Search…

Springtime in the Smokies

Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts nearly twice as many annual visitors as any other park. There must be some darn good reasons all of those people are coming, so we did a little exploring and discovered plenty… CONTINUE READING >> 

How about a fun trivia question?

What is the most visited National Park in America?

We would have guessed Yellowstone or Yosemite, or even the Grand Canyon, but it is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Believe it or not, it attracts nearly twice as many annual visitors as any other park.

There must be some darn good reasons all of those people are coming, so we did a little exploring and discovered plenty. We also found that spring is the perfect season to take in the explosion of wildflowers and greenery while the colorful slopes and foggy valleys burst back to life.

Any good exploration needs a base camp and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is the perfect place to start.

This classic mountain village has stunning views at almost every turn or, for a full panorama, the top of the Space Needle can’t be beat. From its over four hundred feet high outdoor observation level the entire town spreads out in every direction beneath the alpine backdrop.

If that’s not quite high enough, there’s no better spot to check out the spectacle of colors than from the top of Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies, as well as the highest point in the state of Tennessee, and on the Appalachian Trail.

No need to bring the climbing gear either, since Clingmans Dome Road opens up April 1st and it is only a half mile hike from the high parking area to the 6,643 foot summit, where another even more spectacular observation tower awaits.

From up here the park’s name is no mystery. The namesake haze settles into the low-lying hollows (known as hollers in these parts) and looks for all the world like smoke.

Down below, saying goodbye to winter also ushers in the return of festivals and celebrations to the mountains.

The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community gets back into full swing with their Easter Craft Show at the end of March, but the historic 8-mile loop Arts & Crafts Trail is open year ‘round. Local artisans have been whittling, painting, sewing, weaving, and carving original works in this neck of the woods for centuries, long before the trail was officially established back in 1937.

Nowadays guest craftspeople from all around the country join in sharing skills and ideas and giving folks a chance to take home a handmade heirloom.

April kicks off with the Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament, the biggest trout tournament in the Smokies. Adults and kids can try their luck whether they’ve lived in these hills for generations or they’re a city slicker just passing through. Either way the fish tales are always flying about all of the whoppers that just barely got away.

Conceivably, some of those more cosmopolitan urbanites would rather indulge in a bit of the fruit of the vine. Perfect timing again, since the middle of the month brings Gatlinburg Wine Weekend featuring the Gatlinburg Wine Tour and the Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest.

The award-winning Tennessee wines offer something for everyone from connoisseurs to critics, life-long aficionados or rank amateurs. Luckily, we fit in there somewhere along that scale.

As April draws to a close, the Gatlinburg area blossoms with the Great Smoky Mountain Association’s Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage. For nearly seventy years many of the nation’s leading botanical experts and Appalachian wildlife authorities have been meeting here to provide demonstrations and lectures, along with instructional walks and guided hiking tours.

Scenic beauty may always be these mountains’ main attraction, but the music of this region most certainly gives it a run for its money and no one epitomizes that style better than Dolly Parton. In 1985 she took over Silver Dollar City Tennessee, renamed it Dollywood, and quickly turned it into the nation’s premier music oriented theme park.

The park opens in the middle of March and this is a great time of year to beat the crowds before the summer rush. April brings the Spring Mix Festival featuring a wide variety of musical genres from country to gospel to Classic Rock and R&B, with some of our favorites such as The Drifters, Firefall, Crystal Gayle, Amy Grant, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, and the Marshall Tucker Band performing.

So maybe we under estimated when we said we found plenty of reasons. With so much to pack into every day, we were sure glad find Piddlin.com, and that daylight savings time had returned.

That just might be the best thing about spring.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

This post may contain sponsored links.

