In our media-driven society, where screens dominate our access to information and sensations, most moments and feelings can only be fully appreciated through firsthand encounters. You may have heard of the following destinations, regardless, we hope you have the joy of discovering them for yourself.
Have you heard of the Sandy River Distillery in Rice Virginia? You might not think about a distillery being a place to take a summer vacation but don’t count this one out. Although primarily known for the distillery, Sandy River is also home to Sandy River Outdoor Adventures. (147 Monroe Church Rd, Rice, VA; SandyRiverOutdoorAdventures.com) Here’s where the family fun begins. If you’ve ever dreamt of sleeping in a tipi, Sandy River Outdoor Adventure offers fully furnished tipis for overnight glamping stays. You can also choose to stay in a cabin, both fully equipped with modern amenities. As for activities, what would you say to a treetop adventure park or a moonlit night kayaking down the Sandy River Reservoir? How about a day relaxing by the pool or in a hammock overlooking the hills? The fun doesn’t end there; on select nights, the distillery hosts line dancing lessons, live music, and various events. For dinner, The Barrelhouse, a new addition to Sandy River Distillery, is a family-friendly restaurant with options between salads or delicious wood-fired pizzas. So, whether you visit for the day, the weekend, or longer, Sandy River Distillery and Outdoor Adventures could very well become your new favorite destination.
If you’re ready for a venturous family vacation, consider a trip that goes beyond just a weekend getaway. While you might be familiar with popular Tennessee destinations like Gatlinburg, Memphis, and Nashville, don’t overlook Chattanooga. Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and bordering Georgia, Chattanooga offers a wealth of scenic beauty and exploration opportunities.
One major attraction is Ruby Falls, the largest underground waterfall open to the public, discovered accidentally by Leo Lambert in 1928. (1720 S. Scenic Hwy. Chattanooga, TN; RubyFalls.com) I still vividly remember experiencing Ruby Falls for the first time as a child of about 10 years old. My heart raced as I descended 260 feet in a glass elevator to begin the tour of this geological marvel. Upon arriving at the destination, I felt a cool mist on my face as the lights slowly illuminated the majestic waterfall cascading down the cavern walls. It was an unforgettable adventure.
Also located on Lookout Mountain is another stunning experience: Rock City. (1400 Patten Rd. Lookout Mountain, GA; SeeRockCity.com) This site offers breathtaking views and a self-guided tour for those possessing a daring heart. Visitors can navigate unique rock formations, walk alongside towering boulders, cross a 200-foot Swing-A-Long bridge, and marvel at the seven-state lookout from Lover’s Leap. There is no wonder why this has been an adored attraction even dating back to the times of the Great Depression.
Of course, there is much more to explore in Chattanooga, including the Tennessee Riverfront, the Incline Railway, the Creative Discovery Museum, and the Tennessee Aquarium, just to name a few.
However, since I am restricted in space, it seems you will just have to discover them yourself!
Editorial by Kaitlyn Bruce; May 2025