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International Business Times
09-07-2025
- Climate
- International Business Times
Who Was Jeff Ramsey? Dad Leaves Harrowing Goodbye Voicemails to His Children Before Dying with Wife in the Devastating Texas Floods
A Texas father recorded emotional farewell voicemails for his children moments before he and his wife were swept away by raging floodwaters, the couple's son said. Jeff Ramsey, 61, an insurance agent from Lewisville, is missing after a deadly flash flood swept through his Airstream camper at the HTR RV Park in Kerrville, where he had been staying with his wife, Tanya, 46, and their dog, the New York Post reported. "Once they realized there was nothing they could do, my stepmom was on the phone with her mom while my dad made a call to me and my sister. We were asleep," the couple's son, Jake, told The Post. Final Goodbye to His Children "He left us a message saying he was not going to make it and that he loved us so much, telling us goodbye," Jake said. "He called me once he realized there was no hope. It was a short voicemail. He just left me a voicemail. He said, 'Buddy. I love you so much. It doesn't look like we are going to make it. Tell Rachey I love her,'" the heartbroken son recalled, adding how unusual it was to hear his father sounding fearful. "You never heard this guy panic but we heard panic and fear in his voice," he told the outlet. The sound of the rushing floodwaters could be heard in a voicemail left for his sister just minutes later, with his stepmother screaming in the background, "We're dying, we're dying!" Jeff also spent some of his final moments trying to alert Tanya's brother and mother — who were staying in a separate cabin roughly 150 yards from the river — calling them at 4:30 a.m. to warn them about the approaching danger. "He rescued them because they would have slept in and they would have washed away. That cabin was destroyed, completely underwater. He saved their lives," said Jake. Jeff, who was active with the Adaptive Training Foundation — a gym dedicated to helping amputees and people in wheelchairs — is survived by his children, Jake, 24, and Rachel, 23. "There are miracles happening in that gym all the time. People walking that haven't walked in years or since their accident. My dad always told me that was his calling," he said, recalling he was often there with Chloe. "Tanya was full of love too. We were her kids. Obviously we have a mom as well but we were her babies." Orphaned in No Time Rescue teams eventually recovered Tanya's body, identifying her by her unique tattoos. A breast cancer survivor, Tanya had worked as a manager at a wig store in Dallas. In a stroke of luck, the family was able to locate their dog, Chloe, at a nearby animal shelter thanks to her microchip. "That was the only good news that we've gotten all weekend. My sister and I were overjoyed because that is such a huge piece of my dad's heart and my stepmom's heart," said Jake. "We were so excited to figure out that she was coming home." Sadly, while Jake was going through his father's computer, he came across an emergency alert text from the RV park — sent far too late to have helped. "Right, literally, the same time he left her that voicemail as they were getting swept away, they received an evacuation text from their RV park saying 'Gather your belongings and head out as soon as possible.' It was ridiculous," the distraught son said. "I saw that he got that text as they were floating away. Literally right as he left my sister that goodbye message," he added. "It's your worst nightmare." When asked whether he believed county and state officials had done enough to warn people in the flood's path, he described the evacuation efforts as "lousy." He shared that he spoke with state Senator Tan Parker (R-Wise) during a memorial service on Monday, who promised that legislators would work to improve the alert system and described the current situation as "unacceptable." However, the senator's response offered little consolation to Jeff. "There should have been more that was done. The only thing I'm aware of that was done was my dad was sent a text after it was already too late. He already said goodbye to me and my sister," he said.
New York Post
08-07-2025
- Climate
- New York Post
Hero dad left heartbreaking goodbye voicemails to kids before dying in Texas floods
KERRVILLE, Texas — A Texas father left heartbreaking goodbye voicemails for his kids just moments before he and his wife were swept away by raging floodwaters, according to the couple's son. Jeff Ramsey, 61, an insurance salesman from Lewisville, is still missing after the deadly torrent struck his Airstream camper at the HTR RV Park in Kerrville, where he was staying with his wife, Tanya, 46, and the couple's whippet dog, Chloe. 3 Jeff and Tanya Ramsey with their dog before their deaths in the floods Obtained by the NY Post 3 Text messages showing the campsite being evacuated due to floods. Obtained by the NY Post 'Once they realized there was nothing they could do, my stepmom was on the phone with her mom while my dad made a call to me and my sister. We were asleep. He left us a message saying he was not going to make it and that he loved us so much, telling us goodbye,' the couple's son, Jake, told The Post. Follow The Post's coverage on the deadly Texas flooding 'He called me once he realized there was no hope. It was a short voicemail. He just left me a voicemail. He said, 'Buddy. I love you so much. It doesn't look like we are going to make it. Tell Rachey I love her.'' Jeff also used some of his final moments before the water overtook him to warn Tanya's brother and her mother, who were staying at another cabin about 150 yards up from the river, of the impending danger, calling them at 4:30 that morning. 'He rescued them because they would have slept in and they would have washed away. That cabin was destroyed, completely underwater. He saved their lives,' said Jake. 3 Jeff used his last moments to warn his brother-in-law and mother-in-law about the floods. Obtained by the NY Post Rescuers later found Tanya's body, identifying her by her distinctive tattoos. Miraculously, the family found the pup Chloe at a local animal shelter because she had been microchipped. 'That was the only good news that we've gotten all weekend. My sister and I were overjoyed because that is such a huge piece of my dad's heart and my step-mom's heart,' said Jake. 'We were so excited to figure out that she was coming home.'
