The Wannabe Gypsy: Exploring Downtown Nashville

The Wannabe Gypsy: Exploring Downtown Nashville

Disneyland While Pregnant

Disneyland While Pregnant

A few years back my family and I cancelled a vacation to Disneyland due to me being unexpectedly (but happily) pregnant. I thought to myself "What in the world am I going to be able to do? I won't be able to enjoy any rides with my son. I probably won't be allowed on any of the rides." We went a year after I had my daughter and I quickly realized just how wrong my assumptions were. There are plenty of rides for pregnant women to still enjoy while in Disneyland so I've created a ride guide to help you navigate the park.

Adventureland

Enchanted Tiki Room - Take a stroll through this audio-animatronics show that displays exotic birds, tikis and flowers that sing songs for you to enjoy as you learn about the Pacific Islands.

Jungle Cruise - This slow boat ride will take you into the depths of the wild to see animals, plants and settings native to South Asia, Africa and South America. Just make sure you're careful as you step onto the boat from the dock.

New Orleans Square

Pirates of the Caribbean - This slow boat ride will allow you to relax in the air conditioning for a bit as you listen to catchy tunes and see captivating displays. Pirates of the Caribbean does have a couple (albeit small) drops so use caution and be prepared for them.

Disneyland Railroad - This train offers an 18 minute long ride which allows you to take a break and relax as it makes its way around the park. It has 4 different stops (New Orleans Square, Main Street U.S.A., Tomorrowland and Mickey's Toontown) for you to choose from and with the trains departing every 5-10 minutes you'll never have to wait too long to hop on.

Haunted Mansion - Climb in a doom buggy and glide your way through this infamous mansion.

Critter Country

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - Jump in an oversized beehive and set off on an amazing adventure. With vibrant colors and playful songs you will see your favorite characters and some of the most beloved stories as you slide along through Hundred Acre Wood.

Frontierland

Mark Twain Riverboat - A 15 minute boat ride where you can put your feet up and take a break. Listen to Mark Twain narrate about a time long ago when new discoveries and exploration were defining the American Frontier.

Fantasyland

Pinocchio's Daring Journey - This is a slow ride quest of Pinocchio's pursuit to become a real boy. Enjoy vibrant displays that recreate scenes from the Disney classic.

Snow White's Scary Adventure - Hop in a mine cart and be carried away to the peaceful little cottage the 7 dwarves live in before heading into the deep hallows of the evil queen. Rest in this air conditioned attraction and enjoy the ride.

King Arthur's Carousal - A word of caution: there are no stationary options on this ride, only galloping horses. I wouldn't recommend this one for those later in their pregnancy. Use good judgment as to whether or not to ride this one.

Casey Jr. Circus Train - The Circus Train takes you on a journey through Fantasyland. Hop in a sleigh and enjoy the view.

Storybook Land Canal Boats - Take a tranquil cruise on this slow boat ride as you drift past mash ups of some of the most popular Disney movies. While floating down river you will see miniature hand-crafted scenes from Frozen, Peter Pan and more. 

It's a Small World - On this 15 minute leisurely boat ride you will travel the world to see it's really not that big at all. My only warning: you may be singing the song for the rest of the day as it tends to get stuck in your head.

Alice in Wonderland - Take on the role of Alice as you voyage down a rabbit hole in an oversized caterpillar. 

Dumbo the Flying Elephant - This classic Disneyland ride is mother-to-be friendly as you take to the skies and soar above Fantasyland in your very own elephant. For those with nausea this may not be the best choice as the continuous circles may make you dizzy.

Mad Tea Party - Step into the kookiness of the famous Alice in Wonderland scene. Walk onto the platform and you are transported to a world of color and eccentric decor. The great thing about this ride is you can control the spinning with a wheel located in the center of each cup. This one is probably better for those with smaller baby bumps as it does take some serious core muscles to keep steady as your tea cup is spinning.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride - Jump in a 2 person open-air vehicle and let the journey begin! This little buggy will take you on an untamed adventure through the English Countryside with suspense and thrills around every corner. Be aware that there are a lot of twists and turns on this exciting ride.

Peter Pan's Flight - This magical journey begins in quaint London and takes you to vibrant Never Land where you will experience scenes from the 1953 classic movie Peter Pan. The drama, excitement and moments of anticipation all leading up to a victorious celebration are captivating.

Mickey's Toontown

Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin - Steer your wild cab through the streets of Toontown as you follow the adventures of Roger Rabbit.

Tomorrowland

Monorail - This monorail is a great opportunity to take a break and get some spectacular views of the entire park. The ride lasts about 15 minutes and goes all the way to Disneyland's California Adventure Park. 

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - Board a space cruiser and help save toys everywhere as you defeat the evil Emperor Zurg! This slow ride is a little cart on a track that comes with a laser gun for you to blast targets away. I love that it's a smooth ride but engaging with a mission. At the end of the ride everyone can check their Star Command Rank based on their total score.    

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage - This expedition takes you underwater to enjoy and experience the story of Nemo. You will see underwater volcanoes, scuba divers and Nemo himself. Go on this exciting ride to participate in some of the most adored scenes from the movie Finding Nemo. Word of caution: There is a very steep stairway on this ride so please take your time.

Astro Orbitor - Take to the sky in your own personal rocket! You command the ship and tell it how high or how low to fly while spinning around a galaxy of planets on this out of this world adventure. 

Disneyland can truly be a magical place for all in all stages of life. Of course, as with everything while pregnant: use wisdom, listen to your body and don't overdue it. There are plenty of places with air conditioning to sit, relax and put your feet up if you must. If you see a ride that has a sign stating it's dangerous for pregnant women then don't risk it.

Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Experience in Las Vegas

Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.

Ever dreamed of becoming an agent who works with the greatest collection of superheroes this world has ever known? An agent who has access to a trove of classified information and who understands the truth of the events around the world? That dream can now be a reality at the TI in Las Vegas. The Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. is an interactive, fully immersive experience that will take you to the depths of Marvel's comic book creations as you gain access to classified information, intelligence files and hands-on interactive displays. 

For an additional $5 you can rent an iPod. Be sure to enter all the information requested to create an agent profile for yourself. This little iPod is very handy throughout the S.T.A.T.I.O.N. As you get to each display you can tap the icons on your device to get insider information and take quizzes that will help you earn your status as an agent. It's a bit difficult for younger kids to use (although my 7 year old loved taking pictures with it) but for older kids and adults it enhances the overall experience.

 

There are various room throughout the interactive museum with emphasis on Captain America, The Hulk, Thor and Iron man. As you walk through each room you learn about the origins of all the characters, get to see items unique to each personality (such as all of the prototypes of Iron man's suit, the table that was used to turn scrawny Steve Rogers into patriotic super soldier Captain America or Thor's Mjölnir - also known as Thor's hammer). It's easy to spend 20 minutes in every room due to the intense amount of reading and hands-on exhibits. The screens, displays and objects in each room are of the utmost quality. You almost forget it's not real. Something I loved about our experience was that the iPod was our guide. We could take our time, go back to another room or rush through an area (my 1 year old didn't particularly enjoy the Ant-man area) if we wanted to.  

At the end of the tour you walk into a room and stand at your assigned station. You take your virtual superhero tool and go toe-to-toe with the evil Ultron. Once you have completed your mission you are directed to an area where you will take your official Avengers picture (complete with prop) and receive your Agent I.D.

Although I do feel it is a bit overpriced, I have to give it a 9/10 recommendation. It is fun, engaging and makes for a great time for the entire family. I love that the S.T.A.T.I.O.N. is stroller friendly and self-guided. Seeing my kids have such a wonderful time and their favorite idols brought to life was an experience that we won't soon forget. 

