8 Ways To Explore Nature In The Smoky Mountains As A Couple

BY  Sibashree Apr 25, 2025

In 2025, we lost Victor Emanuel, the top-notch birder and the founder of the Austin ecotourism company.  Now, one month after his passing, it is the ideal time to have an in-depth discussion about the ecotourism scenario of Texas, a state he called home.  The ecotourism industry in Texas has experienced significant growth over the past few years. Further, it is an important element in the tourism and economic landscape of the state, generating employment and revenues.  Again, ecotourism in Texas is a part of sustainable tourism in the state, emphasizing the importance of ethical and responsible travel practices.  The waterfalls in Texas, located in state national parks and other locations, are important components of ecotourism in the state. These waterfalls are often at the epicenter of diverse ecosystems.  Moreover, many of these waterfalls are part of bigger conservation projects, playing a bigger role in the environmental protection of the state.  By now, you must have an idea that this Tour and Travel Blog is going to be about the best waterfall in Texas.  So, let’s explore! What Is The Best Time To Visit The Best Waterfalls In Texas? Spring is the best time to visit the best waterfalls in Texas. During March and April, the waterfalls receive adequate water from rainfall in the winter season and melting snow.  Further, the summer months from May to August are a good time to explore the waterfalls in Texas. The cascading water with mists around offers a cool escape in the scorching summer of Texas. What Are The Best Waterfalls In Texas?  Today, we mostly associate Texas with stunning urban areas and the most dramatic desert landscape.  However, we often overlook the beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes in the state, offering the right fusion of adventure and immersive experience for tourists. 1. Gorman Falls Location: Colorado Bend State Park Height: 70 Feet Hours Open: 6 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee for Adults: $5, Children below 12: Free Entry Gorman Falls near Dallas is so grand that you cannot capture the whole of it in a single frame. Further, Gorman Falls is a popular hiking destination with a rocky trail.  Moreover, various springs and Gorman Creek feed this waterfall, and the pool near the fountain is home to Guadalupe bass fish.  2. Cattail Falls Location: Big Bend National Park Height: 80 Feet Hours Open: 24*7 Entry Fee: Standard Pass - $15.00–$30.00 Cattail Falls is one of the hidden gems when we talk about the best waterfalls in Texas. It is a popular hiking destination for adventurous tourists.  The hiking trail is 3 miles long, and hiking is tricky through the trail. However, a glimpse of the waterfall falling as multiple streams of water is worth the effort. 3. Westcave Preserve Falls Location: Hamilton Pool Road Height: 40 Feet Hours Open: Tuesday-Friday: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Entry Fee: $20 for Adults 16+ and $10 for Children Aged 4-15 years Westcave Preserve Falls is the ultimate fantasy destination with stories of unicorns floating in the air.  Further, this waterfall is pristine, and the little cave here creates a sense of intrigue. 4. Chalk Ridge Falls Location: Belton Height: Around 206 Feet Hours Open: 8 AM to 6 PM Entry: Free If you are looking for a tranquil getaway, Chalk Ridge Falls in Belton will be your go-to destination.  Surrounded by trees, Chalk Ridge Falls exudes a pristine charm. Also, you will love swimming in the shallow side of the lake. 5. Pedernales Falls Location: Pedernales Falls State Park Height: 50 Feet Hours Open: 8 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee: $6 for 13 Years And Above, Free Entrance for Children Aged 12 Located near San Antonio, Pedernales Falls is all about finding peace. The sound of the water is music to the ears.  Here, you can bike and hike around the trail and swim in the calmest water.  6. Hamilton Pool Waterfall Location: Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs Height: Around 50 Feet Hours Open: 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 2-5:30 PM Entry Fee: $8 for Adults and Free for Children Below 12 Years  Hamilton Pool Waterfall has been formed with the creek spilling streams of water over limestone structures.  There is a beautiful pool below the waterfall in a canyon. You can reach Hamilton Pool Waterfall after a hike of 1.9 miles through a moderately challenging route. 