Three Ways Traveling Can Open Your Mind And Heart

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  Barsha Mar 23, 2023

Do you love exploring global cuisines? And do you reside in a global food hub like Los Angeles? If you are nodding your head to the above questions, then you have definitely arrived at the right destination. Because today, we will talk about the top Dominican restaurants in Los Angeles. But in case you are a little confused about Dominican cuisine, the popular cuisine is made up of largely Spanish food items, accompanied by Middle Eastern, indigenous Taino, and African influences. So if this sounds interesting to you, then you better stick around – because we have something tasty in store for you. Stay tuned to find out more. Top 12 Dominican Restaurants in Los Angeles: The Ultimate Guide Image Source: cdn.newsday.com There’s something so exotic about trying out new cuisine - if your tastebuds have an adventurous streak, then you should definitely be ready for some Dominican delicacies. And fortunately, today, we have several options when it comes to trying Dominican eateries located in Los Angeles. Are you already doing an extensive ‘Dominican restaurants near me’ search on Google? Then stop because we have already completed doing research for you. So, without wasting any more time, scroll down and find out the best Dominican Restaurants in Los Angeles. 1. Mofongos: Image Source: alexsseafood.com Mofongos is perhaps one Dominican restaurant in Los Angeles that we love visiting very frequently. Located on Lankershim Blvd, this is a casual eatery serving authentic Dominican dishes, including popular items such as Mofongo De Camarones, Flan De Queso, and Arroz Con Pastel Y Tostones. 2. El Colmao: Image Source: www.mammaproof.org The strangest thing about El Colmao is exactly how we found the place. Did you know that while looking for Dominican restaurants in NYC, we first came across this hidden gem in LA? Located on Pico Blvd, El Colmao is a Cuban restaurant known for its delicious sandwiches, rice and beans, Ropa Vieja, plantains, and other authentic dishes. 3. Coppelias Bakery & Restaurant:  Image Source: duyt4h9nfnj50.cloudfront.net Another result of looking for ‘Dominican restaurants New York’ on Google was Coppelias Bakery & Restaurant also in Los Angeles. If you love those cute bakeries specializing in different pastries and cakes, then this place is a must-visit. And that’s not all – you will also get Peruvian and Cuban food like the delicious Rotisserie chicken. 4. Mario’s Peruvian Seafood: Image Source: media-cdn.tripadvisor.com We are checking out Melrose Avenue when we found Mario’s Peruvian Seafood in Los Angeles. If you are exhausted of typing ‘Dominican Republic restaurants near me’ on Google, then stop – instead, just visit this restaurant and try out popular items such as Chicken Lomo Saltado, Chicharron De Pollo, Ceviche Mixto, and Inca Kola. 5. El Florida Restaurant: Image Source: d1ralsognjng37.cloudfront.net El Florida is a festive restaurant that specializes in two things – mouth-watering Cuban dishes and lively Latin melodies. Located right on Vine Street, the El Florida restaurant is one of our favorite Dominican restaurants in LA. If you do visit this restaurant, then do try out dishes like Ropa Vieja, Tostones, Bistec De Palomilla, Cuban sandwiches, and more. 6. Little Kingston Jamaican Restaurant: Image Source: media-cdn.grubhub.com While doing extensive research on the best Dominican food that LA has to offer, we stumbled upon Little Kingston Jamaican restaurant. Of course, it all started with the famous ‘Dominican food near me’ search, and soon we were hurrying all over Slauson Avenue looking for Little Kingston. 7. Otoño: Image Source: cdn.vox-cdn.com While we love the Dominican restaurants in New York, there is no point denying that LA has really upped its games when it comes to global cuisines, and Otoño is one such place that has made quite a name for its delectable Dominican dishes. But there’s only one problem - although the food is great, the service is a little slow, and that’s all right since the food quality is great. 8. Versailles Cuban Restaurant: Image Source: infatuation.imgix.net If you are looking for a kid-friendly, humble Dominican restaurant, then you must head over to the Versailles Cuban Restaurant located on Venice Blvd. Moreover, the place comes with plenty of positive reviews online - this is precisely what most people, including us, check out online before visiting any restaurant. 9. El Rincon Criollo: Image Source: d1ralsognjng37.cloudfront.net Located on Sepulveda Blvd, El Rincon Criollo is a relaxed and casual Cuban eatery that specializes in shredded beef and roasted pork. The vibrant island decor only adds up to the charm of this cozy restaurant. Plus, the menu is all about authentic Cuban dishes - if you love adventures, then this one will definitely become your favorite. 