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Although I know how to stretch a dollar when it comes to traveling, I also know when to indulge on pricier destinations. I’m no foreigner to the concept of “making it rain” when the amount of money that I plan to spend is worth the experience I plan to have. When it comes to traveling, it is essential to know when to break your piggy bank and when to leave it alone. These 5 destinations are all destinations that I have traveled to myself that were worth every single dollar, even though they are more expensive than your typical destination.
The following are My Top 5 Luxury Destinations for 2020 that are worth every last dime, part of your 401k, and your tax return.
1.The Maldives- Paradise on earth. Seriously, there is a reason why people obsess over these islands. The lavish water bungalows, the impeccable hospitality, and the turquoise color waters of the Maldives leave an outstanding impression on anyone. Maldives is a paradise because there is an option for everyone. One of my favorite things about the Maldives wasn’t the fantastic bungalow over the water, that’s obvious, but it was swimming with sharks. I had no clue that the reef sharks there would get extremely close to you while you were in the water. Reef sharks are not aggressive, and for the most part, they are generally pretty small, so there is no need to worry about Jaws attacking you in the middle of a paradisiac island but prepare yourself to see one or two fins swimming by.
Why is it expensive? Considering the Maldives is made of 26 atolls that are all spread out, getting from one island to another can only be done by boat or charter plane. Also, it is in the middle of the Indian ocean, so everything must be brought in from other countries. Combine these factors along with the luxurious hotels, and you’ve got a recipe for one of the more expensive destinations to visit.
The average daily cost of food and accommodation: Food will depending on the resort menu prices which can range from $20 all the way $100 a day; A night in a 4-star resort will range anywhere from $250-$1,500 + depending on the type of room and the resort.
2. Sydney, Australia- Ah! The Land Down Under. Let’s be honest, most of us have a burning desire to go to Australia just so we can see a crocodile and let our inner Steve Irwin (R.I.P.) shine as we yell, “By crikey, it’s a crocodile!” Ok, maybe that is just me, but Australia is appealing to any traveler because it is typically on the opposite side of the globe. When you think of an exotic destination that is far away, more than likely, you are going to think of Australia. Sydney isn’t Australia’s capital, but it is the most popular destination. When we see images of Australia the first one that typically pops up is the Sydney Opera House being plastered all over postcards and Instagram pages not only show the beauty of the city, but it appeals to all travelers.
Why is it expensive? The first part is how far it is for most people. Apart from the distance, it is secluded, so it makes goods more expensive. It is also a massive continent, so if you want to see as much as possible on a 14-day trip, be prepared to fly from one destination to another. Australia isn’t quite as big as the U.S., but it is still enormous. The best transportation mode if you are crunched on time and want to see the most is flying, therefore, be prepared to buy plane tickets from one destination to the other.
The average daily cost of food and accommodation: Food will cost you between $30-$50. A 4-start hotel in Sydney will set you back between $150-$300 USD per night.
3. Lausanne, Switzerland- Welcome to the land of divine chocolates and cheeses. Oh, and don’t forget a landscape that is something Monet could only dream of replicating. Pictures of Switzerland just don’t do it justice. It is a country that you have to experience for yourself to understand the true beauty of it. I have yet to see a video or photograph that clearly embodies how stunning it is. Lausanne, in particular, is a breathtaking city because it is on the shores of Lake Genova, which ensures not only spectacular views but all of the Instagram opportunities that you can imagine. An hour away from Lausanne is the cute town where one of the most renown cheese brands is located, Gruyères. If cheese isn’t your thing and you prefer more of an adventure, a three-hour drive east of Lausanne will land you right in the middle of the Swiss Alps. I hear people talk about how expensive it is all the time, and it is true, but if you have the finances to afford a trip to Lausanne, Switzerland, book it now.
Why is it expensive? It is well known amongst travelers that Switzerland is a destination that requires spending a lot. Why? They use a different currency than members of the European Union. The Swiss Franc is overvalued, and therefore prices are higher. Is there a sticker shock when you first arrive? Yes, but once you see the Swiss Alps with your own eyes, you no longer care about food prices.
The average daily cost of food and accommodation: Food will cost you between $50-$80. A 4-star hotel in Lausanne will run you between $150 – $250 dollars a night.
4. Reykjavík, Iceland- If you haven’t heard of Iceland by now, then your internet services are probably limited where you live. Ten years ago, a patron at the bar that I worked at told me that he was from Iceland and was working in the U.S. temporarily. First, I was shocked that someone from Iceland was in Louisville, KY, but once the shock factor wore off, we began talking about the tourist attractions that Iceland has to offer. As soon as he mentioned the Northern Lights, I was sold, but I was also curious to know why I hadn’t heard much about Iceland before. Flash forward a few years, and everyone and half of their families are planning trips to Iceland. Why? The possibility of seeing the Northern Lights while visiting is good, and with tours that allow you to climb glaciers, why wouldn’t you want to go? Plus, let’s not forget the famous Blue Lagoon that floods Instagram feeds because it is such a popular spot. Iceland is an adventure-lovers dream, and if you don’t like to live on the wild side, but you enjoy nature, then you have no problem finding something to do while you are there.
Why is it expensive? Iceland is another secluded island that has to import most of its goods. Being secluded and the cost of living combine to make higher prices than the average country.
The average daily cost of food and accommodation: A nice meal in a restaurant in Reykjavík will set you back around $40-$60 per person, not including drinks, and a 4-star hotel will cost between $150 -$250 USD.
