# Y'all Waterfall > Cool cheap-ish travel ## Posts - [What I Spend In A Month | September 2025](https://yallwaterfall.com/what-i-spend-in-a-month-september-2025/): Hi! Here’s everything I spent in September as a childless, middle-aged woman living in Athens, Georgia: Coming in, I made $2,580. That’s $2,487 from work in a two paycheck month, $4 interest from my high-yield savings account, $50 for petsitting my favorite senior dog, and $39 cash back. Always worth saying that having a library card greatly lowers my entertainment expenses and I’m lucky to live somewhere with a lot of cool, free activities. In September I am also thankful for the lunch my boss took me to, the dinner my boyfriend’s mom took us to, and when my boyfriend... - [What I Spend In A Month | August 2025](https://yallwaterfall.com/what-i-spend-in-a-month-august-2025/): Hi! Here’s everything I spent in August as a childless, middle-aged woman living in Athens, Georgia: That brings my total expenses to $1,582. I made $3,747. That’s $3,731 from a three-paycheck month at work and $13 from cash back. August was my month to finally pay off my main credit card!!! I’m so proud of myself and the sense of relief is real. Here’s my relationship with credit cards: I’ve always used them and accepted that I’ll have consumer debt here and there. I’ll book a trip, then chip away at the debt for the next few months — this... - [What I Spend In A Month | July 2025](https://yallwaterfall.com/what-i-spend-in-a-month-july-2025/): Hi! Here’s everything I spent in July as a childless, middle-aged woman living in Athens, Georgia: That brings my total expenses to $2,466. I made $2,598. That’s $2,487 from work and $111 from cash back (including my first, and maybe only, blog affiliate payout. Woohoo!). July was another month of chipping away at my main credit card while still having a full and enjoyable life. I continued to put $100 into my Roth IRA. - [The Musée d’Orsay](https://yallwaterfall.com/the-musee-dorsay/): If you only have time for one art museum in Paris, make it the Musée d’Orsay.  Housed in a  Beaux-Arts train station, the galleries are stunning both architecturally and artistically.  The Orsay is home to the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist pieces in the world — Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh. There’s something so special about seeing these works in real life. Location Address: Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, 75007 Paris, FranceThe museum is located in the 7th arrondissement in the St. Germain neighborhood. The closest metro stop is Solférino station (Line 12).Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.Cost: €16 A... - [What I Spend In A Month | June 2025](https://yallwaterfall.com/what-i-spend-in-a-month-june-2025/): Hi! Here’s everything I spent in June as a childless, middle-aged woman living in Athens, Georgia: That brings my total expenses to $2,130. I made $2,527. That’s $2,483 from work and $44 from cash back. The margin is slim, but this was the first month where I could see the light at the end of the tunnel in terms of paying down my credit card. I’ve also been putting away a minimum of $100 a month into my Roth IRA. - [What I Spend In A Month | May 2025](https://yallwaterfall.com/what-i-spend-in-a-month-may-2025/): Hi! Here’s everything I spent in May as a childless, middle-aged woman living in Athens, Georgia: Welp, that’s everything for May 2025. Hope everyone’s hanging in there! - [Père Lachaise Cemetery](https://yallwaterfall.com/pere-lachaise-cemetery/): Père Lachaise hardly needs an introduction. Spanning over 110 acres, it’s the largest cemetery in Paris, and arguably the most famous cemetery in the world. Each year, millions wander the hilly, cobblestone paths to pay their respects to writers and rock stars. Location  Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, FranceNearest Métro stops: Philippe Auguste (Line 2), Père Lachaise (Line 2 & 3), and Gambetta (Line 3). I went in the main entrance, Porte Principale at 21 Bd de Ménilmontant, 75011 Paris, FranceHours: Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday: 9 a.m.... - [Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature](https://yallwaterfall.com/musee-de-la-chasse-et-de-la-nature/): Paris is full of zoological displays, but few capture the dazzling strangeness of the natural world quite like the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (Museum of Hunting and Nature). Housed inside two historic 17th- and 18th-century mansions in the Marais, the museum offers room after room of bizarre taxidermy, drawers of (fake) poop, and contemporary art installations that are by turns whimsical, scary, and thought-provoking. While the museum’s name might suggest otherwise, it doesn’t celebrate hunting so much as it creatively inspects humanity’s complex relationship with nature. Location Address: 62 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris, FranceThe museum... - [Le Défenseur du Temps (The Defender of Time)](https://yallwaterfall.com/le-defenseur-du-temps-the-defender-of-time/): Every hour, a golden knight battles either a dragon, a bird, or a crab. But three times a day—at 12 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m.—you can catch the full show, where he takes on all three! This valiant automaton is Le Défenseur du Temps (The Defender of Time), and the animals represent the forces of earth (dragon), sky (bird), and sea (crab). Location Address: 19 Rue Brantôme, 75003 Paris, FranceHours: You can visit the clock 24/7, but to see it come to life, go at the top of the hour when a randomizer selects which creature the knight will... - [Montparnasse Cemetery](https://yallwaterfall.com/montparnasse-cemetery/): Montparnasse Cemetery is one of the four grand cemeteries of Paris, along with Montmartre, Père Lachaise, and Passy. It’s the second-largest in the city with over 35,000 graves (and many more buried). Despite all the death, this cemetery also serves as one of the city’s most serene green spaces, with wide, shady avenues and hundreds of trees and shrubs. Location Address: 3 Bd Edgar Quinet, 75014 Paris, FranceThe main entrance to the cemetery is north of Boulevard Edgar Quinet near the Edgar Quinet Métro station.Hours: Monday–Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday & Sunday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed Saturdays.... - [The