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Travel + Leisure
07-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I've Never Owned a Car, but I Rented an RV to Explore Utah's National Parks—Here's What I Learned
I live in New York City and take the subway. I've never owned a car in my life. So, what was I doing piloting my family around Utah in a 24-foot-long Class C RV, hitting as many national and state parks as we could in a week? Blame my son, Calder, who, it turns out, may be a genius. As far as we can tell, he got bitten by the RV bug after seeing the classic Disney short 'Mickey's Trailer' at age 5. He immediately begged to go on an RV trip, which we forgot for a few years until we clambered into our Airstream rental during a stay at AutoCamp in Joshua Tree and Calder all but burst into tears at the discovery it was stationary. He got his revenge this year, when he suggested we turn our spring break tradition of visiting national parks into a real RV adventure. 'Think of the money we'll save on hotels,' he said. Instagram overheard us and I got served up a sponsored post for the German-based company Roadsurfer, promising a 20 percent discount. Next thing I knew, we were in Las Vegas, checking to make sure our black water tank was empty before hitting the road in a 12,000-pound vehicle with no rearview mirror. Was it amazing? Yes. Were there things I wish I'd known ahead of time? Yes. And fortunately I'm here to share them with you. A group photo at Dead Horse Point State Park. Ellen Carpenter/Travel + Leisure As I planned our trip from the comfort of a Manhattan apartment, Utah's parks didn't appear too far apart from each other. Google Maps assured me we could make it from Zion National Park to Dead Horse Point State Park in four hours. Doable, I thought. We'd have plenty of time to explore the sculpted canyons and hike the six-mile loop trail. Google did not share with us its assumption we'd be cruising along at the Utah speed limit of 80. Since our RV started to shake above 65, the drive took us well over six hours, landing us at Dead Horse at 4 p.m., utterly exhausted and only able to shuffle our way along the one-mile Colorado River Overlook trail. We wound up spending most of our time sitting and taking in the epic beauty of the seemingly endless canyon. It was lovely, but had I known how long we'd be driving, I'd have extended our trip by at least a day, gone at a more leisurely pace, and incorporated more stops. By the time we arrived at Zion National Park on our first day, the visitor's parking lot was full, so we were forced to park in Springdale, the adjacent town, and take the free shuttle bus. This was a good thing as the park was packed, with cars slowly snaking their way up the narrow, winding roads—not ideal for RV driving. Plus, RVs have to pay $15 and be 'escorted' through the tight Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel in the upper part of the park. The shuttle, meanwhile, takes you everywhere you need to go—Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, the Narrows—and for free. We made the mistake of driving into Bryce Canyon National Park, only to discover RVs are forbidden at basically every major viewing point from April to October. We inched our way up to Rainbow Point, where we were finally able to park and venture out for a hike. But I kept thinking about all the magical hoodoos and photo ops I was missing. We only booked our trip two months in advance, and all of the state and national park campgrounds were full. But it turned out for the best. Since it wasn't yet the high season, prices at the private RV parks were reasonable (from $37 to $68 per night), and they came with great amenities, including showers, pools, Wi-Fi, even mini golf. The brand-new Zion White Bison had a herd of white bison. While it would have been nice to stay at the national parks, most campgrounds don't have electric and sewage hookups. As first-time RVers, these little luxuries were key. RV parks are social spaces. If you're used to solitary hotel stays like me, it can take some time to embrace this community mentality. But you should. As soon as we'd pull in and find our designated spot, a smiling stranger would amble over and ask us where we were from. Thirty minutes later, we'd still be standing there discussing the hikes we took, wildlife we spotted, and where we stopped for lunch. At Spanish Trail RV Park in Moab, what I thought would be a five-minute dip in the hot tub turned into an hour-long gabfest with newly empty nesters from Tucson. Meanwhile, Calder did cannonballs in the pool with a slew of kids. At the KOA campground in Hurricane, an older couple helped me back into our site (reverse parking is hard) and then told us about their cross-country adventure from Tennessee to California, dog in tow. When you're hiking through Arches National Park in 80-degree weather, it's difficult to imagine you'll need to turn on the heat at night. But you will. I woke up shivering at 4 a.m. and had to stumble out into the freezing cold to turn the knob on the propane tank so I could switch on the heat. Just be sure to shut it off before heading out in the morning. One cost-saving benefit of traveling in an RV is you can cook your own meals. After picking up our RV in Vegas, we stopped to stock up on coffee, granola, sandwich ingredients, frozen turkey burgers, and a box of Utah's beloved FatBoy ice cream sandwiches. The money we saved on breakfast alone was eye-opening. At Arches, after doing the Delicate Arch hike—a trip highlight—we came back to our RV, made sandwiches in our air-conditioned 'kitchen,' and then headed back out to explore some more. That night, we grilled up turkey burgers and ate at the picnic table by our site under a clear, star-studded sky. But one can't live on turkey burgers alone. We ended up having two wonderful meals at family-owned spots. One night in Moab, we feasted on ribs and fry bread at Susie's Branding Iron, conveniently located across the street from our RV park. On our way to Bryce the next day, we stopped for gas in the tiny town of Loa and ended up wandering into Marinia's Country Cafe next door. An episode of Little House on the Prairie played on the TV hanging over the counter as we dug into the best chicken noodle soup of our lives, Reuben sandwiches, and sky-high slices of coconut cream pie. I think about that soup often.
