What Are The Things To Do In Washington State For Adults And Kids? Plan A Trip In 2027

BY  Sibashree Jan 20, 2024

Nestled in Tennessee's picturesque Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a charming destination for fun time with your kids. It promises a memorable family vacation and attracts about 12 million visitors per year. With its stunning natural beauty and exciting attractions, Gatlinburg offers an ideal setting. It's a great place to spend quality time with your kids. In this article, we'll share tips to help you have a fun time with your kids in Gatlinburg. Unforgettable Family Fun: The Ultimate Guide To Exploring Gatlinburg Nestled at the doorstep of America's most visited national park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is the ultimate playground for a memorable family vacation. Whether you are looking for outdoor thrills, sweet mountain treats, or immersive attractions, this charming mountain town blends natural wonder with nonstop entertainment. From the peak of the Great Smoky Mountains to the lively downtown streets, here is everything you need to plan an incredible getaway your kids will talk about for years. Outdoor Adventures In The Great Smoky Mountains: Gatlinburg is renowned for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is what makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. If your family enjoys the outdoors, go on a family-friendly hiking adventure through lush forests and scenic trails. Numerous hiking trails suit all ages and skill levels. Before heading out, make sure you're prepared with comfortable footwear, snacks, water, and safety essentials like sunscreen and bug repellent. Exploring the great outdoors together fosters adventure and creates lasting memories. Gatlinburg Candy Store Delight: One of the first things that may catch your kids' attention in Gatlinburg. The tantalizingly sweet aroma wafts from the candy stores lining the streets. To kickstart your family vacation, take your kids to a Gatlinburg candy store. There they can indulge their sweet tooth to their heart's content. Among Gatlinburg's candy stores, you'll find a wide variety of confectionery delights. They range from classic favorites to unique, locally made sweets. The joy on your kids' faces, as they savor these delectable treats, will set the tone for a sweet vacation. Ripley's Aquarium Of The Smokies: For an underwater adventure that both kids and adults will relish, make your way to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, this popular attraction features an impressive array of marine life and interactive exhibits. Here, your kids can get up close and personal with fascinating sea creatures, including: Sharks, Stingrays, Playful penguins. Be sure to check the schedule for animal encounters and feeding times. These experiences can provide valuable insights into marine biology and conservation. Visit Gatlinburg Amusement Parks: For family fun, an amusement park is a must-visit destination. You'll find an array of thrilling rides, activities, and attractions, with breathtaking mountain views in the background. Kids can enjoy a variety of rides suitable for different age groups. Amusement parks are a great option for kids, so be sure to include one in your itinerary! Arts And Crafts Community Exploration: Gatlinburg isn't just about natural beauty and thrilling attractions. It's also home to a thriving arts-and-crafts community for a fun time with your kids. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots and immerse your family in creativity and craftsmanship. You and your kids can try your hand at pottery, candle-making, and other artisan crafts. It's a fantastic opportunity to create personalized souvenirs. This will serve as cherished mementos of your Gatlinburg vacation. Wildlife Encounters At Cades Cove: For a dose of wildlife and natural beauty, visit Cades Cove, a scenic valley in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. This idyllic spot offers an excellent opportunity for your family to observe and connect with nature. Cades Cove is renowned for its diverse wildlife population. Consider taking a slow drive along the Cades Cove Loop Road early in the morning or near dusk. This way, you can increase your chances of