Paris Catacombs](https://yallwaterfall.com/the-paris-catacombs/): Paris is the known as the City of Light, but it’s worth venturing down into its literal dark side, the Paris Catacombs. Beneath the pretty boulevards and flowery cafes lies a maze of tunnels filled with the bones of over six million Parisians. It is an impressive tribute to death and a remarkable feat of urban planning. Location Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, FranceThe Catacombs are located in the Montparnasse neighborhood in the 14th Arrondissement, and the entrance is just across the street from the Denfert-Rochereau Metro station.Hours: 9:45 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday... - [Musée Fragonard d'Alfort](https://yallwaterfall.com/musee-fragonard-dalfort/): Paris has a museum for just about everything, from fine art to fashion to natural history to sewers. But if you’re into the macabre and scientifically strange, the Musée Fragonard d’Alfort (the Fragonard Museum) is not to be missed. Just don’t get it mixed up with the Fragonard perfume museum — this one is all about animal disease, abnormalities, and skinned human corpses. Many of the exhibits date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, giving you a historic look at early scientific study. That being said, these displays are extremely graphic and some are downright shocking. You’ve been warned! ... - [What I Spend In A Month | April 2025](https://yallwaterfall.com/what-i-spend-in-a-month-april-2025/): Hi! Here’s everything I spent in April as a childless, middle-aged woman living in Athens, Georgia: I put: This was a really good month with lots of fun, free things like a hockey match (The Rock Lobsters!), lots of live music, and lots of movie screenings. Every day, I’m thankful to live here. And that’s everything for April 2025! - [What I Spend In A Month | March 2025](https://yallwaterfall.com/what-i-spend-in-a-month-march-2025/): Welcome to my monthly budget! Here’s what I spent in March as a middle aged woman living in Athens, Georgia: My total expenses in March came to -$2,261. I made +$3,770. That’s a three paycheck month at work and a little credit card cash back. Since I spent more than I earned in February, I doubled up on savings contributions in March. I had $1,509 after my expenses this time so I put: *A couple thoughts on investing (from someone who’s only been investing for one year): At the time of writing (early April), the US stock market has plummeted... - [Arabia Mountain](https://yallwaterfall.com/arabia-mountain/): Arabia Mountain is one of Atlanta’s best escapes. This granite bald feels otherworldly year-round, with a rocky surface swirled like marble cake and stone cairns like alien traffic signs. But in early spring, Arabia becomes a true showstopper when its shallow pools fill with rare red moss. It’s a magical and fleeting display to be enjoyed on an easy hike. Here’s everything you need to know to catch this red carpet show: Location, Hours & Cost Location: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, 3350 Klondike Road, Stonecrest, GA 30038This is the main access point for the Arabia Mountain Top Trail. You... - [What I Spend In A Month | February 2025](https://yallwaterfall.com/what-i-spend-in-a-month-february-2025/): Welcome to my monthly budget! Here’s what I spent in February as a middle aged woman living in Athens, Georgia: My total expenses in February came to -$2,898. My earnings fell a little short at +$1,722. Due to timing, this was a one paycheck month plus filing taxes. My 2024 taxes were a nightmare of multiple W-2s and 1099s, with a lot of expenses to figure out and an overpayment on my estimated quarterlies. I ended up with a refund of $476. That plus my $1,246 paycheck is what I “made” in February. Now that I have the security of... - [Nick Engelbert’s Grandview](https://yallwaterfall.com/nick-engelberts-grandview/): One day, when his children were grown, Nick Engelbert retired from farming and began creating concrete and mosaic art. By the 1950s, his rural Wisconsin yard was decorated with around 40 concrete sculptures. Today, you can visit Engelbert’s Grandview and see his handiwork up close! His sculptures have been beautifully restored and maintained, making Grandview a folk art environment and front yard masterpiece. If you’re road-tripping through Wisconsin, make sure to detour to this delightful gem! Location: W9493 State Road 39, Hollandale, WI 53544Hours: Open seasonally, sunrise to sunset.Cost: Free, but donations are appreciated. History Nick Engelbert was born in... - [The FAST Fiberglass Mold Graveyard](https://yallwaterfall.com/the-fast-fiberglass-mold-graveyard/): If I owned property, I would want to decorate my yard like a mini golf course, populated with giant, cartoonish fiberglass creatures. Since that fantasy is out-of-budget, the next best thing is visiting the FAST Fiberglass Mold Graveyard in Sparta, Wisconsin. Hidden behind a fiberglass statue company is a field with massive Big Boys, oversized ice cream cones, giant animals, and pylons the size of buildings. It’s like stepping into the cemetery of a theme park.  Location: 14177 County Hwy Q, Sparta, WI 54656Hours: Open to the public during daylight hoursCost: Free! Just be respectful while wandering around and look... - [The House on the Rock](https://yallwaterfall.com/the-house-on-the-rock/): The House on the Rock is the ultimate tourist attraction — part museum, part haunted house, part carnival. Inside, you’ll find bizarre collections and displays: a glass hall stretching endlessly over the forest, a massive whale locked in battle with a Kraken, the world’s largest carousel, and self-playing instruments. I’d wanted to visit for years and finally made the trip, spending almost four hours wandering through! I know I say this a lot, but the House on the Rock is a top tier, one-of-a-kind unforgettable experience! Plan Your Visit Location: 5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, WI 53588Hours: Open daily... - [Daffodils at Gibbs Gardens](https://yallwaterfall.com/daffodils-at-gibbs-gardens/): If you’re ready to shake off the winter blues and welcome brighter days, head to Gibbs Gardens Daffodil Festival in Ball Ground, Georgia. Each year, in early March, the garden opens with over 20 million daffodils (yes, 20 MILLION) in hundreds of varieties. It always overwhelms me in the best way to see the hills and woods flooded with these sunny blooms. Plan Your Visit Location: 1987 Gibbs Dr, Ball Ground, GA 30107Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (March through early-December)Cost: $25 for adults, $18 for seniors, $10 for childrenGibbs Gardens is about two hours from Athens,... - [2 Days in Vienna and Bratislava](https://yallwaterfall.com/2-days-in-vienna-and-bratislava/): It’s easy to squeeze in an extra country or two on a trip to Budapest thanks to Europe’s excellent train system. We got to see Vienna and Bratislava for a whirlwind of catacombs, cake, and public art. Bundle up if you visit in the winter like I did. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.  Vienna – Rain, Bones, and Fancy Cake We hopped on the train from Budapest to Vienna and after a speedy 3 hours, we arrived in Austria to... - [4 Days in Budapest](https://yallwaterfall.com/4-days-in-budapest/): Budapest in winter is a dream with snow-dusted Neoclassical and Gothic architecture, steaming thermal baths, and rich comforting dishes. Visiting in the colder, darker months means fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations. Here’s how to make the most of a long, wintery weekend in Hungary’s capital.   Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.  *My thoughts on political concerns at the bottom. Day 1: Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Vajdahunyad Castle, and Paprika Chicken Széchenyi  Location: Budapest, Hősök tere, 1146 HungaryHours: 7 a.m. –... - [Joe Minter’s African Village in America](https://yallwaterfall.com/joe-minters-african-village-in-america/): For over 30 years, Joe Minter has been turning his home into something truly special — a sprawling, graphic, deeply personal African Village in America. Using discarded materials, he creates sculptures and signs that speak to history, injustice, resilience, and his faith. It’s an unforgettable space for fans of outsider art.  📍Location: 931 Nassau Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211 Joe Minter’s home/folk art environment are located in Birmingham’s Southwest neighborhood of Woodland Park. Cost: free! The Man Behind the Art Joe Minter was born in 1943, the son of a World War I veteran who worked as a cemetery caretaker. After serving... - [What I Spend In A Month | January 2025](https://yallwaterfall.com/what-i-spend-in-a-month-january-2025/): Welcome to my monthly budget. Here’s what I spent in January living in Athens, Georgia: This brings my total expenses to -$2,105 and I made +$2,747. So, with $642 leftover after my expenses, I put: Just a quick note on making and spending money: Last year, I cobbled together three part-time jobs and a few miscellaneous gigs. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful for those opportunities, but I’m immensely relieved that one of those jobs turned into a full time job this year. Gaining solid footing with work immediately made my life less chaotic. Anyway, that’s everything for for January... - [The Bell Witch Cave](https://yallwaterfall.com/the-bell-witch-cave/): The Bell Witch haunting in Tennessee is a legend that has endured for over two centuries. Witnesses of the witch’s antics allegedly include not just the Bell family but also their neighbors and even future president Andrew Jackson. The connection between the infamous haunting and the Bell Witch Cave is kind of a stretch but it’s still super cool to stand on the site of a classic American horror story and tour a beautiful karst cave! Location: 430 Keysburg Rd, Adams, TN 37010Cost: $23 adults, $15 ages 4 – 12Hours: Open Weekends, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. May – early November History... - [E.T. Wickham Stone Park](https://yallwaterfall.com/e-t-wickham-stone-park/): Headless historical figures and ghostly bulls stand along two rural roads in Palmyra, Tennessee. These sculptures are the handiwork of Enoch Tanner Wickham, known as “Tanner” or “Tank” to his friends and family. Wickham was a self-taught folk artist who created life-size cement statues from 1950 until his death in 1970. I’d wanted to see these guys for years and, even though what’s left is very different from the colorful and complete sculptures Wickham made decades ago, they are well worth the road trip. Don’t forget to check out the Wickham family cemetery!   E.T. Wickham Born in 1882, E.T.... - [Panama City Beach in the Off-Season](https://yallwaterfall.com/panama-city-beach-in-the-off-season/): If ‘closed for the season’ is music to your ears, check out Panama City Beach in the off-season. Tucked into Florida’s panhandle, PCB is known for its sugar-white sand, turquoise waters, and family-fun kitsch. I love a coastal city and this one is just right — a little more quaint than Myrtle Beach, not as upscale as nearby Destin. It’s a spring break and summer hotspot, but I went for Thanksgiving a couple years ago when it was delightfully dead. Oysters & More Oysters We ate oysters both days. Our trip began with a stop at Shuckums Oyster Pub. Then... - [Myrtle Beach in the Off-Season](https://yallwaterfall.com/myrtle-beach-in-the-off-season/): Myrtle Beach is a spring break and summer classic, but if you’re like me and love an empty winter beach, the off-season has its perks. Once the crowds thin out and the heat dies down, everything becomes more chill and much cheaper! This is the time of year to discover a weirder, laid-back side of the Grand Strand. Here’s what we got up to on our recent post-Christmas getaway to MB and Murrells Inlet. Mini Golf No matter when you visit, mini golf is a must. On our recent end-of-year trip, we tried out two classic courses in North Myrtle... - [2 Days In Dublin](https://yallwaterfall.com/2-days-in-dublin/): Dublin is brimming with history, literature, and nearly 800 pubs. Here’s my budget guide to two days in Ireland’s capital IN WINTER. Spoiler: it doesn’t include the Guinness Storehouse, but you’ll still find plenty of pints, Christmas decor, gardens, ruins and relics. Arrival & Getting Around Winter is Ireland’s “low season” for tourists, making it an excellent time to snag a flight deal — my round trip was <$400 (and we had a fun layover in Copenhagen). Assuming you’re also flying into Dublin, airport signs will naturally lead you to the shuttle and taxis, but your cheapest option is public... - [2 Days in Copenhagen](https://yallwaterfall.com/2-days-in-copenhagen/): My top tip for seeing the world on a budget is letting the flight deals determine your destination. Another tip: flights leaving the U.S. are often cheaper on Thanksgiving or Black Friday. This is how my boyfriend and I found ourselves with round-trip tickets to Dublin for less than $400 each. The catch? Two full-day stopovers in Copenhagen! Stopovers require a little extra energy and planning, but the payoff is two trips for the price of one. I’m a fan of airlines with a stopover program. This was our first time flying with Scandinavian Airlines, and I would definitely book... - [How To Travel With Just a Carry-on](https://yallwaterfall.com/how-to-travel-with-just-a-carry-on/): I’m a classic maximalist, but packing for international travel is the one instance I lean into minimalism. I haven’t checked a bag in years because packing light just makes life easier. Skipping baggage claim and not lugging an oversized suitcase around is a literal load off. Here’s my essential packing list. It’s definitely not aesthetic, but it is always everything I need. This list is for a cold weather destination, but adapting it for hot weather is easy cuz beachwear takes up less space than sweaters! The Personal Item: Small Backpack My small-but-not-mini backpack holds all the essentials I want... - [What I Spend In A Month | November 2024](https://yallwaterfall.com/what-i-spend-in-a-month-november-2024/): Welcome to my monthly budget! Here’s what I spent in November living in Athens, Georgia: I want to clarify that while I’m trying to stick to a strict budget, I buy groceries to supplement what I already have at home. Each month, I take inventory of what I’ve got in my pantry and freezer. I meal plan and buy groceries to make those meals happen. For example, I don’t even remember when (or WHY TF) I bought dried split peas but this was the month I used ’em up in soups. That gives me a grand total of $2,231 in... - [Winter WonderLights at the UGA Botanical Garden](https://yallwaterfall.com/winter-wonderlights-at-the-uga-botanical-garden/): The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a treasure year-round, but during the holidays, it transforms into an illuminated wonderland with the WonderLights show. This has become the prettiest Christmas event in Athens — arguably in the state! Stroll through the garden at night, as it’s illuminated with over one million rainbow lights! Location, Cost & Hours Location: 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30605. For WonderLights, park at the Turner Soccer Complex (2330 S. Milledge Avenue), where a shuttle will take you to the garden. Cost: $15 per person; kids under 4 get in free. Tickets must be purchased... - [Brevard's White Squirrels & Retro Christmas Trees](https://yallwaterfall.com/brevards-white-squirrels-retro-christmas-trees/): Brevard, North Carolina is known for its mountain backdrops, easy access to outdoor activities, and a thriving arts scene. But its most unique claim to fame is its colony of white squirrels. Spotting one of these snowy-coated cuties can feel like a challenge, especially when it’s chilly, but I’ve got some good places for you to look. And while you’re in town, make sure to pop into the Transylvanian Heritage Museum — during the festive season, they have a display of vintage aluminum trees. How Did Brevard End Up With White Squirrels? The facts are fuzzy, but the story goes... - [Weekend Wanderings 9 & 10](https://yallwaterfall.com/weekend-wanderings-9-10/): Weekend Wanderings is an e-mail I send out every Friday with my thoughts on recent trips and cool links from around the web. Below are those links, re-posted here every two weeks or so for posterity 😸. Thanks for reading! Subscribe to my newsletter here. - [Bald Rock Heritage Preserve](https://yallwaterfall.com/bald-rock-heritage-preserve/): I love a big, bald granite outcrop and was delighted to stumble upon the Bald Rock Heritage Preserve while driving through western South Carolina.  Bald Rock lies along the Blue Ridge Escarpment where the Blue Ridge Mountains drop into the Piedmont region. Whether you’re stopping on a road trip or planning a dedicated visit, this spot is something to pull over for. Location, Cost & Hours Location: Bald Rock Heritage Preserve, Cleveland, SC 29635 The preserve is located just off U.S. Highway 276, about 30 miles north of Greenville.  My boyfriend and I had camped at Paris Mountain (Greenville, South Carolina)... - [Currahee Mountain](https://yallwaterfall.com/currahee-mountain/): Three miles up, three miles down. For hikers and history buffs alike, Toccoa’s Currahee Mountain is one of Georgia’s must-see peaks. As the last mountain in the Blue Ridge chain, Currahee offers a blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, and controversial graffiti. Whether you hike or drive up its gravel road, reaching the summit will reward you with an epic view. I’ve been lucky enough to catch the sunrise at these graffitied rocks three times, and each visit has been different and wonderful. I highly recommend making your way to the top in time to see day break over this... - [Bell Mountain](https://yallwaterfall.com/bell-mountain/): Rising high above Lake Chatuge, Bell Mountain in Hiawassee offers a striking juxtaposition of natural beauty and human impact. The popular drive-up mountain is known for its kaleidoscopic graffiti covering the rocks at its summit, all while offering what I believe to be the most stunning panoramic view in North Georgia. Location, Cost & Hours Bell Mountain Park and Historical Site: 220 Shake Rag Rd, Hiawassee, GAIt’s just a short drive from downtown Hiawassee, near the North Carolina border. If you’re driving from Athens, GA, it’s about 2 hours. Cost: Free!Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset The Steep Ascent While Bell... - [Japanese Maples at Gibbs Gardens](https://yallwaterfall.com/japanese-maples-at-gibbs-gardens/): Early November is your last chance to catch the rich fall color change in North Georgia, and the most magical spot to see it is Gibbs Gardens. Right around Halloween, the garden transforms into a vibrant canvas as thousands of Japanese Maples turn brilliant shades of red, gold, and green. Walking among these bright, delicate trees has become an annual tradition for me. It’s like meeting up with old friends for a final fancy dress party before winding down for a cozy, quiet winter. Location, Hours & Cost 1987 Gibbs Dr, Ball Ground, GA 30107Gibbs Garden is about a 2... - [Greenback Castle](https://yallwaterfall.com/greenback-castle/): Greenback Castle looms large at the end of a rural, residential road in Eastern Tennessee. This is Floyd “Junior” Banks’ doomsday castle, and he’s been building it for over 30 years. The castle is a colorful mix of his faith, conspiratorial convictions, handmade art, and frankly a dose of the creeps (or maybe that’s just the devil whispering in my ear). Location 250 Lee Shirley Rd, Maryville, TN 37801Greenback Castle is about 45 minutes south of Knoxville.  If you’re driving from Athens, Georgia, it’s about a 4 hour trip and one of the rare visits to Tennessee where you do... - [What I Spend In A Month | October 2024](https://yallwaterfall.com/what-i-spent-in-a-month-october-2024/): Welcome to my first monthly budget post! Here’s what I spent in the month of October living in Athens, Georgia on a fluctuating low income: This all gives me a grand total of ✨$1,932✨ in expenses for October! In earnings, I only made $1,828 for the month continuing a four month trend of being in the red, but honestly, I’m cool with it short-term. My debt has been in some truly scary places in the past and right now, my debt’s low and my credit score is still high. Why did I decide to start a money diary like this:... - [Weekend Wanderings 7 & 8](https://yallwaterfall.com/weekend-wanderings-7-8/): Happy Friday! Weekend Wanderings is an e-mail I send out every week with my thoughts on recent trips and cool links from around the web. Below are those links, re-posted here every two weeks for posterity 😸. Thanks for reading! Subscribe to my newsletter here. - [Halloween in Athens, Georgia](https://yallwaterfall.com/halloween-in-athens-georgia/): Athens, Georgia is the greatest Halloween town on earth. You might think I’m biased because I live here, but facts are facts. For the entire month of October, the town goes hard on spooky season. Historic homes transform into handmade haunts, dogs and humans dress up for two respective parades, Halloween art pops up in our favorite bars and galleries, and, of course, we have non-stop horror movie screenings. I sifted through about 10 years of my Athens Halloween pics which were full of good memories as well as some nostalgia and loss. Time flies in Halloweentown! Flagpole’s Cruise Down... - [The Dollhouse Grave of Little Nadine Earles](https://yallwaterfall.com/the-dollhouse-grave-of-little-nadine-earles/): Little Nadine rests in Oakwood Cemetery in Lanett, Alabama, but instead of a traditional headstone, she has a dollhouse-shaped masoleum. She was four years old when she asked her parents for a playhouse, and sadly, she did not live to see it built. Today, she rests beneath her playhouse. It’s filled with toys and a tomb for her bed.  Location 1462 1st St, Lanett, AL 36863Oakwood Cemetery is right by the Alabama/Georgia border. It’s 2 hours from Athens, 1.5 hours from Atlanta, and a little under an hour from Columbus, GA.  In 1933, Nadine Earles asked her parents for a... - [The Museum of Wonder Drive-Thru](https://yallwaterfall.com/the-museum-of-wonder-drive-thru/): Butch Anthony’s Drive-Thru Museum is truly one-of-a-kind. As you cruise through an outdoor aisle of shipping containers, you’ll discover Butch’s playful blend of bones, found objects, paintings, and cheeky marquee signs. This roadside gem charms everyone from folk art enthusiasts, road trippers, and those who are lucky enough to stumble upon it. Location 970 Alabama 169, Seale, AL, 36875Seale, AL is a tiny town about 15 miles southwest of Columbus, GA, off Highway 431. It’s about 3 hours from Athens, GA, 2 hours from Atlanta, GA, and 1.5 hours from Montgomery, AL. The Museum of Wonder is located 1 mile... - [Sunflower Fields at Fausett Farms](https://yallwaterfall.com/sunflower-fields-at-fausett-farms/): Sunflowers seem like the happiest flowers, don’t they? It definitely makes me smile to wander in a field of these towering beauties. Sunflower season runs mid-summer to early fall in the Southeast, and if you’re in North Georgia, you have to stop by Fausett Farms in Dawsonville. Their fields are like being in a sea of sunflowers! They’re open to the public mid-September to mid-October. Location 11336 Highway 136 W, Dawsonville, GA 30534Dates: exact date varies but mid-September to mid-October, dailyHours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.Cost: $6 per person, cash or card What to Expect at Fausett Farms Fausett Farms has been... - [Fort Mountain State Park](https://yallwaterfall.com/fort-mountain-state-park/): Hike to an ancient wall and take in majestic mountaintop scenery on the westernmost point of the Blue Ridge mountains. Once home to the Cherokee people, Georgia’s Fort Mountain State Park has history, mystery, and miles of natural beauty to explore. Also worth noting: Fort Mountain is bear country and we were lucky to spot some bears from a safe distance on the Gahuti Trail! Location 181 Fort Mountain State Park Rd, Chatsworth, GA 30705, just southwest of the Cohutta wilderness, about 2.5 hours from Athens and 2 hours from AtlantaHours: 7am-10pm, the park office is open daily 8am-5pmCost: $5,... - [Weekend Wanderings 5 & 6](https://yallwaterfall.com/weekend-wanderings-3/): Happy Friday! Weekend Wanderings is an e-mail I send out every week with my thoughts on recent trips and cool links from around the web. Below are those links, re-posted here every two weeks for posterity 😸. Thanks for reading! Subscribe to my newsletter here. - [Exploring the Ghost Town of Thurmond in New River Gorge National Park](https://yallwaterfall.com/the-ghost-town-of-thurmond/): In the heart of West Virginia’s New River Gorge lies the ghost town of Thurmond. Once a booming coal town in the early 1900s, Thurmond began to decline during the Great Depression as steam locomotives fell out of favor. By 1960 the town was almost completely abandoned. Today, time stands still for its empty buildings along the train tracks against timeless views of the West Virginian mountains and New River. Location 160 Thurmond Rd, Glen Jean, WV 25846Thurmond is located right in the New River Gorge National Park, north of Beckley, WV.