Travel articles published by Teresa Gibbs in Source: a Publication of Athens-Limestone Hospital

America the Beautiful!

Though there are many wonderful places to visit all over the world, when it comes to our own country, the words written in a hymn, in 1893 by Katharine Lee Bates, “America the Beautiful,” ring so true.

Some of America’s most scenic areas are national parks that have been set aside to preserve the natural beauty of the land and protect historical sites.

In this part of the country, when we think about national parks, I’m sure most of us think of the one within a day’s drive of Athens – The Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The scenery through the mountains is beautiful, especially in the fall when the leaves begin to change colors from green to bright shades of red, yellow and orange. We’re not the only ones that think the Smoky Mountains are “great,” The Great Smoky Mountains happens to be the most visited national park in the US. It is hugely popular due to its beautiful and dramatic landscapes and a multitude of hiking opportunities. Within the boundaries of the park is an endless amount of hiking trails plus some interesting historical sites such as Cades Cove, the Roaring Fork Stream, and Cataloochee Valley.

Some of the first national parks were designated to protect the natural resources of America’s vast and diverse landscape. Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872 when President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act. This has given many generations the enjoyment of more than two million acres of mountain wilderness, gushing geysers, and luscious landscapes.

by Teresa Gibbs

Several years ago, when I took my first trip out west, I visited Yellowstone. I’ll never forget the beauty of its rushing rivers, dense forests, hot springs and its most famous geyser, Old Faithful. Yellowstone is home to more small and large animals than anywhere in the Lower 48 states.

The best wildlife viewing opportunities are early morning hours. Fortunately, I was there early and saw many of those amazing animals including bears, bison, elk, and antelope. I even got a close-up look at a female moose and her newborn. (Well, close enough for me, and well within the guidelines of staying 25 yards away from wild animals.)

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is also included as one of the top national parks for wildlife viewing. My husband, Wyman, and I recently took a trip out west. It was a hard-two-day trip from Athens, but we made a stop about halfway out and arrived in Taos, New Mexico the second day.

Taos is a small, colorful town surrounded by art communities and located at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. We stayed in Taos Ski Valley, about 20 miles north of Taos. The view from our balcony at Alpine Village Suites were incredible!

Taos is known for its Spanish Pueblo style of Adobe architecture. Adobe buildings, built from bricks of clay and straw, are one of the significant features of Southwest America. There is an entire village, called Taos Pueblo, that is a Native American community with multi-storied

adobe buildings that have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years.

From Taos, we headed into Colorado. When we got to Durango, we got on US Highway 550 which offers amazing views while winding through Silverton and Ouray, and into Ridgway. This highway was originally built in 1880 by cutting into the sides of rock mountains. (It’s remarkable that they had the ability to do that 140 years ago!) It became known as the “Million Dollar Highway” and is one of the most scenic drives in the USA. In fact, it was such an incredibly gorgeous drive that we decided to stay in Ouray an extra day so we could backtrack 25 miles to Silverton and take the 25-mile trip back to Ouray again. This time we made more stops, hiking and exploring along the way.

When we left Ouray, we meandered north, toward Grand Lake, the western gateway into the Rocky Mountain National Park. After spending a couple of days in Grand Lake, we headed into the Rocky Mountain National Park.

The Trail Ridge Road (US Highway 34) is a Scenic Byway that winds through

the Rocky Mountain National Park. It is the highest road in the US that is paved for its entire length. This “Highway to the Sky” is not for the faint of heart. It twists and turns through mountainous forests of ponderosa pines, birch, and aspen trees and reaches its peak at 12,183 feet, well above the 11,500foot timberline. There are many switchbacks and no guardrails to stop your vehicle should you edge off the pavement. The sides of the mountains are steep and drop away quickly.

The road, which takes about three hours to complete, offers plenty of hiking trails along the way.

The park’s great large-animal population makes it one of the country’s top wildlife watching destinations. We saw bighorn sheep, deer, moose and hundreds of elk.

At one point, the highway crosses the Continental Divide, where stream flows are separated east from west.