9 Reasons Why Jamaica Should be on Travel To-Do List for 2018

Jamaica has everything a person could possibly want from a travel destination, beautiful beaches, gorgeous natural surroundings, a fascinating culture, good food, and great music… CONTINUE READING >> 

Jamaica is a tropical island nation in the Caribbean and one of the most desirable vacation spots in 2018. This country has everything a person could possibly want from a travel destination. It’s got everything from beautiful beaches, gorgeous natural surroundings, a fascinating culture, good food, and great music. There are countless reasons why you should visit this country, and we’re going to look at a few of them today. Here are nine reasons why Jamaica should be on your travel to-do list in 2018.

Luxury Villas: Easily the best way to vacation in Jamaica is to rent a luxury villa. These villas are like an attraction in themselves. There are a number of Jamaica villa rentals with chefs, spas, pools, and breathtaking views. In this way, you’re never too far away from Jamaica’s beaches or golf courses, and you always have a comfortable place to sleep at the end of the day. It’s a wonderful way to relax after having your Jamaican adventures.

Gorgeous Beaches: Of course, one of Jamaica’s greatest attractions are its miles of sandy beaches. This island nation contains some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. As one might expect, there are many to choose from. Whether it’s the tropical beauty of Seven Mile Beach or the clear waters of Silver Sands, Jamaica has everything a person could possibly want. If you’re a beach lover, then this is reason enough to visit this amazing country.

Tropical Weather: For those of you who are tired of cold weather, a visit to the Caribbean is just what you need. Jamaica features warm weather all year round with an average temperature of 81 degrees. If that sounds just a bit too warm for you, try staying in the Blue Mountains where the temperature is a bit cooler. Either way, you’ll find its tropical climate to be a great way to take a break from the winter months.

Delicious Cuisine: Those of you who love good food won’t be disappointed by Jamaica. Jamaica has a wonderful tradition of cuisine that’s influenced by a mixing of different cultures throughout its history. The result is a wide variety of delicious meals to choose from. Be sure to try the ackee and saltfish while you’re there, which is Jamaica’s national dish. This meal consists of fresh fish served with ackee, a local fruit that’s native to Jamaica. Also, make sure you try the jerk chicken during your stay.

Water Sports: As you might expect from a country surrounded by ocean, Jamaica has plenty to offer for someone interested in water sports. The country is a popular spot among snorkelers and scuba divers. There’s also plenty of fun to be had for those who love to surf. The waters are clear and the tides are great if you’re looking to catch some waves. Many places are also beginner friendly, making this a great time to take surfing lessons if you never tried it before. This is a great opportunity to try something new while you’re on vacation.

Incredible Music: For such a small country, Jamaica has one of the most influential musical traditions in the world. If you love ska and reggae, why not visit the place where they were born? There are live reggae shows happening almost every night, and street dances are a popular way to have fun and enjoy music. And of course, you can’t forget that Jamaica was the birthplace of Bob Marley. For those looking to learn more about this legendary musician, consider visiting the Bob Marley Museum during your stay.

Natural Beauty: You know about the beaches, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. From green jungles to blue skies, this country is truly a nature lover’s dream come true. There are a number of hiking opportunities at your disposal, along with caves and waterfalls you can check out. Or you can explore the beautiful Blue Mountains. This is Jamaica’s longest mountain range and has more than a few hiking trails you can take. That’s not even considering the number of zoos and gardens available. Jamaica is perfect for those looking for an outdoors vacation.

Beautiful Golf Courses: Jamaica is among the best countries in the world when it comes to golfing. The country’s natural beauty lends itself to an amazing golfing experience. In fact, Manchester Club happens to be the oldest golf course in the Caribbean. Of course, Montego Bay contains a number of high-quality courses, including the legendary White Witch. Or if you’re looking for something more casual, you might check out Negril Hills, which is only a few miles away from Seven Miles Beach. The capital city of Kingston also has a number of great courses such as Country Club and Caymanas Golf.

The Rich Culture: One of the best reasons to visit Jamaica is to experience its culture firsthand. The country has a truly unique culture that’s unlike anything else in the world. This is partially influenced by Rastafarianism. As a result, the locals are some of the most friendly people you’ll ever meet. They’re used to seeing tourists in their country and always have a welcoming attitude toward visitors. Jamaica also has a very interesting history. Consider taking a tour and learning more about it while you’re there.

