schoolhouse earlier but a short walk down St. George Street from here will lead you to the site of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. This historic cathedral has played an integral role in the history and development of the city and was first constructed in the late 18th century.

However, the history of this cathedral dates back to when the Spanish first found St. Augustine in 1565. It is the oldest church in the state of Florida and offers a typical architectural construction of neoclassical and Spanish mission design. If you are familiar with the San Antonio Mission Trail, I am sure you will spot a few key features here that remind you of this design.

Castillo De San Marcos National Monument

If you are looking for the most iconic landmark in St. Augustine related to the history of the United States, look no further than the Castillo De San Marcos national monument.

Located in the north part of the city, this landmark symbolizes the clashes of cultures that took place here. The cultural influences on St. Augustine are apparent throughout the city but none more so that at this historic monument.

Much of the original architecture has been preserved to this day at the Castillo De San Marcos and it is a perfect example of a bastion system of fortification. It reminded me of our experience at the Historic Fort Morgan site in Gulf Shores, Alabama which has the same type of fortified remnants that visitors can explore.

Summary

If you want to visit the oldest city in the USA and learn about the rich history there, then taking a trip to St. Augustine will certainly intrigue you. Although we only spent an afternoon wandering around the historic colonial quarters, it was enough to give us a sneak preview of everything St. Augustine has to offer.

The sense of European heritage is clearly apparent with the vibrant architecture and presence of various British restaurants. With St. Augustine being just a short drive from Jacksonville, it’s inevitable that if you are visiting North-East Florida you will want to take some time to visit.

Have you visited St. Augustine, Florida? Do you prefer exploring historic American locations vs. modern destinations around the country?

Enjoy an Amazing Tour of the Twickenham Historic District

Alabama

Chris Boothman

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May 25, 2017

3

Enjoy an Amazing Tour of the Twickenham Historic District

Take a moment to think about relaxing in an idyllic antebellum home with a gorgeous garden and the sound of birds chirping away in the background. For many of us, this may be a distant dream but for those fortunate enough to live in the spectacular Twickenham historic district in Huntsville, Alabama, this is a reality they can wake up to every day. If you have never visited Huntsville, you are in for a real treat with the breathtaking collection of antebellum homes on display in this lavish neighborhood.

During our recent visit to North Alabama for the TBEX travel bloggers conference, we spent a couple of hours wandering around the Twickenham district. I love the history behind this part of Huntsville and appreciate why this is such a popular part of the city that the local community is proud of.

If you are avid architecture aficionado, it’s a no-brainer that the Twickenham historic district should be high on your radar. If not, well there are plenty of other things to do in Huntsville to keep you occupied.

The city offers a number of walking tours around this historic neighborhood given the popularity among visitors but we think that a self-guided tour is just as rewarding. Hopefully, our guide will give you a few ideas as to the best streets to wander down and perhaps inspire you to visit in the near future.

The Antebellum Era

We always hear the term “antebellum” when we are describing gorgeous architecture in the Garden District of New Orleans, or in this case, the Twickenham historic district in Huntsville. It’s fair to say that this style of architecture is beautiful but what exactly are we talking about in terms of the historic period?

The Antebellum Period in American history is generally considered to be the period before the civil war and after the War of 1812. (History.net)

This thriving era is certainly one that can be renowned as being a period of economic growth, primarily because of the plantation system. However, as with all economic upturns, there will always be a negative connotation associated with it. This is where the topic of slave labor comes to fruition and certainly, Alabama is one of the many Southern states that have been at the forefront of mass slavery arguments in recent years.

Let’s focus on the positive attributes of the antebellum era, particularly the gorgeous architectural constructions that collectively form the Twickenham historic district.

History of Twickenham District

Huntsville’s area of antebellum architecture epitomized by Federal and Greek Revival styles dates back to the early 19th-century. Introduced to the city by Virginia-born architect George Steele in 1818, the name of this neighborhood is associated with the original owner of this land, LeRoy Pope. Pope’s relative, Alexander Pope, was one of England’s famous poets during the 18th-century, and LeRoy opted to name this area after the London suburb where Alexander lived – Twickenham!

Twickenham is Alabama‘s largest antebellum district. Here you will find outstanding examples of Federal, Italianate, and Classical architecture. (AtHomeHuntsville.com)

Today, the “Twickenham” we are familiar with in England is associated with the stadium that hosts England’s international rugby matches but in Alabama, this name is all about the gorgeous neighborhood where some of Huntsville’s finest mansions can be found.

Huntsville is actually proud to boast three iconic historic districts. The Twickenham, Old Town, and Five Points all offer unique architecture and distinctive reasons to explore these neighborhoods. Although it’s easy to wander around all three of these, it’s plausible that you may wander from one to the other and lose a sense of your location.