The views are spectacular. I must have said “wow” a hundred and one times. I was wowed each time we rounded a bend and faced a sweeping vista of steep, rocky cliffs

and spectacular gorges.

The United States of America is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful countries in the world. You really cannot appreciate its beauty or how truly vast and diverse it is until you get in your car and start driving. So get out your map - yes, a map – you can’t find those out-ofthe-way places if you’re using an app. Research the areas you’d like to visit –the Internet is loaded with all the information you need. Pack up the car – don’t take more than you need. Dealing with all that extra stuff while traveling gets frustrating. If you left something you truly need, find a place to buy it. Most importantly, enjoy some of the beauty that the United States has to offer.

Vacationing for the Health of it!

by Teresa Gibbs

If you are like the majority of u.S. employees, you will only use half of your allotted vacation time. The Huffington Post took a poll of workers and found that 40% of respondents felt they had too much work to do, and didn’t want to fall behind. More than 20% of workers didn’t want to appear replaceable.

Maybe it’s time those ambitious achievers learn one of the biggest secrets of productivity - the refueling principle. Time off has positive benefits for both workers and their employers such as higher productivity, stronger workplace morale, and greater employee retention.

Taking a vacation helps reduce stress, depression, physical ailments including the risk of heart disease. Vacationers report feeling happier and healthier after taking a vacation.

Even kids need to sometimes forget about school and just have fun. Though traveling with children can sometimes be challenging, the benefits of a family vacation outweigh the challenge. Vacations allow families to bond in a fun environment free of daily stressors.

The modern American vacation was actually invented in Europe - where they refer to a “vacation” as a “holiday.” Europeans value leisure time and most get a minimum of four weeks of vacation - and use them all!

The European holiday began during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when doctors often prescribed trips to the seaside, believing that not only drinking seawater was beneficial for health, but that the shock of submersion in cold, salty and turbulent seawater could cure everything from heat stroke to melancholy.

Visiting the seaside gradually became a kind of competitive activity among Britain’s upper class. By the early 19th century, seaside resorts began to spring up all over Europe where the rich would meet up to socialize and partake in the daily ritual of drinking the healthful mineral waters.

The White Orchid inn and spa – a seaside Oasis

This romantic retreat is located in Flagler Beach – a unique coastal community located 220 miles north of Palm Beach. The White Orchid Inn is a romantic bed and breakfast offering privacy, luxury and pampering and is merely steps to the beach. To truly relax your mind, restore your internal balance and awaken your natural beauty, indulge in one of the many spa treatments offered here.

The night we arrived, we relaxed in the warm mineral pool before retiring to our comfortable bed for a restful night’s sleep. The next morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast of pineapple-carrot bread, ham-and-cheese quiche, pancakes and fresh fruit. The dining area has wonderful views of the beach. With the use of the inn’s beach chairs and umbrellas we were all set to relax on the beach for the rest of the morning. That afternoon, we borrowed their bicycles to explore the area.

Whether you enjoy lying on a warm sandy seashore or swimming in the ocean, a beach vacation offers many health benefits. The peacefulness of relaxing on the beach reduces stress and anxiety. The warm sun rays lowers cholesterol, kills bad bacteria and prompts healing of skin disorders. The salt sea air and water does wonders for your respiratory system. Swimming uses almost every muscle in your body, improving flexibility and increasing cardiovascular endurance.

If the ocean isn’t your cup of tea, another great way to get the benefits of a healing vacation is to visit the mountains. The mountain air offers many health benefits including strengthening the nervous and immune system, as well as improving your metabolism. The cool, crisp mountain air, beautiful views, and preserved nature make hiking an ideal activity for reducing stress levels and increasing your quality of life.

The Dillard house – a Mountain retreat

Nestled in the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town of Dillard, Georgia was founded in 1794 by Captain

John Dillard, who was awarded the land after serving in the American Revolution. In 1917, John’s grandson opened a general store and boarding house, which later became the Dillard House Inn and family-style restaurant. The Dillard House and Restaurant (still operated by the Dillard family) remains a popular spot for travelers because of its award-winning southern cuisine and resort.