5. Dubai, U.A.E.- Whoever says that everything is better in Texas, clearly, has never been to Dubai. Do you want to see the tallest building in the world? The Burj Khalifa can be found in Dubai. You can also see the world’s biggest water fountain from above when you visit the Burj Khalifa. The truth is, whatever already exists in the world, Dubai has said, “We will make it bigger and better.” Not only have they delivered on their idea, but they have quickly become a popular destination amongst travelers. Dubai is appealing to travelers because although it is located in the middle of a desert, there is so much to see in the city. Want to visit the world’s largest aquarium? Take a ride over to the Dubai Mall, and while you are there, make sure you check out the indoor ski slopes, as well. If you work up a sweat from all of the shopping that you do while in Dubai, then you can head over to the beach and cool down. If you are looking more for an adventure, then I suggest going on a desert safari. It ended up being the one thing that I enjoyed the most while in U.A.E. Riding in a Jeep and feeling like it was going to flip at any moment was precisely the thrill rush that I needed.
Why is it so expensive? Dubai is located right in the middle of the desert, and although it’s location factors into the expense, it is also a city built off of oil money. If you factor that in along with the number of billionaires who call Dubai home, and you can figure out why it is expensive.
The average daily cost of food and accommodation: Food will run you between $30 – $50 USD and 4-star hotel accommodations will cost between $250 – $350.
And there you have it. These are my Top 5 Luxury Destinations for 2020. What better way to bring in the New Year than booking a trip to a luxurious foreign land with priceless views.
My favorite European city is usually at the top of most people’s bucket lists and for a good reason. Barcelona is home to amazing Guadí architecture, Mediterranean views, and of course, fantastic tapas (small plates) and cervezas. It’s a city that takes you in and wraps you with warmth, culture, and gastronomy that is out of this world. I’ve been to Barcelona on several different occasions, and each time I fall more in love with it than the previous visit and I can safely say that it is my favorite European city so far. Having been to Barcelona several times I’ve come up with a way to spend the perfect day in Barcelona whether you plan to stay there for a week or just a twenty-four layover, I’ve got you covered.
The first thing that you need to know if you are visiting this magnificent city is that its official language is not Spanish. The official language of Barcelona is Catalan, and it is the primary language that you see written on the metro stops and buildings. No need to worry though, they have their Spanish and many times English translation below. The official coin is the euro since they are still currently part of the European Union. Although Barcelona is still technically part of Spain, they voted to separate from Spain, and it is still a sore subject for many people around Spain. It’s not something I would discuss with just anyone that you meet because conversations about it can get tense, and it doesn’t matter if they are for it or against it, it will spark emotions either way. Although the future of the city is still unknown one thing remains certain, it is a must see!
Barcelona is a very sprawling city, and considering the length of your stay and your itinerary, I suggest using the metro. The metro is a quick and easy way to get from one area of Barcelona to another without having to spend a lot of uber/taxi fares. The metro is also conveniently located throughout the city, so it makes it extremely convenient. My biggest suggestion to travelers while riding a subway anywhere in the world is to watch your belongings. Barcelona, just like Paris, New York, and any other major metropolitan city falls victim to pickpocketers, and there is nothing that will ruin your vacation or trip quicker than someone taking your money, credit cards or passport. Be aware of your surroundings and put your backpacks or purses in front of you, not behind you. If you are a seasoned traveler, then you already know the deal, but for many people who haven’t traveled on the metro systems before, this is all new knowledge. You can get a metro card at any of the stations and refill it as you go. Once you have the metro card, it’s time to hit the streets.
My first stop in Barcelona always is and probably always will be La Sagrada Familia. La Sagrada Familia is a cathedral that was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It is the second most visited cathedral in the world, and in my personal opinion, it is the most beautiful cathedral in the world. Sorry to the Vatican, but La Sagrada Familia wins for me.
La Sagrada Familia has tons of stained glass windows that change the colors inside of the cathedral, depending on the time of day and the light that shines through. It truly is a magical experience to see the colors inside of the cathedral differ between morning, afternoon, and evening. If you can swing going at different times of day during your trip, then I suggest it even though that means paying the entrance fee more than once. The cathedral is still currently under construction, and it has been that way for many years. Although La Sagrada Familia is still currently under construction, visitors are allowed to go inside and tour it and experience the beauty of the cathedral for themselves. While booking the tour, I suggest choosing the entrance + tower option. The reason why I say this is because it allows you to walk up one of the four towers and get some incredible views of Barcelona from above. It is definitely worth the additional cost. I suggest spending at least an hour at La Sagrada Familia. Although you purchase your tickets ahead of time on the internet, the queue is long, so try to arrive before your entrance time, and if you can opt for the earliest entrance, which is 9 a.m., then choose that one. Most people don’t like to wake up early while they are on vacation or traveling, so you beat the masses by arriving early.
Find your tickets here.
https://sagradafamilia.org/en/
After basking in the fantastic views at La Sagrada Familia, I suggest heading to Passeig de Gràcia. Passeig de Gràcia is a main avenue in Barcelona, and it is bustling with cafés, shops, and restaurants. It is also home to several Guadí architectural artworks, including Casa Milá, also known as La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.