spotting these magnificent creatures, Remind your kids to keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals in their natural habitat. Family-Friendly Dining Spots: Exploring Gatlinburg's culinary scene is an integral part of your family vacation. The town is a haven for food lovers of all ages. Fortunately, Gatlinburg boasts a diverse array of family-friendly restaurants that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. When dining out with your kids, look for places that go the extra mile with dedicated kid-friendly menus and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Gatlinburg offers a cornucopia of culinary delights to have fun time with your kids. Here, Southern barbecue joints serve mouthwatering ribs with all the fixings, and charming diners offer homemade pies bursting with flavor. Sharing these meals as a family not only nourishes you but also creates invaluable bonding experiences. This fosters laughter and memories you'll cherish long after your Gatlinburg vacation ends. So, don't miss the chance to savor the town's delicious offerings together. Evening Entertainment At Dollywood: Wrap up your Gatlinburg adventure with a visit to Dollywood, a renowned theme park located just a short drive away in Pigeon Forge. While not strictly in Gatlinburg, Dollywood is a must-visit for families seeking evening entertainment. Dollywood offers an array of family-friendly shows, thrilling rides, and immersive attractions that will keep your kids entertained for hours. Dollywood has something to captivate every family member. It is a perfect place for your little ones are adrenaline junkies who love roller coasters, aspiring performers who enjoy live entertainment, or curious minds eager to explore interactive exhibits, Don't forget to check the park's schedule for special events, parades, and nighttime shows. They often add an extra layer of magic and excitement to your Dollywood visit. Conclusion: Gatlinburg, with its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of family-friendly attractions, provides an ideal backdrop for a memorable vacation with your kids. Gatlinburg offers experiences that will create lasting memories for your family. Here, you can explore candy stores, immerse yourselves in nature, observe wildlife at Cades Cove, and enjoy delicious meals, As you savour the sweetness of homemade candies, soak in the mountain views from the Space Needle. Revel in the excitement of amusement parks and wildlife encounters. Remember that Gatlinburg's charm lies not just in its attractions, but in the precious moments spent together as a family. These ten tips will help ensure your Gatlinburg vacation is fun. It is also filled with love, laughter, and cherished family bonds. So pack your bags, start your adventure, and make Gatlinburg your family's next unforgettable destination. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In Prague 10 Best Things To Do In Barcelona (Spain) 10 Best Things To Do In Dublin (Ireland)

BY  Sibashree Nov 4, 2025

I was having sticky rice with steamed hot freshwater fish cooked in banana leaves at Tamarind Restaurant. I took the first bite, and I closed my eyes. It was a moment to cherish, to feel! The taste was similar yet distinctly different from what I usually have at home. Sticky rice is the soul of Lao cuisine, and it is related to community sentiment, as every village has its own rice field. And the fish was a game of perfect balance, and the spiciness was just right to titillate the taste buds, but not overpowering.  Furthermore, as I explored the villages and went a little way away from the town center, I found food cooked in bamboo hollows. Another important aspect of Lao cuisine is the art of fermentation.  From sun-dried fish and meat to fermented vegetables and salted lime, a Luang Prabang food tour is an experience curated with love. Also, to cherish the authentic flavors of Laos, you have to try the street food here. It is not Vietnamese, not Thai, but simply Laotian.  I will talk about these street food delicacies shortly. However, before that, let’s find out what makes the food in Luang Prabang Special.  