With the recent travel alert issued by the U.S. State Department, many travelers have been second guessing their vacation to Jamaica.

While I am not one to take travel advisories lightly, I do my research and make my decisions accordingly. In this case, the U.S. State Department advised Americans to be cautious when traveling in and around Kingston, Jamaica.

No foreign travelers were harmed in any of the civil unrest that was taking place in an isolated area of Kingston back in May. In fact, Kingston is quite a distance from the three main tourist destinations– Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril.

I traveled across the northern coast of Jamaica this past week and not once did I feel unsafe in any area- day or night.

I believe Jamaica is as safe as any other destination as long as you are aware of your surroundings.

• Only take a taxi with a red license plate (means they are insured)

• Travel in groups when possible

• Avoid wandering the streets at night

• Book tours and excursions directly though your hotel or other reputable sources

• Leave your valuables at home, only carry the amount of cash for what you need

Because of the recent activity in Jamaica, there will be some excellent travel deals from now until the end of the year. It’s a great time to take advantage of these offers at some of the best all-inclusive resorts. Whether you are traveling with your family or on a romantic getaway, Jamaica has something for everyone.

Special thanks to the Jamaica Tourist Board for hosting my visit. For more travel advice and inspiration be sure to check out TravelingMamas.com travel tips and MommyMusings.com.

I absolutely adore Houmas House Plantation and Gardens and I adore her owner and curator, Kevin Kelly. The grounds are just what I’d have if I were mistress of a plantation back in Antebellum days – a place of peaceful retreat and a showcase of nature and architecture. The food is consistently delicious, be it in Cafe Burnside for lunch or a full dinner inside the main house at Latil’s Landing dining room.

On one of my last visits, Kevin mentioned his Honeymoon Cottage that’s available for overnight stays. I had NO IDEA that Houmas House offered lodging. He offered to let me check it out whenever I wanted. That was a few months back. Earlier this week, with the kids being out of school, I felt as if I were slowly going insane, between working so much and the kids being just that much too old to go to summer day camp. I needed a serious break away from home. I emailed Kevin on the off-chance that the cabin would be available. Fortunately, it was, so I packed up some trashy romance novels, a bottle of bubbly, and my netbook for writing.

On the drive over it stormed, but this did not dampen my spirits. In fact, it made the atmosphere that much more exciting – I would be staying at a plantation (that some people think are haunted) and I would be ALL ALONE. I made it to Houmas House, grabbed the key from the gift shop (after placing my dinner order), and headed to a secluded, hidden drive to the Honeymoon Cottage.

The white picket fence creaked in the misty rain as I carried my bag up to the front porch and unlocked the door of the yellow wooden building. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but if Kevin Kelly had anything to do with it, I knew it would be phenomenal. The first thing I laid eyes on was an oversized antique oval mirror with a comfy-looking bed in the reflection. I later discovered that the mirror is straight out of a Rampart Street brothel from Storyville (New Orleans). An elegant table and twin chairs were placed in front of the fireplace (which had candles all over the place) and there was a fabulous lounge chair with ottoman on the way to the wet bar. The bathroom was gigantic with an oversized jetted soaking tub and shower for two.

The entire cottage had a wonderful feel of being in cozy luxury. It was comfortable elegance, so I did the only thing I could do – I popped open a bottle of bubbly and sat on the front porch watching the rain drizzle, waiting on my gourmet meal to be delivered by the chef who prepared it.

Fortunately for Chef Brian, the sun came out for a bit. He carried my tray of food up the walkway and placed it in front of me. I will admit, I think I must’ve been a filthy rich lady of luxury in a former lifetime, because I had no problem being spoiled. I inhaled the glorious aroma of my favorite crawfish pumpkin bisque, lobster risotto, and dessert of bread pudding. Of course, after eating all of that rich cuisine, I felt I should walk my dinner off with a stroll around the grounds. I put on my shrimpers (designer rubber boots) and carried my raincoat and a glass of wine. It was one of the most wonderful evenings I’ve had in a very long time.