Just like Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló are two top tourist destinations, so you will want to buy your tickets before visiting; otherwise, the lines are long and frequently sold out. I have been to both, and I enjoy them both the same, but you can look at photos online to determine if you prefer to do one over the other. They both have rooftops that you can walk on and take pictures of Barcelona from above. When purchasing tickets for La Sagrada Familia, there is the option to buy entrance tickets to either Casa Milà or Casa Batlló or both. It is more cost-effective and convenient to purchase them all prior, but if you aren’t sure about when to go to each, then I would buy them separately online. The tour in each house is around an hour, and they provide interesting background into the life and works of Gaudí, Barcelona’s most famous architect. If you love history, architecture, or just experiencing something different than what you are used to, then I highly suggest checking both of them out. Once you have finished visiting Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, then it’s time to head to Plaça de Catalunya.
Find your tickets to Casa Batlló and Casa Milà here:
https://www.casabatllo.es/en/
Plaça de Catalunya isn’t only a massive plaza in the middle of Barcelona, and it is considered to be the city center. It is so centrally located that it is the standard meeting place for catching up with someone. As you can imagine, the metro stop there is bustling and full of people. Mentally prepare yourself for a crowd when arriving at Plaça de Catalunya. One of the reasons why Plaça de Catalunya is so popular is also because it is the head of the most famous pedestrian walkway in Barcelona, Las Ramblas.
Las Ramblas is a massive pedestrian street that stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell. The street is filled with vendors. They sell anything from souvenirs and clothing to quick bites to eat. Las Ramblas is an experience all on its own. Although it isn’t an actual building, it is a main point of interest. You can grab some souvenirs or do a lot of people watching. Las Ramblas is busy at all times of day, and some people who do not like crowds try to avoid it, but everyone should experience it at least once. Just as I suggested being aware of your belongings on the metro, I have the same suggestion for Las Ramblas. Any place that draws big crowds of tourists or people is a playground for pickpocketers. Just make sure you are aware of this, and you will be fine. It should never deter you from going there.
While walking Las Ramblas, you cannot help but notice Mercado de La Boqueria. It is a massive food market located on Las Ramblas, and it is a must-see. Besides, by this time, you are probably hungry and what better way to check out the local food scene than a local food market. The food scene in Barcelona is top-notch, in my opinion, and the view of most of the top gastronomers in the world. Something to try while visiting would be jamón serrano. It is a dry-cured ham, and it is delectable. If you don’t eat meat or pork, then I suggest trying patatas bravas. They are the Spanish version of fries that are to die for. They are potato wedges with hot sauce and aioli (mayonnaise seasoned with garlic) on top of them. My mouth is watering while I write this. Although I suggest trying these two typical food items, there are so many others to check out in La Boquería that I recommend walking around and checking out whatever calls out to you. You cannot go wrong in La Boquería.
After you’ve tasted some of the local treats, then you can walk off some of the calories by heading over to Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. The Gothic Quarter is located off of Las Ramblas, and it is also a popular point of interest. Barcelona’s gothic quarter was the old city center, and it remains a bustling part of Barcelona. It is compiled of small shops, plazas and it is home to some of Barcelona’s best nightlife. During the day you can take advantage and walk around and admire the gothic architecture and the Gothic Cathedral, which is one of the main attractions in the quarter. The Gothic Quarter is also filled with tons of street musicians and artists that give it a unique local flare as well. It’s fun just to walk around and get lost in the quarter for a few hours.
If you’ve had enough of the Gothic Quarter and looking for a change of scenery then head back to Las Ramblas and walk towards Port Vell, the tale tells sign that you have reached Port Vell is the famous Christopher Colombus statue at the end of Las Ramblas. Port Vell is a great spot to capture beautiful photographs of boats on the Mediterranean. It is also a great way to walk from Las Ramblas to La Barceloneta.
La Barceloneta is the most popular beach area of Barcelona that provides excellent views of the Mediterranean during the day and a crazy nightlife scene during the summer. It is also the best area to check out another traditional Spanish dish called paella (a rice dish containing seafood). During summer, it’s nice to walk along the beach during the day and catch some sun rays or spend the actual day there soaking up the sun. It is a place that cannot be passed up while visiting Barcelona, but if it isn’t summertime, walking along it is still fun.
After checking out La Barceloneta, I suggest making your way to Parque Güell. It is not close to the city center, BUT it is the spot for some of the most magical Barcelona sunsets, in my opinion. Parque Güell is another beautiful Guadí masterpiece, and it is my second favorite to La Sagrada Familia. I love nature and art, and when you combine both, I’m in Heaven on Earth. Parque Güell is a trendy tourist destination; therefore, prepare yourself for the typical crowds and long lines and buy your entrance tickets online prior. The entrance to the park is sold out a lot of times, so if you do not purchase your tickets prior, you will more than likely be disappointed when you arrive. Either they have tickets available for a few hours later, or it’s sold out.
Parque Güell is not something that you want to miss or skip out. Even if nature isn’t your idea of a good time, the views of Barcelona from Parque Güell are hard to beat. Most bloggers would suggest going as early as possible to get photos with the least amount of people possible, and this is true. There is a big crowd, and getting the perfect Instagram shot is nearly impossible if you don’t go early, but the best time to visit is right before sunset, aka the golden hour. It is crowded in the afternoon and evening, but the sunsets that I’ve witnessed from Parque Güell are to this date the best sunsets I’ve ever seen in Barcelona. You may not get the best Instagram shot, but you do get some of the best mental photos you can imagine. I try to get to Parque Güell no later than 4 p.m. so that I can walk around and enjoy the gorgeous Guadí architecture and find a spot to sit to enjoy the view. The park closes at 6:15 p.m., so if you are like me and arrive at 4 p.m., you at least get a couple of hours to check it out before you have to leave.