Cooking Techniques And Ingredients That Make Food In Luang Prabang Special  Food in Luang Prabang and Laos stands out for its distinctive techniques and ingredients. Check out the table below for a brief understanding. Techniques/IngredientsUse in Luang Prabang FoodFermentation• Key to Local Laos Flavors• Used in Pickled Vegetables, Soy, and Fish SauceGrilling• Grilling over Charcoal Gives the Fish or Meat a Distinct FlavorHerbsCommon Herbs Used Are:• Mint• Lemongrass• Coriander• Kaffir Lime• GalangalSticky Rice Steaming• Rice is Cooked in Bamboo Baskets over Boiling Water.  What Is The Best Street Food In Luang Prabang Laos?  Have you tried something as “interesting” as a honeycomb cooked and charred in banana leaves? I have. And the smell of charcoal and honeycomb got blended with the whiff of lemongrass and grilled fish.  This is what my senses caught first as the tuk-tuk dropped me at the morning market in Luang Prabang. Another thing I found special about the morning market was the presence of women in large numbers. Most vendors were women.  I saw a lady whose face looked like a painting with all the creases, but her smile was all about silent resilience. I went to her stall and ordered a bowl of khao soi. It was bliss with the right amount of pork, herbs, and tomatoes.  The sky was still pale pink, and I saw monks in saffron robes pass quietly, collecting alms. My breakfast moment suddenly became about discovering everyday spirituality in the rhythm of food. I felt that breakfast is not just food for the people here. It is about gratitude, humility, and connecting to the origin.  Now, my stories of Luang Prabang will never end. It is like the silent river that flows and does its magic by touching the lives along its route. So, let me share with you brief details about the best street food in Luang Prabang that you cannot miss. 1. Khao Soi Luang Prabang Everyone loves Khao Soi in Luang Prabang. This pork soup with fermented soy and tomatoes is the perfect breakfast delicacy here.  2. Lao Sausage (Sai Oua) It is a pork sausage delicacy. In these sausages, the pork meat is infused with lemongrass, galangal, and herbs.  3. Sticky Rice (Khao Niew) You cannot imagine a complete Lao meal without sticky rice. I love to have sticky rice with fish.  4. Grilled Mekong Fish In Luang Prabang, they use fresh river fish to make this dish. They marinate the fish using local herbs and grill it on charcoal for a distinct flavor.  But do you know why grilled fish in Luang Prabang tastes even better? Mr. Somchai, a Mekong fish griller, said, “We catch fish at dawn and grill them by sunset. No freezer, just fire.” 5. Coconut Pancakes (Khanom Krok) The coconut pancakes are also the most unique in flavor. It has a crispy outer layer, which is complemented by the creaminess inside.  These pancakes are served with spring onions.  6. Papaya Salad (Tam Mak Hoong) If you love the pungency of fermented fish, this crunchy salad will be your instant favorite. The raw papayas used in the salad give the dish the right crunch.  Furthermore, the fermented fish sauce and the use of lemon add the right balance of flavors to the salad.  7. Larb (Laap) Larb is a comfort food. It is a salad with minced meat, lime, mint, and rice powder. It has the right balance of salty, sour, and spicy flavors.  Moreover, it is the national dish of Laos and a common staple in everyday food and festivals.  8. Jaew Bong Jaew Bong is more like a condiment or a side served with dishes like fried seaweed. It is a smoky chilli paste with strong flavors of garlic and buffalo skin.  9. Fried Seaweed (Khai Paen) I liked the umami flavors of the fried seaweed, or Khai Paen here. It was served with roasted sesame seeds, which added just the right amount of nutty balance to the dish.  Also, the fried seaweed dish came with Jaew Bong. 10. Spring Rolls Spring rolls are my favorite, and I love the ones with fish stuffing the most. So, at Luang Prabang, a hub of freshwater fish, I had to try these spring rolls.  I had the fried ones with the vermicelli, giving the outer layer the right amount of crunch.  11. Banana Roti Traditionally, a banana roti is a flatbread with banana slices and a condensed milk topping. The bread's crispiness balances the banana filling's moisture.  The banana rotis are also served with chocolate syrup and sugar. I even tried the ones with an egg filling. 