As you can tell, there are a number of great reasons to visit Jamaica this year. It truly has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start booking your vacation today!

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

This post may contain sponsored links.

Things You Should Think About When Buying a Car

Buying a car can be an exciting experience but it can also be frustrating if you do not have the right information. You need to have more details about… CONTINUE READING >> 

Buying a car can be an exciting experience but it can also be frustrating if you do not have the right information. You need to have more details about the type of car you want to buy, the amount of money you can afford among many other important details. And it sure doesn’t hurt to ask money expert insurance.

I have given you a breakdown of some important strategies that can help you acquire the best car at an affordable price. You can even get cash for your wrecked car to help pay for a new one.

Do you want a new or used car?

This is one of the most important questions that you should ask yourself. The main reason why people buy used cars in Sacramento is that they are cheaper as compared to new cars. However, this doesn’t mean that used cars are low quality. In fact, you can get some quality models that are designed with high-quality engines. You can also try checking car auctions. The car auctions at Cranky Ape are always available and accepting new bidders. Depending on what you want, you can either decide to buy a new or used car.

Either way you are going to want to protect your investment and keep it looking great. That’s where a pressure washer can really help, learn more at cleanup.expert.

Research

There is nothing better like being an informed buyer. Having the right information about the car you need allows you to make wise purchase decisions. Do more research about the type of cars you love. There are so many platforms online here you can search for the car you want based on the price, model, make and much more. Research is very crucial especially if you are buying a used car. You need to have a full history of the car and this will help you avoid buying cars with serious internal damages.

Again, you can read some customer reviews before selecting the dealership. Get more details about the car to ensure it doesn’t have any issues. You can also use Carfax services that provide you with all the details about the life of the car.

Payment

You also need to think about how you will pay for the car. What type of deposit works for you? How much monthly installments can you afford? How is your credit history and can you take an auto loan? If you answer these questions, it will be very easy to select the best method of financing the car. You can also think of other services like AutoGravity that allows you to choose you’re the rates and terms that match your budget.

For most people who buy cars and car accessories, they will probably need a load. The amount of the loan will depend on your credit history. It will be great if you can get a copy of your credit report for accuracy purposes.

Price comparisons

It is advisable to compare prices from different dealers and online services. This will help you get the best price deals without compromising the quality of your car. If you collect reliable information from different dealers, it will be easy to negotiate the prices and settle for the best deal.

Repair records

Apart from checking the history of the car, it is crucial to determine the repair record. With such records, it will be easy to know whether the car you are about to buy is reliable or not. After, what will the need of buying a car that is not reliable when it comes to repairs?

Warranty and return policies

It is also very important to understand your rights before you buy a new or used car. What type of warranty package and return policy do they have? Have all these details at your fingertips and you will not have trouble with your car.

Ownership validation

In some cases, you might buy the car from an individual. How will you know the real owner if you are not dealing with a dealership? With the rising number of cases of people buying stolen cars, it is very important if you validate the real owner of the car. The person who is selling you the car should be the real owner.

Final Words

Purchasing a car can be a stressful activity but if you have the right information, you will not have any trouble buying. Most people end up with the wrong car or car with so many issues simply because they did not have the necessary information before buying. If you are considering buying a car, the above tips will assist you to get the best. You should also have a mechanic inspect the car to ensure that there are no problems.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

5 Tips to Get A Cheap Online Travel Insurance Quote

Travel insurance is very important if you are making a trip to another country as it will protect you and prevent you from having to fork out a lot of money for unexpected circumstances… CONTINUE READING >> 

Travel insurance is very important if you are making a trip to another country as it will protect you and prevent you from having to fork out a lot of money for unexpected circumstances. You could fall ill, disasters could occur, your stuff could get  stolen etc. Anything could happen. Also, you can travel to some countries like Cuba and Thailand if you don’t have travel insurance with medical cover.

