Sunday, August 24, 2014

Fall Creek Falls State Park


If you were following our summer adventures through our Facebook posts, you know that Frugal Family Travelers visited outdoor locations throughout  Tennessee and North Carolina.   Today's blog post features an amazing state park worthy of any bucket list!  Truly an outdoor mountain paradise nestled in the mountains just north of Chattanooga, TN,  Fall Creek Falls State Park features beautiful cabins, campsites, a mountain lodge, golf course, boating, biking, horseback riding, hiking paths lined with amazing streams, numerous waterfalls, (one of which features a sliding rock), zip lining and of course the majestic water fall for which the park is named. (Click here to see activity details.)

We arrived in the later part of the afternoon so our first priority was to prepare our our camp site.   Everything we needed for cooking and camping was easily found right in the general store located conveniently on the grounds of the park!  We loved that the campsites were nicely shaded and provided privacy, while at the same time having a community atmosphere.  Our Frugal Family Travelers felt like pioneers while pitching the tent and cooking hot dogs, s'mores and popcorn on an open campfire!

The next day began with a guided hike, led by a park ranger, to the base of Fall Creek Falls.   We learned that the park contains one of the only virgin Hemlock groves in that area.  The hike was strenuous but the breathtaking views, as we made our descent into the canyon, made every step well worth the effort.  Next, we hiked on several trails which led to waterfalls, streams and swinging bridges.   We highly suggest getting a map so you do not miss any of the trails or sites in the park. The greater part of the afternoon was spent at the Cane Creek Falls.  This is one of the most popular areas of the park for day use visitors because of the easy access to the falls and swimming holes.  We enjoyed cooling off in the water here but particularly enjoyed sliding down the natural rock water slide!

Fall Creek Falls State park is great location for those seeking a destination get-away or for those looking for a nice stop along an adventurous mountain vacation.  This is truly a park with recreational and educational activities suitable for visitors of ALL ages!

Tips: 
Pack water, sunscreen, tubes, and insect repellent!!

Be sure to check the area for letterboxes!!  To discover more about letterboxing Click Here to read the information previously posted on our blog.
  
Note:
Take advantage of the maps and information provided at the ranger station.   Firewood is available for purchase.  They do not allow outside wood to be brought in for burning. 

Directions:
  1. Phone: (423) 881-5298

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(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)

Disclaimer:
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.


Saturday, August 9, 2014

Blue Hole in Soddy Daisy, TN



Frugal Family Travelers recently visited numerous areas in both Tennessee and North Carolina.   If you were following our Facebook page posts, you may recall that daily picture clues were shared to showcase the amazing locations we visited.   Today's blog will reveal the first of these places called "Blue Hole", which is nestled in the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge Area in the town of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee.  Soddy Daisy is approximately 45 minutes north of Chattanooga.  "Blue Hole" as it is called is a deep swimming hole formed in a crevice of a mountain stream.  The large rock adjacent to the hole is perfect, as it allows visitors a place from which to jump to experience the refreshing waters.   After our 30 + minute (approximately a mile) hike to the "Blue Hole," our Frugal Family Travelers were more than willing to take a plunge into the water.   If you are a fan of hiking on beautiful mountain trails, with a rewarding adrenaline rush at the end of your journey, then you will definitely want to plan to visit the "Blue Hole" on one of your future excursions to Tennessee.

Tips: 
Pack water, sunscreen, and insect repellent!!
At one point along the trail it is necessary to cross the stream so water shoes are a must have!!  Water levels can fluctuate on this stream so be sure to check levels prior to departure and before jumping into the water! Although we saw many visitors to this area diving head first into the water, we DO NOT recommend this!

Be sure to check the area for letterboxes!!  To discover more about letterboxing Click Here to read the information previously posted on our blog.
  
Note:
There are several trails to waterfalls and other areas that branch from the trail to the blue hole! Don't be afraid to ask other hikers on the trail for more specific directions.  We noticed another place on the stream trail which had a jumping rock but the locals suggested the "Blue Hole" especially those traveling with children.  

Directions:
418 Montlake Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN
These are approx. directions.   The entrance to the park area is to the left!  Look for the "brown" park sign -  North Chickamauga Creek Gorge.
















(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)

Disclaimer:
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Follow Us on Social Media!


