ML Interest Tag: barrier

This Viral Photo Isn’t an Art Project—It’s All the Bacteria on Your Kid’s Hand

by Karly Wood

It doesn’t take long once you become a parent to realize how dirty kids can be. When fellow mom and microbiology lab tech Tasha Sturm decided to test how germ-y her own kiddos hands were in 2015, she was in for a surprise.

The picture you’re about to see may look like a sweet, Pinterest-worthy craft but in reality, it’s a depiction of all the bacteria on your kid’s hand! After a romp in the backyard and a few pets of the family dog, Sturm had her son place his hand in a sterile Petri dish—and results are downright horrifying and yet, still kind of pretty, too.

Source: American Society for Microbiology

Sturm allowed the Petri dish to sit at body temperature for 24 hours, then set it out at room temperature for a week before taking the photo you see above. The result is a conglomeration of various types of bacteria, which could be bacillus, staph or yeast.

So why is this photo from four years ago making the rounds? Well, now that spring is here it’s highly likely the entire family will be spending ample time outdoors—and coming into contact with all sorts of substances. This is a perfect reminder that proper hand-washing technique never goes out of style

In addition to keeping hands clean before things like eating and after using the restroom, Sturm also takes the time to remind us that the skin does a wonderful job of serving as a natural barrier. Despite the importance of practicing good hygiene, being exposed to certain types of bacteria is actually a good thing for the body, because it helps improve your immune system.

The final takeaway? Let your kids play in the dirt all they want—and just make sure those adorable hands and fingers are squeaky clean before sitting down for dinner.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Sharon McCutcheon via Pexels

 

RELATED STORIES

Recall Alert: This Infant Cough Syrup Could Have Harmful Bacteria

New Study Says It’s Okay If Your House Isn’t Spotless—Nor Should It Be

Bacteria Can Hide in Breast Pumps, Researchers Warn. Here’s How to Clean Yours

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Australia Is the Winter Vacation the Fam Won’t Soon Forget

By Zara Lewis

When the winter months finally arrive and the temperature drops lower than comfortable, Australia is the place you want to be. With winter raging on everywhere else, Australians are celebrating their New Year in their swimwear, on the beach, grilling some meat on the barbie in the process.

Aside from being the perfect place to enjoy the sunny weather and lounge on its expansive beaches, Australia is also the place where you can have wholesome family fun. Even though the continent is too rich and diverse to be experienced in a single trip, there are several destinations you simply can’t miss.

Tour Sydney on a ferry boat.

When you think of Australia, the iconic city of Sydney is most likely the first thing that comes to mind. And rightfully so, because this expansive urban gem is not only the country’s cultural hub, but also a true architectural wonderland. In order to experience Sydney from a different perspective, though, you should head over to the Sydney Harbour.

Running around the Harbour trying to keep your kids in line is fun on its own, but the most memorable experience comes in the form of a boat tour around the city. The ferry will take you through all the mesmerizing sights such as the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, all the way to Fort Denison and Cockatoo Island. This is the perfect place to disembark for a relaxing family picnic. If you’re up for an extended excursion, take the ferry to Darling Harbour where you can visit amazing kid-friendly places such as the Wild Life Sydney Zoo, the Darling Quarter Playground and the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium.

Drive across Tasmania.

Out of all the scenic drives and mesmerizing natural oases in Australia, the southern island of Tasmania might just be the most exciting road trip destination for a family. Even though it’s considered to be one of the smaller regions, you will still need a car in order to get around the island efficiently. Fortunately, Tasmania has reliable cheap car hire in almost every city so you should have no problem getting around.

And good thing too, because the packed itinerary will take you from Freycinet National Park to Coles Bay (and excellent place for kayaking), Tahune Forest where you will be scaling the treetops, and of course, Mt Wellington where you can enjoy panoramic views and even cycle down with the family. Tasmania is also famous for its ghost tours, so head over to Hobart, Launceston or Port Arthur with your kids after dark if a good spook is what they are craving.

Exploring the Top End

Over at the top end, numerous natural and urban attractions await, including the historic city of Darwin. Be wary though, Darwin and the region in general are extremely hot this time of year, so adequate sun protection and regular cool-offs are a must. The best thing to do is to go for a rejuvenating swim in the ocean throughout the day.

