HELLO INTERNET

Welcome to the first post.

I’m April, your host.

This blog is about my random travel adventures. I love offbeat places and roadside attractions. I want to share the places I’ve found. (And you can feel free to share yours)

I may even share some local places as well. Right now, I haven’t been outside the U.S. except for Juarez, Mexico. I hope to change that someday.

Places I want to visit the most: New Zealand, Cardiff (Wales), Isle of Man, Isle of Skye, and pretty much the majority of Europe.

Fairy pools at the Isle of Skye

King’s Tavern- Natchez, MS

If you’re ever in southern Mississippi and wanted a nice meal in a haunted tavern, this is your place. Whether you truly believe in ghosts or not, it’s a historical site and has loads of atmosphere!

It was built in 1789 and was once used as a post office. It’s the site of many deaths (murders and the boring ones as well).  Be sure to check out their website for more info.

I’ve gone there as a tourist to eat and enjoy the environment. I have also gone as part of a ghost hunting group. The level of EMF meter readings in there is through the roof. Maybe there is a logical explanation, but either way, a quick tour of the upstairs bedrooms will leave you with the willies.

Be sure and ask the staff about how many dishes mysteriously end up broken in the floor.

See Bedrock City

I love cheesy roadside attractions, and this was one of the best.

I visited this lovely theme park on a cross-country trip across Route 66 to Vegas. This was on my Roadside America list and I made it one of my priority stops. (Some places I was out-voted on by my father who did most of the driving.)

It was only $5 admission. It’s located just south of the Grand Canyon in Williams, AZ. Because of this fact, you’d think we’d have driven the 20 extra minutes to see the Grand Canyon, but I voted against it. I had seen it in pictures, film, and from a plane window once. I felt that it was a bit over-played. Bedrock City, and other cheesy roadside attractions still lay ahead…

It was completely deserted. We had the whole theme park to ourselves. And I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. They had a few small rides, but mainly geared toward small kids. The main attraction is just ONE BIG PHOTO OP. There are the little rock houses and fake businesses intertwined with the Flintstones characters we know and love. You can even get in the cars and take pics! We only had about 30-45 minutes worth of entertainment value, but for $5 I call it a win.

There’s also a gift shop, a campground, and Fred’s Diner. We didn’t check those out because we were on a tight schedule to make it to Vegas. I’m sure they were equally as cheesy as the theme park.  If you are interested in more info, check out their website. And just in case you are interested, it is FOR SALE. (If I was rich, I’d totally buy it.) It is still in operation according to their website. SO, see it while you still can!!!

Cosby, TN

I’ve been more than once. Every few years, my family vacations in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. But one year while passing through Cosby, we stopped to check out the Kyle Carver Orchards. Huge farmer’s market with lots of fresh veggies and fruit, as well as homemade pickled items, local honey, and jellies. I think you get the gist. They also have a candy shop, a restaurant, and an ice cream shoppe on property. I always pass up the more expensive in-town candy shops for this one. I love the varieties of taffy they have, along with everything else. Their prices are extremely affordable, especially compared to tourist traps you find in that area. After that, we started staying at a cabin that is actually IN Cosby. And we always make a trip or two to the orchard for veggies and fruit.  We usually cook the majority of our meals and only treat ourselves to eating out a few times while on a trip. I have not tried the restaurant, but I’ve heard that it is EXCELLENT and intend to try it out next visit.

The Market at Carver Orchards

Also, try out Cosby Cafe, which is located in a greenhouse. Lovely fresh air and good BBQ.

I’m sad to say one of my other favorites from Cosby is now closed. The Front Porch Mexican Restaurant was a place with both Mexican food and Southern favorites…and on top of that they would have bluegrass bands playing! Was a unique experience the one time I was able to go there! This one needs to be brought back for everyone to experience.

Overall, I’d have to say Cosby is a more quiet and down-home alternative to the Gatlinburg area. It’s about a 30 minute drive to Gatlinburg from Cosby, so it’s still convenient to do the tourist stuff as well!