The cool, crisp air smells of fresh pine and woodsyscented foliage. Breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains offer peace and tranquility. Choose to stay in one of their quaint cottage, secluded cabins or a room in the inn or the rock house.

We’ve visited the Dillard House many times over the years and often take our granddaughter, Tenley, with us. She always enjoys visiting the petting farm zoo, and during our last stay, we let her visit the Dillard House Stables (check out the photo) . . . and now you know the rest of that story!

They also offer horseback rides through scenic mountain trails with views of majestic waterfalls and gorges.

The rolling hills of Dillard offer trails for every fitness level - shady trails along babbling brooks; moderate hikes leading to spectacular waterfalls; steep, rugged, winding climbs to the top of a mountain with mesmerizing, panoramic views. Studies have shown that hiking lowers risk of heart disease, increases your cardiovascular endurance, strengthens your core, builds muscle, and fights the symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Taking vacations can lead to a longer, happier, and healthier life. Vacationing at least once a year can decrease stress levels as well as greatly reduce your chance of suffering a heart attack. With all the health benefits of a vacation, isn’t it time you booked yours?

for more information on a beach vacation, visit thepalmbeaches.com or thewhiteorchid.com. for a mountain trip, visit dillardhouse.com.

Camping in Yankeetown, Florida The peaceful nature coast awaits you!

by Teresa Gibbs

Get away from the vacationing masses and head to yankeetown, Florida for a taste of old Florida. you won’t find condos or high-rises here. No fast-food restaurants or chain stores. What you will find is picturesque natural beauty, historic charm, plenty of outdoor activities, and productive fishing opportunities. Its bountiful waters are chock-full of trout, red fish, snook and flounder.

A couple of years ago my husband, Wyman and I were heading to South Florida when we decided to turn off the beaten path. That’s when we discovered yankeetown. Although all we found were a couple of marinas and a narrow highway that lead straight to the Gulf of Mexico, we were quite intrigued with the eccentric character of this quaint little town and vowed to return.

When we bought a camper a few months ago, the first thing we did was to make reservations at a campground in yankeetown, Florida. Besides, February is a great time to avoid cold weather in North Alabama. But then, anytime is a great time to visit Florida!

Eleanor oaks RV Park and Campground is a hidden gem nestled among the unique beauty surrounding historic yankeetown. owners Serina and Steve Avis are

very accommodating and were there to make sure we were set up and ready to camp. The rustic campground offers more than 60 shady spots within walking distance of the Withlacoochee River and they even offer use of their kayaks. other amenities are a swimming pool, recreation room and laundry facility.

We spent most of our days riding our bicycles along the river, reading in a near-by park or relaxing at our campsite. This area of Florida is brimming with natural fresh-water springs and lots of other natural wonders, so we took several short day trips.

Just south of yankeetown is Crystal River and Homosassa - the manatee capital of the world. you’ll find more manatees there in winter months than in any other part of Florida.

over 70 natural springs feed into Crystal River’s Kings Bay. The water is an amazingly beautiful blue shade and the temperature is consistently around 72 degrees. When water temperatures drop below 65 degrees, manatees experience cold stress and even hypothermia, so they congregate in large herds near the warm spring water.

Even in the summer, hundreds of manatees travel up

For more information about Eleanor oaks RV Park and Campground located in yankeetown, FL, call 352-447-3050 or go to eleanoroaksrvpark.com.

the river to reach the springs. And it’s the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with these gentle giants. There are options for everyone to see manatees, from swimming with them to kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. We visited Three Sisters Springs and saw hundreds if not a thousand manatee. The Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa is another great place to view manatee and other wildlife.

We also took a boat tour offered by Plantation Adventure Center and Manatee Tours. They also offer kayaking and snorkeling. Although they do offer wet suits we decided to wait until our next trip down there. We’re making plans now! They say the scalloping is wonderful in the fall.