7. Krause Springs Location: Spicewood Road Height: 8 Feet Hours Open: 9 AM to 8 PM (Usually Closed between November 1st and February 15th for Maintenance.) Entry Fee: $10 for 12 Years and Old, $6 for Children from 4 to 11 Years, and Free for Kids Under 4 Years A property of the Krause Family for the last 50 years, Krause Springs has 32 springs. Furthermore, the waterfall here enhances the appeal of the serene landscape.  You can swim in the pool, camp, or even hike the small trail to spend some time in nature. Also, do not forget a walk in the beautiful butterfly garden.  8. McKinney Water State Park Location: Austin Hours Open: 8 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee: $6 for 13 Years and Above, Free for Children up to 12 Years Home to the Onion Creek, McKinney Water State Park has the Lower and Upper Falls. You can reach the waterfalls fed by the water of the Onion Creek by hiking through endless trails here.  Moreover, the gigantic bald cypress tree, or Old Baldy, stands as the eternal witness to humankind in this state park.  What Are The Best Swimming Holes In Texas? Do you want to escape the summer heat of Texas? Why don’t you plan a trip to these amazing swimming holes? These swimming holes are ideal for a fun time with family and friends. 1. Barton Springs Pool Barton Springs Pool is located in Zilker Park in Austin. Fed by spring water, this 1000-foot-long pool maintains a temperature of 68 degrees F throughout the year.  It is a perfect summer escapade for families.  2. Devil's Waterhole Located in the Inks Lake State Park, Devil's Waterhole is a popular swimming hole in Texas. You can also hike through the canyon in the Inks Lake State Park. Further, you can plan camping and overnight stays in this beautiful state park.  3. Blanco State Park Blanco State Park has a dam that creates a beautiful lagoon and waterfall. You can swim here and indulge in the scenic beauty. 

BY  Sibashree Jul 9, 2025

22nd September 2025 is the date you must mark if you want to see the Northern Lights during the Autumnal Equinox.  2025 is a special year for watching the Northern Lights. On 25th June 2025, a G2 geomagnetic storm pushed the aurora south. As a result, people in Maine, New York, and the Northern Plains enjoyed the peak viewing experience.  So, are any of these the best places to see the Northern Lights in the USA? Let’s find out where and when to catch the Aurora Borealis.  However, before that, let’s briefly touch upon how the Northern Lights got its name from Galileo Galilei, the best time to witness this natural phenomenon, and other important details. What Are The Northern Lights? What Is The Best Time To See The Northern Lights? The Northern Lights are also known as the Aurora Borealis. The sun releases solar flares due to solar activity. The magnetic field of our planet attracts the flares towards itself. The flares interact with the gases in the Earth's atmosphere, such as oxygen and others. This turns gases into plasma as it is heated to a certain extent. Therefore, the Northern Lights are a plasma state of matter, where the gas is heated to a sufficiently high temperature, causing it to transition into a plasma state. These plasmas appear to be curtains of radiant purple, blue, and red, radiant lights over the skies of the Earth. This phenomenon is especially pronounced near the planet's poles. The best time to witness these lights is during the spring and autumn equinoxes. During these times, the tourists will be able to see longer northern light shows due to the Russell-Macpherson effect.  The Northern Lights can be seen clearly in the polar regions and places with clear skies and minimal light pollution. How Did The Northern Lights Become Aurora Borealis? Gallelio Gaili named the Northern Lights Aurora. The astronomer named it after the Roman Goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek God Boreas. Aurora is the Roman goddess of dawn. The goddess flies in a chariot, announcing the arrival of the sun god. The deity symbolizes renewal and a fresh start. On the other hand, Boraes is the Greek God of north winds, storms, and winter. Galileo named the phenomenon of the northern lights as Aurora Borealis in the year 1619. He thought that the phenomenon was caused by the reflection of the sunlight in the Earth’s atmosphere. However, in reality, the phenomenon was caused by the solar flares emitted by the sun. What Is The Best Place To See Northern Lights In The USA? With the boom of astro tourism, watching the Northern Lights has become an important part of tourism in the USA and many other parts of the world. As a subset of special interest tourism, Astro tourism is about to reach $400 million in 2030. No wonder that many Airbnbs in countries such as Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland have specially located and designed properties to watch this celestial magic.  