Summer In Rome: Sleep, Do, See

BY  Abdul Aziz Jul 18, 2023

Nestled deep in the heart of the Great Smokies, Pigeon Forge attracts travelers with its breathtaking expanse and abundant recreation. Named after the Little Pigeon River, this vibrant mountain town is the home of Appalachian crafts, folklore, and heritage. This multifaceted town delights serenity seekers with its old-fashioned and sleepy countryside charm and the tranquility of the wilderness. Moreover, thrill seekers can embark on rip-roaring alpine adventures, nature trails, amusement parks, and outdoor recreation spots. Most importantly, this family-friendly destination offers a plethora of live entertainment venues and a culturally rich food scene brimming with variety. Planning the perfect Pigeon Forge vacation demands extensive research to set priorities and divide your time between must-have experiences. The Smoky Mountains region is a popular destination attracting scores of tourists year-round. Therefore, we advise planning your vacation in early spring or late fall to escape the crowds and enjoy the town’s old-world charm. Read on to explore our detailed guide to planning an unforgettable Pigeon Forge vacation. Finding An Ideally Located Home Base Mountain towns like Pigeon Forge serve as alpine home bases to explore the Great Smokies and hike through the trail networks. In other words, the town’s privileged location allows vacationers to visit innumerable local and regional attractions without being overwhelmed by distance. For instance, travelers can easily access the Smoky Mountains National Park, drive to Dollywood, or dine in Sevierville. Finding an ideally located accommodation is of the utmost significance to pack up your itinerary with local attractions and day trips. Pigeon Forge offers an impressive lineup of luxurious vacation rentals situated at the foothills of the verdant rolling hills. Families with children will enjoy the independence of renting 2 bedroom cabins in Pigeon Forge, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. Travelers commonly undermine the impact of a lavishly appointed accommodation until exposed to bug-riddled bedding, pest infestation, and badly-cooked breakfast. A tastefully appointed cabin will give you a home away from home, maximizing comfort and relaxation with modern amenities. Most cabins feature hot tubs, fully-functional kitchens, and outdoor areas with lounging furniture, firepits, and BBQ equipment. A comfortable home base will help you unwind and recharge before setting out for the day’s adventure. Besides, who wants to miss the joy of waking up to a majestic view of the sun rising atop the rolling hills? Connect With Mother Nature In The Great Smokies The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Pigeon Forge’s most popular attraction, beckoning adventures, and nature lovers to explore its breathtaking expanse. The park is home to over 800 miles of nature trails, opening up a spectacular network of rewarding hikes. The Great Smokies are home to hidden caves and coves, cascading waterfalls, fragrant wildflower meadows, and synchronized fireflies. Hiking through the park allows travelers to connect with Mother Nature while discovering historical Appalachian remnants and settlements. Passionate hikers would want to cover the park’s iconic section of the legendary Appalachian Trail – a trek brimming with beauty and intrigue. The region offers a multitude of beginner and child-friendly hikes that lead you through serene wooded sections, meadows, and waterfalls. The Porters Creek Trail and Laurel Falls Trail are the most popular hikes in the park. Both trails are easy and beginner-friendly, covering historic settlements, waterfalls, and streams. If you love cooling off in the sun after a hike, we strongly suggest visiting the 80-foot-tall Laurel Falls. The Grotto Falls trail is another soul-satisfying route passing through a hemlock forest with a child-friendly beaten path. Seasoned hikers can embark on the Ramsey Cascades Trail to witness the park’s tallest waterfall and an enchanting cove hardwood forest. Feast On Traditional Tennessee Cuisine One can hardly visit Pigeon Forge without enjoying the comforting flavors of a traditional Tennessee feast. The local cuisine focuses on comfort foods that melt in your mouth with a burst of herbs, spices, and well-seared meat. Pigeon Forge offers a diverse variety of multicultural cuisine, with innumerable high-rated restaurants specializing in local delicacies. You can delight your taste buds with various classic Southern delicacies, like rainbow trout and fried chicken with fluffy biscuits. Stone-ground cornmeal is a hearty treat that elevates every meal after slathering it with locally farmed wildflower honey. Local restaurants offer a multitude of generational recipes passed down by grandmothers and preserved with exceptional craft. For instance, the local homemade maple syrup is mind-blowing, and homemade desserts like fudge and taffy are decadent treats. Vacationers with a sweet tooth must try the locally grown jellies, fruit preserves, and traditional Tennessee-style apple dumplings. Tennessee meals fill up