*Thurmond Road is narrow so don’t take this road... - [Mothman in Point Pleasant, West Virginia](https://yallwaterfall.com/mothman-in-point-pleasant-west-virginia/): From 1966 to 1967, terrifying reports of a winged, red-eyed creature surfaced in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Nearly 60 years later, the town proudly embraces its eerie claim to fame as Mothman’s hometown. Celebrate the cryptid’s legacy at the Mothman Museum, play Mothman Mini Golf, and visit the TNT Area, the cryptid’s old stomping grounds. (㇏(🔴 ᢍ 🔴)ノ) When to Visit Mothman’s legend is eternal, and his attractions are open year-round so anytime of year is a great time to visit. My own pilgrimage was on a rainy weekend at the end of summer and I was impressed by how... - [Weekend Wanderings 3 & 4](https://yallwaterfall.com/weekend-wanderings-2/): Happy Friday! Weekend Wanderings is an e-mail I send out every week with my thoughts on recent trips and cool links from around the web. Below are those links, re-posted here every two weeks for posterity 😸. Thanks for reading! Subscribe to my newsletter here. - [How to Spend a Cheap and Cheerful Weekend in Myrtle Beach](https://yallwaterfall.com/how-to-spend-a-cheap-and-cheerful-weekend-in-myrtle-beach/): Nothing screams vacation quite like neon lights on a boardwalk, all-you-can-eat seafood buffets, mini golf, and miles of sandy beaches. Welcome to Myrtle Beach! While there are endless options and activities to choose from, my guide is specifically for those who love Myrtle Beach’s retro and kitschy charm. Soak up the fun and sun with these classic weekend trip recs: Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.  Hit the Beach First and foremost, you’ve got to hit the main attraction—the beach! The... - [Hard Labor Creek State Park](https://yallwaterfall.com/hard-labor-creek-state-park/): Like many of Georgia’s incredible parks, Hard Labor Creek State Park offers a wide range of outdoor fun in a gorgeous setting. BUT. It’s an extra cool park for history buffs, horror movie fans, and ghost chasers. The grounds were once the site of a massacre and the park was a filming location for 1986’s Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. Check out Camp Crystal Lake (LOL, or “Camp Forest Green” in Jason Lives), then enjoy the rest of the park’s trails and activities. Location  Hard Labor Creek State Park is located right by Rutledge, GA, in between Madison... - [The Tinglewood Carvings at Orr Park](https://yallwaterfall.com/the-tinglewood-carvings-at-orr-park/): Less than an hour south of Birmingham Is a park famous for its trail of trees with faces. For decades, artist Tim Tingle has been giving new life to the dead cedar trees in Orr Park by carving the trunks with big beardy faces, bat boy, gnomes, and various animals (real and mythical). The park is spacious and appealing on its own merits, but the Tinglewood carvings add a magical dimension.  Location 277 Park Dr, Montevallo, AL 35115Montevallo, Alabama is in central Alabama, about 40 minutes south of Birmingham. It’s roughly a 4-hour drive from Athens, Georgia, and about 2.4... - [Weekend Wanderings 1 & 2](https://yallwaterfall.com/weekend-wanderings/): Happy Friday! Weekend Wanderings is an e-mail I send out every week with my thoughts on recent trips and cool links from around the web. Below are those links, re-posted here every two weeks for posterity 😸. Thanks for reading! Subscribe to my newsletter here. - [See the Sights in Montgomery, Alabama!](https://yallwaterfall.com/see-the-sights-in-montgomery-alabama/): Montgomery isn’t just Alabama’s state capital—it’s a city that helped shape America’s story. From the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, this place has seen it all. Today, you can retrace the footsteps of iconic figures like Rosa Parks and Hank Williams, visit world-class museums, attend the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and enjoy plenty of local flavor. Here’s my guide to Montgomery as a smitten tourist! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.  Location Montgomery sits along the Alabama River. It’s a... - [Visit the Ruins of Spectre, Alabama](https://yallwaterfall.com/visit-the-ruins-of-spectre-alabama/): The fictional town of Spectre, created for Tim Burton’s 2003 film Big Fish, still stands on Jackson Lake Island over 20 years later—and you can visit what remains today, along with the island’s many goats! The structures, never intended to last, are gradually succumbing to the passage of time, southern humidity, and termites. One house was even leveled by lightning last year. So, don’t sleep on seeing Spectre in all its lovely, faded glory! I first watched Big Fish in theaters with my mom and grandma back in Buffalo, New York. It’s a cherished memory, and I have something of... - [Evening Show At The UF Bat Houses](https://yallwaterfall.com/evening-show-at-the-uf-bat-houses/): Catch the nightly spectacle of thousands of bats emerging en masse from the UF Bat Houses, the largest occupied bat houses in the world! Every evening, about 15 minutes after dusk, an estimated 500,000 bats fly out to feast on 2.5 billion bugs before returning to their houses at dawn. The bat show is free to observe and a must-see if you’re in Gainesville, Florida! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.  Location Museum Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611The University of Florida’s Bat... - [The Ruins of Bongoland and the Dunlawton Sugar Mill](https://yallwaterfall.com/bongoland-ruins-and-the-dunlawton-sugar-mill/): Experience a slice of mid-century Florida tourism at the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens in Port Orange, where you can spot cement dinosaurs among the ferns and flowers. The prehistoric creatures are the remnants of Bongoland, one of the Sunshine State’s first (albeit short-lived) theme parks.  Location 950 Old Sugar Mill Rd, Port Orange, FL 32129Hours: 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., every dayCost: Free, however donations of $1 are appreciated. Grab a map upon entering so you don’t miss any dinosaurs.