Furthermore, in the USA, national parks such as Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park, as well as dark sky parks like Headlands International Dark Sky Park, have given a significant boost to tourism centered on Northern Lights viewing or overall astrotourism.  Additionally, observatories like the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) have contributed to the growth of astrotourism in the USA.  So, when it comes to choosing the best place to see the Northern Lights in the USA, we have a lot of options.  Let’s explore! 1. Boundary Waters, Minnesota https://www.instagram.com/p/C-oVf2vg4KH/ Almost four hours from the region of Minneapolis, there lies Boundary Waters, Minnesota. This place offers the clearest night skies, located far from light pollution.  The water body offers a stunning reflection of the beautiful nighttime light show. 2. Upper Peninsula, Michigan https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ4EIvsBK2-/ The Upper Peninsula is near the rugged shores of Lake Superior, as well as the secluded forests of Isle Royale National Park.  The remote location, accompanied by a unique landscape, offers viewers minimal light pollution.  Furthermore, the location offers a clearer view of the Aurora Borealis due to its northern latitude.  Additionally, due to clear skies, the Upper Peninsula is the best place in the USA to see the Northern Lights during winter.  3. Idaho https://www.instagram.com/p/C3g0ADFMhZF/ Idaho, of course, tops the chart as the best place to see the Northern Lights in the USA, as it is the first official Dark Sky Reserve in the country.  Also, including Craters of the Moon National Monument and the city of Ketchum, Idaho, have five designated Dark Skies.  However, most of the Dark Skies are in the southern part of the state. Having said that, the Idaho Panhandle National Forest and Priest Lake are northern locations in Idaho for watching the Northern Lights.  4. Wisconsin https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ZIYXar_-M/ Wisconsin is on Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. These two lakes make Wisconsin ideal for watching the Northern Lights.  The view is especially more spectacular during the winter as the lakes freeze. Furthermore, two of the most stunning places to visit the Northern Lights in Wisconsin, are Washington Island in Door County or the Apostle Islands. 5. North Dakota https://www.instagram.com/p/C61JconL8kl/?img_index=1 You cannot leave this northern state when it comes to the best place to see Northern Lights in the USA.  The most iconic places to see the Northern Lights in the state are: Theodore Roosevelt National Park Mystical Horizons near Bottineau The Turtle Mountains Moreover, the Martens Observatory at the University of North Dakota streams its celestial observations live on its YouTube channel. So, you can watch the Northern Lights on a real-time basis virtually.  6. Pennsylvania https://www.instagram.com/p/C61Dxs3u28J/?img_index=1 Cherry Springs State Park is a Dark Sky Reserve located in Pennsylvania. The park also has an Astronomy Observation Field, which offers a 360-degree view of the sky.  You can stay in the park the entire night, be a part of the tours, and learn photography to enjoy and preserve the stargazing and Northern Lights watching activities.  7. Alaska Located within the auroral oval, Alaska is the heaven and the best place to see Northern Lights in the USA.  Coldfoot, Utqiagvik, and Fairbanks are the prime locations for viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska. 8. Maine Home to the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, a Dark Sky Sanctuary, Maine is one of the best places in the USA to see the Northern Lights.  However, the abundant rural landscape makes the entire state ideal for stargazing and watching the Northern Lights.  To be more specific, you can explore the east of the Mississippi River to enjoy the best view of the Northern Lights. 

