Kids Love Tennessee: A Family Travel Guide to Exploring "Kid-Tested" Places in Tennessee...Year Round! [Paperback]

George Zavatsky (Author), Michele Zavatsky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2007 | Series: Kids Love Tennessee: A Family Travel Guide to Exploring Kid Tested

KIDS LOVE TENNESSEE lists and reviews hundreds of kid-tested attractions and events throughout the state. Besides all of the details (where, when), the book is best known for its easy-to-read reviews of what is most engaging about each site. And, you'll discover most of the book explores places besides major attractions. You won't find this information together in any other resource or on the internet. Great idea for unique, easy day trips or vacations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"You spent more than 1000 hours doing this research for us, that's really great - we just have to pick up the book and it's done!" -- NBC ANCHOR

"The great thing about these books is that your family actually lives these adventures" -- CBS ANCHOR

"Very helpful to lots of families when the kids say, I'm bored...and I don't want to go to the same places again!" -- CBS ANCHOR

From the Publisher

In Tennessee, explore places where you can "discover" pearls, ride the rails, or meet three Kings (of Rights, Rock & Soul). Be inspired listening to the rich traditions of Country music fame.

But, planning trips can be so frustrating ... especially when your kids seem bored and are begging for new ideas on something fun to do. Searching on the Internet takes so much time - especially if you're planning a short trip with family or friends. And, how can you decide which places are "kid-friendly" and a good value?

"Traveling with family & friends shouldn't be so hard. We wanted to make family time easy so, we researched and wrote this book" say parents/authors George and Michele Zavatsky. After 1000 hours of personally researching and kid-testing every corner of the state, they've put together exclusive hints on what kids like best in KIDS © TENNESSEE. Over 500 ideas for children ages 2-15. This book is part of series of best-selling regional travel guides for twelve states in the South, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.

Looking at the pictures in our book, see if you can find: · A Pearl Shell from the only freshwater pearl farm in the United States. · A Sack of Grain, Wool or Homemade Nail from Appalachian and Pioneer folks life. · Stand side-by-side a baker or a Basketball player, watch a carousel animal carved before your eyes or learn the secrets of making Guitars and mining Copper. · A Cherokee Alphabet or a Sam Houston schoolhouse Ruler. · View original Presidential belongings (White House china, a tailor's scissors, a Hermitage Puzzle, an Andrew Jackson doll, or a sword). · Go behind the scenes of famous recording studios or tour popular Ice Cream factories (hair net). · Want Action? Trolley, Duck boat (Quacker), cruise or walk past famous landmarks. Like Water? Boardwalk through a wetland habitat (look for beaver dams), find the Lost Sea, or hop, skip and steamboat (whistle) along the Mississippi. · Meet famous Bird Dogs or catch a chilling stare from a shark (up-close!). Pack your knapsack as you hike to find hidden waterfalls and gorges full of meandering Salamander or sightings of Black Bear. Ride the rails (Train) past old bridges and countrysides near old battlefields.

Of course, there are plenty of kid-friendly details on nationally known sites like Portland, Graceland (oh! A scarf from Elvis), the Grand Ole Opry, Dollywood, Davy Crockett's Birthplace, Christus Gardens (God is watching!), or places where war hurt (Sam Davis & Carter House).

If you're hungry, KIDS © TENNESSEE knows where to sample shortbread or beaten biscuits (kids can beat it 500 times), be an Old World bread taste-tester, or make Tennessee cheddar (Cow from dairy farm). The book will tell you how to eat your way through cornbread, strawberry and RC & Moon Pie festivals. Unusual theme restaurants include a train station serving yummy crackling cornbread or line-dancing at a saloon. Even eat on top of a rock. The book is organized in a number of helpful ways. Each chapter is one of 6 geographical zones providing prices, exclusive reviews, websites, etc. for every listing. Find "Favorites" listings, several indexes and suggested family-friendly lodging, too. Web searching? Wasting time? You won't find all of this information together anywhere else!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 223 pages
• Publisher: Kids Love Publications (April 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977443442
• ISBN-13: 978-0977443444
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #846,442 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #64 in Books > Travel > United States > States > Tennessee

More About the Author

Michele Z, the Family Travel Mom "travels for a living." She and her family have been to 5,000 places and 1,000 cities across the eastern half of the United States. They've written 16 books and have appeared on over 500 TV, radio & newspaper interviews. Michele loves to speak to dozens of groups each year where she personally shares stories with over 10,000 moms and dads every spring and summer.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Now in vogue...Daycationing...Economical Travel, April 26, 2011

By 

Family Travel Mom "the family travel mom" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kids Love Tennessee: A Family Travel Guide to Exploring "Kid-Tested" Places in Tennessee...Year Round! (Paperback)

SavvyHousewife.com says: It's amazing to me how many things there are to do as a family in my own home state. We haven't gone on a family vacation this year, but we've kept really busy with our girls doing fun family outings in Nashville.

Kids Love Tennessee travel guide for families review: It's filled with "kid-tested" destinations that are must see attractions for families in my home state. Kids Love Tennessee: A Family Travel Guide to Exploring "Kid-Tested" Places in Tennessee...Year Round! The book is well-organized into six helpful geographical areas: West, Middle, Eastern Middle, South East, North East, and Middle East. For each destination listed there are helpful directions, contact information (such as phone and website), hours of operation, and admission prices. I also love that the photos used throughout the book feaure the Zavatsky's own two children! You could easily find 50 to 100 things to do within an hour or two's drive of your own home.

I love the tips the authors include at the beginning of Kids Love Tennessee on how to make family adventures run smoothly. Here are just a few:

*Consider the child's age before deciding to take a visit
*Know directions and parking. Call ahead (or visit the company's website)...
*Call ahead for reservations or details, if necessary.
*Estimate the duration of the trip. Bring small surprises (favorite juice boxes) travel books, and toys.
*Plan picnics along the way. Many state history sites and state parks are scattered throughout Tennessee. Allow time for a rural/sceienic route to take advantage of these free picnic facilities.
The back of the 240-page book has a helpful section listing festivals, as well as a list organized by subject (such as history, museums, outdoor exploring, and the arts) for educators.

Authors George and Michele Zavatsky have been doing what is now in vogue for years..."daycationing." For many families traveling this year, a day trip is an economic, fun way to travel without spending an exorbitant amount of hotel accommodations or airfare.

Posted in Savvy Travel

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, and not very useful., February 28, 2011

By 

MFun - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kids Love Tennessee: A Family Travel Guide to Exploring "Kid-Tested" Places in Tennessee...Year Round! (Paperback)

The books by these authors do not provide any sort of useful information about what attractions their kids did and did not prefer, and why. There is no explanation of why certain attractions are even listed in the books, and which seem not to be very kid-oriented. Read my full review of Kids Love Indiana, and save your money.

3.0 out of 5 stars more of a family album than useful guide...., September 7, 2010

By 

Mariah Giles "wife/mom/attorney" (Central Virginia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kids Love Tennessee: A Family Travel Guide to Exploring "Kid-Tested" Places in Tennessee...Year Round! (Paperback)

This is a great way for this family to make some money and off set the costs of their vacation but it was not a fabulous travel guide. It could have used better planning sections and some more info as to age level appropriateness...