*Note: no dogs allowed except for service dogs History Before the dinos moved in, the land was developed as a plantation in... - [Exploring Atlanta's Doll's Head Trail](https://yallwaterfall.com/exploring-atlantas-dolls-head-trail/): Literal trash has been turned into cheeky, creepy treasure on the Doll’s Head Trail in Atlanta. This small loop within Constitution Lakes Park, once a brick company and later an illegal dump, has undergone a fascinating transformation. Today, the DeKalb County nature preserve protects wetlands and wildlife while hosting this makeshift folk art exhibit for everyone to enjoy. The Doll’s Head loop is dotted with junk from its past- disembodied baby dolls, bottles, bike parts, busted appliances, gas cans, and other random trash – now reassembled into colorful, unusual, and sometimes unsettling works of art. There’s always something new (or... - [Waterfall Guide to Rock Island State Park](https://yallwaterfall.com/waterfall-guide-to-rock-island-state-park/): Sometimes, even if you live in an area chock-full of awesome waterfalls, you have to hit the road and drive five hours away to check out even MORE. Waterfall chasing is an itch that demands to be scratched and, in this case, it was a road trip from Athens, Georgia, to Rock Island State Park in Tennessee. Middle Tennessee, it turns out, is a veritable waterfall wonderland with Burgess Falls, Cummins Falls, and Fall Creek Falls – just to name a few. I’d wanted to visit Rock Island for years after seeing a photo of its beautiful horseshoe waterfall. Visitors... - [Montgomery's Legacy Sites](https://yallwaterfall.com/montgomerys-legacy-sites/): As the birthplace of both the Confederacy and the Civil Rights Movement, Montgomery, Alabama is a city where history is ever-present. So while there are plenty of things to see and do as a visitor, I would highly recommend delving into America’s weighty history at the Legacy Sites. This is the most impressive way I have seen art and design used to engage people with a painful past. This is easily a full day on your Montgomery itinerary.  Montgomery’s History Montgomery played a major role in the domestic slave trade and later became the first capital of the Confederacy during... - [Quirky Americana in Bishopville’s Button Museum](https://yallwaterfall.com/quirky-americana-in-bishopvilles-button-museum/): Bishopville, South Carolina is known for Pearl Fryar’s extraordinary topiary garden, but it is also home to The Button Museum, a hidden gem housed in a hangar. If you’re in the area, make sure to check out the work of Dalton Stevens “The Button King” who collected millions of colorful buttons and displayed them on cars, clothing, and furnishings. His creations have the joyful spirit of a mosaic artist crossed with a manic bedazzler! Location, Hours, and Cost 53 Joe Dority Road in Bishopville, South CarolinaHours: Open daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.The museum door was open when my... - [Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden Is A Living Work of Art](https://yallwaterfall.com/pearl-fryars-topiary-garden-a-living-work-of-art/): Pearl Fryar is a self-taught artist who has transformed his yard into a garden of topiary forms unlike anything else on earth. Hundreds of uniquely sculpted shrubs and trees blend in unexpected harmony. Junipers shaped like abstract ships, live oaks fashioned into mushrooms, and cypress fanning out like fishbone. The yard stands as a testament to Fryar’s perseverance and daring creativity. Location & Visiting Hours The garden is located at Pearl Fryar’s home, 145 Broad Acres Road Bishopville, South Carolina 29010 Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free. Please donate if able. Pearl and His... - [Calhoun Rock Garden: A World of Tiny Marvels](https://yallwaterfall.com/calhoun-rock-garden-a-world-of-tiny-marvels/): Stepping into the Calhoun Rock Garden is like stepping into a whimsical Lilliputian world. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting three times, in different seasons, and can say I am still blown away by the creativity and intricate construction of these miniature stone cottages, cathedrals and castles. The Rock Garden is a folk art wonder worth seeing year-round. Location 1411 Rome Rd SW, Calhoun, GA 30701The Rock Garden is tucked behind the Calhoun Seventh Day Adventist Church, right outside of Rome, Georgia. It’s about a two and a half hour drive north of Athens, Georgia or about an hour from... - [Cassadaga: The Psychic Capital of the World](https://yallwaterfall.com/cassadaga-the-psychic-capital-of-the-world/): Drive just half an hour north from Florida’s biggest amusement parks, and you’ll find yourself in the spiritualist community of Cassadaga. Known as the ‘Psychic Capital of the World,’ this quaint town boasts over 50 registered mediums and healers. It’s the perfect day trip to cleanse your chakras, commune with the dead, or simply walk around and soak up the mystical energy. Location Cassadaga is located in east central Florida, just off I-4, about halfway between Orlando and Daytona Beach. Most sights are easily walkable from the Camp Bookstore. History of Cassadaga George P. Colby, a trance medium from Pike,... - [The Rocks at Washington Oaks State Park](https://yallwaterfall.com/from-sand-to-stone-the-rocks-at-washington-oaks-state-park/): Washington Oaks is a unique Florida beach where you don’t go to swim or sunbathe. You go to check out The Rocks! This stretch of coquina rocks presents a strangely sculpted, swirly surface with perfectly circular pools. It looks like another planet but luckily, you can see it right off the A1A. Location The Rocks are located in Washington Oaks State Park in Palm Coast, Flagler County. It’s about a 30-minute drive south from St. Augustine or an hour north from Daytona Beach. They are across the street from the Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. What Is Coquina Rock? Coquina... - [Escape to Cumberland Island National Seashore](https://yallwaterfall.com/escape-to-cumberland-island-national-seashore/): Cumberland Island, Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island, boasts a truly remarkable range of natural wonders. With its twisty oak trees draped in Spanish moss, wild horses, mansion ruins, undeveloped marshland and beaches, the island has something for everyone. Unplug and camp among the palms for an otherworldly escape! Where to Stay If you want to stay the night on Cumberland Island (and you definitely do!), your best bet is to tent camp. Sleep under the live oak canopy at Sea Camp, or hike a couple miles further to Stafford Beach. Both campgrounds offer drinkable water and bathrooms with cold... - [Hiking the Floor at Tallulah Gorge](https://yallwaterfall.com/hiking-the-sliding-rock-trail-at-tallulah-gorge/): At a dramatic 1,000′ down, Tallulah Gorge is a stunning sight to see year-round, but