Purchase your tickets here:
https://www.parkguelltickets.org/
After taking in an incredible sunset at Parque Güell, I typically backtrack to Las Ramblas, and there is a good reason why. Food and nightlife. As I mentioned before, Plaça de Catalunya in the center of the city and the surrounding areas are the best to find food and drinks, and this is especially true in the evening in the Gothic Quarter. Some of the best nightlife in Barcelona is in the Gothic Quarter. One of my favorite places to grab a drink is at El Bosc de Les Fades (The Forest of the Fairies). The reason why it is such a popular bar to check out is that it is like being inside of a hidden forest. Hence the name. Of course, I am drawn to a fairy forest because I love nature and fairies, but I have yet to meet someone that has said that they hated visiting El Bosc de Les Fades. It is like being transported to a whole different place. Outside you have the hustle and bustle of a huge city, and inside you have the calm, tranquil forest-like vibes. It is a great place to grab a small glass of beer (caña) or my favorite traditional Spanish wine drink, sangría. It’s a great place to hang out and meet both tourists and locals and find out the best place to party. Barcelona’s nightlife is ever-changing, and every time I visit, there is a new place to check out or another place that has become more popular. I always like to ask locals in my age group, where they recommend and determine which place sounds bests and head there.
Check out El Bosc de Les Fades below:
http://www.museocerabcn.com/en/bosc.html
My typical perfect day in Barcelona includes all of the aforementioned stops and places of interest. This itinerary is great for those who are limited on time and/or those who are like me and want to see as much as possible in a day. This itinerary can also give you a blueprint of how you would like to plan out your visit to Barcelona. It is a massive city with lots of fun things to check out and do, but in my opinion, everything that I’ve mentioned in this blog is a must-see. I love Barcelona because of its food, architecture, culture, and friendly vibe. It’s a great city for any age group and a fabulous place to make your first visit to Europe.
It’s that particular time of year where the air gets crisp, the leaves begin to change color, and the smell of Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes is all around you. It is also when everyone is suddenly excited to wear layers of clothes, only to have to strip the majority of them off by 2 p.m. because it is suddenly 70 degrees outside. That’s right; I’m talking about fall in Louisville, Kentucky.
It’s a special time of year because it is also when Louisville seems to have tons of events and fun things to do for all age groups. I’ve spent this fall doing ALL of the things and have narrowed them down to my personal top 10 things to do in Louisville during the fall season. The list is in no particular order.
1. Walk Hillcrest Avenue
If you are local and you have never walked Hillcrest in October either during the day or night-are you even a local? Hillcrest Avenue is located in the Crescent Hill neighborhood, and they go all out for Halloween. Tons of houses on the block go all out with their decorations. You have everything from guts and blood to a tribute to everyone’s favorite scary sisters-The Sanderson Sisters. (Hocus Pocus lovers know who I’m talking about.) I suggested walking it during the day and at night because you get two different perspectives. During the day, you can see all of the detail that goes into the decorations, and at night, the real spectacle begins. The lights and animation add a spooky touch. My personal favorite is “Hillcrest Cemetery.” The owner creates his own characters and makes up funny tombstones with their names and how they died. I love seeing the new additions each year. If you are in town and looking for something fun to get you in the Halloween spirit, then head towards Hillcrest Avenue. The best news is that it is free and you can walk down the avenue day or night.
My favorite house on Hillcrest Avenue. Read the tombstones!
2. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Iroquois Park.
For the past seven years, Louisville has had the privilege to showcase 5,000 jack-o-lanterns in one of our local parks-Iroquois Park. It’s an event that is appropriate for any age group. Take a stroll through the park and awe at the fantastic jack-o-lantern carvings that line the walkway. The spectacular does cost money, and the price depends on if it is a weekday or weekend. My suggestion is to buy your tickets ahead of time and be prepared to wait in a long line. If you buy your ticket for the 6:15 p.m. time, you will not enter until 7:15 p.m. when they open the trail, and depending on how long the line is; you may not walk into the entrance until 8 p.m. The wait is long, but it is worth it.
A pumpkin featured in this year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. I loved the wings. 😉
https://www.jack-o-lanternlouisville.com/
3. Go to Huber’s Orchard and Winery
Ok, before anyone gets upset with me, I know that Huber’s Orchard and Winery isn’t located in Louisville or Kentucky and that it is in Starlight, Indiana, but let’s be honest, what Kentuckian hasn’t visited Huber’s? Huber’s Orchard and Winery is a family farm that is mostly known for two things; pumpkin picking and WINE. If you are like me, you go for the wine more than the pumpkins, but if you have a family, then it’s an excellent excuse to take the children and make a family excursion out of it. Huber’s is very family-oriented, and they have a little bit of everything for all ages. Visiting Huber’s is free, and it is around a 30-minute drive from Louisville. Yes, you have to cross the bridge into Indiana, but Huber’s grounds are gorgeous, especially in fall with their pumpkin patches and apple orchards. For those who do enjoy adult alcoholic beverages, they have plenty of wine readily available, and if you haven’t had their sangria, then you haven’t truly lived life yet. It’s a perfect way to spend the day, whether it be with friends, your partner, or your family. No one ever leaves disappointed.
