Pigeon River Discovery Center Hosts a Presentation AboutPresident Carter’s 1986 Grouse Hunting Trip to Northern Michigan with retired PRC Unit Manager Ned Caveney
Thursday, August 14 – 7-9 pm – Pigeon River Discovery Center, Vanderbilt
As part of its 2025 Community Event Series, the Pigeon River Discovery Center is proud to welcome retired PRC Unit Manager Ned Caveny, who will share his story about the autumn 1986 grouse hunting trip with Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. The free presentation will take place from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, at the Pigeon River Discovery Center, 9984 Twin Lakes Rd, Vanderbilt.
Caveney began working for the Michigan DNR in 1966 and was hired in 1974 as the first area forester of the Pigeon River Country State Forest. He had been grouse hunting in the area since his years as a forestry student at Michigan State University. Ned’s extensive knowledge of the local landscape made him the perfect person to lead Carter and fellow hunters, including Michigan-born MSU alumnus Jack Crockford, who was a friend of Ned’s who also worked for the Georgia Game and Fish Commission during Carter’s time as president.
It was a common interest in hunting that brought these men (and a handful of others, including the Secret Service) to the Pigeon River Country in search of the elusive ruffed grouse.
During this visual presentation, attendees will hear first-hand from Ned about the experience and the chain of events that led the President to northern Michigan where he bagged his first grouse.
The Set-Jetting explosion in the travel industry blends the magic of the silver screen with the glamor of international exploration, letting travelers immerse themselves in the real-world locations of their favorite movies and TV shows. For those who want to indulge, luxury travel company Zicasso offers carefully crafted extraordinary itineraries designed to transport travelers into these cinematic landscapes.
Group giraffe in National Park of Kenya, Africa. Photo courtesy Vyacheslav Argenberg
From the historic paths of Italy and Malta, where Gladiator II will unfold, to the lush islands of the South Pacific seen in Moana 2, the dramatic landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities from Mufasa: The Lion King, and the spiritual depth of Thailand as depicted in The White Lotus Season 3, Zicasso’s tailored itineraries offer an immersive travel experience that’s as captivating as the stories on screen.
Here’s a glimpse into what these luxury set-jetting tours offer:
Gladiator II (Release Date: November 22, 2024): Walk the Path of a Gladiator in Italy and Malta
Beata Vergine del Rosario (Pompei) – Dome Interior. Photo courtesy of Livioandronico2013
Relive the epic drama of ancient Rome with a personalized journey through Italy and Malta. Explore the majestic Colosseum in Rome, the awe-inspiring ruins of Pompeii, and the historic forts in Malta where key scenes from the Gladiator series were filmed. This itinerary offers a blend of historical immersion and cinematic wonder. Priced starting at $6,600 per person.
Moana 2 (Release Date: November 27, 2024): Discover the Mystical Islands of the South Pacific
Channel the spirit of adventure on a once-in-a-lifetime trip across New Zealand, Samoa, and Tahiti, the stunning backdrops for Moana 2. Dive into the turquoise waters, explore hidden beaches, and connect with the rich Polynesian culture that breathes life into the Moana universe. Ideal for families and adventure seekers alike, this itinerary combines natural beauty with cultural discovery. Priced starting at $6,900 per person.
Step into the majestic world of Africa’s wilderness with this The Lion King-inspired safari across Kenya and Tanzania, the iconic settings for the upcoming movie Mufasa: The Lion King. This family-friendly safari takes travelers through the Serengeti and Masai Mara, where breathtaking landscapes mirror the scenes from the beloved film. Experience the thrill of seeing lions, elephants, and other wildlife in their natural habitat while learning about local conservation efforts and Maasai culture. Priced starting at $9,800 per person.
The White Lotus Season 3 (Release Date: 2025): Explore Thailand’s Spiritual Essence
Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Photo courtesy of Stefan Fussan.
Inspired by the themes of life, death, and human experience from The White Lotus Season 3, this 12-day luxury tour of Thailand goes beyond the lush shooting locations to dive deep into the country’s rich spiritual and cultural fabric. From receiving a monk’s blessing in Chiang Mai to dining in treetop salas on the serene shores of Koh Samui, this journey offers an opulent experience, filled with reflection and rejuvenation. Priced starting at $9,100 per person.
Each of these itineraries can be fully customized, ensuring that every traveler gets an unforgettable, personalized experience. Zicasso’s in-country specialists are proud to create one-of-a-kind adventures that are tailored to the tastes and interests of discerning travelers who crave both luxury and authenticity.
The Italian region of Emilia Romagna is hosing the Grand Départ of the 111th edition of the Tour de France 2024 on June 29, 2024, for the first time ever.
The first three stages of the iconic cycling race will travel through the breathtaking region of Emilia Romagna, marking the first time in its history that the Tour de France is starting on Italian soil. Beginning in Florence on June 29, 2024, the race promises an unforgettable
experience as it traverses through the scenic landscapes and historic cities of Emilia Romagna.
Stage #1: Florence – Rimini (206 km, 3800 meters of altitude difference)
The first stage sets off from Florence, leading cyclists through a challenging route that crosses the Apennines. This 206 km stage with 3800 meters of altitude difference features
picturesque locations such as Premilcuore, Strada San Zeno, Pianetto, Santa Sofia, San Piero in Bagno, Quarto, Sarsina, Mercato Saraceno, Perticara, Novafeltria, the City of San Marino (RSM), and Cerasolo, culminating in an exhilarating sprint along the Rimini seafront.
Stage #2: Cesenatico – Bologna (200 km)
The second stage starts in the renowned cycling hub of Cesenatico in Emilia Romagna. The route includes several notable Emilia Romagna cities: Cervia, Milano Marittima, Savio, Classe, Ravenna, San Michele,Godo, Russi, Mezzeno, Faenza, Errano, Rontana, Riolo Terme, Ponticelli, Imola, Toscanella, Castel San Pietro Terme, Ozzano dell’Emilia, San Lazzaro di Savena,
Pianoro, and Casalecchio di Reno. The final circuit in Bologna includes a grueling climb on the San Luca hill, promising a thrilling finish.
Stage #3: Piacenza –Turin (225 km)
The third stage, spanning 225 km, begins in Piacenza, Emilia Romagna, and takes riders across the heart of the Po Valley. This mostly flat route borrows some roads from the spring classic
“Milan-Sanremo” and crosses into Lombardy and Piedmont.
The Grand Départ in Emilia Romagna is not just a sporting event but an extraordinary spectacle that crosses 38 locations in the region. Known for its deep-rooted cycling traditions, Emilia Romagna will witness a significant media impact and a surge in related activities. Over 200
TV channels worldwide will broadcast the event, with an estimated 1.8 million spectators along the route between Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont. The influx of visitors is expected to generate over 300,000 hotel stays during the three stages, contributing to an economic impact exceeding 120 million euros.
Emilia Romagna, already recognized as a top cycling destination, will soon add the prestigious title of Tour de France destination to its list of accolades.
For travelers who are inspired by the Tour de France coverage during these first three stages, here are five cycling experiences to try during a future visit to Emilia Romagna:1. CiClovia del Santerno (All levels)
Located in the Imola area, this 44-km route connects Mordano and Castel del Rio, offering a picturesque ride through the Santerno River Valley.
2. Via della Lana e della Seta MTB (Experienced cyclists)
This 130-km route between Bologna and Prato immerses cyclists in the history and beauty of the Tuscan Emilian Apennines.
3. Romagna Toscana Cycling Route (Medium)
A 126-km path linking Bagno di Romagna and
4. Ciclovia sulle tracce degli Etruschi (Mountain biking)
A trail that combines natural and historical beauty, tracing the footsteps of the ancient Etruscans across Emilia Romagna.
5. Dante’s Cycle Path (Experienced cyclists)
A 252.6-km route that celebrates Dante’s heritage, connecting Ravenna with picturesque villages and stunning vistas.
How to get there:
Emilia Romagna Region is in the North of Italy, just over the Appenine Mountains from Tuscany, with a number of airlines connecting Bologna to the rest of the world.
More info on: https://emiliaromagnaturismo.it/en
For additional information on the Grand Depart in Emilia Romagna, please visit:
A series of huttes or huts tucked away on hiking trails in the mountains of Switzerland offer a “cool” summer escape. In Switzerland, where 60% of the landscape is covered in Alpine splendor, huts and hiking are an unbeatable combination offering fresh, clean, and crisp air, panoramic views, and a break from life’s daily stresses. It’s all part of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC).
Founded in 1863, the club now has over 150,000 members, making it Switzerland’s largest mountaineering club and one of its biggest sports associations. The club’s goals include: promoting mountain sports, protecting and sustainably developing the Alpine region, practicing mountaineering responsibly, and making the mountains accessible to the public at a low cost.
With sustaining the natural environment a top priority, the SAC’s huts are designed to a be a leader in developing centers of sustainability. The goal of SAC’s new climate initiative is to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2040 by employing renovations that rely on renewable energy sources such as solar panels and photovoltaic systems.
SAC’s Huts fits in well with one of Switzerland’s most popular leisure activities–hiking. So lace up those boots and get your camera ready for a unique summer adventure.
Monte Rosa Hut (SAC)
The Monte Rosa hut, known as the “Highttech hut” with its special shape and silver aluminum shell, accommodates up to 120 guests in a sustainable way, as it generates over 90% of its own energy. With an advanced energy management system from ETH Zurich (Technology University of Zurich) and innovative water filtration, it is a symbol of innovation in the mountains. Nevertheless, it retains its cozy charm and serves authentic Valais and Swiss cuisine on its terrace with breathtaking views of the mountains.
An overnight stay in the wild and romantic Val Cluozza is an unforgettable experience. The recently renovated Chamanna Cluozza is the only managed hut located in the heart of the Swiss National Park, the oldest national park in the Alps and a UNESCO biosphere reserve at 6,180 feet above sea level. It is open from mid-June to mid-October and offers hikers simple but sustainable accommodation with 61 beds, 34 of which are in a dormitory and 27 in rooms.
The Tracuit Hut, nestled on the edge of the Turtmann Glacier, stands among the highest SAC huts. Its sunny dining area offers views of towering 13,000-foot peaks, while cozy sleeping quarters ensure restful nights. With last year’s webcam installation, visitors can conveniently monitor the breathtaking mountain scenery and trail conditions from the comfort of their kitchen or sofa, aiding in tour planning.
Alternatively, it offers a chance to experience the alpine world for those hesitant about the long, demanding ascent to the hut, which demands alpine skills.
The Swisstainable-certified Jenatschhütte is the highest SAC hut in Graubünden and serves as a stage destination on the “Bernina Trek” in summer. Mountain enthusiasts, climbers and mountain bikers appreciate the peace and seclusion in Val Bever between the Julier and Albula Passes as well as the unique hut atmosphere. A highlight of the hut, situated at 8,701 feet above sea level, is the sauna.
While the cuisine offers regional specialties such as pizzoccheri, polenta and maluns, and the hut cellar stocks fine wines from the Bündner Herrschaft and Italy.
Nidwalden leads the way with its 40 cable cars, including 26 Buiräbähnli, and offers a range of transportation facilities that is hard to beat. These cable cars criss-cross the Alps and provide access to the most beautiful places in the Engelberg Valley. Ready for nostalgia, adventure and breathtaking views?
The Buiräbähnli Safari with its 8 rustic cable cars around Engelberg is waiting to be discovered and offers a unique hiking experience. The entire route spans 28 miles with over 12,000 feet in elevation and is perfect for a multi-day hike.
The Glacier Bike Tour, a new offering in Swiss bike tourism, stretches 230 miles from St. Moritz via Andermatt to Zermatt, covering a total of 31,000 feet in altitude. The route is divided into ten stages and combines gravel, asphalt and easy trails, making it ideal for 3 to 4 hour rides that combine physical activity with cultural exploration. Highlights include the beautiful town of St. Moritz, the Matterhorn, picturesque villages and breathtaking Alpine landscapes in three Swiss cantons.
For more information about Switzerland travels, click here.
Overnight stays at the huts are popular, especially in the high season and at weekends. It is therefore strongly recommended that you reserve your bed well in advance by phone, email or simply via the online reservation system.
These Southern Destinations Welcome Guests of the Human and Insect Varieties
Now that fall has officially arrived, there’s plenty of chatter about the amazing hues of the season. But leaves aren’t the only colorful, fluttering signs of autumn; there are also plenty of migrating birds and butterflies in the air right now, and it’s that second group that we want to focus on today. Though National Butterfly Day is on March 14, we’re choosing to celebrate these fascinating creatures today, as many of them are making their way south toward Mexico. Here’s a roundup of places where you can see an abundance of butterflies right now … or even all year round. If any of this inspires YOU to migrate to any of the featured destinations, please check in with us for more information!
Every fall, butterflies descend upon coastal Alabama as they fly from Canada down the East Coast and to the Gulf of Mexico. Though visitors to this region can see species that include the common buckeye, Gulf fritillary and viceroy, they’re especially drawn here by the prospect of seeing an astounding number of monarch butterflies. By mid-October, hundreds of the orange-and-black butterflies can be spotted along Pine Beach Trail, where they stop for a snack before they continue their flight to Mexico. But they’re not the only colorful critters in the refuge. Countless songbirds have been arriving during the past few weeks and their presence will likely peak in mid-October. As a bonus, the fall wildflowers ensure that while the winged creatures keep the skies and trees ablaze with color, the ground offers an equally dazzling display.
This luxury hotel in coastal Alabama has been welcoming human guests since 1847 … and butterflies since long before that. The hotel acts as an official waystation for the species, serving as a temporary home to hundreds of monarchs that pause on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay so they can rest and feed, building their strength for the final leg of their journey. Since the monarch has been placed on the endangered species list, the resort’s horticulture team is committed to helping butterflies survive and thrive. They’ve dedicated a portion of one of the hotel’s gardens to plants that are especially appealing to the species, including milkweed, verbena, lemongrass and oregano. The monarchs arrive in Alabama in great flocks during the month of October, and guests who stay at the Grand Hotel during this time report hearing the hum of thousands of tiny flapping wings. Besides watching the butterflies around the property, guests can buy monarch merchandise and butterfly-shaped cookies in the Oak & Azalea gift shop. New this year, during the month of October, registered guests can also head to the hotel’s daily “Grandeur, Grit and Glory” celebration at 3:45 p.m. to get a sip of “Monarch Nectar,” a mixture of fresh lemonade, orange juice and butterfly pea flower pollen.
Situated in southeastern Louisiana, right along the Gulf of Mexico, Lafourche Parish – aka “Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou” – is a haven for all kinds of migrating species, from birds to butterflies, and the best place to see them is by the elevated boardwalk in Lockport. It opened in 2015 as a way for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the parish by allowing them to literally enter a swamp for a safe and up-close look at flora and fauna. The 440-foot boardwalk is open daily from dawn to dusk and attracts birdwatchers and photographers from all over the world. Countless species of butterflies can be spotted here, too, from March through May and again from August until early October. As a bonus for visitors who come to see the butterflies on their fall migration, there’s also a chance to see bald eagles in October.
Popularly known as “The Northshore,” St. Tammany Parish is in the southeastern corner of Louisiana and just a short drive from New Orleans. But it feels worlds apart, especially in the parks and preserves and along the trails that remind you that Mother Nature reigns supreme here. Northlake Nature Center is a 400-acre preserve on Bayou Castine, in the town of Mandeville. Visitors come here to hike along trails that take them through forests and wetlands as they search for glimpses of interesting plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects … including several species of butterfly.
The Butterfly Palace in Branson, Mo. on Sept. 16, 2017. Photo by Brad Zweerink
If you can’t make it to the Gulf Coast this fall, no worries …we know a place where you can see butterflies all year round. Families who visit the Ozark Mountain town of Branson can find plenty of fun and adventure in the Great Outdoors, from ziplining to riding roller coasters. But for those days when it’s rainy or chilly, The Butterfly Palace brings nature inside a large dome that offers a rainforest-style adventure you wouldn’t expect to find in a mountain town. The Butterly Palace is home to more than 1,000 live butterflies imported from locales around the world.