You can spend the night in the Honeymoon Cottage for a personal retreat, couples getaway, or just to experience the peacefulness of the beautiful setting. There’s no television, phone, or internet, so plan on going tech free. Call for pricing and availability. This place is a bit of a secret and isn’t advertised on the Houmas House website just yet. There are two packages – basic overnight stay with tours for two at around $200 or you can splurge for the $400 range package which includes Champagne or Sherry and brunch.

Here’s a little video I put together of my stay, so that you can get a feel for what’s in store for your own overnight visit to Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. And be sure to check out the delightful and touching romance story I found on YouTube of a couple who got engaged and married at Houmas House. It was beautiful and well put together.

Yellowstone National Park is documented in the US National Archives as a “Park or Pleasuring Ground for the People.” I found during my visit that not only is the wildlife abundant, but the flora and fauna make a perfect setting for romance to blossom.

Researching romance in national parks, I found that there are more relationships that develop and endure in this active use of public lands. Here are a few of my favorite spots:

Mount Washburn – Drive to as far as you can to the top of Mount Washburn. Near the car park area is a spot of rolling land that is sometimes covered in Alpine Wildflowers. It’s a wonderful spot for a picnic, or a proposal.

Shoshone Lake – The black sand of Shoshone Lake is a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon relaxing and holding hands. The lap of the water against the shore will make you think of a tropical getaway. The sand is black due to the volcanic rock (obsidian) that makes up its shores.

Old Faithful – Old Faithful is a sight to behold for any visitor of Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful under starlight is even more dramatic. Visitors rarely venture to the geyser area after dinner. This is what makes it a perfect spot for romantics. Lovers can choose to await eruption on the bleachers, or they can venture around the boardwalk.

Hint: Bring a flashlight.

Lake Yellowstone Inn – When one walks through the doors of Lake Yellowstone Inn, they are brought back to an era when one dressed up for dinner and only the wealthy visited Yellowstone. The dining room is reminded me of the Titanic dining room and makes one think of the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers. The sustainable cuisine of the restaurant rivals any fare in the US. Be sure to order a Yellowstone Caldera for dessert, it is a sensuous prelude to an evening moonlight stroll.

A Yellowstone Sunset – A Yellowstone Sunset is not only a local beverage, but it is also an event to behold daily (weather permitting). Take a drive to any lookout point and await the setting of the sun with chilled champagne. Kisses are in order after the sun dips over the horizon.

Things to Do

Yellowstone National Park is run by the National Park Service(US). The park service in Yellowstone endorses programs offered by the Yellowstone Association Institute, the official partner in education with Yellowstone National Park. Check into each visitor center to see what activities and presentations are planned. Also, be sure to read Yellowstone Today, it is given out at every entrance gate to the park as the ‘official newspaper for Yellowstone National Park’, a National Park Service publication. It is full of useful and valuable information for your stay.

The Yellowstone Association Institute offers a Lodging and Learning program, in partnership with Xanterra properties. If nature, wildlife, or geology are your bag, these programs are for you.

Lodging and Dining

Xanterra is the Concessionaire of choice for Yellowstone National Park. They manage reservations and dining, as well as many of the gift shops in the Park. If you are fortunate, same day reservations may be secured, but this is like winning the lottery. Plan your stay ahead to assure lodging inside of the park. The rates are reasonable and choosing to stay inside the park will help make for a memorable visit.

Deep in the heart of Utah lays a destination of adventure, culture, and history. Romantics looking for active vacations can also find epicurean delights for the discerning palate.

Moab, located in Grand County, is a gold mine in the west that has been discovered by many for its adventure, but has a hidden quality that few visitors are just beginning to enjoy.

It is not just a summer destination, but a year round place that can be enjoyed by all pleasure seekers. Winter and early spring are the best times to find solitude in the area parks and quiet contentment at local ranches.

Colin Fryer, owner of Red Cliffs Lodge and Castle Creek Winery, has made the decision to run his lodge year round. Located on the Colorado River, Red Cliffs Lodge provides the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. King rooms overlook the river where occupants can enjoy a bottle of the winery’s award winning libations.