Before you make your trip, you will come across various travel insurance quotes from the reasonable ones to the ridiculously expensive ones. In this article, we will give you some tips that will help you get cheap online travel insurance quotes.

1. Evaluate your needs:

Before getting an online travel insurance quote, you need to evaluate your needs first. Consider the items you’ll be carrying with you, your health needs and other factors. This will help you make a choice faster and get you cheaper deals.

2. Do not buy travel insurance from tour operators, airlines and travel agents:

If you are looking to get travel insurance, do not buy from airlines, tour operators, and travel agents. This is because they will have added some extra fees to the actual cost, so you will pay more than what you are supposed to pay. Some travel agents receive commissions for every travel insurance they sell. To meet up with these commissions, insurance companies increase the price of their premiums. Go to the source on your own and get your travel insurance by yourself.

3. Pay for annual travel insurance cover:

If you travel three or more times in a year, it is wiser to pay for annual travel insurance cover than to pay for travel insurance three separate terms. Annual fees are far cheaper than individual fees. But you must understand that if you are paying for an annual policy, most insurance companies won’t cover trips that are longer than 31 days.

4. Get an airline credit card:

The best airline credit cards offer owners of the cards free travel insurance if they book a trip with the airline credit card. So, if you get an airline credit card, you can get travel insurance at no extra cost. If you are not sure of the best airline credit card to get, you can run a simple online search, and you will get one.      

5. Consider your home insurance policy and bank insurance policy:

Home insurance policies provide insurance for personal possessions when you are away from home. If your home insurance policy covers your personal possessions, you can opt away from baggage cover and save a lot of money. If you have a current account or a credit card that offers travel insurance, you can check if the insurance cover will meet your needs. This is because most free insurance policies only cover basic needs and may not be sufficient for you.  

Conclusion

If you want to get a cheap online travel insurance policy, follow all the tips listed in this article. Take your time when searching and begin your search for an insurance policy early. Compare prices, plans and benefits. Do not rush because if you do so, you will hardly get a cheap online travel insurance policy. Remember to consider your bank and home insurance policies because they might cover you for travels. Evaluate your needs and do not pay for more than what you need. Also, get an airline credit card with travel insurance if you haven’t gotten one.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

A Look at Los Angeles Before It Was Tinsel Town

Lights, camera, action! We all know that phrase keeps the film rolling in Hollywood. However, long before the glitz and glamor of Tinsel Town made Southern California famous… CONTINUE READING >> 

“Lights, camera, action!”

We all know that phrase keeps the film rolling in Hollywood. However, long before the glitz and glamor of Tinsel Town made Southern California famous, photo-worthy moments happened here. You can still capture a few of them on camera in some of Los Angeles’ best spots for photos.

Prehistoric Los Angeles

Before it was Hollywood, LA had its share of big-time actors. Today, some of the biggest are immortalized at the La Brea Tar Pits. Yes, one of the world’s most famous fossil finds is right in the heart of the city at 5801 Wilshire Boulevard. The amazingly preserved skeletons of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and giant sloths have been waiting patiently for their photo opportunities since being trapped in the tar up to 50,000 years ago. That’s a long time to wait for their big break!

More recently, The George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries has exhibited these stars. Now we can all get a good close-up of these famed fossil celebrities.

In our imaginations, we envisioned these creatures sinking into a quicksand pool. However, our guide explained the process of their petrifaction as something more similar to being trapped on an enormous sheet of flypaper than to languishing in a lake of liquid goop. First, an animal would get stuck. Then others would arrive, thinking they had gotten a free and easy meal. Before long a whole group, sometimes dozens, would be trapped.

Over time, the oily ooze fossilized the bones, preserving the entire scene, almost as if it was caught on film. Once the ice age and the exotic headliners that starred in it were left long in the past, a settlement sprang up just a few miles to the east of the pits.