Our Frugal Family Travelers have been on an adventure this week!  We have posted  pictures each day to our Facebook page to highlight our activities and give our followers a chance to guess our locations.  
Make sure you "like us" on Facebook and "follow us" on Twitter or Trover.com!  We will reveal all the locations seen in Facebook picture postings in future blog posts.   The posts will include all the details needed to plan a visit to these locations with your Frugal Family Travelers.   Have fun with us and follow us on social media so you do not miss notifications for future blog posts! 

Monday, July 14, 2014

A Visit to Vermilionville


If your Frugal Family Travelers love living history as much as our do, then you will want to plan a visit to Vermilionville.   Located in Lafayette and with approximately 23-acres and structures dating between 1665 to 1890, Vermilionville is an amazing representation of Acadian culture.   Local artisans demonstrating crafts, carving, music and other aspects of life for the early settlers, makes this a great "hands on" learning environment that's fun for the whole family!  Our Frugal Family Travelers particularly loved meeting and talking to the carving artisan who was on site and also with a fiddler sharing music.  We really loved the old ferry and ferrying ourselves across the bayou to view another section of the park!

Tips: 
Bring sunscreen and water.  Water fountain is available on site.
Click Here to download a copy of the walking tour guide!
Be sure to check the area for letterboxes!!  To discover more about letterboxing Click Here to read the information previously posted on our blog.
  
Note:
Prices:  Adults (ages19-65+):  $7;  Studnets (ages 5-18): $5; Children under 5 no charge!
Vermilionville allows only service animals on the grounds.Vermillionville hosts special events throughout the year.  Click here  to discover the events to be held in the upcoming months.  Acadian Culture Day is a FREE event at Vermilionville and is on August 2nd, 10:00-5:00.

Directions:
(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)

Disclaimer:
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

Friday, July 4, 2014

Make a Splash at LibertyLagoon






Liberty Lagoon Water Park in Baton Rouge, is a smaller water park with with slides, a lazy river and extensive pool/water playground. Admission is $11.10  (48" and taller), $9.09 (under 48") with ages 1 and under free.  All day tube rentals are $1.  Combine a this with a  visit to some of our other suggestions from the Baton Rouge area and create a weekend adventure not to be forgotten by your Frugal Family Travelers.


Tips: 
Bring sunscreen and water.  Water fountain is available on site.
Be sure to check the area for letterboxes!!  To discover more about letterboxing Click Here to read the information previously posted on our blog.
  

Note:  Liberty Lagoon is open 10-7 p.m., Monday-Saturday and 12-7 p.m. on Sunday. 

Directions:

BREC's Liberty Lagoon


(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)

Disclaimer:
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

View FrugalFamilyTraveler's photos on Trover

Thursday, June 26, 2014

14 Free/Low Cost Museums

The Historic New Orleans Collection Gallery Exhibitions are always free, any day of the week.  However, an admission is charged for tours of historic buildings. 



The Bestoff Sculpture Garden in City Park at the New Orleans Museum of Art is free every day.


The Louisiana Children's Museum is free the third Sunday of the month, courtesy of Target.   It is located on Julia Street in New Orleans' Warehouse District.

The New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park is free every Wednesday, courtesy of the Helis Foundation.


The Contemporary Art Center (CAC), in the Warehouse District offers free entry to Louisiana residents on Sundays.


The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, offers free admission to Louisiana residents, with a valid I.D., every Thursday from 10-5 p.m. Children under age 5 get in free every day.


The Slidell and GOSH Museums offer daily free admission and are open a variety of days and times.  Visit their website for details. 


The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum in Madisonville, LA offers a low cost admission of $5 per adult, $3 per child/seniors, children 5 and under, free. 


The Otis House Museum in Madisonville, LA offers a $4 admission fee for adults with seniors and children under 12 free.  

The Louisiana Museum of Natural History offers both a textile and natural science museum. Both are open Monday through Friday and are free to the public. Visit their website for details.


The Old Louisiana State Capital is offers a variety of exhibits.  Located in Baton Rouge, LA, the museum is open Tuesday-Saturday with free admission.


The Louisiana Rural Life Museum, located in Baton Rouge is a great way to explore the past.   Adult admission is $9; Children ages 5-11 are $8; Under 5 are free. 


The Mississippi Armed Forces Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday and is free to the public!  Be sure and combine this with a trip to Merit Water Park for a full weekend of adventure!

Be sure to sign-up for email notifications on our the blog or like us on Facebook to receive future postings!

(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)

Disclaimer:
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure