Over the summer, we traded in the car line and Cub Scout meetings for something a little more adventurous — stepping onto a ship from history! The Pinta, a replica of one of Christopher Columbus’ famous ships, made a stop in Guntersville, Alabama, and we couldn’t resist climbing aboard.

A Little History

The original Pinta was part of Columbus’ 1492 voyage across the Atlantic. Alongside the Niña and the Santa María, it carried explorers into the unknown. Despite its legendary status, the Pinta wasn’t a large vessel at all — in fact, standing on the deck today makes it almost unbelievable to imagine sailors crossing an entire ocean on something so compact. These caravels were designed for speed and exploration, but they also meant cramped quarters, rough seas, and long months without much comfort.

The replica we toured is one of only a few in existence and was painstakingly constructed to reflect the style and scale of the 15th-century ships. It serves as a floating museum, traveling from port to port to bring history to life.

Our Visit

Walking the decks, it felt like stepping back in time. The wood creaked underfoot, the sails loomed above, and you could almost picture what life must have been like for sailors more than 500 years ago. Alex was especially excited — one minute he was a sailor, the next he was a pirate plotting a high-seas adventure. 🏴‍☠️

Despite the blazing Alabama heat, we had such a fun time imagining ourselves as part of the crew. It was a unique reminder that history doesn’t always live in books — sometimes, you can walk right into it.

Where It’s Heading Next

The Pinta was docked in Guntersville through part of September before he sailed on to Chattanooga, Tennessee. If you’re local or planning a visit nearby, it’s worth stopping by. It’s not every day you get to stand on a piece of living history.

Final Thoughts & A Call to Visit

Walking aboard the Pinta replica was more than just a family outing — it was an invitation to step into history. We saw, touched, and experienced firsthand what life aboard a 15th-century caravel might have felt like. We hope our day serves not only as a memory for us, but as inspiration for your own visit to Nina & Pinta, Inc. – to see these remarkable vessels up close and learn the stories they carry.

Stay curious, keep exploring, and don’t let history stay bound to the pages. If you’re in the region this season, make time to visit the Nina and Pinta — let them take you on a voyage through time.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience — January 2022

Before we left England, we had one last magical adventure that I still can’t believe I never shared here: a walk through the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience. In January 2022, we bundled up against the chilly night air and stepped into a world that felt like it had leapt straight from the pages of J.K. Rowling’s books.

From the very start, it was more than just an attraction — it was pure immersion. Mist rolled across the ground, lantern light flickered through the trees, and everywhere we looked, pieces of the wizarding world came to life.

Entering the Magic

We were greeted by the glowing sign and an illuminated Patronus, setting the tone for the night. Wands in hand, the kids (and let’s be honest, the grown-ups too) were buzzing with excitement.

Meeting Familiar Faces

Not far into the walk, we found Hagrid himself leading the way with Fang by his side. The detail was incredible — the lighting, the sounds, and the sheer size of the characters made it feel like we’d stepped onto a film set.

And of course, tucked deeper in the woods, we stumbled across the infamous flying Ford Anglia, headlights glowing as if Ron and Harry had just abandoned it after their misadventure.

Creatures of the Forest

The forest wasn’t just filled with iconic characters — it was alive with magical creatures. Centaurs, unicorns, and even mischievous Cornish Pixies hung in the trees, glowing in enchanted colors.

Family Highlights

One of my favorite moments wasn’t even tied to a prop or creature — it was watching Alex roast a giant marshmallow under twinkling lights. The Forbidden Forest may be dark and mysterious, but for us, it was also warm, cozy, and full of laughter.

The Little Details

Everywhere we looked, there were touches that pulled us deeper into the story. The enchanted carriages, glowing pumpkins, and spell-casting stations made it impossible not to feel like Hogwarts students sneaking off on a midnight adventure.

Final Thoughts

This experience was one of those “pinch me” moments that I’ll never forget. It was the perfect send-off before our move, a reminder of why we fell in love with England, and a memory our family will always carry with us.

If you ever get the chance to go, whether you’re a lifelong Potterhead or just someone who loves a bit of magic, do it. It’s one of those experiences that leaves you grinning, enchanted, and a little bit convinced that the wizarding world might be real after all.