Bragabond
Been There, Done That...BRAG About It!
Have you been there and done that? Why not BRAG about it? Bragabond.Net is a website that allows you to share your travel experiences through stories, pictures and video. To submit your latest adventures, email us here. Please allow up to 24 hours for us to post your information.
SIDETRACKED: Roadside Message From God
This small, rural church in Tennessee takes advertising for God to a whole new level. Spotted on Highway 25E just outside Tazewell, the church is apparently trying to get across a couple different messages. One...that abortion is wrong...and two...that you better get right with God. The display is certainly an attention-getter.
The small white crosses are meant to symbolize the number of babies lost to abortion each year in the Tazewell area.
Not sure what they mean by "Our Churches." Maybe it's one church with two locations.
Interesting first impression.
Abortion sign.
VIDEO: Fall Creek Falls State Park
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PHOTO: Tower of the Americas - San Antonio, TX
When it comes to landmarks in San Antonio, Texas, the Tower of the Americas ranks second only behind The Alamo. Built as the theme structure for the 1968 World's Fair, the 750-foot tall tower provides panoramic views of the city and can be visited for a nominal fee. In addition to the observation deck is a restaurant, gift shop and a theater that continually shows a 4-D multi-sensory movie about the region. Combo passes are available for those who want to see the movie as well as experience the observation deck. The property is managed by Landry's Restaurants and open year-round.
REVIEW: Palms Retro - Atlantic Beach, FL
Book a room at the Palms Retro in Atlantic Beach, Florida and be prepared to enter a time warp. Beach Boys and old Elvis songs are played softly in the well-manicured courtyard, pink flamingos compliment the building's light blue walls, and each of the ten rooms has a pop culture theme from a bygone era. Choose from Frank, Sammy and Dino in the Rat Pack Room, Lucy and Barney Fife in the Tube Room or James Dean and Steve McQueen in the Bad Boys Room. Then you have the Divas. What could be better than having Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Brigette Bardot staring down at you as you sleep? You won't find rooms like these anywhere else. They're all bright, full of little "extras," and exceptionally clean. The owners bought the 60-year-old run-down motel at 28 Sherry Drive in early 2009 and transformed it into the coolest place to stay in all of North Florida. It's perfect for wedding parties, small groups, business travelers and couples looking for a quiet weekend getaway. The beach, nightlife, and a number of great restaurants are only a couple blocks away. Even if you don't leave the courtyard, you're guaranteed to have a good time at the Retro. Just kick back, relax and enjoy you're own little piece of the Florida good life. Click here to watch BRAGABOND.NET's VIDEO TOUR of the Palms Retro.
The Palms Retro was built more than 60 years ago and was in disrepair until early 2009 when the current owners purchased it and started fixing up the old motel. The entire property was given a total facelift, including these exterior walls that front the street. All the murals were done by local artists.
The Divas Room at the Palms Retro is light pink, but it's a favorite of both men and women. All the pictures of Marilyn could have something to do with it.
The bathroom inside the Divas Room is large with a stand-up shower. Marilyn and Jayne Mansfield adorn the walls.
The television cabinet with a photograph of Brigette Bardot in the background. All rooms come with a flat screen TV.
You won't find a phone or radio like these at the Hilton. The owners spent several months looking for just the right furniture and accessories for each of the nostalgic rooms.
Microwave, coffee maker and fridge. A book of Marilyn photographs sits on a table in front of the window.
Good night, Marilyn.
The rooms at the Palms Retro are laid out like a horseshoe, typical of many small tourist court motels of the time. The colors make it feel like old Florida.
Most guests enjoy their breakfast in the courtyard. There's also a breakfast room with a 50s diner theme.
Palm trees tower above the Divas Room and the Retro's courtyard.
TIP: Highway 111, Scenic Tennessee Highway
Taking backroads is the only way to travel. I'm convinced of that more than ever after our discovery this past weekend. On the way back from Fall Creek Falls in Middle Tennessee, we hopped on Highway 111 and headed south toward Chattanooga. Along the way was some spectacular scenery that we managed to take in, even if it was raining most of the time. I'd highly recommend this route if you're not in a hurry and looking for some unspoiled Tennessee roadside. Oh...and when did Tennessee get Runaway Truck Ramps??? Thought those were only out west. Saw them all the time when I lived in Arizona.
