Happy New Year!!!
Life has been so busy, I can't believe how long it has been since my last post. I realized I never shared with you the last part of our journey to Tennessee. So, lets get going!
As we were trying to get away from the smoke in the mountains, we just headed straight west, rather than northwest like we normally do. From the passenger seat, I was researching where we should go next. If there was anything we could find spontaneously to do without knowing the area. We decided to just travel for a while without any destination and see what we found. We stopped at several antique stores. Truckin' Man would be happy wandering through these all day long, so he was a happy man.
As we were reaching a point where we needed to know what was next, I remembered a place I had seen on the map. On the Tennessee/Kentucky border, not far from Illinois, is Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. We are so glad we stopped! Since we hadn't researched the area at all ahead of time, we stopped first at the visitor center and took in lots of history about the area.
Since closing time was quickly approaching, we quickly headed out to to drive through the Elk & Bison Prairie. What a treat this was. Since we hadn't planned this stop, we didn't have any expectations, but it sure did not disappoint. With more than 80 Bison, we were enjoying them through the prairie.
The 72 Elk were a little more elusive, but we did get to enjoy a few.
I had never been so up close to an Elk before. Quite impressive!
We did the motor trail a second time, and I found this guy watching us from afar. I am guessing his family was nearby.
It seemed most other places around Land Between the Lakes (LBL) closed for the season November 1st, so we didn't hang around, but it is a beautiful area that we will definitely visit again!
We made our last tourist stop in the town of Galena, Illinois. Galena is a cute little town FULL of history, stores, and restaurants! We shopped, and shopped, and shopped! We shopped until we could carry no more bags. All so fun, but one gem in particular was Galena Canning Company. My foodie friends, if you are ever in this town, please stop, taste, and shop!
Here is one photo I took for instagram while we were shopping. Jars of tasty goodies everywhere!
This is an easy day trip for us, so we will definitely be going back.... soon!
Happy New Year, and thanks for being here with me in 2016!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteWOW, what a photo the second to last is. I just love how his eyes are on you.
I enjoyed coming along with you on your trip.
Looking forward to 2017 with you.
Carla
Thanks Carla!
DeleteLooking forward to see where you go in 2017 :)
How cool that you found bison and elk in this part of the country. I didn't know that was there. Next time we are headed southeast, I'll have to keep that in mind. I don't think I've ever been to the actual Galena Canning Co. store, but we are close enough that we see them at holiday shows and the like. They are the tastiest treats! I hope you had a great holiday!
ReplyDeleteIf you have any treats to recommend for Galena Canning Co, please share! I need to get the list going for our next visit!
DeleteHave never seen those animals in my life...so cool!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you, Kris.
They are so amazing, Angie!
DeleteHappy New Year :)
I can't believe how close you were able to get to those animals! This has become a must-see destination for me, right up my alley! 😃 The hubby and I do visit his cousin in Illinois a couple of times a year, I wonder if Galena would be on our way? The Canning Company looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Kris, I hope 2017 is amazing for you!
You definitely need to map out where Galena is from your destination. If it's close at all, you should check it out!
DeleteHappy New Year to you Jessica :)
i would love to get up close and personal (but not too personal) with large, gentle creatures like that--very cool!
ReplyDeleteAlways need to keep that buffer zone between us and them!
DeleteAbsolutely amazing - I can't believe you were that close. I can't wait to see where you go next! Happy 2017 my friend, glad you're back!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jess!
DeleteHappy 2017 :)