Today we travel north through the Blue Ridge mountains of western North Carolina and Tennessee. We visit the Museum of Appalachia, a living history museum that interprets the pioneer and early 20-century period of the Southern Appalachian area. We enjoy an included lunch together before making our way to the Cincinnati area for a 2-night stay. (L)

It's just a short drive to the state of the art, “Answers in Genesis” Creation Museum. The museum brings the pages of the Bible to life, casting its characters and animals in dynamic form and placing them in familiar settings. You can personally interact with many of the 160 exhibits. Walk through the Garden of Eden, see life-size dinosaurs, and enjoy the Special Effects Theatre. Lunch is included at the Museum before taking our seats at the Stargazer's Planetarium where we learn about the heavens from a biblical perspective. Late this afternoon we explore Jungle Jim's International Market. With more than 200,000 square feet of shopping space there are over 180,000 products from which to choose from 70 different countries. In addition to all the grocery items, you'll find food demonstrations and lots of fun and interesting items you many have never seen. (L)

Today we have a full day to explore and experience the life-sized Ark. Built according to the dimensions given in the Bible, the Ark Encounter has dozens of exhibits within this unique attraction bringing to life the biblical account of Noah's Ark. We learn how Noah and his family could have fit and cared for the animals on the Ark. Other exhibits showcase what Noah and his world were like before the flood, while others highlight the enormous impact the flood has had on our world. The Answers Center hosts daily presentations with world-class creation apologetics speakers. There is a massive family playground, built for kids of all abilities. You may choose to soar through the air on zip lines (additional cost), reaching up to 50 mph and 17 stories high or visit animals from around the world at the Ark Encounter's Ararat Ridge Zoo. Take a break from exploring and enjoy dinner at Emzara's Café before we travel to the Lexington, Kentucky area for our overnight stay. (D)

Mid morning we arrive at Cumberland Falls State Park, known as the “Niagara of the South.” The 125-feet wide curtain of water is dramatic day or night. We travel home with the memory of the insightful and delightful time we had these past few days.