“This is not just a job, this is my dream,” commented Mr. Fryer during an interview. He is has expanded that dream with newly constructed cabins on the river, complete with kitchenette, fireplace, and soaking tub for two. What a romantic dream.

The on-site Castle Creek Winery offers various blends, making the ranch a must-stop for any wine lover. The Lily Rose White is a blend of their Chardonnay, a fruity dry white, and the Chenin Blanc, a semi sweet white. This was my personal favorite.

Near Red Cliffs Lodge, located on the Colorado River Scenic Byway, is Sorrel River Ranch. Sorrel River Ranch offers lodgers elegant rustication on the river. Each room offers views of the Colorado River and seating for two to enjoy the evenings in a relaxing atmosphere.

Sorrel River Ranch has fine dining on-site as well as a spa that offers couples treatments. Couples looking for relaxing getaways can’t go wrong with either property.

For couples seeking a bit more activity, Moab offers 4X4 Hummer rides with High Point Hummer Tours, day trips and other adventures with Tagalong Expeditions, or just enjoying a day of discovery visiting wineries, shopping, and searching the areas for Native American rock art.

If choosing to explore on your own, at the junction of Main Street and the Colorado River Scenic Byway, romantics can partake of a local tradition, drinking from Matrimonial Spring. Legend has it, that any visitor who drinks this water is sure to return to Moab. If something stronger is a bit more your style, check out Spanish Valley Wineries for a boutique blend.

The Moab Official Website offers a calendar of events, a complete listing of lodging, dining, and activities. If you want to escape the summer crowds, winter and spring are a good time to make a visit.

How to Get There
You could drive, but I flew Salmon Air, which runs daily flights from Salt Lake City during the summer and has other scheduled flights the rest of the year. The small planes are intimate and offer ample opportunity for taking aerial photographs of the beautiful landscapes. www.salmonair.com

Where to Stay:
Best Western Moab www.bestwesternmoab.com
Red Cliffs Lodge www.redcliffslodge.com
Sorrel River Ranch www.sorrelriver.com

I’ve always dreamed that at some point in my life I’d earn enough to purchase my own plantation. I’ve grown up in an area where these majestic homes have intrigued residents and visitors with the stories of the families who lived and died in these white mansions. Some of the stories are about history while other stories have an air of sadness, be it the infant who died of a fever or the slave mother who had her children torn away from her bosom. A few are even haunted or sit as an abandoned shell.

One such soul who had the means to purchase his dream plantation is Louisiana renaissance man, Kevin Kelly. He took an old sugar palace and restored her to the crowning glory that is Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. I’ve been lucky enough to be the recipient of Mr. Kelly’s hospitality many times over and each time we visit I learn a little bit more about his passion for Louisiana and the hopes he has for the restoration of tourism to the area.

A few months ago, when ThemeParkMom came for a visit to Baton Rouge, I wanted to show her the beauty of the place where I live. Of course, we had to make a stop at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens for a tour and an unexpected lunch with Mr. Kelly. Then, just yesterday a visitor from Chicago mentioned that he wanted to see a plantation on his drive from Lake Charles to New Orleans, but only had time for one home. The first place that came to mind if anyone had to choose just one Louisiana plantation tour is Houmas House.

I thought I’d share with you what makes a tour of Houmas House Plantation and Gardens feel special for me so that you can do the same. Be sure to watch the film in the gift shop before stepping out into the gardens.

The Gardens: All visitors go through the entrance which is located in the gift shop. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to mosey (not walk) through the flower-lined paths and around the pond. There is even a secret garden that meanders off the paved walkway. It is shaded and mysterious, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. As you reach the paved walkway again, be sure to take a few moments to behold the home from a distance. This is a fantastic photo spot and is also the site of many outdoor weddings on the grounds. Before you reach the other side of the house, take a stop at The Turtle Bar.

The Turtle Bar: I always start the rest of my tour with a mimosa from The Turtle Bar. Don’t worry if you don’t feel like imbibing in libations, you should step inside for a look anyway. The Turtle Bar is in a garconniere, which is where young single men were housed. It wasn’t proper to have single men and women sleeping in the same building during that era. This is also one of the few remaining (of not only one) still standing. Feel free to look around at the turtle shells hanging along the walls and even the stained glass windows hanging above the back door. Be sure to ask the bartender about the stained glass. Browse around until you hear the bell ring, then you know it’s time for your tour to begin.