25 FREE things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah

Free things to do in Salt Lake City

It's no secret, I love free things. When you're doing a budget vacation, especially with the entire family, free is definitely a good thing. While in Salt Lake City recently I found an abundance of no cost activities to do that I actually wanted to do! I hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

Museums

Clark Planetarium - Located Downtown, the Clark Planetarium offers a 3 story adventure of hands on activities where you learn about the earth, the atmosphere and outer space. It will keep you busy for at least a couple of hours as you discover your weight on different planets, figure out just how a tornado works and drive a rover on the moon of Jupiter.

Utah State Capitol Building - The Capitol Building has been home to the state government since 1916 and is rich in history and art. The stunning interior of the building is filled with marble floors, elegant fixtures and historic displays. There are free tours Monday-Friday although the building is open to visitors 7 days a week. An unexpected bonus to visiting the Capitol building is that they give children a scavenger hunt sheet to keep them engaged throughout the tour.

Pioneer Memorial Museum ­- Housing the world's largest collection of artifacts on one subject, this museum has some of the oldest relics from the time of the very first Salt Lake settlers. It is located directly across the street from the Utah State Capitol Building.

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art ($5 donation suggested) - With ever changing exhibits this museum offers a modern take on art. Through the art displayed, the museum pursues the ideal that all viewpoints are represented through socially relevant exhibitions and educational programming. They even offer stroller tours (check the dates here UMOCA Stroller Tours) This is intended to create a pressure free experience for parents who may have talkative toddlers or young babies.

Old Council Hall - A historic building that once served as a government office now serves as the visitor information center. You can go here to get brochures, information on things in and around Salt Lake City and also experience the historic architecture of this 1866 building.

Governor's Mansion - The Utah Governor's Mansion is the official residence of the Governor of Utah and his family. Built in 1902 it initially served as the home of Senator Kearns until it was donated in 1937 when it was donated under the condition that it would be used as the Governor's official house. You can take a free tour of the mansion and experience the elegance and craftsmanship of this one of a kind home. 

Fort Douglas Military Museum - Fort Douglas Military Museum is registered by the Center for Military History as an official museum of the U.S. Army Museum System. You will learn about role of Utah's soldiers throughout U.S. history, see displays and artifacts and be able to explore an outdoor area of helicopters, tanks and more.

Parks & Gardens

Sugarhouse Park - With over 110 acres of green grass, lakes and playgrounds this park will keep you busy for hours to say the least. Sugarhouse offers baseball fields, basketball courts, running tracks and more. I love that it's located near downtown where you can go grab some lunch or ice cream after a morning of play.

International Peace Gardens - Lush gardens with beautiful flowers and various plant life are found at this 11 acre park. The International Peace Gardens was founded in 1947 to "Symbolize the true spirit of democracy and world peace, brotherly love, history, literature and cultural heritage of many lands.". You will find 28 different countries represented at the gardens. Each of the nationality groups was allotted a garden section which they designed, created and planted at their own expense. It's like a mini trip around the world where you can enjoy a taste of beauty from each nation.

Wheeler Farm - Wheeler Farm was my children's favorite place to visit in all of Salt Lake City. With acres and acres of fun and adventure this will keep you busy for a full day. You will find a playground, a creek to play in, tractors and farm animals galore. Wheeler Farm offers many fun and unique experiences as well such as wagon rides, cow milking experiences, farmhouse tours and more. Behind the farm area is over 40 acres of woods for you to walk around and enjoy.

Splash Pads - Splash pads seem to be a pretty big thing in Salt Lake. They have far more than we do here in Vegas. It's the perfect freebie for those hot summer days. I have found a website containing all the different locations and descriptions of splash pads located throughout the city here SLC Splash Pads.

Hiking Trails/Outdoor Recreation

The Great Salt Lake - The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere. You can drive there just to check out the amazing views at sunset time or fully enjoy the experiences it has to offer by going sailing, kayaking, fishing or swimming.

