Dollywood Great Pumpkin LumiNights | Our Tennessee Adventure

 Tennessee was our 4th state on our mission to visit all 50 states and let me tell you—Dollywood during Great Pumpkin LumiNights was the perfect way to experience the magic of the Smoky Mountains in the fall. 

We had been looking forward to this one for weeks. Between the crisp autumn air, the cozy vibes, and all things pumpkin spice, Dollywood totally delivered on fall fun—and then some!

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 First Impressions

As soon as we walked into the park, it felt like stepping into a fall festival dream. Pumpkins were everywhere carved, stacked, glowing, and arranged in the most creative displays. The whole place was lit up in warm oranges and purples, and it just felt magical. 

And if you’ve never been to Dollywood, it’s way more than just rides. It’s got that Southern charm, beautiful mountain views, and some of the best-smelling food stalls ever. (Seriously cinnamon bread at the Grist Mill? Yes please.)

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 Great Pumpkin LumiNights

This was the real star of the show. Once the sun started to set, the park came alive with lights, music, and glowing pumpkins in every direction. From towering pumpkin sculptures to themed walk-through areas (like a pumpkin tree and a jack-o'-lantern tunnel!), it was such a fun, immersive experience.

We loved watching the live performers, sipping on Pumpkin Spice Milkshakes, and just wandering around taking it all in. It felt like a cozy fall fair meets theme park—and it was super family-friendly, which we loved.

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 Mother-Daughter Moments

One of our favorite things about this trip was just soaking it all in together. Dollywood has a mix of thrill rides and more relaxed attractions, so it was easy to balance the excitement with slower moments. We snapped a bunch of fun photos (hello, pumpkin tunnel photo ops!), tried a few treats we’d never had before, and just made memories without rushing through.

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📝 If You Go…

Here are a few quick tips if you’re planning a trip to Dollywood during Great Pumpkin LumiNights:

• Arrive before sunset so you can ride a few coasters and catch the lights as they turn on.

• Bring a light jacket—the temps drop quickly once the sun goes down in fall.

• Try the seasonal snacks! The caramel apple funnel cake was a favorite.

• Don’t skip the light shows or live music—Dollywood goes all out with entertainment.

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 Why We Chose Tennessee Early On

Tennessee was high on our list because of how family-friendly and beautiful it is—especially in the fall. Between Dollywood, the Smokies, and the cozy towns nearby, it just felt like the perfect fall getaway. And now it’ll always be our “Great Pumpkin LumiNights” memory state.

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More states to come soon as we continue our adventure!
If you’ve been to Dollywood—or want to go—leave a comment and let us know your favorite part or what you're most excited to try.

Thanks for following along on our 50-state journey!
– Heather & Maddy

A Week in Rosemary Beach: Our Florida Beach Cottage Escape

 There's just something magical about waking up near the ocean. This past fall, Maddy and I checked off another state from our 50-state bucket list by heading down to the Florida Gulf Coast - and let me tell you, Rosemary Beach did not disappoint. We stayed in the cutest beach cottage, spent every day with sand between our toes, and made some amazing memories over seafood and sunsets.

Where We Stayed: Our Cozy Rosemary Beach Cottage

This trip was all about slowing down. Our little cottage felt like home from the second we walked in - bright, breezy, and fairly close to the water. If you've ever wanted to do Florida cozy, this was it.

Would I stay there again? In a heartbeat.

We absolutely love the pool!

What We Did (Besides Live on the Beach)

We spent most days exactly how we wanted: on the beach, toes in the sand, watching the waves and collecting shells. It was the kind of peaceful that sticks with you long after the trip ends.

But we did sneak in one evening of fun off the sand - we played a round of mini golf at Pirate's Island Adventure Golf! It was the perfect low-key outing and a fun break from our beach routine. Highly recommend for families.

Where We Ate (and Loved Every Bite)

Food was a big part of this trip - we were on a seafood mission, and Florida delivered. Here are a few of our favorites:

Schooners: This spot had the perfect beachy vibe and amazing sunset views. Try the crab cakes - you won't regret it.

Schooners is right on the beach and is the last local beach club

The picture may not be great, but the crab cakes are divine!