Welcome to Kentucky, where college football and basketball are KING. We do not care about professional sports but bring up college sports, and we won’t stop talking. Football season and fall just so happen to coincide, which means tailgates filled with food, beer, and good old rivalry. There are two major rivals in the state, the University of Louisville (the best team) and the University of Kentucky. We all have our favorite team, and on game days, we are not friends with our rivals until the game is over. If you ever get a chance to go to a tailgate either for a U of L game or a U.K. game, do it! Tailgating is where people grill out, drink beer and bourbon, and party before the game. The name “tailgate” is because people use to drop the tailgate of their trucks and sit on them and drink and eat before the games. The name stuck around, and now it is the thing to do before any football game.
Tailgating a Louisville Cardinal Stadium. GO CARDS!
5. Visit a haunted house/Waverly Hills Sanatorium
One of the fun fall activities for the older crowd is visiting haunted houses and corn mazes. There are tons of haunted houses to visit in Louisville and the surrounding area, and it all just boils down to what you are looking for. My personal favorite is Waverly Hills. The reason why I think it is the best haunted house in Louisville isn’t because of the Halloween production that they put on during October, but it is because the actual building is scary A.F. to look at. Waverly Hills Sanatorium was a hospital built during the tuberculosis outbreak in Louisville. Locals have heard all types of scary stories about Waverly Hills and the many patients that died there who now haunts the building. It’s always featured on the top scariest/haunted places in the U.S., and every year in October, the owners turn it into a haunted house for people to go and get scared. In my opinion, you don’t even have to enter the haunted house to get scared. The outside of the building is scary enough, and knowing that people were tortured and made into guinea pigs to find a cure for tuberculosis, well, that’s enough reason to believe that it is haunted. I don’t recommend taking small children, but if your children are into it, then go right ahead.
https://www.therealwaverlyhills.com/
6. Go hiking at Red River Gorge
A two-hour drive south of Louisville to Slade, Kentucky will put you smack dab in the middle of some of the best fall scenery that you can imagine. If you want the typical fall Instagram photo of red, orange, and yellow leaves, then look no further. The Gorge not only provides the best fall photo backgrounds in Kentucky, but it contains some of the best hiking trails in the state. If you love Mother Nature like me, then you cannot miss out on a chance to hike at Red River Gorge. There are tons of trails for all levels of hikers, and the landscape is breathtaking during fall. It’s a great way to get a breath of fresh air and escape the hustle of the city.
Soaking up all of the sunshine possible before winter, because IT’S COMING!
7. St. James Art Fair
Every year, artists both local and from other parts of the U.S. gather in the most historic part of the city, Old Louisville, to put on the most prominent art show in Louisville. It is something that I look forward to every year because it exposes local artists and also gives you a chance to meet artists from other parts of the country. I always find something special while I’m there. It can be jewelry, paintings, or drawings, but there is always something that calls to me. This year I was able to find a lot of pieces that I loved and bring them back home with me. The location of the show is unique because it is in the historic part of Louisville, so you are surrounded by large Victorian houses and the iconic St. James Court Fountain. The art fair happens on the first weekend of October, and it is free to attend. All ages are welcome.
https://stjamescourtartshow.com/
8. Attend a Fall Harvest Festival
During fall, there are harvest festivals all over the city, it seems. Most of the festivals include food from local vendors, apple cider, beer, face painting, and fun activities for children. It’s a nice way to spend some time out of the house and enjoy local vendor’s foods and buy some local crafts since most of them have local artists attending as well. If the weather is nice, it makes for a great way to spend the day or at least a few hours. Louisville is a food and beverage city; therefore, any excuse to try new food and drinks is a good one.
9. Pick a pumpkin at a local farm
There are several places around Louisville that you can go and pick out the perfect pumpkin for your fall decor. Gallrein Farms is a local farm located in Shelby County that has pumpkin patches, and they also do a lot of fun fall activities, including hayrides, petting zoos, and picking pumpkins. Huber’s in Indiana also has pumpkin patches, but if you want to stay within the state, then definitely check out Gallrein Farms.
Picking pumpkins at Huber’s Orchard and Winery.
10. Attend Colorfest at Bernheim Forest
This is another event for anyone who loves fall and nature. What better way to combine both by attending Colorfest at Bernheim Forest? Bernheim is a quick 30-minute drive from Louisville, and they always have wonderful family-oriented events throughout the year. Their fall event is called Colorfest, which is appropriately named because it is during the time of year when all of the trees have changed color. There are tons of fun activities to do while there, such as going on a hayride, slingshotting pumpkins, face painting, hay mazes, and mud pies. The event takes place on a Saturday and Sunday so you can plan your weekend accordingly. It costs $10 per car, and the money goes towards saving our local forest.
Getting ready to enjoy a hay ride around Bernheim!
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Faul Family Riverside Farm. It is a local farm in Henry County, that is trying to improve the quality of meat products in our area. It is a sprawling farm with 100 acres and several different types of livestock, including cows, chickens, laying hens, turkeys, pigs, and sheep. Apart from animals, they also have a gorgeous barn that is available for wedding ceremonies, special events, or barn parties.
The owners, the Faul family, along with their son Andre Faul being the chief farmhand, are trying to make clean and healthier made more accessible in our community. I am fortunate that I know Andre personally because we went to high school together, and we’ve kept in touch with each other over the years. Since I moved back to Kentucky, I had wanted to go and check out his farm. I saw posts from the farm on the internet, and he and I had talked back and forth about some of the things he was doing, so my curiosity was peaked. Since there is nothing better than seeing for yourself, I asked Andre if it would be ok for me to come out and take a tour of the farm.