You can do this in the city at the Waterfront Precinct, or if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can drive over to Litchfield National Park where you can have fun with the family under the waterfalls. While you’re in the region, be sure to check out the indigenous rock art at Kakadu National Park and go for a kayaking tour in Nitmiluk National Park. Top it all off with a visit to the Crocosaurus Cove back in downtown Darwin.

Experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

Travel east and you will end up in Queensland, the home of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. You will need to travel to the far north to experience this adventure, all the way up to Cairns or Port Douglas. From one of these ports, you can board a catamaran that will take you to one of the atolls in the inner reef, or you can embark on a whole-day trip to the outer regions.

This is the place where you want to let yourself go to the mesmerizing beauty of the colorful underwater wonderland, as you take a prolonged snorkeling tour around the reef and watch as the marine life swirls and dances around you. Truly an unforgettable experience.

Visit the theme parks in Gold Coast.

While you’re in the region (but definitely not close), you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the country’s adventure central—the Gold Coast. The kids are going to love it here. On offer you have five grand theme parks, including Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild and Movie World.

It’s bound to be an exhaustive weekend for you, but at least the kids are going to have the time of their lives. Plus, it’s an excellent way to top off an amazing Australian adventure with your family. Don’t forget to explore the Gold Coast’s beach suburbs as well if you’re up for some whale-watching, sea-kayaking, surfing and even jet-skiing.

When the rest of the world is covered in snow, Australia becomes a safe haven for families yearning to feel a warming ray of sunshine on their skin. With these top destinations in your itinerary, you’re bound to have the time of your life this January under the glistening Aussie sun.

Zara is a regular contributor at The Wellness Insider, a traveler and a mother of two. Originally from Chicago, she found her place in the sun in Perth, Australia. She is passionate about spreading the word about fantastic places to visit and creating a better world for the generations to come.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

If Your Child Has Asthma, They Were Probably Born During This Month, Study Finds

by Shahrzad Warkentin

When your baby is born can have an impact on many things, like size, personality and even rates of academic success. Now you can add allergies and asthma to that list. A new study shows that babies are more likely to develop asthma when they are born during a very specific time of year.

New research has found that babies born during grass pollen season have a higher risk of developing asthma later on, however, babies who spend an entire hay fever season in the womb may be protected against the risk.

The grass pollen season in the U.S. typically runs from May to August, but it can begin earlier or end later depending on which region you live in. The study found that babies born during those months had elevated levels of antibodies in the blood known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies help protect the body from viruses, bacteria and allergens. They can also help predict the onset of allergic diseases, like asthma, later in life.

While many previous studies have already shown that babies with high levels of IgE in cord blood are at greater risk of developing allergies later on, what was different and important about this particular study is that it looked at the effects of pollen exposure during pregnancy as well. The findings showed that babies who were in utero for an entire grass pollen season had lower IgE levels.

“This was a significant finding and indicates the possible development of a sensitisation barrier. However, more research needs to be done and currently we are working on studies to identify the specific risk time periods of pollen exposure during pregnancy on asthma and allergies in children,” explained Associate Professor Bircan Erbas from La Trobe University’s School of Psychology and Public Health in Melbourne.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that being born from May to August automatically means your baby will develop allergies and asthma. “The study provides new insight that could help us predict and manage diseases like asthma – which are a significant public health burden,” said Erbas. “However, it’s important to remember there are a number of factors that can determine who gets asthma or allergies. This is one piece of the puzzle.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Nita via Pexels

 

RELATED STORIES:

Exposure to Pollution During Pregnancy Can Affect Your Kids, New Study Finds

Do Baby Wipes Cause Food Allergies in Kids? New Study Has a Surprising Answer

Are BPA-Free Products Really Safe? A New Study Raises Concerns

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

The Sneaky Secret about Why You Love Trader Joe’s Food So Much

by Karly Wood

There really is a secret about why we love Trader Joe’s so much and it’s actually quite simple. Yes, we adore the unique selection of international foods, one of a kind TJ products—and don’t even get us started on the amazing prices.

But the actual secret is that Trader’s has us figured out from start to finish, and that includes providing us an optimal shopping experience––even in the frozen food aisles. Those open-top, doorless freezers? Yeah, they make you want to buy all the things.