10. Colombia Exotic: Image Source: digital.ihg.com Located on Union Ave, Colombia Exotic is one of our favorite Dominican restaurants in Los Angeles. We love their food - our favorites? Arepa de Pollo, Salchipapa regular, Monster burgers, Salchipollo, and Arepa Cuatro Sabores. If your tastebuds are looking for something exotic, then this is the restaurant you have to check out as soon as possible. 11. La Guanakita Mexicana: Image Source: duyt4h9nfnj50.cloudfront.net We found so many positive reviews on La Guanakita Mexicana online that we knew missing out on such an authentic, local eatery would be honesty our loss. If you have been to Pico Blvd before, chances are you missed this local eatery on the side of the road - but this time, be attentive and visit this crazy local restaurant. 12. Mixto Comida Latina: Image Source: d1ralsognjng37.cloudfront.net The Mixto Comida Latina is one of those Dominican restaurants in Los Angeles that has both delivery and dining options. And not just that, but you will also get to choose between dine-in and delivery alternatives. Located on Hyperion Ave, Mixto Comida Latina is another one of our favorite Dominican restaurants to visit every time we are craving Dominican cuisine. Bon Appetit: Have A Good Meal! And that’s a wrap on the best Dominican restaurants located in Los Angeles. If you love exploring global food options, then you can definitely try out a few Dominican dishes. But while doing so, it’s always best to keep an open mind and let your tastebuds decide what works for you and what obviously doesn’t work for you. So, tell us what your thoughts are on trying out Dominican cuisine – and while sharing your thoughts, if you do have prior experience with this cuisine, then share your experiences in the comments below. Read Also: The Best Peruvian Food Near Me In Los Angeles Are You Looking For A Latin American Restaurant In Miami? Top 7 Salvadoran Food Near Me In Los Angeles (Completed Guide)

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 3, 2021

Every traveler has individual preferences. Some like to explore historical places. Some like to spend their time on the beach. But when you are a person who likes the thrill feel with haunted chilling experiences, you must visit the stull cemetery gates of hell Kansas. The place is very near to west Lawrence. The stull cemetery is just 10 miles away from Lawrence city. This entirely small town is a popular tourist place for its terrifying supernatural history and experiences.  The town is starting to gain popularity after the people experience the supernatural activities around them. But, unfortunately, even some of the rumors are also associated with the devils and the cults. So let’s see some facts about the haunted stull cemetery in Kansas. Where Is This Stull Cemetery Kansas Is Located? frightfind.com People are calling the Stull cemetery the gates of hell, Kansas. The Stull Cemetery is located outside of Stull, Kansas. From Lowrance city, it is only 10 miles away. The small and tiny town was settled by Dutch settlers from Pennsylvania. In 1899 first time, the town had its own post office, and after opening the post office, the town was renamed by the name of the postmaster Sylvester Stull. The stull cemetery gate of hell is in the town.  The cemetery contains multiple tombstones and German-sounding names. If you are already in Stull town, you can easily find the church and the cemetery. Supernatural Activity Experiences In Stull Cemetery Like the other old graveyard and the cemetery, this stull cemetery also has a thrilling and chilling ambiance. The old graves dated back from 1850 are present here. So when you are going to visit the place for the first time, you will see all the signs of the old cemetery.  If you are searching for a haunted place to click the pictures, this is going to be the best selection for the purposes. Based on the rumors, all the supernatural activities started in 1974. And in 1980, a supranational article was posted in the school newspaper and described the reason for calling the stull cemetery gateway of hell. In that article, the writer said the stull cemetery is one of the gates of hell. However, when the journal is published, few students are interviewed, and the students share their experiences about their supernatural activities during their cemetery visit. After this news posting in 1988, around 500 people are gathering in the stull cemetery in the Spring to take a glimpse of the devil. From that time, the stull cemetery became a very popular haunted tourist spot.  