The drive to the farm from Louisville is around 30 minutes, and the roads to get there are a little curvy, but besides that, it’s an easy journey. Once I arrived on the farm, the first thing that I noticed was the massive barn and the quilt on top of the barn. For those who don’t know, it is a widespread practice for barns in Kentucky to have quilts painted on wood at the top of them. It isn’t a concept original to Kentucky, but Kentucky loved the idea, and most barns around here have one at top. The reason why the Faul family’s quilt stands out is that it has the colors of the South African flag. You may ask yourself why the colors of the flag for South Africa would be on a barn in the middle of Kentucky. The answer is that the Faul family is originally from South Africa.
In 2001, Andre’s mom received a job offer at the University of Louisville, and the family decided to pack up and move halfway across the world. The next question you may be asking yourself is, “How does a family from South Africa end up with a farm in Henry County, Kentucky?” The answer was a bit surprising to me, but it once I heard it, I was inspired.
Andre’s grandfather was a citrus farmer in South Africa. He said that hearing his dad’s stories about growing up on a farm and farming the land inspired him and made him want to experience it for himself. His parents decided to buy the farm in 2015 and then offered him the opportunity to turn his dreams into reality.
Andre previously worked as a fish farmer in Miami, and he didn’t enjoy his job whatsoever. (We’ve all been there at least once.) So when his parents offered him the opportunity to run the farm for him, he gladly accepted. Although he traded warm weather and beautiful beaches for the bluegrass and the very brown Ohio River, he did bring back a part of Miami with him. See the Faul Family farm is one of two local farms that harvest shrimp. Andre runs the only farm that supplies fresh shrimp to the local Jefferson, Oldham, and Henry Co. communities and also a local Louisville restaurant, Harvest.
This year alone, they are on track to harvest about 300-350 lbs. of shrimp, and while visiting the farm, he showed me the new expansion that they are working on. Currently, the shrimp are harvested in a building that contains two huge saltwater tanks. Once Andre and his help finish building the new enclosure, he plans to have at least eight containers filled with saltwater shrimp. It will allow him to distribute his product to more local restaurants that are interested in purchasing local, organic harvested shrimp.
The fact that they harvest shrimp isn’t the only thing about the farm that makes them stand apart from others. It’s the way that Andre farms that truly sets them apart. They use a style of farming called ‘Regenerative Agriculture.’ When I asked Andre to explain this type of agriculture to me, this is what he said, “The farming we do has a positive impact on our land, as opposed to most farming practices that destroy the area. We mimic nature in how we move our animals around our pastures, i.e., wild herds of ruminants are always on the move, not staying in one area for more than a couple days. Moving the animals gets them off their manure and decreases the likelihood of them getting sick from constant exposure to parasites and bacteria, and it gives them continuous access to fresh grass. “
According to Andre, all of their animals play vital roles in maintaining the farm, and they all have specific jobs. “The laying hens move around the pasture and scratch through sheep and cow droppings, picking out any parasites and working the manure into the soil. They also leave behind nitrogen-rich manure that benefits the soil. The cows and sheep graze the pastures and promote grass growth by consuming the grass, and they also leave behind beneficial manure that feeds the soil microbes. Our pigs help us in clearing brush and thickets and digging down to disturb the seedbed underneath the pasture, thereby promoting different grasses and legumes to grow once they move on. And our turkeys are efficient grazers and love to graze on grasses, legumes, and even take care of some weeds in the pasture.”
While on the farm, we discussed his schedule and how he has a set amount of days for each enclosure. The most impressive part about their operation is that it is just Andre and a family friend are the only ones working at the farm. His friend is only here temporarily, so once he heads back to South Africa, Andre will be a one-person show again. That means one man will be in charge of taking care of ten cows, one hundred turkeys, ten pigs, three hundred chickens, and ten sheep. Honestly, I don’t know how he does it because I can barely take care of myself, let alone a 100-acre farm with so many animals. Not only does he take care of the land and the cattle, but he is also in charge of taking their animals to their local USDA approved poultry and meat processor. Once they get the meat processed, he also sells it online and at the local Farmer’s Market in LaGrange, KY.
After discussing the entire process of how the farm starts with tiny hatchlings, baby pigs, and shrimp and Andre takes care of them until they are ready to be processed, it makes me have more respect for organic farmers like him. It’s a long process and not an easy one. The number of hours and work that goes into maintaining their farm is crazy, but in the end, it is worth it. As Andre said, when he can have a meal with his family that he knows were raised organically and processed in the least cruel way possible, it creates a sense of accomplishment. It also makes you respect your food, and in turn, you waste less.
The farm typically does a monthly event from spring until fall. Their “Chat & Chews” are where you can take a tour around the farm and have a meal featuring their final products. It’s a great way to educate children and adults on organic farming, and the positive effects that it has on the land. It is also an excellent opportunity to taste the hard work and labor of the farm. Andre also allows people to come out and walk around the farm during the day as long as they contact him prior and give him a heads up that they want to come out.
If you are looking for a taste of what the Faul Family Riverside farm produces, all of the poultry, meat, and shrimp products can be purchased online or at the local Farmer’s Market in LaGrange, Kentucky, from spring until fall. You can also try some of the Faul Family Riverside chicken at Grassa Gramma in Holiday Manor in Louisville, and the shrimp can be found at Harvest on Market St. in Louisville. Don’t be surprised if you start to see the Faul Family Riverside farm name start popping up on more menus around Louisville as they are currently in the talks for being a feature in other local restaurants.
