Adventure Travel Photography Blog
The Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark was an interesting stop on my road trip home from Florida. I’m glad I spent a few hours checking it out after visiting Cathedral Caverns State Park and the Unclaimed Baggage Store in northeastern Alabama.
JOIN A TOUR!
After spending two months in Ocala on the horse show circuit, I headed back toward Texas with a detour to northeastern Alabama to visit The Unclaimed Baggage Store. It was time to let my dog Annie stretch her legs, so after completing my secondhand shopping we ventured to Cathedral Caverns State Park.
The park, only 21 miles southwest of Scottsboro, features five hiking trails, RV and tent camping, cave tours, gem mining, and many educational programs. Since I am infatuated by caves, the cavern tour was a big draw for me.
GO SPELUNKING!
The Unclaimed Baggage Store is likely just what you have guessed. A store with unclaimed baggage from all the airlines in the United States. As an avid traveler, when I first heard about the place over five years ago, I was highly intrigued. So much so, that I have always wanted to visit.
I planned on visiting about four years ago while I was roadtripping through the southeast United States. After VANgo ended up with an electrical problem in Florida, my itinerary and life changed dramatically, and I didn’t make it to Scottsboro, Alabama, the location of the Unclaimed Baggage Store. Instead, I returned to Texas and promptly bought a horse!
Now, four years later, I was again in Ocala, Florida, this time showing my horse. And upon my return to Texas, I was bound and determined to visit the Unclaimed Baggage Store. I drove out of my way to do so, which is particularly crazy for me since I truly dislike shopping. But in the end, satisfying my curiosity was worth it!
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
When I think of Florida for vacation, Sarasota doesn’t come to mind. That said, this underrated Florida city of 60,000 is low key place to visit. While in Ocala, I took a few days off from the horse shows and popped down to the west coast for a lovely 48 hours in Sarasota.
EXPLORE!
Ocala, located in North Central Florida, has a growing population of 63,000+ and counting. With hundreds of horse farms and the famous World Equestrian Center, Ocala is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” Though Lexington, Kentucky would argue that claim. While the horse industry in the area is substantial, there are other things to do in Ocala.
EXPLORE!
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park…what a find!! The park is only 13 miles south of Gainesville and 29 miles north of Ocala. It was a perfect getaway for me and my dog Annie in between horse shows at the World Equestrian Center.
I typically don’t visit state parks because unlike National Forests, dogs have to be on a leash and there is an entrance fee. At Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, the fee was only $4. I couldn’t believe it! I am so glad I visited this 22,000 acre wilderness over two days.
HAPPY HIKING!
As a kid, I loved the circus. While I have a few fond memories of sitting in the nosebleed section, eating cotton candy, and seeing all the performers, I also remember being disappointed that we stopped going. Maybe that is why once I learned of the Ringling Circus Museum, located in Sarasota, I was set on visiting.
Sarasota is only a few hours from Ocala where I am spending a few months horse showing at the World Equestrian Center. I took a two-day break to explore Sarasota with visiting the Ringling Circus Museum being the main draw.
STEP RIGHT UP!
During an overnight visit to Sarasota, I was looking for a nearby, natural setting to walk my dog, since most beaches in Florida are not dog friendly. Google Maps showed a place called Celery Fields Park a short drive away.
It seemed like an odd name for a park, so I decided to check it out. I’m not sure why it piqued my interest so much, as I can’t stand the taste of celery. Just hearing the word gives me shivers!
EXPLORE!
The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway is a 110-mile linear park which spans from the Gulf of Mexico to St John’s River. It’s 70,000 acres features 300 miles of trails for paddling, biking, hiking, horseback riding and multi-use activities.
HAPPY HIKING!
Maryland has a bunch of fantastic towns and cities to visit, but one thing that’s not always celebrated about this state is its nature! Even the fully paid-up members of the city slicker club will struggle to resist the charms of Maryland’s natural beauty. There’s birdwatching, hiking, boating, exploring, and a little bit of eating thrown in for good measure. So, if you’re in the mood to get some of that fresh air in your lungs then look no further.
EXPLORE!