The Red River Gorge Underground, also known as The Gorge Underground, offers a mesmerizing subterranean adventure just outside Slade, Kentucky. Nestled within a century-old limestone mine, this one-of-a-kind attraction invites visitors to explore a hidden, flooded world via guided kayak and stand-up paddleboard tours. Originally developed for limestone extraction over 100 years ago, the mine was gradually transformed as groundwater filled its vast, excavated chambers. After being abandoned in 1985, the site became an unofficial playground for adventurous kayakers—though often with dangerous consequences. At its peak, emergency crews responded to as many as 10 to 12 rescues per month for lost paddlers. In 2015, the property was purchased and transformed into a safe and regulated destination.
Wandering w/ Serenity
"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving." ~ Lao Tzu
5.22.2025
The Red River Gorge Underground
5.20.2025
Bicentennial Capitol Mall
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a 19-acre urban park in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, commemorating the state's 200th anniversary of statehood in 1996. Designed to reflect Tennessee's rich history, geography, and culture.
5.19.2025
Grand Ole Opry
I enjoyed the Loretta Lynn tribute at the Grand Ole Opry. It is a world-famous weekly country music show based in Nashville, Tennessee, and is considered the heart and soul of country music. Founded in 1925, it is the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history and features a mix of legendary performers and rising stars in country, bluegrass, gospel, and Americana. Performing at the Opry is a major milestone in a country artist’s career, and membership is one of the genre's highest honors.
5.12.2025
Ruby Falls Cave
Ruby Falls is a famous underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain Cave, near Chattanooga, Tennessee. It lies over 1,120 feet (340 m) beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain and is notable for both its natural beauty and historical significance. In 1928 a local cave enthusiast and chemist named Leo Lambert spearheaded efforts to reopen the cave system for tourism. While drilling an elevator shaft to reach the lower Lookout Mountain Cave, workers accidentally discovered a narrow passage that led to a previously unknown cavern. Lambert and a small team explored the newly found passage and, after hours of crawling, discovered the spectacular 145-foot underground waterfall. He named it "Ruby Falls" in honor of his wife, Ruby.
5.11.2025
Rock City
Rock City, TN is famous for its unique rock formations, particularly the massive sandstone formations known as "rock gardens." These natural features were formed millions of years ago, primarily through erosion and weathering. The area features dramatic cliffs, deep crevices, and boulders that look like they’ve been carefully placed, giving the site its distinct, almost mystical appearance.
In the 1920s, entrepreneur Garnet Carter and his wife Frieda began developing the area. Frieda, inspired by European folklore, envisioned a garden among the rock formations, leading to the creation of the Fairyland neighborhood. She spent years designing walking trails and planting over 400 varieties of flora among the boulders, while incorporating whimsical gnome and fairy tale scenes. In 1932, they opened Rock City Gardens to the public, featuring winding trails, native plant gardens, and whimsical fairy tale scenes.
Fairyland Caverns, filled with gnome and fairy tale scenes
She marked each trail with string to clearly guide visitors along the correct path.