The House: I love this tour because each time I go back I notice something different. There are no ropes blocking you from a room, nor signs telling you to stay off a priceless antique (but still have a care and respect the items). Mr. Kelly mentioned in one of our many conversations that when he was a little boy he hated taking tours of homes with rooms blocked off. It was then that he vowed to have a plantation where everything was accessible. Pictures can be taken downstairs but you can’t take any upstairs. Mr. Kelly actually lives in the home. Plus, there are some strangely cool items that just can’t be photographed – such as the vampire hunter kit. Don’t even try to take a picture of it because trust me, it won’t turn out.

The Food: After a tour, you’ll be hungry and there aren’t really too many places to choose from along the River Road. Also, you’d be silly to miss lunch at Cafe Burnside at Houmas House. My favorite dish is the crawfish pumpkin curry bisque. Chef Jeremy Langlois is one of the secrets of this place. His recipes are truly tempting and are tops on my list of best meals I’ve ever eaten. Did I mention he makes a mean risotto at Latil’s Landing, the fine dining restaurant? Plus, the wine cellar (ahem, garconierre) is to die for and has an extensive collection of bottles from all over the world. Be sure to call and make sure the restaurant is open and make reservations if dining in the evening.

As you can tell, I really enjoy Houmas House Plantation and Gardens and feel confident that should you find yourself in the area, you won’t be disappointed by visiting this property. A tour runs $20US and is well worth the price of admission. Now that the flowers are in bloom, I just may find myself driving back out there for another tour. I know I won’t be alone, though, as during a recent lunch with Mr. Kelly, numerous visitors came up to him telling them that they were visiting for a second time.

Staying near the French Quarter and don’t have your own transportation for this Louisiana planation tour? Old South Tours offers a package that includes a visit to Houmas House.

Have you ever considered Baton Rouge, LA as a romantic destination? I’ve lived in this area my entire life and a romantic getaway so close to home just wasn’t something I’d ever really thought about. During Mardi Gras season, my husband and I had a chance to experience downtown Baton Rouge with a night at the Hilton Capitol Center Baton Rouge for a soiree. I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised (as was hubby) at just how romantic an evening away from the house, even in our local area, could be.

For years I watched the building now known as The Hilton Capitol Center experience extensive renovations. It used to be the old Heidelberg Hotel and the next door Capitol House, both which were vacant for decades. The Heidelberg was a favorite of former Louisiana Governor Huey “The Kingfish” Long and was even considered the governor’s mansion while the new mansion was being constructed.

The Hilton Capitol Center is centrally located in downtown Baton Rouge within walking distance of attractions, various restaurants, and the vibrant downtown nightlife. Valet parking is available and couples can drive right up to the front door for assistance. Check in was a breeze and I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by the elegant Art Deco era design. Our room was divine with the Art Deco theme continuing throughout the property and a balcony overlooking the Mississippi River.

My husband and I really enjoyed our Baton Rouge romantic getaway and wish we would’ve stayed a second night. TravelingMamas.com and The Hilton Capitol Center wants you to have a similar experience and find romance in Red Stick (Baton Rouge, LA). The Hilton Capitol Center is offering a chance to win two nights with dinner at their property. How can you enter this romantic getaway giveaway?

The Prize: 2 nights lodging at Hilton Capitol Center Baton Rouge, LA and dinner at Kingfish Restaurant. (Standard room type, based upon availability, blackout dates apply. Maximum value of dinner is $100.)

Three Ways to Enter:

1. Check out Baton Rouge’s Official Visitor Site and/or VisitSouth Baton Rouge site (me) and browse around. Leave a comment on this post telling us what else you’d do while you’re on your romantic weekend.
2. Become a Facebook Fan of the Hilton Capitol Center Baton Rouge and come back here to leave a separate comment letting us know you’re a fan (winner must be a valid FB Fan to claim prize).
3. Tweet this contest and be sure to use the hashtag #RedStickRocks. Come back here and leave a separate comment letting us know you tweeted about the giveaway.