 

Salt Lake Overlook/Desolation Trail - Take the 4 mile Desolation trail to experience some of Utah's natural beauty. Once you reach the top you'll be able to stand on the overview and take in some breathtaking views of Salt Lake.

  

Big Cottonwood Canyon - Big Cottonwood Canyon is about a half hour outside of Salt Lake City. This 15 mile drive through the canyon will provide you with stunning scenery and access to excellent picnicking areas, hiking trails, rock climbing, fishing, and camping spots. There are also two ski resorts located at Big Cottonwood Canyon that provide trail maps, lodging and restaurants.

Temple Quarry Trail - This trail is perfect for families. It's a half mile long, paved loop trail that is stroller friendly. The rock located on the trail was originally quarried by Mormon Pioneers to be used in building the Salt Lake Temple. Keep an eye out for quarrying marks left on some of the rocks as you walk this trail. 

Salt Lake City Mormon Sites

Temple Square - 10 acres of history, gardens, restaurants and unmatchable architecture can be found at Temple Square. Built in 1847 Temple Square attracts more visitors per year than the Grand Canyon. You can experience the history of the church, visit the tabernacle, tour the historic home of Brigham Young (the Beehive house), dine, stroll through beautiful gardens and discover your ancestors at the FamilySearch Center.

Benson Grist Mill - Benson Grist Mill will take you back in time by 150 years. Originally built at the request of Brigham Young to support the pioneer settlements in the area it has been preserved so that you can explore times past and experience a blacksmith shop, an original pioneer cabin, barns, wagons and more!

Salt Lake Cemetery - Located behind the LDS hospital this cemetery is the final resting place to nine of the presidents of the Mormon Church. If you stop by the cemetery office you can pick up a "Trail of Prophets" map that will show you the location of their

gravesites.  

Mormon Battalion Monument - To honor the Mormon soldiers who were recruited and fought in the Mexican-American War this monument was built on the grounds of the Capitol Building.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Every Sunday morning the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir is broadcast live on radio and television. You can witness the performance live for free every Sunday at 9:30 am. Keep in mind that guests must be seated by 9:15 am.

Mormon Pioneer Memorial Monument - This monument is dedicated to the more than 6,000 pioneers who died making the journey to Utah between 1847-1869. It is also home to the gravesite of Brigham Young and other early Mormon leaders.

Miscellaneous

Diesel Sellerz - Check out some insanely cool monster vehicles at Diesel Sellerz. These guys create custom diesel vehicles beyond your wildest dreams. The vehicles are on display off the main road outside. You can go inside to check out some T-shirts, stickers and vehicle accessories. If you're lucky enough you can meet one of the guys from the Velocity television show Diesel Brothers.

Kindig It - Dave Kindig, owner of Kindig It, makes one of a kind rides for his customers. Also featured on Velocity's television show Bitchin' Rides, Dave renders, creates and restores various vehicles that will blow your mind. He's a very talented man with a very talented crew and with magic like that you can't help but create some of the most beautiful rides the world has ever seen. They have a showroom open daily for you to enjoy some of their masterpieces, purchase merchandise and even meet some of the crew if they're around.

Downtown Farmer's Market - Stroll through aisles of fresh produce while enjoying the eclectic atmosphere of the Farmer's Market. Hear live music on occasion, browse arts & craft stands, shop bakeries, meat stands and even grab some lunch from a food truck. Stock up on snacks for the hotel, pick up some trinkets as gifts for others or go to just eat and enjoy the atmosphere.

Sweet's Candy Factory Tour (by appointment only) - For almost 120 years this historic candy factory has been making treats and sweets for generations of customers. Browse the store, receive samples of candy, experience educational and interactive stations all while on tour with a personal tour guide.

Who says you can't have a free weekend in Salt Lake City? There are so many gems in the area to enjoy and to have one of a kind experiences. What have you done for free in Salt Lake?