the most rewarding way to experience it is to get IN there and hike the Sliding Rock trail to the gorge floor. Sliding down a slick rock into a crisp, natural swimming hole is the most fun you can have on a hot, summer day. Location Tallulah Gorge State Park is located in northeast Georgia, near Tallulah Falls. It’s a little over an hour’s drive from Athens, GA and about two-hours from Atlanta. Permits Permits are free, but only 100 are given out per day... - [Cool off in North Georgia's Rivers, Shoals, and Swimming Holes](https://yallwaterfall.com/cool-off-in-north-georgias-rivers-shoals-and-swimming-holes/): There are plenty of ways to beat the summer heat, but the most fun is getting in some water. North Georgia is full of natural pools, rivers, and waterfalls. Here are 5 spots I love! 1. The Sliding Rock At Tallulah Gorge State Park Read more in-depth about this hike here. Location  Tallulah Falls, GA At a dramatic 1,000′ down, Tallulah Gorge is a stunning sight to see year-round, but the most rewarding way to experience it is to get IN there and hike the gorge floor.  This is my favorite hike in Georgia and sliding down the rock into... - [Spend a Magical Weekend at Paradise Garden](https://yallwaterfall.com/spend-a-magical-weekend-at-paradise-garden/): If I made a list of Georgia’s 7 Wonders, Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden would be right at the top because it is a dream-like delight unlike anywhere else in the world. Finster transformed an ordinary plot of land into a living art environment of angels, mirrors, mosaics, bike parts, and bric-a-brac. If you’re into outsider art, or just in search of something immersive and handmade with a lot of heart, this is for you. For the best experience, stay overnight and take a moonlit stroll through the garden with the company of resident cats, Calvin and Hobbes. Location 200 North... - [Something Cool Here](https://yallwaterfall.com/fun-knickknacks-to-liven-up-your-boring-space/) ## Pages - [Wisconsin](https://yallwaterfall.com/destinations/the-united-states/wisconsin/): Wisconsin is my favorite state outside of the South. It’s got it all! Natural beauty, outsider art environments, the Hodag, cheese curds, and the greatest American roadside attraction, The House on the Rock. - [North Carolina](https://yallwaterfall.com/destinations/the-united-states/north-carolina/): The Tar Heel State North Carolina gives us the Blue Ridge Mountains, pristine beaches along the Outer Banks, and charming coastal towns - [Interests](https://yallwaterfall.com/interests/) - [Europe](https://yallwaterfall.com/destinations/europe/) - [West Virginia](https://yallwaterfall.com/destinations/the-united-states/west-virginia/): The Mountain State - [Alabama](https://yallwaterfall.com/destinations/the-united-states/alabama/): The state of Alabama is full of history and natural beauty.  “Stars Fell on Alabama” is a song made famous by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. It It also refers to an actual meteor shower that seen across Alabama in November 1833. - [Tennessee](https://yallwaterfall.com/destinations/the-united-states/tennessee/): THE VOLUNTEER STATE Tennessee has a big chunk of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, Graceland, country music, mid-state waterfalls, and epic fall color change.  - [South Carolina](https://yallwaterfall.com/destinations/the-united-states/south-carolina/): The Palmetto State South Carolina offers a rich and diverse landscape, from the picturesque its waterfalls in the west to its charming coastal towns along the Atlantic.  - [Florida](https://yallwaterfall.com/destinations/the-united-states/florida/): Florida is truly the sunshine state with its white sandy beaches and lush tropical flora. It has swampland and manatees. Seafood and amusement parks. I also appreciate its undercurrent of strangeness and always fantasize about moving there! - [Georgia](https://yallwaterfall.com/destinations/the-united-states/georgia/): THE PEACH STATE Georgia has been my home for over a decade and I am always singing its praises to skeptics (people who don’t live in the south). There’s something for everyone here: waterfalls and sweeping vistas in the Blue Ridge Mountains, to the gators and Cypress trees in Okefenokee Swamp, to our unspoiled beaches like Jekyll and Cumberland Island.  NORTH GEORGIA THE COASTAL PLAIN - [The United States](https://yallwaterfall.com/destinations/the-united-states/) - [About](https://yallwaterfall.com/about/): Hi! I’m Steph, a middle-aged cat lady living in beautiful Athens, Georgia. Many people have told me how lucky I am to be able to travel, and how they wish they could travel too. Travel is unquestionably a privilege. BUT. I believe the average person has the means to get out there and explore fascinating/fun/beautiful/weird/meaningful places. My hope is that this blog inspires you to see a ton of cool shit that’s creative and inexpensive. (Selfishly, I also really enjoy documenting my trips. 🤓) As someone who struggles with depression, it helps me to have firm routines (ex. regular sleep)... - [Blog](https://yallwaterfall.com/blog/): Page to hold your blog posts. - [Welcome](https://yallwaterfall.com/): Template for displaying homepage sections - [Destinations](https://yallwaterfall.com/destinations/): The Americas Europe - [Trip Tips](https://yallwaterfall.com/trip-tips/): This part of my blog probably feels disconnected from travel because it’s where I’m putting all my “life hacks.” But to travel you need time and money, so I hope this might be helpful… or at least interesting! Time / Planning The joy of travel for me is three-part: planning the trip, being on the trip, and organizing all my photos and notes from the trip after. I get that planning isn’t super fun for a lot of us, but maybe my lists can save you some time! Money / Budgeting For the average American, personal finance is about 80%... - [Policies](https://yallwaterfall.com/privacy-policy/): Y’ALL WATERFALL’S WEBSITE PRIVACY STATEMENTThis document was last updated July 24, 2025.  Who are you? My name is Steph and I am the one-woman show behind this blog: http://yallwaterfall.com. Comments When visitors leave comments on the site, it collects the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. This site uses Akismet. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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