Photo: Daveynin by Flickr

Trader Joe’s freezer setup differs in almost every way to traditional grocery stores. While “regular” supermarkets tend to isolate their frozen foods from the rest of the store and hide them in oversized freezers with tight closing doors, TJ’s uses coffin cases that are open, keep the aisle chilly (but not freezing), and mixes frozen food with tempting suggestions like chocolate-covered raspberry sticks and JoJo’s.

As it turns out, peering through the tall glass doors of conventional freezers creates a barrier-like feeling that causes consumers to want to just get in and get out. On the contrary, Trader Joe’s frozen food aisle is warm (literally) and welcoming. The pairing of frozen and non-frozen goods gives shoppers that “treasure hunt” feeling, where we actually want to linger and find new products.

And it appears that Trader Joe’s is on to something. In a comment to NPR, a company spokesperson stated that frozen food sales are performing well. Judging by our recent shopping carts, we can see why.

––Karly Wood

Feature Photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

 

RELATED STORIES

Trader Joe’s Products That Will Make Your Summer

Trader Joe’s Just Made Its Own Flamin’ Hot Cheetos & They’re Healthier, Too

Trader Joe’s Just Released the Best Frozen Summer Treat Ever

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

10 Products & Services All New Parents Should Know About

by Eva Ingvarson Cerise

No parent ever reaches their child’s first birthday and says, Wow, that was easy! Babies are a joy, but this parenting thing is no joke. While you bond with your babe, here are 10 genius products and services that will make your life together easier. You’re welcome!

1. Supportive pillow for breastfeeding and bottlefeeding
Feeding a baby, whether by breast or bottle, looks so much easier in the movies. Holding baby at the right angle for reducing gas or reflux may not be the most comfortable for your arm. That’s why we love the Milk Boss Infant Feeding Pillow. This ingenious pillow positions baby at the correct angle and offers them a cozy spot for post-feeding burps. Its firm texture and cool interior feels good on your arm, and its petite size means you can take it on trips and daily outings.

Available at itzyritzy.com, $24.99.

2. A stair barrier for every staircase
Some staircases just weren’t designed for traditional baby gates. The Stair Barrier solves that problem by using straps and dual-sided buckles to attach to staircases up to 100” wide, even ones that have funky angles. Whether you’re attaching it banister to banister or banister to wall, it’s quick to install with the included instructions and requires no drilling to banisters (minimal drilling to the wall side, if you’re going banister to wall). The barrier is retractable (no awkward stepping over it), and it comes in a range of elegant fabrics. It also rolls up like a yoga mat so you can bring it to grandma’s house.

Available at thestairbarrier.com, $129-$169 depending on fabric.

3. Bulk items delivered to your door
Babies need lots of stuff, but they make it so hard to leave the house and buy it. So, imagine if Costco and Amazon had a baby. That’s Boxed.com. You can purchase bulk items (including lots of baby stuff) on your phone or through the website at reasonable prices and have them delivered to your door. Shop the site with no membership fee, or upgrade to the new loyalty program, Boxed Up, where, for $49 a year, you get free priority shipping, price-matching and other perks like special promotions.

Learn more at boxed.com.

photo: mariagarzon via Pixabay

4. Breastmilk shipped home from your travels
Working moms love Milk Stork, a service that lets you mail home breastmilk from anywhere in the United States. The company also offers TSA-approved carry-on totes if you prefer to fly home with the milk yourself. No more pumping and dumping on work trips. No need to stress about how you’ll bring home milk on the plane. With Milk Stork’s delivery service, you receive a cooler at your hotel so you can pump in the privacy of your hotel room. Mail the pre-labeled, postage-paid package and receive shipping notifications via email so you’ll know when the milk has arrived.

Learn more at milkstork.com.

5. Spill-proof cups
Our little scientists love to throw, bang and knock over their cups, so a leak-proof, spill-proof cup really has to live up to its name. This one does. The NUK Everlast 360 cup (above, $7.99, holds 10 ounces) has a twist-on lid with reinforced double seals. Listen for the click and you’ll know it’s sealed. The lid allows your child to drink from any edge and seals up tight when they’ve stopped drinking. It’s great for travel, everyday outings or keeping in the crib to quench a sleepytime thirst.