Faul Family Riverside Farm is just another example of a local business that is trying to have a positive impact on our community through hard work, respect, and love for the environment. Their goal is to have a positive impact on the environment and a healthy product on your plate. To find out more about Faul Family Riverside Farm or to plan your visit, you can contact Andre directly at riversidefarmky@gmail.com. While you visit, you can purchase their products, and you can always buy their products online on their website below.
A special thank you to Andre and his family for allowing me to tour around their farm and for taking the time to explain the process to me. It was a great experience!
Andre and I outside of the barn which is also available for event rental.
Andre outside of the chicken enclosure.
This guy will soon be on your plate for Thanksgiving dinner!
I wanted to play with the cows but as you can tell from this one’s face, they weren’t having it.
I was born and raised in Louisville the majority of my life, and I had no clue that we have a waterfall known as “The Niagara of the South.” Nor did I know how easily accessible it is. It is an easy drive from Louisville, around two and a half hours depending on the driver. It may or may not have been a little quicker in my case. 😉 I used the GPS app Waze on my phone to guide me, but once you have been there, it is very easy to find.
I will say that I was a little nervous traveling to a part of Kentucky that I have never been to. I know this may sound ridiculous to some people, especially those from around here, but going to the country is intimidating to me. I’m always worried about having car problems, running out of gas, or not having a cell phone signal and being stuck in the middle of nowhere. It’s not fear, but those thoughts do pop up when I’m planning on going somewhere that I haven’t been. Luckily, after arriving in Corbin, Kentucky, the location of the falls, I realized that there were gas stations, restaurants, and I wasn’t in the “middle of nowhere Kentucky.”
Before leaving my friend and I decided that we would stay the night in Corbin and that way we could have two full days to explore. We chose to stay in the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, which I found on booking.com. The Cumberland Falls State Resort is quaint and has country charm, but if I were to go back, I would probably stay somewhere else. The convenience factor of the State Resort Park is that it is a 2-minute drive from the actual falls. If you want to catch a glimpse of this natural beauty in the morning, afternoon, and evening, it is incredibly convenient. The reason why I probably opt out of staying there in the future is that the rooms are very outdated. It was like traveling back in time with a very sixties feel. Considering the facilities, I feel as though it is overpriced, but it is a State Resort Park, so you help maintain the Park while taking advantage of the location.
Once we arrived, we decided to check off our main object, the falls. Cumberland Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls I have ever been to, besides Niagara Falls. Anyone can access the different viewpoints except for one which is not wheelchair accessible, but the rest are wheelchair and stroller accessible. I saw every age group while I was there, young children, their parents and grandparents, and then people like us, young travelers. The actual falls are immense and impressive. Kentucky is currently experiencing an awful drought, so I can only imagine what they look like when it rains. Although they weren’t as grand as what they are typically supposed to be, I was still surprised by the size of the falls. Drought or not, they are a sight to be admired.
After taking our pictures of the falls and seeing a rainbow over it for a few minutes, 😉 we headed to the gift shop to see if they had any maps or suggestions for what to do in the area. The workers at the gift shop provided us a map of the falls, and surrounding hiking trails and they suggested that we explore the Eagle Falls trail. we decided to head to the recommended trail, Eagle Falls. We drove from the visitor’s center to the beginning of the trail. If you leave the parking lot and take a right, cross the bridge, you will see a small parking area on both sides of the road. The one to your right is the trailhead for Eagle Falls.
The trail is marked throughout the entire path. The trail is an easy walk but can be challenging at times, considering there is a lot of going up and downstairs. I’m not a professional hiker, I enjoy hiking for fun, and I found the trail to be easy. The trail leads down to the banks of the river and wind around to a waterfall that has plenty of boulders around to it lay down and relax. The entire time huge trees and boulders surround you. I went on September 16th, 2019, and was surprised to see that the majority of the leaves haven’t changed colors yet, but there were a lot of leaves falling while we were there. The entire loop is 1.8 miles, according to the app AllTrails. My phone said that it was 2 miles back and forth.
We came across other people while on the trail, and there were several locals who gave us tips on other places to check out in the area. One of the places that were mentioned several times is a trail called Dog Slaughter Falls. The name is totally awful, and the reason for the name is even worse (you can just imagine based on the title alone), so I’m not going to get into that, but it was a name that we heard repeated several times. We decided that we would check out Dog Slaughter Falls the following day and that since we completed the Eagle Falls Trail pretty quickly, we would head back to the tourist information center and choose another trail.
We chose to check out the #2 Trail. It is approximately 5 miles, and it follows the shoreline throughout parts of the trail. It was more difficult than Eagle Falls, and at times it was confusing. Several paths intertwine with each other, so we found ourselves on other trails at some points. Apart from the track not being as clearly marked, some parts were more complicated due to the terrain and them being downhill. We were able to manage, but I wouldn’t recommend this trail to someone inexperienced.
My worst nightmare also almost became a reality while on this trail. I almost stepped on a snake. As we were walking and taking in the views, I looked down and thought what I saw was a stick but quickly realized that it had a head. Luckily, I stepped back and allowed the snake to continue on its merry way while I stood a few feet away, trembling in fear. I love mother nature and respect all of its creatures, but I have a horrible fear of snakes. I know it is irrational, but I’ve been afraid of them since I was a child. It doesn’t help that my stepdad used one to scare me while I was young. (Inserts childhood emotional trauma here, lol.) Thankfully both the snake and I were able to continue on our peaceful ways without any issues.
