There’s something beautifully symbolic about standing in three states at once—especially with a little hand tucked into yours. On a sunny spring day, my 4-year-old and I laced up our hiking shoes and set off to explore the Tri-State Peak Trail in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
The journey was more than just a physical hike; it felt like a spiritual reset after the long winter. Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia meet at the summit, and as we stood there, I was struck by how nature erases borders. There’s no line in the trees, no sign in the sky—just the earth reminding us we’re all connected.
Early on, a sweet dog joined us, tail wagging and energy high. My mama instincts kicked in—was he lost? Hungry? We planned to take him to a shelter after the hike. But as we chatted with a fellow hiker, we learned this wasn’t the dog’s first visit: this dog makes the hike with visitors all the time. He’s part guide, part guardian, and fully heartwarming.
After our hike, we headed to Angelo’s in the Gap, where I was ready to devour a slice (or three) of their marvelous pizza. But as we sat down, my little guy curled up in my lap and drifted off to sleep before the first bite. At that moment, surrounded by the clink of dishes and warm smells of garlic and basil, I realized how perfect it was—a tired child, a full heart, and a simple meal.
We made one last stop at Gap Creek Coffee House, where I grabbed a much-needed shot of caffeine. They also serve ice cream, but my son was too zonked to even notice. To be honest that quiet moment, sipping coffee with my sleeping boy, was the sweetest scoop of the day.
Sometimes, travel isn’t about ticking off places on a map—it’s about being present. It’s about the dog that walks beside you, the child who finds peace in your lap, and the quiet joy of standing still in three places at once.
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