the belly with the magical warmth of aromatic gravies paired with fluffy biscuits and hand-churned butter. Amusement Parks And Sightseeing Pigeon Forge is brimming with indoor and outdoor attractions, including art galleries, museums, amusement parks, and live entertainment venues. The Adventure Park at Five Oaks combines the magnificent beauty of the Smokies with adrenalin-raising rides that will test your mettle. Children adore the action-packed sequences at the Smoky Mountain Escape Games while Xtreme Racing Center beckons go-karting enthusiasts. Parents eager to combine fun with interactive learning experiences will find Pigeon Forge brimming with incredible venues. For instance, Ripley’s Aquarium allows visitors to connect with sea creatures in their natural habitats and learn from immersive exhibits. Crime fanatics wouldn’t want to miss out on Alcatraz East, a one-of-its-kind attraction designed into a 19th-century prison. Alcatraz is a crime museum featuring enthralling displays and exhibits on America’s iconic criminals, including Al Capone and John Dillinger. Read Also: Six Things To Do If You’re In Pigeon Forge Final Thoughts There’s much to do and discover in Pigeon Forge, and this adventurous destination encourages travelers to step outside their comfort zones. The region is ideal for whitewater rafting, and vacationers can find state-of-the-art facilities and training centers along the Pigeon River. If rafting seems intimidating, embark on a thrilling tubbing adventure at the Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park. We strongly urge travelers to hop aboard the Pigeon Forge trolly to explore the town and a few sections of Sevierville. Operational since 1986, these trolleys are a convenient and memorable way to discover local attractions and connect with like-minded travelers. Read Also: Eight Outdoor Attractions In Pigeon Forge For Thrill-Seekers 8 Reasons To Spend Your Spring Vacation In Pigeon Forge Top Tips For A Terrific Vacation

BY  Sibashree Nov 14, 2024

Savannah has recently been in the limelight for great reasons. At the just-concluded 2024 Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TNQ) Tourism Industry Excellence Awards, Savannah in the Round has been conferred the Outstanding Commitment to the Industry award. Savannah in the Round is a popular music and arts festival and with it winning the laurel, Savannah will get a great kick in the city’s art tourism.  However, the unique things to do in Savannah are much beyond only nurturing the musical and arty aspects. For the longest time, it has been a hub of history enthusiasts, especially the ones eager to know about American history. There is no wonder that Savannah and Chatham County have created an economic impact of $4.7 billion, thanks to tourism in 2023.  "What we are most pleased about is our visitors are staying longer and spending more money when they are here. That tells us that the overall Savannah visitor experience, when it comes to lodging, dining, and other activities, is meeting the needs and expectations of our customers. A goal the hospitality community strives for every day."Joseph Marinelli, President and CEO, Visit Savannah So, do you want to explore the promising tourism landscape of Savannah? Try the following activities on your first visit. Most Unique Things To Do In Savannah (Don’t Miss Out On The Tour And Travel Tips) Tourism in Savannah is crucial for the community as it has sustained 30,000 jobs annually in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Further, the insights from locals and industry insiders have confirmed that the tourists now choose local businesses and hotels in the city. To be more specific, tourists here prefer to eat at locally-owned restaurants and buy stuff from local retail businesses. “With two-thirds of respondents intentionally favoring locally-owned restaurants and retail offerings, we as industry leaders must acknowledge and harness this trend.”Todd Costin, General Manager Hyatt Regency Savannah and Visit Savannah Chair So, are you ready to explore the true flavors of Savannah while visiting the iconic landmarks? Here are the best things to do in Savannah, curated and approved by the Tour and Travel expert team.  1. A Day Trip To Tybee Island A day trip to Tybee Island is one of the best things to do in Savannah if you want a relaxing holiday. The Little Tybee Island is the hidden gem of this trip, with only boats taking you to this pristine destination.  Along with being a picturesque beach destination, Tybee Island also has places of attractions like the Tybee Island Light Station, Marine Science Center, etc. When on Tybee Island, don’t miss a visit to Fort Pulaski, a place of great historic significance between Tybee Island and Savannah.  2. Visiting The Bonaventure Cemetery Operating Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM The 100-acre Bonaventure Cemetery is among the best attractions for literary and music enthusiasts. Names like Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken rest here. Further, the neighboring Greenwich Cemetery has the grave of Danny Hansford. For the uninitiated, the murder of Danny Hansford was the main inspiration behind Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the bestseller by John Berendt. Tour And Travel Tips Wear comfortable shoes and carry a water bottle and bug spray while visiting this cemetery.  3. Visiting The River Street River Street in the Waterfront District of Savannah is one of the most prominent travel destinations in the city. It runs along the Savannah River and many people also take a cruise ride from Hilton Head to River Street to take a stroll and explore the city’s history. However, the main attractions here are the souvenir shops. Further, you can enjoy serious gastronomic delights at the local restaurants.  Moreover, sipping your favorite drink at the old cotton warehouses while enjoying the river view is the most relaxing experience one can expect.  4. Visiting The Old Sorrel Weed House https://www.instagram.com/p/C0igAyIMSLe/?img_index=1 Operating Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM (Monday to Saturday), 11 AM to 3 PM (Sunday) This villa, built in 1840, stands proudly on Harris Street with its unique Greek revival style. Francis Sorrel built the villa, and with time, it became home to Moxley Sorrel, the brigadier general and an important figure in the Civil War. Did You Know?The second wife of Francis Sorrel committed suicide at the Old Sorrel Weed House along with one of the slave workers.Old-Sorrel Weed House was also featured in one of the episodes of HGTV’s Ghost Adventures. However, today, along with being a place of architectural and historic importance, it is also a popular destination for ghost tours in Savannah. So, if you are interested in ghosts and spirits, a Ghost Tour on Paranormal Investigations here will be one of the best things to do in Savannah. Tour And Travel Notes Don’t miss a visit to Chippewa Square, near the Old Sorrel Weed House. It was the location of the famous Tom Hanks movie, Forest Gump. In the movie, the actor sits on a bench at Chippewa Square and narrates his life stories.  5. A Tour Of Fort Pulaski National Monument Operating Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM The 19th-century Pulaski National Monument gets its name from Casimir Pulaski, a Revolutionary War Hero. Originally built as a watchpoint to save Savannah from coastal attacks, the fort slowly became a part of the history of slaves in Savannah. Slaves escaping through the Underground Railroad used to take refuge in Fort Pulaski. So, visiting this historic fort is one of the most important things to do in Savannah and learn about the city’s relation with the history of slavery.  6. Exploring The Savannah African Art Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/C23I31agi7y/ Operating Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM The Savannah African Art Museum is home to over thousand artworks from central and west Africa. You can visit the spiritual and ceremonial collectibles from the 19th and 20th centuries. These objects are crafted from ceramics, metals, wood, etc. The museum’s mission is to "provide engaging experiences that educate and start conversations about the power, diversity, and spirituality of African art.” Tour And Travel Note Savannah African Art Museum is a hidden gem and a great conversation starter for people interested in African culture. Further, you will see many sculptures, textiles, masks, and other objects on display with the guide explaining their significance to you. You can attend the 1-hour tours of the collectibles from Wednesday to Saturday. These tours start every 30 minutes.  7. Visiting The Wormsloe State Historic Site Operating Hours: 9 AM to 4:45 PM Are you up for a stroll with towering oak trees gracing the pathways? The dressing of Spanish moss makes these oak trees appear as a witness to the changes in nature and human histories related to this place. This is a great place for photography enthusiasts. However, as you pass the entryway, you will encounter the oldest standing structure of Savannah, the Wormsloe Ruins. Noble Jones, a carpenter and one of the first-generation settlers from England built an estate here in the 1750s. He recruited slaves to plant cotton and vegetables and run the estate as a profitable business. Today, you can visit the ruins and a small museum tour will help you find the artifacts unearthed here. Tour And Travel Tips   Don’t miss a walk on the interpretative trail at the Wormsloe State Historic Site. This trail along the Skidaway River marsh has interpreters in costumes. They interpret the colonial history of this estate and Georgia.  8. Introspection At The First African Baptist Church The first African Baptist Church of 1773 is the longest-running Black church in North America. Rev. George Liele organized the church. He was a slave, but the British released him and he became the pastor of this church. Andrew Bryan became the church’s second pastor as George Liele left for Jamaica. You can attend a service at the church or visit the following things, bearing the church’s architectural features and histories. Original light fixtures Balcony pews Baptismal pool Stained-glass windows Underground Railroad You can complete a tour of this church within 1 hour. So, visiting this church will easily fit into your list of things to do in Savannah.  Also read Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Abdul Aziz Jun 4, 2021