That’s it! Contest does not include transportation to Baton Rouge, LA but is open worldwide. Contestants must be 21 years of age or older. Contest ends April 6, 2010 at 11:59 CST. Randomly chosen winner (via Random.org) will be announced sometime on April 7 and notified by email. Winner will have three days to response with prize acceptance or prize will be forfeit and awarded to another entrant.

Special thanks to Hilton Capitol Center Baton Rouge for providing this giveaway.

Winner Update: Congrats to commenter 52 Trish who commented that she and her hubby would like to check out the Louisiana State Museum during their visit. Winning number generated on Random.org. Entries submitted after contest closing were ineligible.

I’ve always been reluctant to cruise, but when Princess Cruises invited me to experience a cruise with a guest of my choosing for a Twitter press trip, it turned into the perfect opportunity to enjoy a romantic week with my husband. After all, Princess Cruises IS The Love Boat!

This was the first cruise for both of us and also our first romantic getaway in years. We were giddy with excitement as we chose our excursions and packed accordingly. We not only had to pack for ourselves, but we had to make sure the kids were prepared for a week with their grandparents. We took off on a flight to Ft. Lauderdale and our escape plan aboard the Crown Princess was implemented.

We boarded the Crown Princess and were shown directly to our stateroom, a mini-balcony suite. We met our cabin steward, Ed, who promptly delivered a glass of Champagne to each of us. Hubby and I enjoyed the fresh air on our balcony and toasted the start of our romantic getaway and discussed our first impression of stepping aboard the ship.

Passengers aboard the Crown Princess are welcomed in the Crown Plaza, a spacious Italian piazza style atrium that is the center of onboard activity throughout the cruise. The ship can accommodate over 3,000 passengers with 900 staterooms offering private balconies.

Stateroom: We enjoyed a mini balcony suite which included a separate sitting area with sleeper sofa, two televisions, a very comfortable queen-size bed, bathroom with tub/shower and a spacious balcony with seating for four. These mini-suites are approximately 323 square feet (including the balcony) and offer extra amenities such as in-room refridgerator and welcome Champagne. Suite occupants are also allowed exclusive use of Sabatini’s Restaurant for breakfast. A fresh flower arrangement decorated our room as a welcome and each afternoon we were treated to canapes and Twitter-themed treats. Tip: Be sure to take advantage of a romantic evening meal on your balcony ($50 per person).

Dining: There are a variety of dining options, including Traditional dining at Boticelli’s, Anytime dining at Michaelangelo and Da Vinci, Specialty dining (cover charge) at Sabatini’s, Crown Grill (steak and seafood) and balcony dining , as well as casual dining at many of the other places located around the ship. On one evening, we experience dining at the Chef’s Table, which includes a tour of the galley complete with appetizers and Champagne followed by a multi-course outstanding culinary experience ($75 per person). Tip: If you like soft drinks, purchase a soft drink card at the start of the cruise and get unlimited colas for around $4 per day.

Activities: We explored the ship and hubby was excited to discover a nine-hole putting course and virtual golf simulator. During our time at sea, he entered a golf tournament, ping-pong tournament, and bingo tournament. Each evening at turndown, Ed placed a copy of the Princess Patter which listed the following day’s activities. Tip: Bring a highlighter to mark activities of interest.

Entertainment: The Princess Theater offers Las Vegas style performances with lots of music and dancing. There are also many other entertainment venues and bars located throughout the ship. We preferred an evening of Movies Under the Stars (MUTS) where we lounged in poolside chairs snuggled up together under blankets provided by the ship. Movie candy and popcorn is served, along with a variety of movies throughout the cruise. Tip: Smokers can light up in Speakeasy Cigar Bar.

