David Crockett State Park

Whether you are looking for a day of hiking, swimming, fishing, birding, a picnic, camping, biking, boating, or just love historic sites, David Crockett State Park is definitely worth stopping by. With more trail heads than I could count to 6 miles of hiking trails, access to a lake and a creek with beautiful waterfalls and spillways, an Olympic size swimming pool with an additional wading pool for kids, and many other accommodations mentioned below, there is something for everyone.

Above is Davy Crockett Falls... perfect for wading and to get cool on a hot day. You can sit right in the middle of the falls and let the water cascade over you. (Rumor has it a bit farther downstream there is also a swimming hole). 

The spillway above... off of Waterfall Trail... standing under it was refreshing!

Lindsey Lake above...  perfect for fishing!

There are pavilions as well as picnic tables located throughout the park. Tent camping or cabins are available for rent as well as watercraft. A restaurant is located on site overlooking the lake and a snack bar is near the pool area for refreshments. Be sure to stop by the museum! 

Crystal Shrine Grotto @ Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, TN

Crystal Shrine Grotto is located within Memorial Park Cemetery near Memphis. 

Many don't think that cemeteries are places to take a road trip, unless you are in New Orleans of course. BUT this one is also unique.

Abraham's Oak...

Many visit from around the world to see this shrine, sculpted in the 30s by a Mexican self taught and proclaimed sculptor by the name of Dionicio Rodriguez.

See inside a tomb... 

The entrance to the shrine below... 

inside the shrine.... sculpted of quartz and precious gems.

Don't forget to sign the guest book

The funeral home offers sacks of fish food for free so the children can feed the fish!

So escape the summer heat and see this site listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Other sculptures are on property such as The Wishing Chairs. Check it out!

Texas Bottom near Hohenwald, TN

Summer is smeltering hot and you are in or around Hohenwald, TN looking for a place to cool down. 

You could drive to Nashville to find a public pool but you prefer to sit on a creek bank somewhere.

Ask all the locals and you will get the same reply....

Texas Bottom... the best hidden swimming hole in the area. You won't find it on a gps or map without coordinates. 

The bridge is at the intersection of Buffalo Rd (hwy 99) and Napier Lake Rd on the Buffalo River.

Coordinates: 

35.462412,-87.536143

Enjoy!

Whippoorwill Lake Family Campground

Located off of county road 520 outside of the small town of Marble Hill, Missouri lies a hidden gem that reminds many of childhood summers. Some spend many weekends there while others may only visit during holidays or just for the day. But one thing is for sure: everyone is there for good old fashioned camping at it's best.

Whippoorwill Lake provides something for everyone. Fishing there is a favorite pastime for young and old alike. 

My husband with the bass he caught (mine was bigger!)

For those who prefer to watch the fish instead, you can take a trip down to the pier and throw in a handful of fish food to watch them swarm.

Fish feeding dock (also amazing for star gazing)

If it gets too hot, taking a dip at the beach and maybe even a dive off of the dock will be sure to cool you down. 

Kids will love the slide

BBQ, campfires, and s'mores are sure to give it the camping feel. There are plenty of spots for campers or to pitch a tent beside the lake as well as cabins for rent. 

Some weekends you can kick back and listen to a bluegrass band or even karaoke.

Stage for bands and karaoke

There is a small store on site that will offer most of your camping necessities. Firewood and ice is also available for purchase.

Part of the store

There are even a few water vessels available for rent including paddle boats and a bounce pad. There are games to play such as horseshoes, basketball, and volleyball.

Memorial Weekend 2016

The owner, Daniel, is sure to keep everyone happy and entertained while maintaining a family environment.

Daniel Polanczyk

Memories are sure to be made at Whippoorwill. Some of ours include 4 of the children learning to swim there. So if you are ever in Southeast Missouri, make sure to put this spot on your bucket list and make some memories of your own!