For information on visiting Crystal River, go to discovercrystalriverfl.com and plantationoncrystalriver.com

Natchez, Mississippi History and Hospitality

by Teresa Gibbs

Moss-covered oaks, lush gardens, antebellum homes, southern cuisine and hospitality easily describe Natchez, Mississippi. The historic southern town sits perched on a bluff 200 feet above the Mississippi River, with a 30-mile view of the river both north and south.

Before the civil war, Natchez was a prominent city; a center for cotton planters and Mississippi River trade. It boasted over 500 millionaires, more than any other city in the United States, except New york. Wealthy cotton planters flaunted their wealth by building sprawling mansions on large plantations.

If you’re envisioning magnificent mansions with huge columns much like “Tara” in “Gone with the Wind,” you’ve got the right picture. Natchez was spared much of the damage other cities suffered during the Civil War and remains home to more than 600 examples of antebellum architecture — more than any other city in the South. Many of these homes are open for daily tours or serve as bed and breakfasts. on a recent trip to Natchez, my husband, Wyman and I stayed at GardenSong, a wonderful bed and breakfast with a history of its own. It was built by a French gentleman in 1836. The pre-cut materials, with beautiful architectural details, were hand-crafted in Cincinnati and floated down the Mississippi River. The intimate inn is located in the garden district, surrounded by other historic homes and within walking distance of beautiful churches and antebellum homes. owner and innkeeper, Dan Gibson, is an accomplished pianist and vocalist. Much to our delight, he sat down at the grand style antique piano and played several old time gospel songs as well as a few other tunes from the past.

Each morning Chef Kevin Deason allowed us to choose from three delicious “stick to your ribs” Southern breakfasts. Like Dan, Kevin is an awesome host and we all enjoyed getting to know him and hearing about the church he started in Natchez. He pastors and Dan plays the piano.

We stayed in the Nat King Cole Suite, the mansion’s master bedroom. The suite features a king-size poster bed and boasts a very large bathroom with heated floors and a bidet – quite a topic of conversation! Cousins Chris and Teresa (aka #2) Gibbs met up with us in Natchez and stayed in one of the other two large rooms available at GardenSong and we were given the run of the house.

We actually needed more than two days to tour all of the homes, but we were able to go through four of them.

Longwood, the largest octagonal house in America, was a must see for us as it holds a bit of history for our family. Wyman and Chris’ aunt and uncle were caretakers for the home

back in the 1960’s. Construction of the 19th Century oriental Revival style villa began in 1860 by Haller and Julia Nutt. It was halted in 1861 by the outbreak of the Civil War. The exterior of the six-story mansion was largely completed, but most of the 30,000 square foot interior was left unfinished except for the basement. The sad story doesn’t end there. It wasn’t long until Haller Nutt had lost his estimated three million dollar fortune. Then, in 1864, he died of pneumonia. Some say he died of a broken heart over his unfinished dream. Julia and their eight children continued living in the basement of their home which was finely furnished with some pieces from Julia’s childhood home as well as findings from all over Europe.

We also visited Stanton Hall and Magnolia Hall and thoroughly enjoyed a private tour of Hawthorne by one of the owner’s decedents, Rusty Jenkins. With so many homes left to tour, we’re making plans now

to return to Natchez in the near future.

A good time to visit is during the spring or fall pilgrimages when owners and tour guides dress in period attire. The pilgrimage season also hosts “The Tableaux,” a play created in the 1930’s that depicts life in the Natchez area from 1716 to the Civil War.

For more information about visiting Natchez, Mississippi, go to visitnatchez.org. To read about the homes on tour, go to natchezpilgrimage.com. you can read about each home and decide which homes you’d like to visit.

For information on GardenSong B&B, call 601-443-7664 or go to gardensongbnb.com.

T r A v EL Sarasota, Florida

by Teresa Gibbs

“Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages, get ready for ‘The Greatest Show on Earth.’”

I loved the thrill of hearing that circus announcement when I was a kid. I can recall the smell of peanuts, popcorn and circus animals. I remember the sound of peppy circus music and simultaneously watching “three rings” of exhilarating acts- colorful clowns, energetic acrobats, skillful tightrope walkers and animal performances including the daring tiger trainer and his leaping tigers. The circus is known for thrilling kids of all ages.