The City of Angels

Tucked in among the freeways and skyscrapers of downtown and right across from the Union Station train depot, the tiny pedestrian lane of Olvera Street is known as the Birthplace of Los Angeles. More precisely, Don Fernando Rivera y Moncada and 44 Spanish settlers arrived from Mexico and established El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de la Porciúncula in 1781.

As a part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, the cobblestone block known as Olvera Street includes several of the oldest surviving structures in LA, including the Avila Adobe and Sepúlveda House. These landmarks are nestled in among quaint little shops overflowing with every kind of colorful keepsake imaginable. Flamboyant flowers, dresses, guitars, dolls, piñatas, ponchos, rugs, sombreros, and glitzy wrestling masks make a fantastic backdrop for one-of-a-kind photos.

Then, when all of that shutter snapping helps you work up an appetite, nothing tops the original taquitos sold at Cielito Lindo on the end of Olvera Street. Since this shop opened in 1934, it has spanned the timeline between old Los Angeles and new Hollywood, so it’s possible that a few movie stars have stopped by.

Could taquitos be the unknown key to Tinsel Town’s fame?

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

9 Apps You Need When Traveling to China

Whether you’re visiting as a traveler or planning to live and work in China, there are a few essential apps you should always have on your smartphone… CONTINUE READING >> 

Whether you’re visiting as a traveler or planning to live and work in China, there are a few essential apps you should always have on your smartphone – some distinct to China, and others you’ll be surprised you can use over there. You might also be shocked about what you can’t access. Much of China still has a Facebook and Twitter ban, so many apps have been developed as an alternative the blocked social networks.

From travel to entertainment to instant messaging, here’s the top apps you need when staying in China.

  1. WeChat (Weixin)

The #1 most important app you need in China – everyone has it. Stay in touch with friends in or out of China, as long as they have the app, when you’re in a Facebook-blocked area of the country. WeChat, also known as Weixin, is a multi-purpose social media app is the undisputed most popular Chinese app, with an astonishing 980 million monthly active users according to Wikipedia. It combines WhatsApp-style chat features with photo uploads and hundreds of mini-programs including games and shops.

  1. Didi

Uber is no longer available to Chinese visitors (at least those who can’t read Chinese or have a Chinese bank card) since it was bought out by Didi, a rival platform that works in basically the same way. Hail a ride via the app just as you’d normally do with Uber, except it’s available in English and accepts a variety of payment methods. The app’s interface is very similar to Uber’s, so no confusion there. Get around China quickly and easily with Didi.

  1. Taobao

This addictive shopping app is one you’ll see many people browsing when they’re not using their phones for chatting and snapping photos. Shopping is a favorite Chinese pastime, which this app has enabled by being super easy and having millions of shopping options – quite like a Chinese Amazon.

  1. Pangea

This simple and convenient money transfer app allows family to send you cash when you’re getting a little low, as long as you have a Chinese bank account. The list of accepted Chinese banks is long, so don’t worry about your account not being compatible. Your family can transfer you between $20 and $3,000 per week. It’s by far the quickest and most secure method of sending funds between the US and China – find out more on their website.

  1. DragonFly FM

This radio app allows you to sync to stations across China – choose from entertainment shows, music, audiobooks, opera, comedy, and other mediums. It’s perfect for those interested in Chinese popular culture and music, or who want to brush up on their language skills.

  1. Tencent Video

YouTube is another global social network platform that has fallen victim to China’s blanket bans. Luckily, Tencent Video is here to fill the online-video-platform void. Live stream TV shows, live stage shows, soap operas, TV games, and more – it’s a one-stop entertainment hub, great for people living in China.

  1. Google Translate

Newbies to China will obviously need a helping hand with their language once in a while. Many Google services are blocked in China; but helpfully for travelers, Google Translate mostly works, though the translations it gives are sometimes sketchy at best. Still, better to attempt to make yourself clear when traversing new cultures.