Staybridge Suites - Salt Lake City, Utah Review

Staybridge Suites

Salt Lake City, Utah

Just when I thought Disney was the only master at providing a wonderful family vacation experience I found myself completely surprised with our time at the Staybridge Suites in West Valley, Utah. From the moment we walked in the staff was friendly, the entire hotel was clean and the longer we were there and I learned about all the amenities they had I was amazed. I'm a bit worried for our future travels as I'm not sure when I will find such a family friendly gem as this place is.

Lets talk location. From where the Staybridge is located it is pretty easy to get around anywhere in Salt Lake City thanks to major freeway entrances that are close by. Down the street in every direction you will find an array of restaurants and shopping areas. I've heard the West Valley area used to not be such a nice area but thanks to some intentional major improvements the area is cleaning up well.

In this review:

·       Hotel Features and Amenities

·       Evaluation of the Studio Room

·       Pros

·       Cons

·       My Verdict

Hotel Features and Amenities

·       Breakfast (and 3 days a week, dinner) are included in the price of the room

·       On nights with dinner served there is free wine and beer

·       There is a heated pool with a water slide and small water play area

·       Free WIFI

·       Basketball courts

·       Movie, book and board game rental area

·       Private movie cinema where you can book the theater and play a movie of your choice for your friends & family. Food and drinks are encouraged. This theater rental is free of charge.

·       The Pantry. A small area that provides sweet treats, food on the go and drinks. This is not a free service but a convenience for sure.

·       A 24 hour business center

·       Self-service laundry facilities that are, get this, FREE of charge. Yes, this was a new one for me and I like it.

·       A fitness center

·       A shuttle service that will take you anywhere within a 3 mile radius for free

·       Free parking

Studio Suite with 1 Queen and 1 Sofa Bed

I love the set up of these suites. It has set a new standard for me as far as family friendly hotels. The room was the perfect size for 2 adults and 2 children. It included a fully equipped kitchen (completely stocked with plates, flatware, glasses etc). There was a full sized refrigerator and stove top that were beyond helpful during our stay. A large desk so I could complete my work but also have room for the kids to color, store extra paperwork and all of my husband's items for his training. The sofa bed was pretty comfortable for being a sofa bed and was directly across from the Queen sized bed so we could comfortably watch TV together but when it was time for the kids to go to sleep we could just swivel the TV towards our bed so the children couldn't see it anymore. The Queen bed was one of the most comfortable mattresses I've ever slept on and the sheets were soft and cozy. For the first time ever, yes ever, I didn't miss my own bed at home. The vanity was separate from the toilet and shower area and provided plenty of room for all of our toiletries to stay on the counter top without having to pack and unpack things every morning. This hotel does a great job of thinking about the little things. When we walked in all of the towels from the kitchen to the bathroom were folded like swans. There was a small bottle of dish soap provided (I usually always have to pack my own). Plenty of stationary, a binder full of things to do and places to eat at in the area that was actually well put together and helpful, enough trash cans throughout the suite, fresh sheets for the sofa bed in the closet cleaned and bagged and I finally found a hotel that provides enough outlets for all of our devices. This suite truly felt like home away from home and the kids would agree. It's a comfortable and affordable place to relax, eat and work from that I think will be hard to beat. 

For images of room layouts click here: Staybridge Suites Layout

Pros

Friendly staff - The staff here is upbeat, happy and helpful. It didn't matter what I needed or when I needed it someone was there helping me with a smile. I never had to ask for anything twice and was even given a tour of the property by a staff member so I knew all the amenities available to me.

Level of child friendliness - We've never stayed at a hotel with basketball courts or a mini water park provided on property and these were great bonuses. I love the in-suite movie rental service and the option to book the movie theater on property privately for your family. Staybridge also provides board games and books to be checked out. There are parks, shopping centers and free splash pads within a reasonable driving distance.

Free self-service laundry facility - When traveling with kids you're bound to have to clean clothes at some point. We usually have to make sure we have plenty of quarters to wash whatever needs to be washed. I love that Staybridge does not charge for the use of their laundry facility.