After 146 years of entertaining millions of fans, the ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus performed its final show in May of 2017. But the circus lives on in Sarasota, Florida, known as the “Circus Capital of the World.”

John ringling, the youngest of the ringling brothers, is remembered as the man who brought art and culture to Sarasota. In 1909, he and his wife started spending their winters in Sarasota. In 1924, they began construction on their gorgeous Italian renaissance home and named it Ca’ d’Zan. In 1927, they moved the winter quarters of ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus to Sarasota.

Today, The ringling estate’s education, art and circus museums along with the beautiful Ca’ d’Zan is a major tourist attraction and offers special events throughout the year.

The Circus Arts Conservatory founded by Dolly Jacobs (daughter of famed circus clown Lou Jacobs) established Sailor Circus Academy, the oldest youth circus in America. They present a variety of outstanding and entertaining circus shows throughout the year. For information on circus events, visit circusarts.org.

Wyman (my husband) and I have visited Sarasota many times over the past few years and always make it a point to attend one of The Circus Arts Conservatory performances.

This past summer, while in Sarasota, we were joined by our children and grandchildren. Going to the circus was at the top of our list of things to do. Although it’s not the three-ring circus of days gone by, we were entertained by amazing acts of strength, balance and magic. And of course there were the clowns.

There are several barrier islands that separate the

mainland of Sarasota from the Gulf of Mexico. Siesta Key has three beaches including Siesta Key, which has been voted a top beach in America for its soft, white sand. The sand is 99% pure Quartz (Silica sand), soft and cool on the feet even in the heat of summer. Since spending time at the beach was also at the top of our list and we spent quite a bit of time on the beach. What a privilege to watch our three precious grandchildren enjoy swimming and playing in the sand.

Sarasota County offers more than thirty-five miles of white sandy beaches and Intracoastal Waterways for swimming, kayaking, fishing and boating.

We spent one of our days cruising in a rental boat from CB’s Saltwater Outfitters. The folks there were so nice and helpful. They loaned us a map of the area and gave us directions to some interesting things to see. While cruising along in our 22’ pontoon boat, we passed some very extravagant homes owned by the rich and famous. One point of interest was the one-lane Blackburn Point Bridge, which is the north bridge onto the island of Casey Key. It is one of the few remaining swing bridges in Florida. It was built in 1926 in Ohio and shipped to its present location.

Photo courtesy of CircusArts.com

It’s still operated by a bridge tender, who mechanically rotates the bridge on its central axis to let tall boats pass through.

The island of Siesta Key has the feel of “old Florida.” Although there are no chain hotels, there are plenty of beach homes, condos and villas for rent. There are some great places right on the beach, but because of our two week stay, we looked for something a little more economical. Harbor Towers Yacht & racquet Club was the perfect place for us. We had a view of the Intracoastal Waterway from our enclosed balcony. A gazebo and chairs along bank offered a comfortable place to sit and watch boats go by. The pool area also had plenty of chairs for relaxing and a large covered area with gas grills nearby made it convenient for a large group gathering or cookout.

Siesta Key has several award winning restaurants to choose from, so you never need to leave the island

Choose from a variety of starters, soups, salads, seafood, non-seafood dishes and desserts.

5350 Gulf of mexico dr. Longboat Key, Florida 34228 941-383-0440

to enjoy a great meal. If you choose to venture onto the mainland, Sarasota offers a wonderful variety of restaurants to please every visitor’s palet. There are many great restaurants located on Sarasota’s barrier islands including waterfront dining options. Our favorite restaurant is located on Longboat Key. The Lazy Lobster of Longboat Key has a very attentive staff, so the service is wonderful. They offer several seafood options and early bird specials. Their lobster dishes are wonderful and their lobster bisque is scrumptious!

A trip to Sarasota is not complete without visiting Myakka river State Park or Oscar Scherer State Park. Both parks provide miles of hiking and biking trails as well as diverse wildlife sightings, guided nature tours, and camping.