For the Kids: I did a walkabout of the children’s activity areas just in case I wanted to cruise aboard the Crown Princess at a future date with kids in tow. Activities are age appropriate with three age groups: Princess Pelicans (3-7), Shockwaves (8-12) and Remix (13-17). The youth and teen center has its own game room and movie room along with their own pool. I was more interested in the tween and teen areas which looked like pretty cool hangouts. Tip: Parents can take advantage of kid activity time to catch a spa treatment or other activity.

My Favorite Things: I loved the aspect of visiting different places and still sleeping in the same bed at night. I enjoyed eating at a restaurant and not having to pay a bill or drive home. I LOVED the couple’s massage at the Lotus Spa and laughed with the masseuse girls when my husband started snoring during his treatment. Most of all, I really enjoyed those morning cups of coffee with my husband as we gazed out at the ocean and realized we had escaped completely on our romantic cruise aboard the Crown Princess.

Our trip was hosted by Princess Cruises and would cost a consumer approximately $3900 in total to experience the same amenities, excursions, and all the extras that we enjoyed on the this trip, including airfare to Ft. Lauderdale. This is equivalent to to a week at a high-end all inclusive resort except you have the added benefit of visiting four destinations instead of one. I would recommend this experience for a honeymoon, milestone anniversary, or any special time for a couple to reconnect. Check out Princess Cruises Department of Romance for more ideas on how to enjoy a romantic escape.

Located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria offers a taste of how life used to be. This charming and intimate town offers the perfect location for a romantic getaway. Its strong British influence is all things romantic with its gardens, afternoon tea and antique shops. Victoria also offers golf for those in search of the greens, award winning restaurants and art galleries galore. Surprisingly, its nightlife is alive all year round.

Many visitors know of The Fairmont Empress Hotel and its Tea Lobby. This is a well-known attraction, but since I didn’t actually experience either this particular property or their tea, I can’t give you any advice. I did however, enjoy the art, shopping, gardens and other romantic places that are available in this entertaining and well kept city. The Fairmont is gorgeous and definitely a place I’d like to check out if I get a chance to return.

Lodging – The Magnolia Hotel and Spa is centrally located within walking distance to many attractions in the area. It offers an onsite Aveda Concept Salon and is within walking distance to many shops. This lodging offers amenities that other hotels should take note of. The rooms are English décor with nightly turndown service and the best bathroom amenities I have ever encountered. It was a relaxing retreat after my journey and helped to calm the mind in a delicate, yet sensuous way. The baths offer separate tub and shower combos, complete with Aveda bath products, bath tablets to soften the skin, and many other personal items. It was a pleasure to enjoy such lodgings. Don’t tell, but I snuck by the maid cart and swiped a few extra bath tablets!
http://magnoliahotel.com

Spa – The onsite spa is where I experienced a delightful and most relaxing facial. The atmosphere of the spa was quiet and calming with a sense of peace. I received not only care for my face, but also an arm and leg massage. The Spa Magnolia is a restful and peaceful setting in which guests are pampered and catered to and every detail matters.

Flowers -  For those romantics wishing to go out into the world of Victoria, The Butchart Gardens offer packages where couples fly into the property on a float plane to enjoy the magical gardens and afternoon tea or a romantic dinner. A limousine can be arranged to return the lovers to the Magnolia Hotel. I took a stroll through the gardens and gasped when I walked near the edge of one certain area and ended up exploring a place that made me think I was in Rivendale.
http://butchartgardens.com

Wine – Another spot for romantics is Marley Farms which now offers picnics in its vineyards for those wishing to sample a bottle of its wonderful fruit wines. Couples can also venture into Oak Bay for antiquing and art galleries while enjoying a meal at the Penning Farthing Pub.
http://marleyfarm.ca

Victoria, BC is a must-see destination for romantics of all levels. For more information, visit http://tourismvictoria.com.

Wine tourism has become a popular aspect of almost any destination. In fact, it isn’t just a pastime for the wealthy anymore. Moms just like me are learning about color, bouquet, and taste, all while taking some time for themselves and learning how to choose affordable wines to serve when entertaining.

The TwitterMoms Wine Club hosts online tastings each month. A bottle is selected and participants from all over the world taste and discuss the wine, sharing notes through Twitter. There is also another event that is popular, Twitter Taste Live.