12. Grilled Chicken Skewers Now, the grilled chicken skewers here are different, mostly because of the prominent presence of lemongrass. And honestly, the amount of lemongrass used was a bit too much for my taste.  However, it’s the way the locals love it.  13. Lao Coffee Lao coffee, for me, was like a dessert I could have every day and not get bored with. It is rich and sweet as it uses condensed milk.  However, the use of condensed milk does not overpower the strong aroma of coffee. 14. Fruit Shakes The food stalls in Luang Prabang have some amazing fruit shakes. I loved the dragon fruit shakes here the most. However, mango and pineapple shakes are also easily available.  15. Rice Cakes With Coconut If the morning market treated me with the best khao soi, the night market treated me with the best rice cakes with coconut.  The Sun dipped, and the night market became alive with gold and red lanterns adorning the stalls. I could smell a mix of chili smoke, coconut milk, and sticky rice roasting on bamboo skewers. At a stall, I was sitting on a wooden bench with the locals. I was waiting for my vegetarian buffet with stir-fried greens, bamboo shoots, and pumpkin curry to be served. Suddenly, the lady vendor of the stall smiled and nodded, and handed me a few rice cakes with coconut.  The dessert was as delightful as the night air in Luang Prabang, and despite many requests, the lady did not take any money for the rice cakes. Rather, we started having conversations and shared a laugh. Some soft Lao music was being played in the distance. So, my dinner moment at the night market became an act of bonding.  Almost one year later, I read an article about the distinct nature of food in Laos in the South China Morning Post. I could relate to what Saeng Douangdara, a Lao-American chef based in Los Angeles, said,  “For Lao people, food holds a central place. It serves as a unifying force that brings people together.”  Overall, I think the way people approach food here stems from the fact that it is a Buddhist land. It’s all about gratitude and mindful consumption.  How To Take The Best Food Tours In Luang Prabang? (Some Ideas To Explore) My local guide and the tuk-tuk drivers completely curated my food exploration journey in Luang Prabang. I became friends with Seng, a local tuk-tuk driver. He said,  “The best food isn’t in restaurants—it’s in the alleyways. Follow the locals.” My morning food tour in Luang Prabang to the market became all the more special by participating in the alms-giving ceremony.  You have to experience the profound meaning behind the restraint and silence of the entire experience to understand why it is spiritually elevating. Also, the night market has a charm of its own, and the morning and night markets both need to be explored on foot.  However, if you want a more luxurious tour, you can opt for something like Marriott Bonvoy Tours and Activities. Professional food guides conduct these tours, and the tour includes more than 15 tastings. It is a mobile tour with many spots around the Old City. Furthermore, Asia Tours conducts a food tour in Luang Prabang with organic farm visits and learning to cook from a local chef. Also, Thrillophilia conducts a tour with a street food walk, cultural storytelling, and exploring vegetarian-friendly options.  Street Food Map And Walking Route In Luang Prabang If you ask me, I will tell you to keep the Luang Prabang food tour spontaneous, and you must listen to your local guide.  However, you can also follow this simple walking route map for a Luang Prabang food tour.  Taking a tuk-tuk or a walk to the Morning Market near Wat Mai Heading to Ban Phanluang for grilled fish stalls Exploring the night market at Sisavangvong Road Trying local drinks and Lao Tapas at Utopia Bar Morning Vs. Evening Market Guide Luang Prabang Here is a brief comparison between the morning and night markets in Luang Prabang. CriteriaMorning MarketNight MarketTiming• Opens at 5:30 AM• Starts around 5:00 PMBest for• Fresh Produce• Herbs• Breakfast Items• Grilled Meat• Souvenirs• DessertsMust Try Items• Khao Soi• Sticky Rice• Coconut Pancakes• Lao Sausage• Banana Roti• Grilled Fish A 2-Day Luang Prabang Food Tour Itinerary  Making an itinerary for a food tour is difficult, as you cannot rush it. The idea is not to consume as much as you can. It’s about cherishing the flavors, the cultural content, the bonding, the tradition, and the people behind it.  