Hey Guys!
It’s been a while since my last blog post but we typically don’t travel during the winter months.
I don’t know about you, but I hate cold weather! I go into hibernation mode during the months of Dec through March!
We typically book our first trip of the year in April…not only because the weather is a lot nicer by then, but it’s also my birthday month!
I usually try to book a getaway for my birthday every year and this year was no exception!
I chose an area that we hadn’t visited before and was only 4 hours from our house.
My sister had told me about this place after she and her husband had visited the area and they really enjoyed it.
She also shared a unique property with me that she had seen advertised on Facebook and I just had to book it! But more on that in just a bit! 😉
We headed out on a Thursday afternoon around noon and arrived around 5 pm.
This area is one hour ahead of our time in Tennessee.
Entering the Red River Gorge
Shortly before arriving to our rental in the Red River Gorge, we had to drive through the Nada Tunnel.
The Nada Tunnel, also known as the gateway to the Red River Gorge, was built originally for the Dana Lumber Company in the early 1900s and it was named for Nada, Kentucky, (a now-forgotten logging town 10 miles past the entrance of the tunnel).
The tunnel is 12 feet wide, 13 feet high and 900 feet long.
Fun Fact: The tunnel only used to be 12 feet by 12 feet, but there was once a train load of logs that tried to pass through and got stuck. In an effort to free the train, it created an extra foot of height at the top.
When you arrive to the tunnel, you will likely see other cars waiting as the tunnel is only wide enough for vehicles to enter from one end at a time.
Thankfully, you can see all the way through the tunnel making it easier to see when you can enter.
The construction of the tunnel began in 1910 and was finished in 1911 and was initially used for locomotives to transport timber to a nearby lumber company.
We were able to enter the tunnel as soon as we arrived as no one else was waiting.
Exiting the tunnel 
After driving through the tunnel, we turned around and drove back through!
It had been raining so there was a small waterfall flowing over the top of the entrance of the tunnel.
It was so cool!
Some say the tunnel is haunted….I don’t believe in that kind of stuff but if you do, watch out for ghosts! 😉
It was a bit eerie driving through it!
Tip: Click here to read about the nearby Petroglyphs in the area
Shortly after driving through the tunnel, we arrived to our rental.
It was up a steep, winding and narrow road with lots of bumps along the way!
I recommend a 4WD if you stay here!
Thankfully, we drove our jeep so it worked out fine!
So, here’s a shot of what would be our home away from home for the next 3 nights!
Yes, another Tree house and it was so cool!
It was called the Tradewinds Treehouse and we rented it online from Red River Gorgeous.
They have lots of unique properties and cabins that you can rent.
Tip: There are lots of cabins and unique properties to rent in this area…you can also check out Red River Gorge Cabins.
The Tradewinds Treehouse are two twin treehouses perched side by side.
It features full electricity, running water, heat, a private bathhouse, a slide, and even a hot tub!
One treehouse is where the small kitchen and seating area is located.
Tip: There is no microwave or paper towels provided but there is a small 3 burner gas stove top as well as a charcoal grill outside but no charcoal or lighter fluid is provided.
The other treehouse has a queen size bed and a youth size mattress in the loft above.
The bedroom does have a small heater/air conditioner and the windows open.
There is also a private bath house nearby that has a loft with mattress, wood burning stove, a couch and a full size bathroom with a shower.
Tip: The bathroom does not have a blow dryer, mirror of any kind, bath soap, shampoo or conditioner.
There is also a hot tub that can accommodate up to 6 adults….ya’ll know we love having a hot tub and this one was the biggest we’ve had so far!
The property is really private so you don’t have someone right on top of you but there are other treehouses and cabins around.
There’s a huge gathering area that includes a firepit, hammock, grill & several chairs.
Another cool feature was the huge tree net that you could climb and lay in…it was two levels high and super sturdy!
After checking out the treehouses, we headed back to our car to unload.
There are lots of stone stairs that you have to climb to get to the treehouse so keep that in mind if you have any mobility issues.
The treehouse is surrounded by lots of trees and moss covered rocks…..you are completely surrounded by woods!
After getting settled in, I prepared a charcuterie board for our dinner since we didn’t want to leave and find somewhere to eat.
Tip: Click here for restaurants in the area & here for activities
We sat outside on the small deck and enjoyed our charcuterie board…..it was so peaceful!
After we ate, we headed to the hot tub!
It was drizzling rain but felt so refreshing!
After the hot tub, we called it a night! 
A few more shots of the treehouse
Thanks for reading!
Stay tuned for Day 2…you won’t want to miss it!! 😉
UPDATE: Read Day 2 here, Day 3 here & Day 4 here
Click here for links to all of my blog posts