Old Florida Fish House: We loved the atmosphere here, and the food felt so fresh and southern. It felt like classic coastal Florida.

Pineapple Willy's: Total vacation vibes! We had great views of the water and even better shrimp baskets.

Georges at Alys Beach: This one felt a little fancy (in the best way). Beautiful location and a perfect dinner spot.

Village Market: A great casual stop for a relaxed meal - simple, good, and family-friendly.

We highly recommend the hush puppies and trying all the dipping sauces

What We Loved Most

More than anything, we loved how easy this trip felt. No rushing, no long to-do list, just us, the beach, and time together. It was a perfect reminder that travel doesn't have to be complicated to be meaningful.

Would I recommend Rosemary Beach for a mom-and-daughter trip? Absolutely!

It was peaceful, beautiful, and everything we needed.

Want to Plan Your Own Florida Gulf Coast Getaway?

I'm putting together a travel guid with:

- Our full cottage rental info

- Budget tips

- A Florida coast packing list

That guide will be available for my patrons here on Patreon - or drop your travel questions below and I'd love to help.

A Day in Greenville, SC

If you’re looking for a laid-back, family-friendly day in the Carolinas, Greenville, SC, is one of the most charming places you could pick! This little Southern gem has a mix of nature, shopping, history, and plenty of spots to eat, all within a short distance. Here's how you can spend an easygoing day here, starting with the iconic Falls Park on the Reedy and ending with some of the best Cajun food this side of Louisiana.

There’s no better way to kick off your day than by heading to Falls Park on the Reedy. This park is gorgeous and right in the middle of the city, with a stunning waterfall that really makes you feel like you’re in your own little oasis. The Liberty Bridge is a must-see – a suspension, pedestrian bridge that offers a perfect view of the falls and park below. It’s wide, family-friendly, and honestly, it’s a beautiful spot to just stand for a few minutes and take in the scenery.

As you explore, you'll notice tons of green spaces for picnics or just relaxing, along with little pathways and nooks. It’s ideal for families, solo explorers, or really anyone looking to unwind. Don’t be surprised if you spot a wedding photo shoot or two here – it’s popular for a reason!

After some fresh air, you'll probably be ready to eat. Just a short walk from Falls Park is The Lost Cajun, a cozy little spot serving up authentic Cajun and Creole dishes that are downright delicious. This isn’t your typical Southern fare; they have everything from gumbo and jambalaya to po' boys. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for a sample platter so you can try a little bit of everything – it’s the best way to get a real taste of New Orleans in the Carolinas. We highly recommend the Crispy Crunchy Sandwich in fish or shrimp. The food was extremely fresh, and the staff is so friendly.

This is the Shrimp Crispy Crunchy Sandwich

This is the Fish Crispy Crunchy Sandwich. We are not big fish people, but we really enjoyed this sandwich; not fishy at all.

Oh, and definitely save room for a beignet! These powdered sugar treats are pillowy perfection and pair perfectly with a coffee or sweet tea.

We were so full, but we really wanted to try a beignet. We decided to split a single traditional. Our waitress cut it for us which I thought was nice.

After lunch, head to Mast General Store on Main Street. This place is packed with all sorts of goodies – think nostalgic candies, locally made goods, cozy clothes, and quirky souvenirs. It's like a throwback to the old general stores with creaky wooden floors and that small-town vibe you just can’t fake.

The store is also a great place to stock up on any last-minute picnic items if you plan to snack later, or just browse and grab something fun to remember your day in Greenville. You can easily spend an hour here just poking around and finding hidden treasures!

Downtown Greenville has to be one of the most charming downtown areas you’ll come across, with its tree-lined streets, quaint little shops, and artwork around every corner. If you’re lucky, you might even catch some live music or a pop-up market. Strolling around is such a treat – it’s clean, lively, and just full of character.

There are plenty of benches and shady spots if you want to rest for a bit, plus lots of cafes and ice cream shops to dip into if you need a cool-down treat. This part of town really feels like a slice of Southern heaven.