Sarasota has many ways for visitors to explore and make long-lasting memories. For more information on vacationing in Sarasota, go to visitsarasota.org.

Cb’s saltwater outfitters

Offering boat rentals and fishing charters on Siesta Key since 1959. Sun clothing, hats, accessories, shoes, sandals, sunglasses and more!

1249 stickney Point Rd Sarasota, FL 34242 • 941-349-4400

2 bdrm, 2 bath condo with a beautiful view of the Intracoast Waterway. Located minutes from Siesta Key Beach and Siesta Key village, where you’ll find restaurants, gifts shops, ice cream and more. For more information check it out at vrbo.com/898291

Harbor HeigHts

tHe lazy lobster of longboat Key

Photos courtesy of VisitSarasota.com

TRA v EL Coastal Maine

by Teresa Gibbs

OOur great country offers many diverse coastal areas for visiting and vacationing. For those of us living in Alabama, driving south usually comes to mind when thinking of visiting the coast. You have to admit that the southern shoreline along our beautiful state of Alabama is quite stunning with its sugar-white-sand beaches edged with sand dunes anchored by sea oats blowing in the breeze.

. . . charming villages and quaint coastal towns . . . sandy beaches, historical harbors and landmark lighthouses.

I have visited many beautiful coastal areas, each with its own unique characteristics. I’ve traveled many portions of uS Route 1 (aka America’s Great Coastal Highway), which stretches from the tip of Florida all the way up to the Canadian border. But until recently, I had never been to the coast of Maine. It had been on my bucket list for a long time and

when the opportunity came along, my husband, Wyman, and I packed our suitcases and boarded a plane to Boston, Massachusetts. After staying the night and enjoying the sights of Boston, we rented a car and headed up the coast.

The coastal highway, uS Route 1, took us through some of Maine’s charming villages and quaint coastal towns. We meandered along the coast past sandy beaches, historical harbors and landmark lighthouses.

One of our favorite coastal towns was Kennebunkport, a popular summer colony and seaside tourist destination. Kennebunkport is known the world over as the summer home of the President Bush family. It’s also known for its sandy beaches. Although not the type of sandy beaches we are accustomed to, Maine’s beaches are beautiful in their own unique way. Kennebunkport is historically known

Spruce Point Inn

88 Grandview Avenue • Boothbay Harbor, NE 207-633-4152 • www.prucepointinn.com

Captain Lord Mansion • inkeepers: Bev and Rick Litchfield 6 Pleasant Street, Kennebunkport, ME 207-967-3141 • www.captainlord.com

as a shipbuilding and fishing village, and boasts many historic shipbuilder’s mansions.

The Captain Lord Mansion, now an elegant bed and breakfast, is truly a shipbuilder’s mansion. We had the pleasure of staying overnight in this magnificent inn, tastefully decorated with period furniture. We had a gas fireplace and the bathroom floor was heated which was wonderful since the weather was a little cool. We slept on a beautiful antique bed that was very comfortable.

After enjoying a delicious 3-course breakfast the next morning, we strolled through the inn’s front yard. The front yard is actually a lovely community park. We admired an area filled with flowers and statues, which we later learned was “Ganny’s Garden,” a tribute to former First Lady, Barbara Bush. it was funded and created in 2011 by friends, family and admirers to show their appreciation for her.

Our next stop was Boothbay Harbor. imagine a sprawling, rocky shoreline peppered with historic lighthouses and surrounded by beautiful forests. That is exactly what we saw when we drove into this picturesque seaside village.

We stayed the night in a cottage at Spruce Point inn, a gorgeous 57 acre water-front resort. We had a cute white cottage with blue shutters and a private porch with Adirondack chairs for overlooking the water. We had a fireplace and the bellman even came and built a fire for us.

Since Maine is known for its sweet, succulent lobster and I could eat sweet, succulent lobster every day, that’s just what I did. There are many great restaurants in Maine and they all offer “lobsta and clam chowda.” We had some good meals while on the road. But the best lobsters are the

ones right off the boat. And since we had a kitchen that night, we decided to eat in.