The state of Ohio derives from “Iroquois” meaning “good river”. Situated in the Midwestern region, it became the 17th state of America in 1803. It is bordered by Lake Erie, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and West Virginia. We shall, in this article, explore just what is special about the state. Everyone is aware of ‘where is Ohio? And what are the best Ohio attractions? Very few of you know what the best tourist attractions of this place are. And here comes the most striking news: there are also many haunted attractions in Ohio.  Yes, that means your Ohio visit is not only ensured with the best experiences. You are also going to have multiple experiences, which are making your Ohio visit the most exciting experience. If you are looking for Things to do in Circleville Ohio, then follow this link to find out more. In the meantime, we shall consider some other areas of Ohio that you can explore. 5 Best Tourist Attractions In Columbus Ohio When looking for Ohio city attractions, you will get multiple tourist places on your travel bucket list. Here are the five names of the top tourist destinations in Ohio, including the tourist attractions in Columbus, Ohio. 1. Dayton Dayton is one of the most beautiful Ohio attractions. You will get plenty of enjoyment options in this area. Due to the attractive tourist destinations, many tourists are gathering in this city from all over the world.  The beautiful, scenic beauty of the place is one attraction. But apart from these, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force comes under the top attraction of the whole Ohio city. Here are some of the places where you must visit while you are in Dayton, Ohio. National Museum of the US Air Force The Dayton Art Institute America's Packard Museum Carillon Historical Park RiverScape MetroPark Five Rivers MetroPark 2. Corkscrew Falls Are you planning your Ohio tours with your families? Then you put the Corkscrew falls into your travel bucket list. This is one of the most attractive Ohio attractions for families. So what is the best thing about Ohio? Modern civilized society but do not compromise the beauty of nature. That is the twist of the story. The Corkscrew falls are one of the best examples of living in nature. You will enjoy the forest’s beautiful nature and mesmerizing looks of the waterfalls. The forest is full of hidden waterfalls, so keep your heart ready for the sudden coming of nature’s surprises. Here are some of the facts which you must know before visiting Corkscrew Falls. The corkscrew falls are not like Niagara. The falls are pretty small. You require a permit to visit the place and for it to be close to the waterfalls. The hiking trails aren’t near Hocking Hills State Park. Do not forget to add the rockstar to your travel plan. 3. Athens Athens is a city with, the country seat of Athens. It sits beside the hocking river and stretches near about 65 miles. We all know the place because the heritage of glorious Ohio University is here. The Ohio University In Athens was established with the first federal endowment. Ohio University was established in July 1987. Then two townships of good land for the support of a literary institution in the newly created Northwest Territories. Ohio University is the first visiting place of Athens. Apart from the university campus, the architecture of places is another beautiful thing you can see. Here are some of the Ohio attractions which you can see in Athens. Kennedy Museum of Art Passion Works Studio Athens Lunatic Asylum (Worldwide popular haunted attraction in Ohio) Southeast Ohio History Center 4. Columbus Zoo Your Ohio visit is going to be complete if you are visiting the Columbus Zoo.  This comes under the most popular Ohio attractions for families. The newest regions at the Zoo are letting you connect with the wildlife and varieties of diverse species. This is the home of many extraordinary species and animals like sea lions, seals, and varieties of sea creatures. Jack Hanna’s Animal encounters are linked with the village base in indoor and outdoor habitats. More than 50 species live in these remote locations, and if you like to understand the real vibes and flavors of Ohio. Then this should be where you can feel the vibes and connect with the real Ohio. Here are some facts you must know before visiting the Columbus Zoo. This is a large area, so always have some time to explore the whole facility. They do not accept personal cheques. Most of the stores accept different types of cards. Just a few of the food shops prefer to take cash. Any weapons or things that can turn into a weapon are not allowed here. Firearms, laser pointers, glass containers, balloons, bicycles, skateboards and other skating equipment, large-size umbrella, lounge chairs, radios, rafting, floating equipment, and grills are not permitted here. Service animals are welcome. But other pets are not allowed in the Zoo. And they do not offer Kennel services. 