When dinnertime rolls around, Norman’s is the perfect place to wrap up your day. This local spot is beloved for its relaxed vibe and delicious comfort food. From juicy burgers to hearty salads, there's something here for everyone. The portions are generous, and the flavors are just what you’d hope for after a full day of exploring – comforting, filling, and oh-so-Southern.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Norman’s has that friendly vibe that makes you feel at home. The staff is wonderful, and it’s the kind of place where you can linger over a meal and chat about the highlights of your day in Greenville.

Greenville has that unique mix of natural beauty and small-town charm that makes it perfect for a day trip or even a weekend getaway. Between the calming sound of waterfalls, the warmth of Southern hospitality, and the unique spots like The Lost Cajun and Mast General Store, it's a day that combines a bit of everything that makes this region special. 

So if you’re ever in South Carolina, take a day to slow down and enjoy the heart of Greenville. You’ll leave with a full stomach, a bunch of photos, and maybe even a little Southern twang!

Our Travel Essentials

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We are on an adventure to travel all fifty states. Whereas there will be some states we can turn into a day trip, there will be several states we cannot. In thinking ahead of our travels, we tried to think of travel essentials we may need. The first essential we came to is the LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack. 

The LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack is TSA approved and can be used as a personal item or carry on.

Although it is designed as a backpack, it is essentially a wearable suitcase. This backpack has a ton of storage, including four main compartments, a separate laptop compartment, two packing cubes and a shoe bag. One of the best features of this backpack is the main compartment opens like a suitcase and is equipped with straps to hold your clothes in place.

We have used our backpacks for a couple of trips now and thoroughly enjoy them. TikTok shop stated this backpack would be good for a five-day trip, however, we think four days is the maximum.

Our next travel essential are portable fans. We plan to do a lot of hiking, or our version of hiking. Some of our trips will be in summer and the temperatures will be sweltering. We purchased portable travel fans that we can wear on our hikes.

We have tested them out and think they will be useful, though not as powerful as we expected.

Another fan that may be worth trying is the JISULIFE portable fan. I watched some reviews, and it seems to be a lot more powerful.

We are beyond excited for our adventures that lie ahead. As we find more essentials, we will make sure to provide reviews.

Hodgenville, KY - State # 1

 Our adventure began on July 24 to Hodgenville, KY. We took a daytrip to Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace National Historic Park. I did not know this existed until we started researching things to do in Kentucky. Kentucky is known for its horse racing and bourbon, which we were not really interested in. We stumbled upon Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace and knew that it was the winner.

It took us about four hours to get there. Our original plan was to visit the park first and then grab lunch afterwards, but we were both starved by the time we got there, so we grabbed lunch first. Hodgenville is a really small town with a population of 3,333, so there were not a lot of options. We ate at Laha's Red Castle, which is pronounced lay-hays. This is a family-owned business that has been voted as the best hamburger in Kentucky.  It is a very small diner, but the staff were very friendly. We highly recommend getting the double deluxe burger.

After lunch we headed to Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace. When we arrived, we jumped right into a tour with a park ranger. 

We spent about an hour in the park and most of that time was on the tour. There isn't much to see outside of the tour. It was recommended to visit the Knob Creek location, but we opted not to. The Birthplace is home to the first Lincoln Memorial. We learned there are 56 steps leading up to the memorial because that is how old he was when he was assassinated. There are sixteen columns and windows as he was the sixteenth president. Inside the memorial is a log cabin that is a replica of his childhood home. We also got to see the springs where he would have had his first sip of water.

After visiting his birthplace, I had plans of stopping by Mammoth Cave National Park, but we ran out of time. We hope to go back and visit as it seems like a really neat place.

On the way home we were able to find a gift shop to get a souvenir and some postcards. If you'd like to receive a postcard from us head over to our Patreon and join our friend group.

We would recommend visiting Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace if you are near the area or love history. 

Cost Breakdown:

Gas - $28.50

Food - $31.64 (the breakdown is as follows: Laha's Red Castle was $13.06, snacks at the gas station $7.55, and snacks at Dollar General $11.03)

Souvenirs - $21.60 (Marvel mug $10, Christmas ornament $6.99 , postcards $.99)

Total cost: $81.74

Let us know if you decide to visit any of these places. 