BY  Sibashree Nov 28, 2024

The Memorial Day weekend in 2024 saw an influx of tourists in Wilmington, NC. This even led to temporary employment in the community, with local businesses recruiting more staff to serve more tourists.  Connie Nelson, the director of Public Relations at Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, has acknowledged this seasonal staffing along with the daily efforts of the lifeguards.  However, the surge in tourists during the Memorial Day Weekend is one of many high points for tourism in this port city. It has always been consistent with its tourism scenario and, is even on the rise recently.  Further, as the location for films like Dawson’s Creek and Iron Man 3, it has earned the nickname “Hollywood East.” So, it’s a favorite among movie buffs. Moreover, Wilmington, the historic port city on the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, offers a wonderful fusion of city tours, culinary explorations, historic tours, and endless outdoor activities.  Therefore, being named the “South’s Best City On The Rise in 2024”  did not surprise those interested in Wilmington tourism.  At Tour and Travel, we have curated some of the best things to do in Wilmington, NC. We want to keep it helpful for all types of travelers. So, we have covered nature and beach experiences, exploring  Wilmington’s historic places and culinary scenes.  Best Things To Do In Wilmington, NC For History Buffs Wilmington, or North Carolina’s Port City, has a long association with history. It takes us back to the Colonial times and since 1739, it has been serving as an important trade and commerce center.  Moreover, the city was associated with the Civil War, the American Revolution, and World War II. Today, you can visit the following historic sites here. 1. Bellamy Mansion Museum Operating Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM Entry Fee: $7 to $15 (Based on Age Groups and Special Groups, Free for Members and Children Below 5) Contact Number: +1 910-251-3700 Founded in 1994, the Bellamy Mansion Museum will complete its 30th year in 2024. Today, it stands tall as an example of the finest antebellum architecture in North Carolina.  The museum is housed in a 19th-century mansion owned by Dr. John Bellamy. He lived here with his wife and 10 children. Further, around 115 enslaved people worked for Dr. John Bellamy, and nine resided here. So, along with the main property of 22 rooms, you must also take a tour of the slave quarters. Another attraction of the museum is the Bellamy Gift Shop. You can buy plates, spoons, fridge magnets, ornaments, caps, books, bow ties, and other souvenirs from here.  Tour And Travel Note A Premium Tour of the museum is available. If you are an adult, you will have to buy a ticket for $20 for the Premium Tour. Students can collect their Premium Tour tickets at $10. However, Premium Tour tickets are not sold online. You have to check the availability and buy yours by calling +1 910-251-3700 (Extension: 308).  2. Battleship North Carolina Operating Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM Entry Fee: $6 to $14 (Based on Age Groups and Special IDs, Free for Children Below 5) Contact No: +1 910-399-9100 Battleship North Carolina is the most tragic reminder of World War II. It had 15 stars, and today, it remembers 10000 men and women of North Carolina sacrificing their lives to protect America’s freedom in World War II.  Today, the battleship in downtown Wilmington is a common attraction for history enthusiasts. A tour of Battleship North Carolina will take you at least 2 hours. However, you can spend longer. Furthermore, you can attend interactive programs at Battleship North Carolina throughout the year. These courses are free; you just need to pay the regular admission fee. Tour And Travel Note As a history enthusiast, you can support the preservation of Battleship North Carolina. It does not have the regular backing of the USA government. You can be of great help as a donor.  3. Wilmington Railroad Museum  https://www.instagram.com/p/DABdZTGvZBB/ Operating Time: 10 AM to 4 PM Entry Fee: $8 to $12 (Based on Age and Special Groups, Free for Children Below 2 Years) Contact Number: +1 910-763-2634 Wilmington Railroad Museum is a place to explore history and indulge in nostalgic activities. Here, you can climb on an old steam locomotive of 110 years. Further, in this museum, you will learn about the railroad development in Wilmington and the people working on the railway.  Moreover, the Children’s Hall in this museum has interactive models. Your little ones will love those fun models and customized train tables.  Tour And Travel Note You can get the Polar Express Tickets on Sale on the official website of the Wilmington Railroad Museum. The Polar Express fun takes place every weekend from Thanksgiving Day to New Year.  You will need to pay $5 and a Processing Fee for taking part in this event. The activities include “a reading of the Polar Express,” a surprise visit of Santa Claus and indulging in hot chocolate and cookies.  Did You Know?Built on 1st May 1979, the Wilmington Railroad Museum completed its 45th year in 2024.  4. Cape Fear Museum of History & Science https://www.instagram.com/p/Csv1rAtISqI/ Operating Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday To Saturday), Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM Admission Fee: $5-$8 (Based on Age Groups), Free for Members and Children Below 5 Years, Reduced Fee for NARM and ASTC Participants Contact Number: 910-798-4370 If you want to know about the culture, history, and science of Lower Cape Fear, the Cape Fear Museum of History & Science will be your go-to destination. You will find over 57000 objects here. It has photographs, a collection of oral history, and digital yearbooks for shedding light on history, science, and culture.  