5. Brandywine Falls Some of the most beautiful places in Ohio to consider visiting are Brandywine Falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park Ledges, Lake Erie Bluffs, and Old Man’s Cave. Brandywine Falls is a 65-foot waterfall and a breathtaking sight. Cuyahoga Valley National Park Ledges is a beautiful trail to experience. It is fascinating to think that 300 million years ago, the region was under an ancient sea. Lake Erie Bluffs is a Metro park that spans 600 acres. There are 40ft high beach bluffs. A bluff is defined as a cliff that is broad and rounded. Old Man’s Cave in Logan is considered by many of the beautiful Ohio attractions as hiking trails. For those who have a fondness for the Lord of the Rings movie, you could always feel as if you were on the set of that.  This trial will take an hour to complete, so that allows plenty of time to hike it in a day and still have time to explore. Historical Attractions Of Ohio For those interested in history, the oldest of Ohio’s towns is Marietta. It is on the eastern side of Ohio and adjacent to the West Virginia border.  The town dates to 1788, when it was founded by General Rufus Putnam and a group of Revolutionary War veterans. It is currently home to approximately 14,000 people, so inhabited enough to visit and feel part of a working and functional town. If you want to know what royalty used to do in Ohio, there is Landoll’s Mohican Castle to visit. For anyone enchanted by fairy tales, it is a modern fairy tale castle that is buried in the woods of central Ohio attractions. This is the heartland of the Mohican country and Loudonville. The Copper Mug Grill offers a Gordon Ramsay-designed menu for those into watching Chefs. You can also go on murder mystery nights and ghost hunts. You can listen to live performances from jazz bands. Few Musical Attractions In Ohio For music fans, Ohio boasts the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. It is one of the biggest Ohio attractions.  The museum, which opened in 1986, features a range of classic memorabilia relating to the biggest stars in rock. Featured are Simon and Garfunkel, B.B. King, and Patti Smith. Also, one of Elvis’s cars and Michael Jackson’s famous glove. Some Fun Factors Of Ohio City Cedar Point is one of America’s most famous amusement parks and is considered an essential part of many a family trip to Ohio. One of the best Ohio attractions for anyone with an affinity for roller coaster rides.  Opened in 1870 in Sandusky, Ohio, this complex has some very impressive rides to enjoy the adrenaline from. This enjoyment is one of the most popular roadside attractions in Ohio.  So when you are finding any fare, just jump on from your vehicle and enjoy the ride with your family and friends. For single or sole travelers, fun and enjoyment are the best way to attract a partner. Take advantage of the opportunity. The rides feature the Power Tower and the Raptor, to name the most challenging first. The milder ones would be the Lake Erie Eagles and Midway Carousel. So, there is something for everyone to enjoy, depending on how extreme you want to go. Ohio has so much to offer tourists and citizens alike as a state of America available to all. So, take a trip to Circleville, Ohio, and all the other attractions Ohio has to offer, ranging from beautiful places to historical ones or ones that relate to famous rock stars past and present. For those who have not had enough fun already, there are roller coaster rides to raise the adrenal levels. Frequently Asked Questions By The Ohio Travelers Which Is The Safest City In Ohio? Three cities are safest in Ohio for every type of traveler. They are Elyria, Kettering, Green Township, and Parma. What Are The Most Common Crime In The Ohio State? The most common criminal crime in Ohio is drug dealing-related crimes. What are the best cities in Ohio in which to live? Columbiana, Ohio, is only the friendliest town in Ohio. However, this town is also the nicest in the whole of America. Why Do People Think Ohio Is A Bad State? According to the statics, Ohio had the 7th lowest 10-year population growth. And also have 23 highest unemployment rates along with the 21st highest poverty rate with the 14th expectancy at birth. What is it like to live in Ohio? In comparison to the other states, Ohio residents are enjoying a very affordable low-cost living. The Ohio living score is 82.6, and it’s also the 9th cheapest state to live in. Bottom Line: Plan Your Trip And Enjoy These are the five Ohio attractions that you should include in your travel plan. If you are planning for a very short trip in Ohio, then you must add these five attractions to your trip notes. For hassle-free travel before visiting any places, especially the park and the Zoo, always look at the norms and protocols before visiting the sites. What is your next travel plan? Remember to share your exciting travel story with us through the comment section. Read Also: Romantic Weekend Breaks Scotland A Guide To National Parks In Georgia – Latest Guide Best National Parks In Missouri That You Must Know Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina – Travel Guide