Kimberly Riggle
Latest Reviews
Houchin Ferry Campground
This is not a frilly/glamping sort of place. I get the impression this campground is mostly used by through hikers, backpackers and folks canoeing or kayaking down the Green River and utilizing the portage at the old ferry site. That said, here are the pros and cons.
Pros: it is surrounded by nature and even though the town of Brownsville is a 3 minute drive out of the park, you can’t hear the through traffic and it doesn’t feel like you’re in or near town.
The camp sites all have a concrete picnic table that is a good size, and it’s nicer than wooden ones that tend to get grimy and all funky.
The camp ring is well maintained and big enough to maintain a good fire.
The spots are mostly flat, with a little bit of looking for the best spot on each site.
Each site has a view of the river even if it isn’t river front.
The property is well maintained, not a bunch of trash or debris.
Port o potties were cleaned on our third day there.
There are water spigots.
Now, the cons:
Each fire ring has a cook grate and that’s all well and good except they are at a severe angle and without a bit of manipulation, your food will either roll off, fall in between the wide bars or cook very unevenly, this was a huge con for me as I love cooking when I camp. Also, where they’re set up would make it difficult to sit around them if there are more than 2-3 chairs
There’s no way to easily fish at this spot, the banks are very elevated and it would take more effort than I was willing to put in.
The spots are small. You’re very close to your neighbors. You can hear their conversations even if they talk at a normal tone.
Overall, we were happy with our experience here. We enjoyed being by the river, it was private, the campground wasn’t full when we were visiting. We made use of the amenities, and appreciated the portable toilets were cleaned by the end of our trip. We would recommend this overall, just manage your expectations when it comes to space, shade, river access and the cooking abilities.
There is no playground, but there is a very nice picnic pavilion.
Pros: it is surrounded by nature and even though the town of Brownsville is a 3 minute drive out of the park, you can’t hear the through traffic and it doesn’t feel like you’re in or near town.
The camp sites all have a concrete picnic table that is a good size, and it’s nicer than wooden ones that tend to get grimy and all funky.
The camp ring is well maintained and big enough to maintain a good fire.
The spots are mostly flat, with a little bit of looking for the best spot on each site.
Each site has a view of the river even if it isn’t river front.
The property is well maintained, not a bunch of trash or debris.
Port o potties were cleaned on our third day there.
There are water spigots.
Now, the cons:
Each fire ring has a cook grate and that’s all well and good except they are at a severe angle and without a bit of manipulation, your food will either roll off, fall in between the wide bars or cook very unevenly, this was a huge con for me as I love cooking when I camp. Also, where they’re set up would make it difficult to sit around them if there are more than 2-3 chairs
There’s no way to easily fish at this spot, the banks are very elevated and it would take more effort than I was willing to put in.
The spots are small. You’re very close to your neighbors. You can hear their conversations even if they talk at a normal tone.
Overall, we were happy with our experience here. We enjoyed being by the river, it was private, the campground wasn’t full when we were visiting. We made use of the amenities, and appreciated the portable toilets were cleaned by the end of our trip. We would recommend this overall, just manage your expectations when it comes to space, shade, river access and the cooking abilities.
There is no playground, but there is a very nice picnic pavilion.
La Palma Cuban Restaurant and Bakery
What an absolute hidden gem! This is authentic Cuban cuisine, served cafeteria style at unbeatable prices. $12-$14 for an enormous plate of food, with chicken, beef, lamb, pork and other meats to choose from. The roasted chicken was a thigh/leg and it was so juicy and tender. The black rice was made just right and the black beans and yuca were both very good as well. Entirely too much for me to finish in even two meals. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a simple place with high quality authentic Cuban. Fast friendly service as well. Oh, and the Cuban coffee? To die for.
James White Fort Association
What a wonderful hidden gem. Highly recommend this stop for a nice overview of history here in Knoxville. Well maintained and Mr. McGinnis was very personable and knowledgeable about the history of the station. Nice little gift shop as well. We highly enjoyed our stop and would recommend it for anyone wanting to see some truly well preserved, well presented history.