Still, here is a 2-day itinerary for the Luang Prabang food tour.  DaysActivitiesDay 1• Exploring the morning market at Phousi Road and participating in the alms-giving ceremony• Having coffee at Le Banneton• Lunch and cooking class at Tamarind Restaurant• Exploring the Night Market Food AlleyDay 2• Mekong Breakfast Cruise• Dara Market Visit• Lunch at Khaiphaen Restaurant• Visiting Whisky Village and trying Lao Lao Whisky• Dinner at Manda de Laos Luang Prabang Food And Buddhist Rituals  The Tak Bat Ceremony, or the alms-giving ceremony, makes the food tour in Luang Prabang associated with Buddhist rituals. Monks are offered fruits and sticky rice at dawn.  Furthermore, food becomes the core of community celebration during festivals such as Pi Mai Lao or Lao New Year. In these festivals, the local people prepare food for monks.  In addition, food tour organizers such as A Chef’s Tour organize a Luang Prabang Food Tour, including a Monk Blessing Ceremony. Vegetarian Options In Luang Prabang Food  The vegetarian food options in Luang Prabang are many due to its Buddhist roots. You just have to say “Bor Sai Nyam” or “No Meat” to vendors to get vegetarian food.  Here are the alternatives or vegetarian versions for the popular staples in Luang Prabang.  Common FoodVegetarian AlternativeLarb• Options with mushrooms and tofu are available. Papaya Salad• Request not to use fish sauce in the dressingSpring Rolls• Use veg fillingsFruit Shakes• Avoid dairy products in the fruit shakes Sticky rice, the staple item in Luang Prabang food, is already a vegan item. You can have it with any veg side or fried seaweed without the chilli and buffalo skin paste.  Estimated Food Prices In Luang Prabang  The budget of your food tour will depend on the places you eat. For example, the same dish bought from a street stall will cost at least 10000 LAK when you eat at a top-grade restaurant.  Furthermore, some delicacies such as the coconut pancakes or coconut rice cakes may not be available at all restaurants.  DishStreet Stall PriceRestaurant PriceKhao Soi10,000 LAK (\$0.50)30,000 LAK (\$1.50)Lao Sausage15,000 LAK (\$0.75)40,000 LAK (\$2.00)Grilled Fish25,000 LAK (\$1)60,000 LAK (\$3.00)Larb25,000 LAK (\$1.25)70,000 LAK (\$3.50) Things To Keep In Mind For A Delightful Luang Prabang Food Tour Arrive at the morning market before 6 AM to talk to the local vendors and have freshly made coconut pancakes, steamed sticky rice, and khao soi. Arriving before the crowd helps you have authentic conversations with the local vendors.  You must follow where the locals are heading. A smart tip: Find the food stalls in the alleys near the temples. You will often notice long queues in front of those shops.  Also, most street foods cost between 5,000 and 20,000 LAK. So, carry small change.  Make sure that the vendor at the food stall you visit is wearing gloves and uses clean utensils.   Keep your behavior respectful while taking part in an alms-giving ceremony or food tours blessed by monks.  Luang Prabang Food Tour: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Luang Prabang food tour.  1. What Is The Most Famous Street Food In Luang Prabang? Khao Soi, or the pork noodle soup, is the most famous street food in Luang Prabang. It is a popular breakfast item. However, it is a wholesome dish with pork, tomatoes, and subtle flavors. Unlike traditional Thai Khao Soi, the Luang Prabang Khao Soi does not use coconut-based curry. Instead, it has fermented soybean paste.  2. Is Street Food Safe In Luang Prabang? Yes, street food is safe in Luang Prabang. However, you have to visit food stalls that locals frequent. Also, drink bottled water. Most importantly, when trying local liquors at the Whisky Village or local stalls, take your guide's suggestions.  3. Can I Join A Food Tour As A Vegetarian? Yes, you can join a food tour as a vegetarian. You can always replace the minced pork or fish in spring roll stuffing or choose tofu and mushrooms in larb. Just mention Bor Sai Nyam or no meat to the vendor. In addition, you can customize the spice level in your food with adjustments in spice level or ingredients. 