Did You Know?Wilmington became the first designated “American World War II Heritage City” in the USA. It was designated on 2nd September 2020 to commemorate the 75th year of World War II coming to an end.The city got this designation after meeting all the criteria laid out by Congress to preserve the WWII heritage. The city also recognized the veterans and preserved many wartime facilities.  Things To Do In Wilmington, NC: Enjoy Nature, Beaches And Outdoor Activities In Wilmington, NC Indulging in the beach experience is one of the best things to do in Wilmington, NC. You can visit the following beaches here. Wrightsville Beach Kure Beach Carolina Beach Wilmington’s fun water activities include Surfing, fishing, chartering, and cruising. You can also just relax at the beaches and enjoy fun moments with your family.  March to May and September to November are the best times to visit Wilmington beaches, as the temperature is moderate during these months.  Things to Do in Wilmington, NC, For Foodies And Drink Enthusiasts Culinary tourism is one of the best things to do in Wilmington. The Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours are already famous. In these tours, you will visit and explore eclectic restaurants and try their assortments of food. The city is also great for drink enthusiasts with local breweries. Here, we have curated the names of some places to eat and drink in Wilmington, NC.  1. Michael’s On The Waterfront https://www.instagram.com/p/CzcKC4vPtrT/?img_index=1 Phone Number: (910) 769-4252 Opens at: 11:30 AM Michael’s On The Waterfront is a family-owned restaurant. you will find the best American cuisines with a coastal Carolina twist Here. The BBQs and pub fries here are the stars. And don’t forget to try the crab and lobster delicacies here. Furthermore, Michael’s Bar has wines and beers. You can even try the curated cocktails with seasonal flavors.  2. Copper Penny https://www.instagram.com/p/DAgXoumvg8r/ Phone Number: (910) 762-1373 Operating Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM It is one of the best American restaurants and bars in Wilmington. You can try here classics like fish and chips and French onion soup. Further, they make amazing steaks and chicken tenders.  3. The Rooftop Bar Phone Number: (910) 833-5886 Operating Hours: 5 PM to 2 AM The corn fritters at The Rooftop Bar are amazing, and their chunks of shrimp are delicious. Drunken shrimp is another favorite of mine here.  Also, you will get the best pina colada here.  4. Rumcow https://www.instagram.com/p/C-vQgHAvXzc/?hl=en Phone Number: +1 910-769-4659 Operating Hours: 5 PM to 9 PM Fall cocktails are great at Rumcow. Further, you must try avocado fries and chicken and waffles here.  Exploring The Art And Culture Of Wilmington: One Of The Best Things To Do In Wilmington, NC  As the designated historic district of the state, Wilmington also has an evolving landscape of art and culture. I have already mentioned places like Bellamy Mansion Museum, Wilmington Railroad Museum, and Cape Fear Museum of History & Science.  However, the city also has many happening centers for performing arts. Here is a quick overview for you. 1. Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts Contact No: +1 910-632-2285 John Montague Trimble, one of the pioneering theater architects of the 19th century, designed this performing art center. In fact, today, it is the only surviving theatre designed by him.  This center for performing arts is a converted city hall and it has around 500 performances each year. You can visit this Center for Performing Arts on a guided tour.  2. The Wilson Center At Cape Fear Community College Contact No: +1 910-362-7999 The Wilson Center has been the host of The Wilmington Symphony, Kinky Boots, and many other Tony Award winning symphonies.  So, spending an evening here watching a comedy or Broadway show is an experience in itself.  3. Kenan Auditorium Contact No: +1 910-962-3500 The Kenan Auditorium is at UNCW or the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Throughout the year, it houses more than 150 dance performances, musicals, and theatricals.  Also, you can attend the brilliant University productions and award-winning events at Kenan Auditorium.  4. Brooklyn Arts Center Contact No: +1 910-859-4615 Visiting the  Brooklyn Arts Center is like indulging in sheer nostalgia and stories of history. It is a 19th-century church converted into a center for performing arts.  It also has a beautiful private courtyard where you can click beautiful photographs.  Upcoming Events At Wilmington, NC Here are some important events in Wilmington, NC, in 2024. So, mark the venues and dates.  EventVenueDatesHadestownThe Wilson CenterOngoing, till November 27, 2024Comedian Cipha SoundsDead Crow Comedy Room | Lush LoungeOngoing, till November 23, 2024BUZZWORTHY! Art in the GardenAirlie GardensOngoing, till December 31, 202430th Anniversary Cucalorus FestivalVarious Venues (Historic Downtown Wilmington)Ongoing, till November 24, 2024 Also read Beginner Tips For Your First Camino de Santiago. Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. Boat Charter Miami: Essential Tips for a Great Experience.