Time your visit right and you can even help release a newly emerged butterfly into the makeshift rainforest. Guests are encouraged to dress in red – the color that most attracts the 40 to 60 species of butterfly – and everyone receives a bright red silk flower with a nectar tube in it as they enter the aviary. Walk through and just wait for the butterflies to land on the flower … or you (they tickle!). Guests are issued wrist bands that are good for three days, allowing them to come and go each day for a truly uplifting adventure.
This unique cave is toured via boat, but a visit to the site doesn’t just include time underground. There’s plenty of nature to explore aboveground, too … including the Charlie Miller Butterfly Habitat. But you’ll have to put this on your to-do list for 2024, as the habitat only operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This indoor garden is filled with native nectar plants and is home to butterfly species like monarchs, painted ladies and giant swallowtails. As a special treat, visitors can learn how to create their own butterfly gardens at home so they can enjoy butterflies in their backyard.
We’d be remiss to talk about butterflies and not mention one of the creatures’ biggest fans, Dolly Parton. She’s loved them since she was a little girl growing up in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, and she tells stories of how she used to get in trouble because she wandered off while chasing them. She’s on record as saying that she feels drawn to butterflies because she admires their gentle nature and incredible beauty.
They have the freedom of flight but – unlike many other flying insects – don’t sting or bite, and she sees a lot of herself in those characteristics. In short, Dolly has claimed butterflies as her spirit animal, and fans can find them represented throughout Dollywood and its resorts. A butterfly appears as the “W” in the Dollywood logo, and the insect is incorporated into the décor of Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, in everything from the weave of the hallway carpet to ornaments on the property’s signature Christmas tree each holiday season. As the park celebrates its Harvest Festival, you can even find a giant butterfly made of carved pumpkins.
“You can take a hike in the winter and see all the cliff lines and other geologic formations from far distances due to the leafless forest landscape,” said Park Adventure Officer Coy Ainsley. “You have a better chance of getting a last-minute reservation in the lodge and cottages, can experience the park with less visitors and enjoy some warm-up time in front of the fire in the lodge lobby.”
Winter travel has its advantages. And if it snows?
“Carter Caves is a beautiful place under a blanket of snow,” said Ainsley.
Founded in 1946, Carter Caves State Resort Park is home to an expansive system of natural caves; in fact the Carter County region has the highest concentration of caves in Kentucky. And the park is one of only two in Kentucky’s state park system that has caves visitors can explore.
Play:
Follow the stone staircase into X-Cave and the Great Chandelier—the largest formation of stalactites in the cave. The 45-minute tour meanders through two narrow, vertical-joint passages marked with such descriptive formations as the Pipe Organ, Giant Turkey and Headache Rock, each a geologic marvel in its own right. Be prepared for 75 steps and to duck and stoop in different parts of the cave as well as inch sideways through some of X-Cave’s skinnier passages.
Scenic Cascade Cave offers a tour with its own arresting formations, including a dragon lunging from the ceiling in the Dragon’s Lair that looks like it is about to breathe fire. The hike is generally an easy one, in spite of the 250 stairs throughout the cave, and leads cavers to a reflecting pool in the Lake Room, the North Cave’s Cathedral and the Dance Hall—where a previous owner once held dances. The pièce de resistance? The illuminated 30-foot underground waterfall. The 75-minute tour covers a distance of less than a mile and, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a resident bat named Bruce.
Both Cascade Cave and X Cave are open year-round for guided tours with trained interpretive staff members who cover the history and geology of the caves as well as cave ecology. Dress for the weather as parts of both tours take place outside and cave temperatures can dip as low as 30 degrees.
Explore the caves, then head to the park’s beautiful, glass-fronted fieldstone lodge for some downtime, so inviting with rockers and overstuffed sofas and chairs. A wall of windows frames the landscape beyond, parts of it marked by cliffs and caves, arches and natural bridges. Relax by the fire in the lobby, play boardgames or binge on favorite shows. (Wireless Internet service is available throughout the lodge.)