We drove to a dock where we watched some fisherman unload their lobster and take them right into the lobster pound (where lobster are kept in saltwater bins until sold). We bought about 6 pounds of lobster and had them steamed. On the way back to our cottage, we stopped at the local grocery store to buy sides and condiments. It was the best lobster dinner of the entire trip.

It was a fun trip and we saw some beautiful parts of coastal Maine. We didn’t make it as far as Acadia National Park. I hear it’s beautiful and worth going back up to see. So now a trip to Maine’s Acadia National Park is on my bucket list!

Boston is a great starting point for driving up the coast of Maine. Flying into Boston’s Logan International Airport gives you easy access to several rental-car companies. Before hitting the road, be sure to spend some time discovering Boston’s historic sites. Follow the Freedom Trail to learn more about the city’s significant role in the American War of Independence. Several battles were fought in or near Boston. Through one of the bloodiest wars in American history, the United States of America, won its independence.

Traveling is a “freedom” Americans enjoy. The right to travel is a part of the “liberty” of which United States citizen cannot be deprived without due process of law under the Fifth Amendment. “Freedom of movement across frontiers in either direction, and inside frontiers as well,” is a part our heritage. In planning your next trip, please be sure to think about and thank those who have given so much to our country.

Boothbay Harbor, NE

Photo by Jeremy D’Entremont, New England photographer and lighthouse historian.

TRAVEL Make Plans for Your 2020 Vacation

by Teresa Gibbs

a beach vacation offers many physical and psychological benefits. There is something soothing and relaxing about the sound of ocean waves, the smell of saltwater, and the feeling of warm sand beneath your toes. going for a swim in the ocean can bring about a revitalized, happy feeling. Walking along the seashore, collecting seashells, is an enjoyable way to get exercise.

great place to take a bicycle and enjoy the scenery while getting exercise.

if you’re looking for a quiet, secluded get-away, head to Fort morgan Beach. although you won’t find a lot of entertainment here, you can drive to the tip of the Fort morgan peninsula, and explore Fort morgan’s masonry fort that was used during the Civil War.

Feeling overwhelmed? is your work-liFe out oF balance? it’s probably time For a vacation. taking time to get away, relax and rejuvenate is not only good For the soul, it’s good For your health.

like the beach towns of alabama, there’s no shortage of condos, restaurants, boating and water activities along the panhandle of Florida. the coastline from pensacola Beach to panama City Beach, known as the “emerald Coast,” has long been popular for its beaches.

to help you choose your vacation, i’ll tell you about a few places my husband, Wyman and i have visited over the years.

We’ve visited beaches up and down the coasts of Florida and several along the east coast of the states, and our own 32-mile stretch of sugar-white sandy beaches along alabama’s gulf Coast rival the best of beaches we’ve been to - and you just can’t beat getting in your car and being there in less than 6 hours.

there are plenty of houses and hi-rise condos, offering lodging right on the beach and if you have a boat, you’ll find numerous gulf shores and orange Beach condos with boat slips, and even beach houses with private piers perfect for docking your vessel. if you enjoy camping, gulf state park has a campground with 496 full hook-up spots, 2.5 miles of beach, freshwater lakes, beach pavilion, fishing pier and a twenty-seven-mile scenic nature trail that winds through the park. it’s a

Between sandestin and panama City Beach, Florida is a scenic highway meandering along the coast, simply known as “30a.” paralleling the entire length, is a 19mile paved bike path that passes through 12 unique beach communities, each as interesting as the next.

this is also a great biking destination. if you don’t have bikes to take, there are plenty of bike rental shops.

For art and history enthusiasts, head down to “Florida’s Cultural Coast.” located about an hour south of tampa, sarasota is rich in history and offers an abundance of culture, arts, and entertainment. no matter when you visit, you’re sure to find an art festival going on in this destination. the downtown area is brimming with award-winning restaurants, theaters, shopping boutiques, art galleries and museums.

sarasota was once the winter home of the ringling Brothers Circus. even though the Ringling Brothers Circus performed their final act in 2017, their past lives on. step back in history and be prepared to spend hours touring the ringling museum of art, Circus museum and Ca’ d’Zan, the renaissance-style palace of John and mable ringling.

