Travel beyond the Midwest through national parks, scenic landscapes, and memorable road trips.
Explore destinations across the United States through photography and field notes.
If you find yourself near Grandview, Tennessee Piney Falls State Natural Area in Grandview TN is one stop you should be sure to make to take the short hike to see the 80-foot waterfall and suspension bridge.
Myakka River State Park is located in Sarasota County, Florida and is one of the state’s oldest and largest parks. Covering more than 37,000 acres, the park protects wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and river ecosystems that support an incredible variety of wildlife.
During our drive through Florida we decided to make a short stop to explore the park. Even with limited time, it quickly became clear that Myakka River State Park is a place nature lovers could easily spend an entire day exploring.
Each spring, our drive from Wisconsin to Florida includes a few stops along the way, and this time one of them was Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. For bourbon fans, it is one of the most recognizable stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. For everyone else in the group, it turned out to be much more than just a tasting stop.
Even without being a bourbon drinker myself, I found the visit surprisingly enjoyable. The grounds, architecture, branding, and photography opportunities made it one of those places that offers something different depending on what draws you in.