6. Engaging educational toys that grow with your child
Not sure what toys to buy for your child, and when to buy them? With the Monti Kids subscription service, you receive shipments of high-quality, developmentally appropriate toys every three months. The toys are introduced in a specific sequence so babies can apply what they’ve learned from one toy to the next. You’ll know these toys are building your baby’s language, motor, cognitive and social skills and fostering their creativity and problem-solving ability; your baby will just know the toys are fun to play with.

Available at montikids.com, $297, billed quarterly.

7. Organized pouches for all of baby’s needs
Diaper bags quickly turn into black holes where you can never find anything. The Easy Baby Travelers starter set comes in 4 different colors or patterns and are marked with the contents: Dress Me, Change Me and Feed Me (there are two in a set, one insulated to keep bottles and snacks chilled). These clever pouches turn any bag into a diaper bag and let you bring only what you need when you’re on the go.

Available at easybabytravelers.com, $65 for a set of four.

8. A baby seat to keep your child supported and cozy
Playmats are great, but sometimes babies want to see the world from an upright position, and this infant chair gives them 360 degrees of support when they do. Designed for babies 3-11 months who can hold their head up, the Hugaboo Baby Seat lets your little one explore their surroundings from a safe seated position. The leg and back support prevents tipping forward or sliding out, and two toy attachments means even more entertainment. Added bonus: It’s machine-washable.

Available at hugaboo.myshopify.com, $59.

9. Remote control bottle warmer
Say the words “remote control bottle warmer” to a new mom and watch her face light up. Anyone who has fumbled through a middle-of-the-night feeding knows that simplifying the bottle-warming step is a game-changer. Your baby will get a warm bottle faster, and you buy yourself a few more minutes to snooze or take care of a diaper change. The First Years’ 4-in-1 Remote Control Bottle Warmer also heats baby food jars.

Available at thefirstyears.com, $74.99.

10. A teething scarf for comfort with chic style
Teething toys can easily get lost in your bag or dropped on a dirty floor. The Boppy Teething Scarf sneaks a food-grade silicone teether onto a stylish infinity scarf you’ll wear long after baby has all their chompers. Handy for travel and running errands, this machine-washable scarf also protects your outfit from the drool that comes along with teething. Available in four colors/patterns: gray-and-white stripes, solid blush pink, heathered black and gray, and white with black circles and squares.

Available at shop.boppy.com, $20.

Which one of these is top on your list? Let us know below.

— Eva Ingvarson Cerise

RELATED STORIES:

10 Genius Products to Add to Your Baby Registry

5 Genius Products for Outings with Your Baby

15 Newborn Must-Haves You’ll Really Use in the First Weeks

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

This 85-Year-Old Grandma Trying to Use Google Home Will Make Your Day

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Grandparents have plenty of wisdom and life experience to impart, but when it comes to being tech-savvy they aren’t always the best. But that won’t always stop them from trying. Despite a clear language barrier between one grandma and her new Google Home, she keeps trying to give it commands and the results are hilarious.

As PEOPLE reports, 85-year-old grandmother, Maria Actis was gifted a Google Home Mini in her family’s Secret Santa exchange, but she didn’t exactly hit it off with the device. “My grandmother was very excited to show everyone her new gift, but she obviously needed a little help using it,” Ben Actis, Maria’s grandson, told PEOPLE. “The whole day was like that with her!”

It’s impossible not to laugh when Maria repeatedly calls the device “Goo Goo” instead of Google, but the cutest moment of all is clearly when she finally gets the device to work and she jumps up from her seat in awe and disbelief. It’s not hard to see why the adorable video has already racked up over one million views on YouTube.

What funny reactions has your family had to smart devices? Share your stories in the comments below.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Treating and Preventing Your Baby’s Drool Rash

By Brian Wu

When most parents think about babies and rashes, it is usually diaper rashes that come to mind. However, there is another skin problem that you will often have to deal with: the drool rash.  While this problem can be distressing for you and uncomfortable for your baby, there are some quick and easy ways you can deal with this problem and get your baby’s skin back to normal.

What is a Drool Rash?

If you have never seen a drool rash before, when you first see the small red marks appearing around your baby’s mouth and chin (and also possibly on the chin and chest), your first reaction might be to panic! But don’t worry.  Particularly when your baby begins to teethe, you will notice that the amount that he drools will greatly increase – and that sometimes he will drool in his sleep and lie on this during the night.  However, the constant moisture that this causes can irritate the skin and cause a raised, red rash to develop. It can also surprise you by how quickly it develops – your baby can be fine one day, then wake up the next morning with this rash.  The good news?  There are some simple steps you can take to make this go away.

Keep the Skin Clean and Dry

One of the most important things you can do when your baby comes down with a drool rash is to keep the area dry and clean.  This might sound like it is impossible, but it can be done: just make sure to use a clean, soft cloth for this purpose and dab your baby’s chin, neck and chest as needed to keep it dry.  You can also wash it gently with warm water as needed and pat that dry as well in order to keep it clean. Avoid rubbing the cloth on the skin, however, as this can only irritate the skin further.  Also, it is best to not use any soap or other cleansers, even if they are baby-friendly, because this can further irritate your baby’s skin.

Apply a Protective Cream

Apart from keeping your baby’s chin, neck and chest clean and dry, using a protective barrier cream on the affected area is also a great way to help treat this problem.  Make sure to use a product that is hypoallergenic and baby-friendly – and does not contain any dyes, fragrances or other ingredients that might irritate your baby’s skin.  Products which contain lanolin are a good bet and just plain Vaseline is often popular, too.  Be sure, however, to apply it in a very thin layer on the affected area so that your baby will not ingest it. This creams will form a protective barrier on your baby’s skin that will keep the drool from causing any problems.

Understand Prevention

If you are worried about the problem of baby drool rash, the good news is that there are a few simple tricks to help prevent the issue from happening to begin with. One easy way to help prevent your baby from sleeping in drool overnight is to put a towel or other absorbent material under your baby’s blanket in order to help absorb the drool when they sleep so it will not pool against the skin and cause irritation.  Also, if you notice that your baby is drooling more than normal, it is also ok to apply a thin layer of protective cream on the chin, neck and chest.  This will help to protect the skin from the excess moisture before it even has a chance to develop in the first place.

Know When to Call the Doctor

In most cases, a baby drool rash can be taken care of at home with the measures mentioned above and it does not require any further treatment. However, it is also important to know that there are cases when the doctor should be notified.  If the rash does not appear to be getting any better even if you are keeping it clean and dry and using a protective ointment or if the rash appears to be itchy or painful for your baby, a doctor’s visit will likely be needed. Something these problems can indicate another issue such as a bacterial or fungal infection of the skin or another, more chronic issue like eczema  — and this can require a higher degree of medical treatment.

In short, a baby drool rash can look pretty bad at first – and be particularly disturbing for first-time patients if they have never seen this phenomenon before. The good news is, though, that keeping the area clean and dry and using protective ointments will help in most cases – and after the baby’s teething finally ends and a baby’s amount of drool goes down, the underlying cause of the problem will resolve itself.  In the meantime, these simple home measures should keep your baby comfortable – and you less anxious – as you get through this next parenting challenge.

 

Brian Wu, PhD is a current medical student at the Keck School of Medicine and a proud parent. He founded Health Stories For Kids to educate and entertain kids and their families about different health topics. Check out more at www.healthstoriesforkids.com

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

How to Teach a 3-Year-Old Coding

by Red Tricycle

We live in an era where technology is developing at increasingly faster rates. STEM programs are popping up in more schools across the nation, and coding is one of the world’s most widely used languages. But what if you could teach the basics of coding without tons of screen time?

You can. Meet Cubetto a wooden play-set made by toy manufacturer Primo Toys. Cubetto is the coding toy made for both boys and girls that is hand-on, away from a screen. It lowers the age-barrier, too, as it is designed for kids 3 and up. Using a friendly robot made of wood, a physical programming console, and a set of expandable coding blocks, Cubetto helps children understand basic principles of coding in a very age-appropriate way.

Cost: $225

This is how Cubetto works…

Know any other cool gadgets for tech-savvy tots? Tell us in the comments below!

Video courtesy of Primo Toys via Youtube

— Noelle Buckband

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

7 Surprising Stats You Should Read for Healthy Eyes

by Erin Lem
Partner Content

You’re whizzing through your back-to-school checklist like a pro. Before your kids officially head to the classroom, add one more thing to your to-do list: a yearly eye exam for your child. Just like pediatrician appointments, a regular eye exam should be a part of your family’s check-up routine, but unfortunately many parents miss this step even though they should start when kids are as young as six-months-old. Read on for seven surprising stats you might not know about eye health.

