Fall, Foliage, Faith and Family

Are you like me and trying to grab the last breath of fall? While the weather has been holding, I have been taking in fall festivals and took a few trips to enjoy the best of the fall colors and find a little family time. I fit in one wonderful faith filled trip as well. Read along and hear about my fall adventures!

Chattanooga’s fall vista!

On a hosted trip to Chattanooga to write a foodie story for Travel Awaits, my husband Keith and I enjoyed fall in the mountains! Over the years I have driven around this lovely city, but not stopped to enjoy it. Chattanooga is a vibrant town with wonderful museums like the International Towing Museum, National Medal of Honor Heritage Center and more that we stopped to visit.

But the most breathtaking day we spent was the morning at See Rock City on Look Out Mountain. It was Frieda and Garnet Carter that developed the garden that would become Rock City. Opened in 1932 it was Frieda that saw the garden potential when her husband was creating a miniature golf course. While the golf course didn’t last, Rock City did. Advertising on the famous barn roofs that still exist today, See Rock City is a household name even for those that haven’t been to this beautiful place.

It is thought that Native Americans were the first residents of Look Out Mountain. It has grown and expanded over time. We loved the wonderful trail and views. At Lover’s Leap, you can see seven states at once! The most amazing view I’ve had this fall!

Take time for the Civil War history on top of Look Out Mountain while you are there! A dining adventure at Top of the Rock in Jasper also offered an amazing view as well!

Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum with Mom and Friends

The next fall adventure was a trip to see the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum with my mom and two of her friends, Janet Chambers and Carol Kohl. Hosted at the venues, I attended covering the adventure for an upcoming issue of Senior News and Times! The Ark Encounter is an amazing replica of Noah’s Ark. After reading the Bible stories, it is amazing to see a full-size Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. We saw and read descriptions of how water and food may have been provided.

The emphasis was not only on the Ark story itself, but what happened once the world was resettled. After the Ark, God promised the world will not be destroyed again by a flood. He shows this promise with a rainbow. Jesus was the door that we walk through for salvation. They invite everyone of all faiths to come and see and make up their own minds about the information they provide.

Then the next day we visited the Creation Museum that shares the story of Genesis. This was a faith filled trip. As far as fall fun though, at the Creation Museum, outside they offer a Botanical Garden that is lovely. There will be a wonderful Christmas light display this holiday season.

River Drive and dinner with family

This past Sunday, Keith’s cousin Roger and his partner Sandy asked us to go to Hardin with them for lunch after church. The day was a bit soggy, and the leaves were falling, but we had a chance to enjoy the fall colors before they disappeared for good. This also offered beauty in Southern Illinois and a new dining option.

We took a ferry across the Illinois River into Hardin. We arrived just in time; we were the last to board. It was a quick float to the other side, then a short drive to arrive at the Illinois Riverdock Restaurant. You can get there by boat or car! They offered a great Sunday dinner option. I had fried Walleye and loved it! Great company and good food. On the way back we took the Joe Page Bridge home. This is a bridge in Hardin, Illinois that carries Illinois Route 16 and Illinois Route 100 across the Illinois River. The bridge is the southernmost bridge on the river. 

Family meals

My sister-in-law Terri arranged for all of the sisters-in-laws to get together for lunch. With the Ladage clan being comprised of four brothers and one sister, that makes for a fun group of ladies. We all went to the fun new restaurant Brunchfield on Springfield’s west side. Today I dined with my daughter and daughter-in-law and tonight a family meal is planned to celebrate my mom’s birthday. Getting together while the weather still holds and enjoying camaraderie is key.

The seasons they are a changing

The leaves colors will not last

The holidays are upon us

2022 is almost past.

Cherish friends and family

Gather those you love close and tight

Celebrate all the little things

Before autumn turns into winter’s cold clear night!

Enjoy the last whirling leaves, the creeping fog, the Indian summer temperatures and be thankful for the season’s beauty and bounty. Let me know how you celebrated this harvest time!