Evening Outing / Family Journal
New Jersey to Turtle Back Zoo
Turtle Back Zoo After Hours
A family evening at Turtle Back Zoo in New Jersey, with the zoo train, giraffe feeding, penguins, carousel, Essex Farm, big cats, and large birds.
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The Beautiful USA, one family trip at a time.
A non-commercial record of family trips across America: landmarks, towns, routes, parks, food stops, and small moments remembered from travel we actually lived.
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Why this existsA diary built from lived trips.For newcomers, local Americans, families, and readers comparing their own plans with one family's travel notes.3Years exploring
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Journey index
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Browse topics · 11 entries published
Juneteenth Weekend / Camping Journal
Edison to Atsion, Batsto, and Hammonton
Wharton State Forest Camping at Atsion
A three-day family camping journal from Wharton State Forest, with Atsion Family Campground, Atsion Lake, Batsto Village, Batsto River, and Hammonton.
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Days 7-8 / Smokies Journal
Pigeon Forge, Roanoke, and Edison
Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains - Part 7
The final Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountains chapter covers Friday Pigeon Forge photo stops, the return drive to Roanoke, and Saturday's drive home to Edison.
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Day 6 / Smokies Journal
Lynn Camp Prong Cascades and Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains - Part 6
Day six slows down with Lynn Camp Prong Cascades near Tremont, then returns to downtown Gatlinburg for Arcadia at the Gatlinburg Space Needle and an evening walk.
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Day 5 / Smokies Journal
Newfound Gap, Kuwohi, Cherokee, and SkyPark
Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains - Part 5
Day five crosses Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg toward Cherokee, stopping at Newfound Gap and Kuwohi, then returns for an evening at Gatlinburg SkyPark.
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Day 4 / Smokies Journal
Gatlinburg to Ober Mountain
Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains - Part 4
Day four is a full Ober Mountain day, including the Gatlinburg Tram, Sky Village Lift and Observation Deck, Ice Bumper Cars, Ice Skating, Rock Climbing Wall, Wildlife Habitat, Jump Pillow, and Carousel.
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Day 3 / Smokies Journal
Gatlinburg and Alum Cave Trail
Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains - Part 3
Day three balances Gatlinburg downtown with Alum Cave Trail, turning back around the 1.9 to 2.0 mile viewpoint likely known as Inspiration Point.
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Day 2 / Smokies Journal
Roanoke to Gatlinburg and Cades Cove
Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains - Part 2
Day two moves from Roanoke to Gatlinburg, then into Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a dusk visit to Cades Cove after arrival.
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Day 1 / Smokies Journal
Edison to Roanoke
Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains - Part 1
The Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountains family vacation begins with the long drive from Edison, New Jersey to Roanoke, Virginia, ending with an evening view from the Roanoke Star on Mill Mountain.
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Part 1 / Rail Journal
New York to Sacramento via Chicago
Across America by Rail — Part 1
7,781 miles. 16 days. One coach seat. The first leg of an epic cross-country train journey from New York to Sacramento via the California Zephyr.
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Part 2 / Rail Journal
Sacramento to San Francisco
Across America by Rail — Part 2
7,781 miles. 16 days. One coach seat. The journey continues from Sacramento through San Francisco — the Capitol Corridor, the Embarcadero, and first sights of the Golden Gate.
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