BY  Sibashree Apr 25, 2024

Is Barcelona your next dream destination? But what is the best time to travel to Barcelona? Plan your trip to get the best experience. Here’s a list of the best destinations to visit in Barcelona and activities you can enjoy in this 'City of Counts.'  Dive into this guide, where we also share the best time to travel to Barcelona. How To Reach Barcelona? You can get from the airport to the city center by metro. The train stops right at the terminal. The branch line connecting El Prat Airport to Barcelona's center opened in 2016. Only automatically operated trains run on it. Driverless trains follow a set route with a programmed speed, which depends on passenger traffic. You can buy a one-time ticket, but it is more profitable to take a card for ten trips. The Main Attraction One of the city's main attractions is the statue of Jesus Christ, perched atop the temple on Mount Tibidabo. It is Barcelona's highest point, located 512 meters above sea level. You can reach the slope by cable car, but many tourists prefer hiking routes. Legend says that the heart of anyone who climbs Tibidabo on foot will be open to boundless love. Another way to explore the Statue of Christ, the surroundings of Mount Tibidabo, and other sights in Catalonia's capital is to take a helicopter trip in Barcelona. You can enjoy stunning views with your loved one, take unique photos and videos, and have an unforgettable experience. When traveling to Barcelona, one of the best times to enjoy the majestic statue of Jesus Christ is in spring and summer. From April to June, you can visit the statue around 9 am to avoid crowds.  You can visit the statue any other time, but it may be crowded. After all, it's a main attraction. Along with the statue view, enjoy the exceptional view of the 'City of Counts.' A City Of Contrast: Best Places To Visit In Barcelona Barcelona is a city of contrasts. Ancient cathedrals and temples here peacefully coexist with noisy bars full of young people. This diversity attracts many tourists. So, what can you visit after seeing the main attraction of Jesus Christ in the 'City of Counts'? The Montjuic Mountain Are you a fan of unusual excursions? Then definitely visit Montjuic Mountain. Here, you will find a park and cemetery on Montjuic Mountain. Montjuic Cemetery is called the city of the dead.  Here, you can rent a "dwelling" for a deceased relative for 15, 25, or 50 years. More than 150 thousand people are buried in the "city of the dead." Here, you can find the graves of great musicians and artists.  On Montjuic Mountain, you can also visit the 17th-century castle. It has several thematic exhibitions, cafes, and observation decks.  Admission is paid, but young people get a 50% discount. The best time to visit Barcelona for the best experience of TMontjuïcis from April to July. You can also visit this place during the autumn months, from September to November. Parc del Laberint d’Horta The Labyrinth of Horta in Barcelona is Catalonia's oldest park. In the center of the labyrinth is a small square with a statue of love. Eight paths lead from it in different directions.  As you wander through the labyrinth, you can meet travelers from different countries. Tourists love this place. By the way, this is where the 2006 film "The Labyrinth of Faun" was shot.  The best time to visit the Labyrinth of Horta is in spring or fall. The climate is much milder during these two seasons, so you can enjoy exploring the labyrinth. Basilica Of The Sagrada Familia Did you know the Basilica Of The Sagrada Familia is listed on UNESCO's list of unconventional churches? It is among those places that will fill your heart with immense pleasure. The church has 18 colossal spindle towers, creating a Gothic appeal.  You are bound to leave awestruck not only by the church's exterior but also by its interior. The decorative ceiling and the Crucifix all tell you the story of Jesus Christ and his life of birth, death, and resurrection. The best time to visit the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia is in the morning or at sunset. It's less crowded in the morning, usually around 9 am. For the best sunset view reflected in the church's interiors, go at 5 pm. Take magical photos of the church at this time. Palau De La Musica Catalana Palau de la Música Catalana is a popular 19th-century opera hall designed by Lluis Domènech i Montaner. The latter is an infamous architect and artist.  This beautiful structure will mesmerize you with its intricate, detailed mosaic work. The opera hall features decorated columns and an exterior influenced by Catalan Modernism. The best time to travel to Barcelona to see the 19th century opera hall is from 10 am to 3 pm. Your entry fee will be around 16 Euros per head. Best Foods You Can Try In Barcelona Sweet lovers should try the popular Catalan desserts: Crema Catalana, a delicate caramelized cream, and Turrón, a nut-and-honey nougat. Sangria is the most popular drink in Barcelona. This is a low-alcohol fruit wine. It tastes great, but it's best not to overdo it on a hot day. Jamon is a traditional snack in Barcelona. It consists of thin slices of dry-cured ham. Unexpectedly, Catalans prefer to serve jamon with slices of fresh melon. Conclusion Now that you know what you can explore and visit in Barcelona, tell us where you will start your tour. Also, the best time to travel to Barcelona doesn't mean you have to visit the city then.  You can also visit the 'City Of Counts' whenever you wish based on your preference. However, the traveler should be very careful. Pickpocketing is common in the city, especially in crowded areas where holidaymakers gather. Read Also: First-Time In Spain? Try These 5 Insider Tips To Enjoy The Experience Nature Escapes Near Bilbao: Mountains, Beaches, And Coastal Beauty Day Trips From Cleveland: Discovering Cuyahoga Valley National Park