Wintertime at the park is a quiet time of year, a chance to slow down and catch up with reading, photograph the park’s winter landscape, hike the trails to spy wildlife, stargaze the night sky and browse the gift shop for Kentucky handcrafted items.
Stay:
Some of the 28 rooms at Carter Caves’ Lewis Caveland Lodge have a private patio, opening to views of the winter woodlands. (Note: Lodge rooms are available Wednesday through Saturday night in winter.) Cottages are open year-round, as is the campground with its choice of primitive, RV and equestrian campsites.
Eat:
Kentucky State Parks pride itself on serving Kentucky Proud products and using local meats and produce when possible in dishes that showcase the region as well as Kentucky fare: fried catfish and hushpuppies, fried chicken, pinto beans, baked spaghetti, barbecue ribs, banana pudding.
One item that is synonymous with Kentucky cuisine and served at all Kentucky State Park lodge restaurants, including Tierney’s Cavern at Carter Caves, is the Hot Brown. Pure down-home deliciousness, this hearty dish is made with roasted turkey breast and country ham stacked on toast points and topped with crispy bacon and a juicy tomato slice and smothered in cheese sauce.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday and for breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Treat:
Carter Caves is less than a 25-minute drive to Morehead and two activities ideal of wintertime, both located at Morehead State University.
The Space Science Center’s 100-seat state-of-the-art digital planetarium offers full-dome planetarium movie feature shows at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month throughout the year and a 6:30 p.m. laser show. The shows are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets can be purchased at the door by cash or check. Note: credit cards are not accepted. See the schedule at www.moreheadstate.edu/events/#f1=star-theater.
At the Kentucky Folk Art Center, see works from a 1,400-piece permanent collection of self-taught art displayed in the first-floor gallery. In the second-floor gallery, changing exhibits show off folk art, fine art, textiles and photography. The gift shop is considered to be one of the finest in the region, with original folk art, crafts and jewelry as well as books, toys and other items. Learn more at www.moreheadstate.edu.
Read:
Susan Reigler’s The Complete Guide to Kentucky State Parkswas published in 2009, when there were 49 state parks and state historic sites (there are currently 45), but it remains a valuable guide and planning resource and one enhanced by beautiful full color photography.
For more information about planning a visit to Carter Caves State Resort Park or any of Kentucky’s 45 state parks, visit https://parks.ky.gov.
RECIPE
Kentucky State Parks’ Kentucky Hot Brown
Serves one.
Ingredients
2 slices white bread
1 1/2 oz sliced turkey
1 1/2 oz sliced country ham
1 C cheese sauce (see recipe below)
2 strips bacon
1/4 C shredded cheddar cheese
1 slice tomato
Hot Brown Cheese Sauce*
1 quart milk
2 oz melted butter
1/2 C flour
8 oz easy-melt American cheese
2 tsp chicken base
Melt butter and mix in flour. Add in 1 quart of milk and 2 teaspoons chicken base. Cook until thick. Add 8 ounces of easy-melt American cheese and blend until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
*NOTE: Prepare cheese sauce ahead. Sauce will make 5 to 6 Hot Browns.
Instructions
Cook bacon and drain. Toast bread and top with sliced turkey and ham. Cover with about 8 ounces of warm sauce. Top with sliced tomato. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Place bacon on sides. Bake in 350-degree oven till hot and cheese browned.
About Guest Blogger Kathy Witt
Award winning writer and author Kathy Witt is a member of SATW Society of American Travel Writers and the Authors Guild
Stage 
The Grand Départ in Emilia Romagna is not just a sporting event but an extraordinary spectacle that crosses 38 locations in the region. Known for its deep-rooted cycling traditions, Emilia Romagna will witness a significant media impact and a surge in related activities. Over 200
TV channels worldwide will broadcast the event, with an estimated 1.8 million spectators along the route between Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont. The influx of visitors is expected to generate over 300,000 hotel stays during the three stages, contributing to an economic impact exceeding 120 million euros.
Emilia Romagna, already recognized as a top cycling destination, will soon add the prestigious title of Tour de France destination to its list of accolades.
For travelers who are inspired by the Tour de France coverage during these first three stages, here are five cycling experiences to try during a future visit to Emilia Romagna:
1. 