Meals provided - The food was actually pretty good when we did eat at Staybridge. In the mornings we had an array of breakfast foods to choose from. Everything from cereal to fresh eggs. The dinner menu is found on the refrigerator in your room with a meal plan for that week. Every night a salad was provided with the main meal and free wine and beer is always a plus.

Fast WiFi - I never had to wait for anything to load for very long. The WiFi here is incredibly fast and reliable.

Cleanliness - Staybridge is clean everywhere you look. The grounds are well maintained outside, the lobby and food area are spotless. Our room was always cleaned properly and restocked with everything we needed without having to ask. I had an issue where our floors needed to be vacuumed after the kids had some crackers and staff was there within 5 minutes.

Cons

In-suite bathroom - The bathrooms are a bit small. I have a pretty small frame and barely had enough room to comfortably close the door.

Location - The hotel has a great location as far as how close it is to things of interest; however, it is located directly off a freeway so some rooms can be noisy. A 5 minute drive one way from the hotel seems to put you in a bit of a questionably safe area (although at the hotel itself we all felt very, very safe) but a 5 minute drive the other direction is a nice area.

My Verdict

¨Rooms: 10/10

¨Service: 10/10

¨Food: 9/10

¨Location: 8/10

¨Overall: 10/10

The Lotz House

The Lotz House

Some History Never Dies

Imagine the cheerful occasion of celebrating your daughter's 6th birthday. Loved ones gathered, presents to open and smiles around the room. You go to bed with happiness in your heart and your daughters joyful expressions in your mind just to be awoken to Union soldiers digging trenches just 80 yards south of your house. The soldiers have torn down your woodshop, barns and carriage house to use the material to create barricades. The General approaches you and informs you that they are preparing for a battle. He advises you that if you flee your home he would not be able to guarantee the contents of it. What would you do? This was the exact position of Mr. Johann Lotz in 1864. Before I go any further, let me give you a little background.

Johann Lotz brought his family to the United States from Germany in search of a better life. They settled in Franklin, Tennessee in 1855 where Mr. Lotz, a master woodworker, began building the now infamous Lotz house. With his own 2 hands he constructed the home with intricate details and displayed their residence as a "show house" to demonstrate his talent to potential clients who were looking to build their own homes. On the morning of November 30, 1864 he awoke to what was about to be one of the most horrific battles of the entire Civil War. Knowing that his wooden house wouldn't hold up to the severe fighting that was about to take place he gathered his family and all of the tools he could carry (after all, his tools were his livelihood and provided for his family)  and took off down the street to the Carter house. There the Lotz family took refuge along with others in the brick basement for the next 17 hours while the Battle of Franklin raged on. The next day as they emerged from the basement they were horrified at what they saw; countless men lying dead and wounded the entire span of land going back to their house. In fact Mr. Lotz himself said the bodies were so thick that you couldn't take a step without walking on someone. The Lotz home became a makeshift hospital for the next several days. Even with the chaos and horror of medical treatment around him Johann began to quickly repair all the damage done to his once beautiful home. The damage was extensive. The southern wall had been blasted off due to Confederate cannonballs, he sealed up the windows that were once there and created a solid wall. He patched holes in the ceiling and floor where cannon balls came through. He did what he could to repair his house quickly and efficiently so his family could survive the winter. They lived in the dirt cellar below the house while repairs were made and soldiers were cared for. It's very humbling to walk through the house where you see the remnants of war still there over 150 years later and blood stains in every room from the wounded. You can still feel the panic and passion as you look at repairs that make it clear Johann was not doing his best work as a trained craftsman to fix his home, but doing his best work as a father and provider to his family by making his home secure and livable for his loved ones again. 