Don’t worry, Huntsville makes life easy for you by having three distinctive street signs representative of each area.

Twickenham Historic District – Tree symbol
Old Town Historic District – “Old Town” name on the sign
Five Points District – Star symbol

Self-Guided Tour of Twickenham Historic District

Let’s take a look at the area known as the Twickenham Historic District in Huntsville on a map to give a better perspective on the size and scope of this region.

It’s certainly feasible to walk this area or alternatively you can hop in your car and drive around if you don’t have much time. We strongly recommend walking around to gain a full appreciation of the history and amazing architecture this district has to offer.

Williams Avenue to McClung Avenue

Our journey started in the heart of the Twickenham district as we entered along Williams Avenue before really starting to explore the gorgeous homes along McClung Avenue.

As you will see from the following images, many of these antebellum homes feature a stake outside with a name and date to give you a better sense of where you are in the neighborhood along with the associated history.

Some of the most historic homes along this stretch of the Twickenham historic district include the following:

Walker-Lowe House (1834) – 413 McClung Avenue
Ward-Walker House (1858) – 424 McClung Avenue
White House (1924) – 425 McClung Avenue
Weakley-Holmes House (1904) – 430 McClung Avenue

However, the beauty of walking through the Twickenham district is that regardless of the history behind each of the homes, you can still appreciate the immaculate beauty of this architecture.

I love how the community has continued to preserve these homes in their original state and emphasize the iconic features that we associate with the traditional styles of the 19th-century antebellum period.

After walking to the bottom of McClung Avenue, we turned right on SE California Street which is essentially the edge of the Twickenham District before turning right again on Newman Avenue to head back deeper into this neighborhood.

Adams Street

If you were impressed by the luxurious collection of homes along McClung, you are in for a real treat when you arrive at Adams Street. In my opinion, this is one of the most spectacular streets that I have ever walked along in terms of the breathtaking real estate.

I have no idea about the value of these homes but I think it’s fair to say you better have a few dollars set aside if you are interested in purchasing one of these beauties!

Some of the iconic homes you will stumble across along Adams include the following:

Cruse House (1825) – 600 Adams Street
Yeatman House (1825) – 528 Adams Street
Moore-Rhett House (1826) – 603 Adams Street
McDowell House (1848) – 517 Adams Street
Clarke-Dorning House (1835) – 518 Adams Street
Lane House (1835) – 511 Adams Street
Greet-Leslie House (1906) – 513 Adams Street

The elaborate details of these Victorian style residences are an awesome sight, particularly if you have a strong interest in the finer details of architecture.

The Greet-Leslie House, for example, is a perfect reflection of Folk-Victorian style with a relatively plain construction but embellished with a gorgeous decorative trim.

The McDowell House is probably one of my favorites around the Twickenham district. Inspired by the Greek-Revival style of architecture that we see across many historic neighborhoods in the United States, this 19th-century home is set back from the sidewalk but offers an eye-catching design that you cannot help but admire.

Franklin Street

A journey through the Twickenham historic district wouldn’t be complete without wandering along Franklin Street. Unfortunately, hindsight is a wonderful thing and we failed to visit this particular street on our recent trip to Huntsville, hence the reason why we are lacking any of our own pictures.

However, we don’t want you to make the same mistake and hopefully, you will have time to explore some of the following iconic homes:

Van Valkenburgh House (1902) – 501 Franklin Street
Munroe-Clark House (1814) – 515 Franklin Street
Mastin-Batson House (1819) – 516 Franklin Street
Thomas Fearn House (1820) – 517 Franklin Street
Albert Erskine House (1818) – 527 Franklin Street
Morgan-Neal House (1823) – 558 Franklin Street

These are just a few of the gorgeous homes that you can experience. Featuring a unique combination of Queen Anne and Colonial Revival style architecture, the Van Valkenburgh home located on the corner of Franklin and Williams is impossible to miss. Regardless of your architectural preference, you can be sure to stumble across a design that you will love along Franklin Street.

After spending some time researching the Twickenham historic district, missing out on exploring Franklin Street is definitely one of our main regrets from our recent visit to Huntsville.

Summary

The Twickenham historic district is a gorgeous part of Huntsville that anyone visiting the Rocket City should add to their itinerary. You could spend a couple of hours walking around this neighborhood and admiring the spectacular architecture on display. Although we had an awesome time exploring the parts of the Twickenham district that we did, we are raring to go back so that we can see Franklin Street and other streets with our own eyes.

If you have taken the New Orleans Garden District tour, you will know that this is the iconic example in the United States of antebellum grandeur. However, after exploring Huntsville’s equivalent, I would certainly argue that this neighborhood is just as impressive, though of course, it doesn’t boast a large number of celebrities like New Orleans does.

Have you visited Huntsville’s Twickenham historic district? Are you an avid fan of gorgeous architectural designs?