I’m fortunate that as a travel writer, I am given opportunities to tour vineyards and wineries, learn the stories of how vintners got interested in wine, and of course sample some interesting and flavorful wines.

But, wine tasting isn’t limited to online events or special occasions. You can broaden your wine knowledge by hosting a tasting with your neighbors, finding wineries during your travels, or just opening a new bottle on a Saturday afternoon.

Please share your stories of wine tasting or travel to a winery. Whether you visit Napa, Solvang, or even Disney World, we want to know about it. If you toured an Inn and enjoyed some great dinner pairings on a romantic getaway, please share. Even if you have tips for someone’s first wine tasting or if you just want to tell us about awesome wine expert, Natalie MacLean.

Please leave a relevant link to the specific post/story or it will be deleted.

Bell Buckle, TN is a charming little town set amidst the Tennessee Walking Horse farm area. I visited there while antique shopping with my family and found some great bargains, as well as nostalgia. It makes a great stop for families, couples, or travelers just wanting to explore.

The main building of Bell Buckle’s antique district was purchased for $750. This included all of the contents, which were WWII era. The owner, Mr. Phillips, refurbished the building and opened Phillips General Store and Antiques. The General Store offers antiques and gifts, but if you look above, the orginal items that were in the store hang as a memorial to a bygone time, where women wore dresses and men dressed up to go to “town”. Around the corner is Bluebird Antiques and Ice Cream Parlor that offers homemade fudge by the pound and hand-dipped ice cream in delicious waffle cones. They are all served up at the original ice cream and soda counter. An interesting fact about the place: the Ice Cream Parlor was voted Tennessee’s Ice Cream Shop of the Year. They also offer a special flavor, White Chocolate Raspberry that is made just for the shop.

I walked through downtown and admired the handmade crafts and the Southern Hospitality. I even went into the Bell Buckle Antique Mall and found out that it is owned and operated by the mayor at the time.

The kids were getting hungry, so we stopped in at the Bell Buckle Cafe to get some lunch. Every Friday and Saturday evening they offer live music with no admission charge and Thursday is songwriters’ night. This is where some of the great country music artists get their start. The ostrich burger and white chili was pretty good too. Get there early if you want a table on the weekends.

Bell Buckle was a charming weekend retreat and I am planning on visiting again to do some shopping. I may even visit for one of the annual festivals that they celebrate.

Festivals

March – Daffodil Day Celebration of Spring and Arbor Day
May - Mayfest Outdoor Tribute to Music Motorcycle Day
June – RC and MoonPie Festival A Celebration of one of the South’s Finest Traditions, Moonpies and an RC Cola
September – Quilt Walk A Walking tour of Bell Buckle. View a display of quilts at churches and in homes
October – Webb School Art and Craft Festival The #1 Arts and Crafts Show in Tennessee
December – Christmas in Bell Buckle Lights and old-fashioned wreaths decorate the town.

Where to Stay

Mingle House Bed and Breakfast – A Victorian house that serves up a coutry-style breakfast. 931.389.9453 (recent traveler has slideshow available)  No longer open.

Arrowlet Bed and Breakfast - Located 2 blocks from the Antique District.

The Cumberland House – A new, upscale Bed and Breakfast on Cumberland Street. 931.389.9223 (couldn’t find web listing)

Main Street Inn – Located in Wartrace, TN this B&B has a fantastic breakfast.

How to Get There

Interstate I-24
Exit 97, between Murfreesboro and
Manchester, Hwy 64 to Hwy 82

Interstate 40
Near Lebanon, I-840 to I-24 to
Hwy 231 to Shelbyville, to Hwy 82

Interstate 65
Exit at Cornersville to Lewisburg,
to Shelbyville, to Hwy 231 to Hwy 82

If you can’t get enough of the area, you can visit nearby Shelbyville, TN or Lynchburg, TN. Lynchburg is the home of the famous Jack Daniels Distillery. Bell Buckle also makes a great family day trip from Nashville, TN or Huntsville, AL areas. For more information, visit the Bell Buckle Chamber Website.