Before I get to the Bucket List item, I want to say that Tennessee has GREAT state parks, from pocket wilderness to expansive golf resorts. Tennessee is one of only a handful of states that does not charge admission to their parks. Several (about 6) of the larger state parks have lodges in addition to cabins and campsites. In the last several years some of these lodges have been renovated, and sometimes replaced, to be more hotel-like with microwaves, mini-fridges, and bars.
Our first Bucket List is to experience all of the lodges. We usually schedule a visit in connection with a birthday or anniversary. So it was that we went to Natchez Trace State Park for our anniversary earlier this month. Of the six lodges, this was our fifth. Pin Oak Lodge at Natchez Trace is possibly the oldest yet-to-be renovated in the park system. In fact, it will close on December 9 to be demolished and replaced in 2027.
We had a spacious 2-room suite overlooking Pin Oak Lake. This is the view from the balcony outside our room.
It is a lovely and peaceful place -- a great test for my all-terrain rollator and a test for my tolerance for sitting in a car for up to 4 hours (related to Bucket List #2). And, fortunately, it is exactly halfway between us and our son's family in Arkansas so we have scheduled our Thanksgiving celebration to be there.
I came through the test unscathed (with hourly stops to pee and stretch) and ready to experience Bucket List #2.
Glad you passed the test and will enjoy Thanksgiving at Pin Oak. Kind of sad it will be completely torn down but wonderful that TN is continuing to invest in the parks.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous view! I love your planned bucket list. I'm starting one for us, and I think our first trip (probably next fall) will be through Arkansas in late October, to catch some fall color. So glad your rollator worked well. That is such a keen piece of equipment. I like the upright support! Yesterday we saw a lady walking with no assistance, by herself, and she was bent at almost a 45 degree angle. We speculated that a walker might help her, but maybe not. We just admired the heck out of her. She was going into Hobby Lobby, and I wanted to jump out of the car and go with her!
ReplyDeleteYour Thanksgiving plans sound wonderful!
So glad you are able to get out and enjoy life again! Looking forward to reading about your adventures.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like wonderful place to spend your anniversary, Libby! Glad you could make it work with the distance and the terrain. Now you've got me curious about that bucket list!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on hitting the two bucket list items. Sounds like you had a wonderful time.
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