Sarasota is also known for its natural beauty. Take a bridge over to any of its six barrier islands and you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Florida. Siesta Key Beach has been rated #1 in a national poll of the Top 10 beaches of the uSA. The soft, sugar-white sand of Siesta Key Beach is like walking in flour and it never burns your feet –even on a hot summer day. The public beach area is the widest beach I’ve ever seen and has many beach activities and yearly events.

Turtle Beach is at the south end of Siesta Key and has a campground, picnic areas, and a children’s play area. It’s a very popular campground and extremely hard to get reservations, but we were fortunate enough to get a spot this past November. We took our bikes with us and enjoyed riding to Siesta Key Village where there are several restaurants and shops. There’s also a free trolly that runs up and down the island.

Tampa is also known for its vibrant art scene, charming galleries and lively downtown. Tampa Bay boasts some of Florida’s best natural surroundings for outdoor activities and eco-tourism.

We enjoy visiting Tampa’s Busch Gardens, a 335-acre African-themed amusement park. We especially enjoyed the Serengeti Safari where we rode in an open-air truck through the “safari” area with African animals and fed the giraffes. The park also has live entertainment shows and a large collection of roller coasters and other thrill rides.

When camping last November, we also camped at Fort De Soto Park, south of St. Petersburg. Fort De Soto is an ideal place for biking, kayaking and spending time outdoors. Besides the campground, the park has a 6.3-mile paved bicycle trail, nature trails, two fishing piers and the ruins of a fort built during the Spanish-American War.

Every beach town has its own vibe and attractions. I think Myrtle Beach is the liveliest of them all. This Atlantic coast beach town is known for its live music entertainment such as the foot-stomping shows at the Carolina Opry and dinner shows like the Medieval Times where diners get very lively cheering on their favorite knight.

The beaches here aren’t the soft white powdery sand we’re used to in Alabama; but the hard-packed sand allows for biking on the beach.

I’ve never seen such a variety of restaurants. There’s a seafood buffet on every corner where steaming, succulent Snow crab legs are piled so high that every crab lover gets their fill!

It’s hard to say which I like better - going to the beach or going to the mountains. There is just something about being in the mountains that makes me feel like I’m truly in God’s country.

When our children were little, we lived in Black Mountain, just east of Asheville, North Carolina. Every so often, I can hear those Blue Ridge Mountains calling me back.

Asheville is another city known for a vibrant arts scene and historic architecture. The 19thcentury Biltmore estate, George Vanderbilt’s 250-room castle, is America’s largest home and a top attraction in Asheville. The 8,000acre estate offers 75 acres of beautiful gardens, a winery, shopping, dining, four-star accommodations, hiking trails and more.

Another North Carolina city we often visit is Charlotte. No, it’s not in the mountains, nor is it on the coast, but we have two grandchildren that live there. Now you get the picture! I mentioned hearing the mountains calling my name, but when we face-time with those grandbabies and they ask Meme and Papi to come visit, we hop in the car if we’re able. We usually make a 2-day trip so we can stop and smell the roses along the way.

Charlotte, where the first World 600 NASCAR race was held, is known for its professional sports venues. It’s also a wonderful place for outdoor adventure and the uptown City Center, a bustling, walkable district, offers excellent dining, fine hotels and a variety of museums. There’s always some sort of entertainment going on uptown.

Vacations are fun, but there are now more people vacationing all over the world than any other time in history. It’s expensive to vacation, but there are ways to save money like taking advantage of last-minute cruises or vacation rentals, on-line discounts, coupon books and early bird dining. When flying, try to book your flights for weekdays and book at least 30 days in advance. Drive when traffic is at its lightest – early mornings, Sundays and during major football games. Avoid the largest crowds by traveling during off-season and when kids are in school.

Just do your homework and you’ll be fine.