Big Announcement

 About four years ago, Maddy and I started making plans to travel to New York City during the Christmas season. This has been one of my bucket list items for a long time.

 While making plans to travel, we decided we wanted to visit all fifty states. We did not have a timeline; we just knew we wanted to visit all fifty states at some point in our life. 

At the time these plans were made we had a house and debt. Our rental house was sold in 2022, and we had to move in with my parents. We were sad to lose our home, but at the same time we knew it was all in God's plan. Not only did we want to travel to all fifty states, but we also wanted to purchase our first home. When we moved in with my parents, I was able to pay off debt fairly quick. Once debt was paid off, we started saving for our first house. We threw everything we could into house savings. After a year of saving, we felt we had enough saved for the house price we could actually afford. 

During one of our walks, we decided it was time to live our best life. What does live your best life mean? To us, it meant be intentional with our time. It also meant to have as much fun as possible within our means, which led us back to our goal of traveling all fifty states. 

Without further ado, our big announcement is we are traveling all fifty states! We have until July 2028 to complete this goal. Will we be able to complete it? We certainly hope so! We plan to post our adventures on YouTube at Heather Vlogs Life. We also to plan to write about our adventures here.

We look forward to the days ahead! Our hope is you will see that you too can live your best life. 

How We Got Out of Debt

If you read our "We Lost Our Home" post, you know our rental was sold and the new owners wanted to live in it. There were a few things I did not include in that post.

For example, when we moved into our home, I did not have a budget set up. I already had some debt when we moved in, but that debt would just keep growing. Towards the end of 2019 I was financially frustrated. I wanted to travel but was held back due to financial struggles. I wanted to purchase a house but was unable to due to finances. I was frustrated to the point that I decided to deep dive into the Budget Mom's Budget by Paycheck method.

I finally put a budget together and started saving for things like Christmas and birthdays. It was so nice to not stress about Christmas finally. I did run into an issue of not wanting to spend the money when it was time, but I quickly got over it. If you think you do not have any money to save after bills are paid, I beg to differ. I thought the same thing until I started the budgeting process. 

When I first started out, I started using cash only for variable expenses. Food was the main variable expense we had. It was already a very tight budget, but I decided to do what the Budget Mom did; I took the change and placed it in a separate savings jar. At the end of the first year, I had saved $100 just in change. That showed me I really could save more than I thought. 

Once I got the hang of the process, I went back to using my debit card as it was easier. That would end my change savings, but that did not mean saving was done. The Budget Mom used to create savings challenges for a small fee. I decided it was worth the price and for two years used her challenges to save money. At the end of the year, I would take the money saved and apply it to debt.

Once we lost our house that freed up quite a bit of money. I still had bills, but nothing compared to what I did have. I was able to pay off the last of my consumer debt within a few months of moving in with my parents. It felt amazing to be consumer debt free. Whereas I was consumer debt free, I still had some family loans to pay off.

One of the most asked questions in finance is whether one should use the snowball or avalanche method. I am not an expert in finance, nor am I a financial advisor, but I can tell you what worked best for me. In the beginning, I used the snowball method for a quick victory. My debt ranged from hundreds to thousands. With the snowball method you order your debt from least to greatest. As you pay off one debt you apply the payment to the next debt. I chose to use this method until I reached the higher debt amounts. Once I reached the higher debt, I switched over to the avalanche method. With the avalanche method you order debt based on interest rates and attack the higher interest rates first. 

Once my consumer debt was paid off, I switched back to the snowball method and just applied the full debt payment to family loans. I used the rest of my paycheck, outside of bills, to start our house savings. In one sense it felt so good to be able to start saving for a house, but in another sense it felt impossible. 

If you are stuck in debt and want out, my advice is to create a bare bones budget. A bare bones budget consists of only necessities needed each month. What can you get rid of temporarily to apply to your debt? Does your paycheck cover your bare bones budget? If it doesn't you need to find a way to bring in extra money or lower living costs. Once you have your bare bones budget, you can cut costs and apply the money saved to your debt.

We have built up our house savings enough to be able to purchase a house within our budget. We have somewhat halted our house savings as we have a big announcement to share with you all. Make sure to come back next week to see what it is!