  1. Pleco

This beginner’s Chinese language app has a free or upgraded version and is a savior for people not yet fluent to learn the basics. Quickly pick up how to read signs, menus and anything else you’ll need to know day to day. The app facilitates both typing in pinyin (Chinese characters converted into Roman alphabet script) or drawing Chinese characters. It’s essential for anyone wishing to read and write fluently.

  1. China Travel Guide

This navigation app will help you find your way in areas that don’t support Google or Apple maps. It lists attractions with reviews too, like a kind of Maps-come-FourSquare for China. Use it to plan your route for days out. It can also handily be used offline.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Different Vegan Ketogenic Diet Plans

A ketogenic diet is a low carbohydrate diet, which ensures that your metabolic system burns through fat instead of the primary energy source for the body, which is glucose. This diet is popular around the world because it helps people in their weight loss journey, helps in managing diabetes… CONTINUE READING >> 

A ketogenic diet is a low carbohydrate diet, which ensures that your metabolic system burns through fat instead of the primary energy source for the body, which is glucose. This diet is popular around the world because it helps people in their weight loss journey, helps in managing diabetes, minimizing seizures and so much more. The ketogenic diet is characterized my livestock products such as dairy, eggs and meat. Vegans are people who leave out meat from their diet hence they may find it difficult to adopt a ketogenic diet. Nevertheless, vegans can still reap the benefits of ketosis.

These are guidelines to help with a vegan ketogenic diet:

-Consume as little as 30 grams-50 grams of carbohydrates daily depending on your calorie intake requirements.

-Do not eat animal products such as dairy, fish, meat and poultry.

-Eat at least 0.4grams-0.6grams of proteins found in plants, measured by each pound of your body weight each day.

-You will get other nutrients from fats in plants.

-Consume food supplements like iron, vitamin B12 and zinc to take care of any nutritional gaps.

Vegans do not eat meat hence they may not be at the liberty to use meat in their diet but there are so many alternative foods that they can use in their diet to achieve ketosis. These are different vegan diet plans that you can use for your daily diet needs:

Breakfast ideas

You can eat a fruit and oatmeal, mushroom frittata and spinach, tofu, chocolate, coffee smoothie, strawberry and coconut cream, almond butter and full-fat yogurt smoothie, vegetable salad with eggs fried in olive or coconut oil with avocado or asparagus with egg frittata and avocado.

Lunch ideas

You can eat spiced black bean soup with green vegetable salad, spiced tempeh and vegetable salad, tofu with vegetable salad, spiced lentil soup and vegetable slaw, tempeh chicken salad with greens, soy bacon bits with cabbage, avocado and egg salad or eggs with cauliflower rice and vegetable salad.

Snack ideas

You can eat whole grain crackers and roasted eggplant dip, keto-friendly sweet and spicy chili sauce, spicy peanut sauce with vegetable spring rolls, sun dried tomatoes and celery, mushroom with cucumber slices or pine nuts and mushrooms stuffed with spinach, or try za’atar from Zesty Z.

Dinner ideas

You can eat mixed vegetable salads with spinach pie, sesame stuffed mushrooms with greens, spinach pesto with roasted eggplant lasagna, black bean sauce with vegetable burgers, stuffed eggplant with vegetable salad or cauliflower crust with cheese pizza and broccoli.

Dessert ideas

You can eat zucchini and apple cake, fudge and walnut truffles, granola crust and blueberry soy cheesecake, chocolate slice raspberry slice, chocolate mint pudding, lime coconut bars, pumpkin chocolate slabs, almond crust with chocolate silk pie or chocolate sauce with poached pears.

These are just some of the diet plans for a Vegan Ketogenic Diet. For a complete guide, you can look for other resources on the web as well to expand your knowledge regarding this.

In conclusion, dieting for the first week will give you major strain due to your body trying to adjust to the new diet. However, the next couple of weeks will be less strenuous and in a period of 3months-6months, you will be able to see major changes in your body especially for those hoping to lose weight. With discipline and commitment, you will be able to achieve a vegan ketogenic diet that will add great benefits to your overall health. The tips mentioned above will help you to achieve success.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.