 

The Lotz family was ultimately forced to leave their cherished home due to a poor economy after the Civil War and threats from the Ku Klux Klan on Johann's life. The Lotz house was sold over and over again in the years to come. It has recently been reclaimed and opened as a museum that not only showcases Johann's talent but also serves as a historical building and a Civil War museum.

Matilda Lotz

Born to Johann and Margaretha Lotz on November 29, 1858 little Matilda grew up with a natural love of animals and a talent for drawing them. In fact she would draw animals in the dirt with branches, on paper with cooled coal from the fireplace and once she even attempted to draw on an empty wall (see parents, this artistic expression has been going on for years!). This passion would prove to be her life calling. After moving to California she attended the San Francisco School of Design and later continued her education at a school in Paris. Matilda became a world renowned painter and animal portrait artist. You can see some of her original works hanging in the Lotz house which still seem to communicate her deep love and passion for animals.   

The Furnishings

The Lotz home was one of the most heavily damaged structures during the Civil War. So damaged in fact that even though it took Mr. Lotz three years to build the house it took him four years to complete all the repairs. As you can imagine, most of the interior was destroyed in battle. A great deal of the Lotz family belongs were damaged by bullets, blood and the chaos of war. Some things were salvaged and still remain there today, some of which Johann himself made. Not everything there nowadays was originally in the house in 1864 but all the furnishings are true to period and help paint the picture of what their home was like in it's original and intended stated.

The Guided Tour

For $10 a tour guide will take you room to room of this iconic home and tell you about the history, the craftsmanship of the house and the furniture within it. Your guide will tell you the unique stories that belong to each quarter. In the main area you will find cases of Civil War antiques some of which were picked up off the battlefield right in front of the house.

Supernatural Happenings

I will leave most of the stories about paranormal activities up to the guides if they would like to share their experiences with you but I will tell you a couple accounts that I heard first hand. Everyone who works at The Lotz house admits to strange things happening. Items being moved overnight, things going missing and even sightings on camera within the house. The director puts it best by saying "Whatever or whoever is here just wants to be acknowledged. So every morning we say 'Good morning!' and every evening before we leave we say 'Goodnight'." It seems so long as whatever or whoever is there is recognized they are content but if you forget about them they will remind you of their presence. I felt a strong connection to this house as we pulled our car on property. I thought it would be a horrid and fearful connection because of the massacre that happened there but it was not what I expected. I felt peace, love and yes an odd presence but not one I was fearful of. I personally think the way this home and Johann's legacy is being cared for does so much honor to the family that someone, somewhere is showing their gratitude.

The Lotz House Foundation

After the Lotz family fled to California their home was sold multiple times as a residence to a variety of owners and also became a dwelling for many businesses. It has been everything from apartments to restaurants. In 2008 the Lotz House Foundation was established and purchased the house back. They restored the house to it's original state and preserved the building and it's stories so that the public could be educated on the history and culture of the Battle of Franklin. They have done a great honor to Mr. Johann Lotz himself by protecting and displaying his talent and his passion the way it was intended to be. All proceeds go to supporting the foundation and preserving this historic building.   

  

I would like to give a special thanks to Thomas Cartwright. Thomas was our tour guide while visiting the Lotz house. Not only was he fun and engaging but authentic in his love and appreciation for the home and it's history. He is a historian and one of the nation's leading experts on the Battle of Franklin. Thomas has been featured on many television shows on the History Channel, Discover and A&E. It was truly an honor being able to listen to him tell stories and give his own personal opinions on events surrounding the Battle of Franklin. He has helped me with this article and is a true joy to talk with and listen to.     

Thomas Cartwright

The Lotz House is probably one of my favorite historical experiences I've ever done. Not only did I learn a lot about the time period, the battle and the political climate of the age but it felt like I was introduced to an amazing family all these years later as if it was face to face. This home touches on so many levels. It's relatable to the history buff, the war hero, the art lover, the one who works with their hands and the family person inside all of us that just wants to provide and love our families well. A wonderful experience for adults and kids alike this is a must do for anyone in the Franklin area.