  • One in five parents do not take their kids to the eye doctor for the first time until their children are school age (at least five years old).
  • Less than 10% of parents know the recommended age for a child’s first eye exam is six months.
  • One in ten parents have never taken their kids to the eye doctor.
  • One-third of moms say they don’t take their kids to the eye doctor because they already get a school vision screening – even though 50% say an eye doctor exam is more comprehensive.
  • 72% of moms & 45% of dads who do not bring their children to the eye doctor annual say they would be motivated to do so if their child complains of discomfort or changes in vision.
  • One in five moms say access to vision insurance is the biggest barrier to visiting the eye doctor; while one-third (30%) of moms say obtaining vision insurance would motivate them to schedule an appointment.
  • 75% of parents take their children to the dentist and primary care doctor before school begins each year, but only 50% take their children to get a comprehensive eye exam.

Be part of the 50% of families taking their kiddos to get an eye exam. Find your eye doctor today! Click here to get started.

Have your kids visited the eye doctor? Tell us about their experience in the comments below. 

 

RELATED STORIES:

Why Your Kids Need a Back-to-School Eye Exam (& 5 Questions to Ask Your Optometrist) 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! 5 In-State Spots To See This Summer

by Phebe Wahl

The great state of Georgia is filled with things to do and places to see—including seven of its own natural wonders! From wild horses to wonderful waterfalls, we’ve put together a summer bucket list of spots to take the tots before school starts.

Cumberland Island
Nature reigns on Georgia’s largest barrier island. Known for roaming feral horses, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes—the island once owned by the Carnegie family is rampant with old world charm. Only accessible by boat, the seashore is lined with remains of historic mansions and landmarks, such as the Dungeness and Plum Orchard. Home to at least 23 distinct ecological communities, a maximum of 300 people are allowed on the island at a time. Ferries to the island leave from St. Marys and reservations are highly recommended. There’s a small fee for the ferry and entrance onto the island, but you can camp for cheap at a variety of sites.

Sapelo Island
Georgia’s fourth largest barrier island and, perhaps, the most pristine and historic. It’s believed to have roots that trace some back 4,500 years ago. In Sapelo’s 464-acre Hog Hammock community live roughly 47 descendants of West African slaves, known as (remember that show Gullah Gullah Island?) Gullah, or Geechee, peoples who have retained their African traditions. There are also salt marshes, beach sand dunes and maritime forests on this island, also only accessible by passenger ferry.

Tallulah Falls
The picturesque beauty of Tallulah Gorge State Park is one that leaves most speechless. Regarded as one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern United States (and another one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders), the gorge stretches nearly two miles and features rocky cliffs up to 1,000 feet high. Through it run a series of six different waterfalls, dropping a total of 490 feet. Perfect for kayakers and hiking enthusiasts, it’s also stroller-friendly. A paved path follows an old railroad bed up the 10-mile trail.

Providence Canyon State Park
Who needs the Grand Canyon when you have Providence Canyon, often called Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon.” Regarded as one of the state seven natural wonders, it’s actually not entirely natural. The massive gullies were formed as a result of erosion on account of poor farming practices in the 19th century. Still, the awe remains at the beauty of the canyon and the very rare plumleaf azaleas surrounding it. If your little one is a car lover, there’s also an abandoned homestead of a dozen rusty 1950’s cars and trucks park officials have decided to leave as-is.

Broxton Rocks
Once a hidden secret, known only by those in Coffee and Jeff Davis counties, Broxton Rocks is an anomaly of sandstone ledges, caves and 30-foot high cliffs. Nothing like anything you’d ever expect see in Georgia. It’s also home to rare species of plants and animals, such as the indigo snake. Green-fly orchids that normally only grow on trees – they grow on rocks here.  Because it’s such a special place, Broxton Rocks is a guided tour, by appointment only deal – with a few exceptions. During the summer months, June through August, a one-mile trail from the preserve gate to the falls is open to the public.

Where will you go this summer? Tell us in the comments section below! 

—Nicole Williams

Photos courtesy of Carrie P., Beth W., Susumu K. via Yelp, dougandme and Alan Cressler on Creative Commons via Flickr

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement