When you go to a restaurant you’ve been to before, are you the type who always orders the same thing, or do you like to change it up? I usually stick with what I know I love — whenever I try something new, I often end up disappointed.
With my newfound love of hot springs, Dave planned our route back to Florida through Hot Springs, Arkansas — a place we visited last year and loved. We enjoyed our campsite and hiking in Hot Springs National Park and, of course, soaking in those soothing mineral waters.
This year, I convinced Dave to join me at the historic Buckstaff Bathhouse, where men and women soak separately — buck naked! (Well, they do keep you covered as you move between treatments.) The full experience includes four steps: a 20-minute soak in mineral-rich water, a 10-minute “sitz” bath, a 5-minute steam box session (with only your head sticking out!), and finally, being wrapped in 140° hot towels with an icy one around your head. Heavenly. Although there are other bathhouses on “Bathhouse Row,” I still love the authenticity of this one.
So yes, I did the same thing as last year. Now on to food! Last year we had dinner at the dog-friendly Superior Bathhouse Brewery, and this year was no exception. The food was just as good — especially the sweet potato waffle fries with marshmallow dipping sauce. So good!
For breakfast the next morning, we returned to The Pancake Shop before heading to our next stop. They have been in business since 1940, and their pancakes are as good as my mom’s — which is saying something!
That made three for three on repeats, so for #4, we decided to switch it up and try a new hiking trail within the park. There are so many intersecting trails that we were glad to have the AllTrails app to keep us on track.
Another wonderful visit to Hot Springs, Arkansas — and I am so glad it was (kind of) on our way home this year.
Now about those acorns… yes it happened again— but first we stopped at what I now call “my favorite campsite of the 2025 travel season.”
Just to the east of Nashville is the large J. Percy Priest Reservoir with the Seven Points Campground on the lake. And on the lake, I mean, our campsite was right next to the lake. Perfect if you like to fish, boat, or simply relax by the water. The weather couldn’t have been better – in the low 70’s. I brought my yoga mat outside and enjoyed my yoga/Pilates practice while gazing out at the lake. And yes, Murphy enjoyed several swims right from his doorstep. The only downside, we were there for just one night— but we were blessed with a beautiful sunset (feature blog photo.) If we ever travel this way again…we have found a gem to spend more time at. Plus, it is so close to Nashville for some big city entertainment as well.
Now about those acorns. Our next stop was a campground in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in northern Tennessee. As Dave was backing into our campsite, I could hear acorns crunching underneath the tires. The asphalt pad was loaded with acorns. Oh no, not again! I hoped the oak tree was done shedding. Murphy and I went on our exploratory campground walk after we were set up and when we returned Dave said, “there hasn’t been a single acorn fall.” Whew! But then as night fell acorns starting falling and Murphy began his uncomfortable stance. It didn’t seem as bad as the last acorn laden campsite, so we all went to bed and slept until 2 a.m. And then, I don’t know if squirrels were up there rattling the branches or the wind picked up, but the acorns kept falling and falling and Murphy was so uncomfortable. They were hitting the truck as well, so that was not an escape option. Like before, we took a morning hike and then decided to leave a day early. I guess I need to find something to calm his nerves if this happens during next year’s trip.
All was not lost by moving campgrounds as Dave found one not far from a Buc-ee’s. For those of you who have followed along for the last few years, I LOVE Buc-ees, especially their cinnamon rolls (and their brisket is pretty dang good too!) Sometimes there is a silver lining when acorns throw you a curve ball. And, as you can tell by the picture below, I over indulged.
Thanks so much for following along. We should be back at our St. Petersburg home next week. But first…a visit with dear friends in Tennessee and then Dave has a fun weekend in store for him.
Buc-ee’s Brenda, Driving Dave, and enough of those acorns Murphy
I will miss all of Murphys antics, your gourmet alley reports, the gorgeous landscape across our beautiful country and most of all your entertaining blogs! Happy landing wherever you are heading and safe trip home! Reta