travel

When you give your child control of the GPS, you never know where you may end up.

We made a trip to Cleveland, TN to visit a store. The deal was simple—if our daughter went with us to run errands, we would find something fun to do afterward.

A quick Google search for fun things to do in Cleveland, TN led us to miniature golf. What I didn’t realize was that our daughter had sent us about 45 minutes out of the way.

Honestly, we didn’t mind at all.

She led us to a small miniature golf course in Athens, TN called Midway Mini Golf. The course has 18 holes and while it’s nothing fancy, it was clean, well-maintained, and a lot of fun.

Since it was winter and the course wasn’t fully operational yet, the price was only $6 per player instead of the usual $10. After seeing how well the place was kept up, we would have gladly paid the full price.

If you ever find yourself in the Athens area looking for something simple and fun to do with the family, Midway Mini Golf is worth the stop. Good, clean family fun.

And if you have a little extra time (or need a treat afterward), be sure to swing by the Swingin' Midway Drive-In nearby.

I didn’t ask for a break. I didn’t even say out loud how tired I was.

But Curtis knew.

Somewhere between the everyday noise, the to-do lists, and the constant motion of life, he noticed what I hadn’t stopped long enough to admit—I needed rest. Real rest. The kind that doesn’t come from sleeping in or crossing things off a list, but from stepping away completely.

So he planned a night away. Quietly. Thoughtfully. With love woven into every detail.

He booked the cabin. He planned the evening. And without me knowing, he arranged something extra special—because that’s who he is when he wants to take care of me.

We didn’t go far. Just down the road. But the moment we arrived, time slowed.

Phones were set aside. Life loosened its grip. The air felt calmer, inviting us to breathe a little deeper. This wasn’t about sightseeing or filling every minute—it was about reconnecting. About being present. About remembering that sometimes the best gift you can give someone is space to rest and feel seen. The gift of being taken care of, instead of being the caregiver. 

We believe food has a way of connecting you, and this weekend delivered in the best way.

Curtis secretly worked behind the scenes with Tasha from Fix’nz 4 The Soul to create a snack tray for the weekend.  

Tasha truly went above and beyond. She created a charcuterie board overflowing with fresh fruit, meats, cheeses, nuts, and chocolates. There was so much food—and every piece felt intentional. She absolutely hit it out of the park. Especially when I found out she had less than 24 hours’ notice and had never done a charcuterie board before

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After a short hike around the property, sometime chilling by the firepit, when ventured out for dinner. 

For dinner he took me to The Bees Knees, and it did not disappoint. Their hamburgers are incredible—juicy, comforting, and exactly what you want after a long day. The hand-cut fries were perfection, especially dipped into my favorite BBQ ranch. I don’t even pretend to share that dip—it’s that good. I also enjoyed their seasonal Snickerdoodle drink, which felt cozy and fun, like a little celebration in a glass.

It wasn’t just food. It was care and comfort. It was one more reminder that slowing down allows us to truly enjoy what’s in front of us.

 Curtis worked hard to plan a night where I didn’t have to think, organize, or take care of anything—just relax and be with him.

That kind of love is in the details. In the planning. In noticing when someone is tired and choosing to show up for them anyway.

Life moves fast. Too fast. And if we aren’t careful, we miss the moments that refill us.

This night reminded me that connection doesn’t require big trips or packed schedules. Sometimes it’s a cabin close to home, a shared meal, and someone who loves you enough to say, You need a break—and I’ve got you.

If you’ve been feeling tired, stretched thin, or disconnected, consider this your reminder: slow down. Let someone take care of you. Eat the good food. And make space for the moments that matter most.

Sometimes, the getaway you need is closer than you think. 

Here is how to connect with the “locals” 

Coops Creek Cabins - Facebook 

Fiz’nz 4 the Soul - Facebook

The Bee’s Kness - Facebook

Discover a delightful and cost-free adventure perfect for the whole family that’s just a library card away! Experience the charm of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, where stepping aboard a century-old train brings history to life with its enchanting choo-choo sounds and steam-filled nostalgia. 

Enjoy a mesmerizing journey that takes you through a picturesque depot, past vintage train displays, and into a fascinating train garage, all without spending a penny thanks to a family pass available at the Sequatchie County Public Library. 

Whether you're planning a staycation or hosting curious out-of-town guests, this hidden gem promises a memorable outing that will leave everyone thrilled without breaking the bank. Ready to capture hearts and imaginations, this unique escape proves that unforgettable family fun might just be waiting at your local library. 

Dive into this enchanting tale of budget-friendly adventure and discover how to make history come alive with just a library card in hand!

Step into tranquility with a visit to Flat Top Mountain Farm, where the serene beauty of endless lavender fields awaits. Imagine the air infused with the calming scent of this cherished bloom and the opportunity to witness the ancient art of lavender distillation during the enchanting Lavender Festival. For anyone seeking a reset from the chaos of daily life, this experience invites you to wander through fragrant fields, letting your thoughts drift away as you immerse yourself in nature's peace. Don't miss the chance to discover why a day amidst these blossoms fills your soul and recharges your spirit. Whether it's picking your own lavender or simply being present in nature, this idyllic setting promises a slice of serenity that your nervous system will truly cherish. Ready to plan your own peaceful escape? If so, this is one journey you wouldn't want to miss.