Let’s see some historical facts of Stull cemetery. Why Is The Stull Cemetery Called The Gates Of Hell? The stull cemetery rumors are so thrilling that every passerby and traveler always feel the supernatural presence near the place. The cemetery's stories are like this: the cemetery has the grave of Saturn’s child. And every Spring, Saturn comes over to the site to see his child’s grave.  This is why visitors are starting to visit the place to take a glimpse of Saturn during Halloween and the spring. The local people believe this is an evil place. And the cemetery has a hidden stairway of hell. However, the old building and the burned church structures stand still and give the place a calm and cold thrilling feeling. This cemetery has many old graves dated back to the 18th century. Apart from the haunting impression, this place has a substantial historical value. When you are walking under the burned church, the cold air will surely give you a chill feeling. When Did The Stull Cemetery Church Burn Down? The Stull cemetery has an ancient church. The church’s age is the same as the old gravestones of the cemetery. This old church was first founded in 1859. And the church was named Evangelical Emmanuel Church. This old church was made with wood. The Evangelical Emmanuel Church was demolished in 2002 due to the fire. Before demolishing the church and the cemetery, both were addressed as haunted places. This demolition is part of the vandalism, and this place has a very sinister reputation. The church rumors that you will get a stair to walk down the hell under the burned church. The rumors about Saturn are like this: he has a romantic relationship with a witch. And they had a deformed son. So, in every spring, the Devil comes over the ground by these stull cemetery stairs and pays a visit to his son’s grave. This is why the local people believe that the old church is holding one gate among the seven gates of hell. Are There Any Rules For Legally Visiting Stull Cemetery? Every local person believes the stull cemetery supernatural force is present, and many visitors are experiencing various whispering-like sounds. If you like to hear with the sounds of hell, you must visit the place and experience the thrilling supernatural feelings. When you are going to reach the stull cemetery, you will see many notices like no trespassing and more like warnings. This is because the historic cemetery of Stull has various types of rumors about occult connections.  So most adventure-lover visitors like to visit the place after dark when nobody is around. But these types of activities are strictly prohibited. In many places, you will find warnings and restrictions. Halloween is the best time when the visitors are arranging the excursion. For the visitors, fixed hours are allotted. If you plan to explore the place after dark, in that case, there is a chance of penalty fines. The police are patrolling around the cemetery area. And for trespassers, they can charge more than $1200 in fines or six months jail. How To Visit The Stull Cemetery Gate Of Hell? When you are in Ks, you can quickly head towards the stull town. You only have to follow the N. 1600 Rd to reach your destination. The stull cemetery is on the north side of N 1600 Rd. So, when you are on Stull Rd, you just have to head east of E.250 Rd, and you will go to find your destination on the north side of the N. 1600 Rd. The whole area of the stull cemetery is filled up with various historical structures. During the visit, you can see these art effects and explore the place. But the perfect time to visit the place is Halloween and the season of spring. This time the whole environment of the site is turning to be very mysterious and calm. Weird Facts That Are Actually Scary About The Stull Cemetery! According to the show Supernatural, the Stull Cemetery has the gates of hell and anyone who finds it will never come back. The place is quite popular with regards to seven of the reputed places where people can descend to the darkest realms of the earth. The legend says that the staircase appears once a year and if it is revealed to a person, you can descend into the grave and into the underworld. People are often seen interested in this urban legend as many have visited the cemetery during Halloween. Apart from the tales, the cemetery is considered cursed as in some versions Satan visited a grave which is of his infant son. Sum It Up: The environment of the stull cemetery is very mysterious. So if you are in search of a thrilling haunted ambiance, this place can be your perfect selection. Ks and Lawrence city both are near to this place. By a simple car drive, you can reach the stull town and cemetery. Are you planning to take the thrilling haunted experiences? Do not forget to share your traveling experiences in the comment sections. Read More: 10 Best Things to Do in Dublin (Ireland) 10 Amazing Things To Do In Medellin 10 Best Things To Do In Navarre Beach, Florida In 2022