Since it was getting later in the day and I had a mini heart attack from my snake encounter, I figured it was the time that we called it a day and looked for something to eat. As I said, I was shocked that there were various restaurant options in Corbin because quite honestly, I had never really heard of Corbin before. It was Mexico’s independence day on that day, so my friend and I decided to check out a local Mexican restaurant called Santa Fe. To our surprise, the food was delicious, and the portions were huge. Neither of us was able to finish our entire meal.
We also met one of the owners while we were there who is a Cuban immigrant and has been living there for twenty-three years. Admittedly, it’s an odd place for someone from Havana to end up, but he told us that he loves the area and that the locals treat everyone as if they are family. As I mentioned earlier, I am very wary of traveling in the country, and part of it is because people in small towns are not always accepting, and they become very suspicious of outsiders. His comments took some of my initial worries about locals away. I even met another patron who told me about the app AllTrails that has maps and guides to trails that are nearby. I downloaded it and used it the following day when we went to Dog Slaughter Falls. She also gave us a lot of information about what to do in Corbin and nearby. Moral of this part of the story, never judge a book or a place by it’s cover. 😉
One of the places that they mentioned to us while we were at the restaurant was Sanders Cafe or otherwise known as the original KFC. I know in my previous post I slammed KFC a little bit, but I do have to recognize and be grateful that Kentucky Fried Chicken has put Kentucky on the map internationally. If it wasn’t for Colonel Sanders, I’d probably have to carry a map of the U.S.A. with me everywhere I go so I could point out where I’m from. My friend and I decided that when in Corbin, we might as well see the birthplace of the fried chicken that we dislike so much. The Sanders Cafe is the original KFC, and it has been converted into a museum and restaurant. The left side of the restaurant is a functioning KFC, and the rest is filled with memorabilia from the original design, including the Colonel’s office, the original kitchen, and bathrooms. It was a nice stop and probably something I would have never done if someone didn’t suggest it. My mom dislikes KFC just as much as I do so I decided to buy her a souvenir as a joke. I’ll include it in the photos.
After touring the original KFC, my friend and I decided that we would head back to the falls and try our luck to see if we see a natural phenomenon called a “Moonbow.” Once a month, when there is a full moon, a “moonbow” can be seen across the falls. The moonbow looks like a rainbow, only that it is white, and it only occurs during the full moon. The Cumberland Falls website has a schedule to which dates each month it can be seen. We stood outside for hours in the night sky at an attempt to catch a glimpse of the moonbow but to no avail. Even though we were disappointed that we didn’t get to see the moonbow, it was pretty cool to see the falls at night and hear the crashing of the water. Once we decided that we had waited enough, we headed back to the lodge and got some rest for the following day.
Once we were able to get up and enjoy a quick breakfast, we checked out the app that was recommended to us and saw that Dog Slaughter Falls was one of the top recommended trails in the area. Although I am not a fan of the name, at all, we decided to check it out. If you plan to go, I suggest downloading the app as well. It gave us driving directions to find the trail, which was difficult because it is not marked. Once we arrived, the app also allowed us to download a map of the trail on our phones which was awesome because I had no cell phone signal. (Thanks, T-Mobile.) Once we located the trailhead, we were on our way.
Dog Slaughter Falls is an easy trail considering there isn’t much change in altitude, and there are signs everywhere that indicate which way to go. The sign at the beginning says that it is only 1 mile, but we found out that it is 2 miles to get there and 2 miles back, making it a total of 4 miles. The trail is easy, but it does get a little complicated towards the end when you arrive at the falls. There is a downhill pitch that requires precaution, but besides that, the trail is overall easy. While you walk towards the waterfall, you are accompanied by a stream and shade provided by the many trees in the area. There are lots of stunning views along the trail and plenty of opportunities to take photographs. Kentucky’s woods/nature provides stunning views that most people (including myself) would never imagine. Once we arrived at the waterfall, we spent around an hour or so hanging out, taking photos and enjoying the fresh air. The scenery is breathtaking and relaxing and allows you to feel one with nature. Once we got enough dose of nature, we decided to go ahead and head back home to Louisville.
The trip overall was inexpensive, fun, and exciting. I highly recommend making the trip to Cumberland Falls and checking out the surrounding hiking trails. I know that I will be returning to check out other trails. Some of the tips that I would give anyone planning to go would be to take plenty of water, (make sure you have a reusable bottle), sunscreen depending on what time of year it is, bug spray (Kentucky is mosquito heaven during the summer), and the weirdest but probably most important thing to take would be bear spray. There are black bears in this region of Kentucky and the best way to protect yourself from a black bear attack, (besides walking slowly backward and making lots of noise), is to use bear spray.
Here is a list of the trip expenses for anyone interested in how much a trip to Corbin and Cumberland Falls costs.
Gas- I used a full tank of gas which cost me $40. Gas was $2.55 at the time, and I have a 16 gallon tank. Food- Santa Fe Mexican Restaurant- $36 for dinner for two. (I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys TexMex.) Park Entrance- $0.00. That’s right. Free.99. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park- One night stay cost a total of $105.00. Found on www.booking.com. Souvenirs (optional)- $5.99 for a coffee mug from KFC and $18.99 for a T-Shirt from the Falls Gift Shop. Spending time in nature = Priceless.
Helpful apps while used on the trip: Waze (GPS) and AllTrails (Hiking App)
I’ve also created a video recap of my hikes on YouTube which can be found by clicking below.