Entry 127: Journey Through Time at Cedars of Lebanon State Park

While making the return journey from Kentucky, I took a delightful detour to Cedars of Lebanon State Park, just south of Lebanon, Tennessee. Nestled in the heart of Middle Tennessee’s Central Basin, this 900-acre park lies within the larger 9,420-acre Cedars of Lebanon State Forest. The park is home to a unique ecosystem known as cedar glades—open, rocky expanses of thin soil dotted with Eastern red cedar trees, which are actually junipers. These enduring trees reminded early settlers of the famed cedar forests of ancient Lebanon, inspiring the park’s biblical name. Beneath your feet lies Ordovician-era limestone, dating back roughly 460 million years, creating a karst landscape pockmarked with sinkholes, caves, and underground streams.

In the 1930s, a resettlement program and WPA-led restoration efforts transformed the battered cedar flats into a thriving forest and public recreational space. The area opened as Lebanon Cedar Forest in 1937, with the Tennessee government taking over two years later. By 1955 it had become today’s state park, complete with a historic lodge, cabins, trails, a swimming pool, and even an 18-hole disc golf course.

During my visit, I opted for a short trail—just enough time to stretch my legs and soak in the scenery. The trail wound through stands of hardy “cedars,” over exposed limestone slabs, and past dramatic rock escarpments that towered overhead. One highlight was walking to the mouth of Jackson Cave, a small karst cavern protected as a bat sanctuary—not open for deep exploration, but fascinating nonetheless. Each step felt like a dive into deep time, with the limestone bedrock beneath, the resilient trees, and the eroded cliffs all weaving together a story of geological and ecological endurance.

Cedars of Lebanon State Park leaves an impression with its rare ecosystems, its transformation through New Deal programs, and its natural drama in the form of karst features like sinkholes, escarpments, and the on-site cavern. As a quick stopover on your road trip, it offers a powerful blend of natural beauty and historical depth. Even a short hike lets you connect to ancient stone, resilient forests, and the park’s storied past, making it a brief but meaningful respite from the interstate and a place where landscape and legacy beautifully converge.

A Whimsical Stop: The Pelican Limerick Memorial

While exploring Cedars of Lebanon State Park, I stumbled upon a delightful and unexpected piece of literary history—a memorial dedicated to “The Pelican,” a famous limerick by Tennessee humorist and editor Dixon Lanier Merritt. Near the nature center, there is a metal sculpture of a pelican standing proudly, accompanied by an interpretive sign and a plaque featuring the full limerick:

A wonderful bird is the pelican,
His bill will hold more than his belican,
He can take in his beak
Enough food for a week
But I’m damned if I see how the helican!

This playful stop adds a layer of charm to the park, reminding visitors that nature and creativity often go hand in hand. Merritt, who spent much of his life in Tennessee, penned this limerick in 1910, and it has since become widely loved for its humor and simplicity. The memorial is a fun photo stop and a reminder of the rich cultural history woven into Tennessee’s natural spaces. If you visit the park, take a moment to stop by the sculpture and enjoy a lighthearted pause among the cedars and limestone.

Entry 126: A Rainy Night, Birds at Dawn, and the Cozy Joy of Glamping at Ozark RV Park

If you’ve been thinking about trying glamping or need a peaceful base to explore Mountain View, Arkansas, let me share a place you’ll want to add to your list: Ozark RV Park and Cabins. Ozark RV Park & Cabins Call: 870-200-9090 The Glamping Tent I recently stayed in one of their glamping tents, and it was such a fun, comfortable experience. The tent is spacious, set up on a platform with a real bed (on a frame), crisp linens, a fan, air conditioning (yes, you get AC in a tent!), and a Keurig for that first warm cup of coffee in the morning. During my stay, it rained gently, and there is something incredible about falling asleep to the sound of rain on canvas while staying warm and cozy in bed. In the morning, I woke up to the sound of birds and crisp air, peeking outside to a misty, peaceful campground that felt like a breath of fresh air. The Big Park Sign & Rooster The bathhouse on-site deserves a shout-out. It has the nostalgic feel of a summer camp bathhouse but is immacul...

Entry 85: A Quirky Stop in Austin, MN: Exploring the Spam Museum and More

If you’re into quirky attractions and unexpected fun, the Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota is a must-see. Located at 101 3rd Ave NE , this one-of-a-kind destination has been drawing curious travelers and Spam fans since it opened in 1991. After a major expansion and relocation in 2016, the museum now offers an even more immersive and entertaining experience. A Taste of History Spam was first introduced in 1937 by Hormel Foods , and the museum walks you through how this humble canned meat became a global sensation. It played a major role during World War II , feeding troops across the globe and becoming a beloved staple in households everywhere. Inside the museum, you’ll find a blend of history, pop culture, and international flair . Learn how Spam became a hit in countries like South Korea, the Philippines, and Hawaii. You'll also get a glimpse of the role Spam played in post-war culture and its place in today’s culinary world. Interactive Exhibits and More The Spam Museum is...

Entry 131: From Bonsai to Blooms: A Walk Through Portland’s Gardens

A Stroll Through the Portland Japanese Garden On a quiet morning in downtown Portland, a buddy and I decided to walk from our hotel to the Portland Japanese Garden. The route wound through the city and into Washington Park, and while it was uphill in spots, it was not bad at all. By the time we reached the entrance, we felt like we had already eased into the slower pace the garden promises. Even before I took ten steps inside, the city noise seemed to fade. The air felt cooler and fresher, like the garden had its own climate set apart from the bustle just outside its walls. The path curved gently ahead, leading us past moss-covered stones and neatly raked gravel beds. A small stream gurgled quietly under a wooden footbridge, the sound blending with the soft rustle of leaves overhead. Every turn revealed a new scene, a carefully placed lantern, a cluster of maple trees, or a pond where koi fish drifted lazily through the water. We followed the path uphill to a wide view of the city. Th...

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