Style Blueprint
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Style Blueprint
An Insider's Guide to Nashville's Hotel Pools
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit *Updated May 2025 by Kate Feinberg The sun-soaked days of summer are nearly upon us — poolside hangs, cozy cabanas, tropical drinks capped off with colorful paper umbrellas. Whether you're looking for a place to lounge with a beach read or float aimlessly with a refreshing cocktail in hand, we've got the inside scoop on which local hotels are ready to welcome you … even if you aren't spending the night! SB Tip: Depending on when and where you book, these hotel pools may require booking fees and/or food and beverage minimums, so be sure to make reservations in advance. Pin AC Hotel Nashville Downtown More Info: The AC Hotel Nashville Downtown is a haven for those looking to take a dip before heading out to the honky tonks. The resort-style deck features one of the area's biggest pools and hot tubs, plus locally-inspired food and drinks from Aqua Lyrics, the poolside restaurant and bar. A day pass starts at $25 and includes towel service, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to the hotel fitness center. You can also make reservations for one of the hotel's five different cabana packages, which all include the Day Pass amenities. Learn more about package options and book your experience through ResortPass. The Bobby Hotel More Info: If you've never been to the Rooftop Lounge at Bobby Nashville, you're in for a treat, as it offers a stunning skyline view, cabanas, delicious cocktails and bites, and even the Scenicruiser — a retro bus turned lounge space, open year-round. The hotel grants pool access to non-guests who book a cabana or time in the Scenicruiser. Reserve a cabana for at least four hours and up to eight guests, then snack and swim to your heart's delight. And this year, you can also enjoy a vintage Airstream serving boozy cocktails and ice cream. Bobby also hosts a weekly rooftop pool party every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., featuring live DJs, seasonal drink specials, and festive themed cocktails like the sweet pear margarita and orange-infused plum wine sangria. To make a reservation, book HERE. Pin Conrad Nashville More Info: Facebook Take in sweeping views from the rooftop terrace at Conrad Nashville in Midtown with a Day Pass. Soak in the pool, enjoy boozy ice pops and gelato, and munch on seafood and other globally-inspired bites. The Day Pass is $50 via ResortPass, and daybeds and cabanas are also available. Drift Nashville More Info: Enjoy a laid-back pool day at Drift Nashville, where sunny skies, cool drinks, and stylish surroundings set the scene. The ground-level pool at Drift is lined with comfy loungers, plush daybeds, and private cabanas — the perfect spot to kick back and unwind. Open to the public, day passes for the pool are available via ResortPass. Pin Four Seasons Hotel More Info: Experience the French Riviera-inspired rooftop pool perched atop the Four Seasons Hotel. Rivière Rooftop features an infinity-edge pool and hot tub, handcrafted cocktails, Mediterranean bites, and a vibrant, yet refined vibe. Book a Day Pass or Pool Daybed via ResortPass. Graduate Hotel More Info: Perched atop the Graduate Hotel, White Limozeen is a playful, pink-hued rooftop oasis offering poolside lounging, indulgent bites, and creative cocktails. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., it features open seating Monday through Wednesday, with reservations required Thursday through Sunday. Cabanas and daybeds are available, and food and beverage minimums apply. You can reserve a spot at the Governor's Pool HERE. Pin Grand Hyatt Nashville More Info: Unwinding just got easier. Grand Hyatt Nashville offers the poolside 'daycation' of your dreams via ResortPass. Take advantage of the Day Pass (starting at $50), which includes access to the outdoor (heated!) rooftop pool, lounge chairs, towel service, complimentary Wi-Fi, and more. You can also order food and beverages from The Nashville Grange and the Solstice Pool Bar & Restaurant. If you'd like to extend your relaxing afternoon, book a Spa Pass, which also includes the Day Pass amenities. Pin Holston House More Info: Perched atop Holston House in downtown Nashville, the rooftop pool deck offers a charming escape with panoramic skyline views. Open to the public — no overnight stay required — this inviting space is perfect for sunbathing, sipping cocktails, or enjoying a casual afternoon. The atmosphere is quaint yet stylish, and the rooftop bar adds a social flair without the crowds. Whether you're a guest or just stopping by, it's a hidden gem for sunshine, skyline gazing, and Southern charm. Pin Hotel Fraye More Info: Comfort abounds at Hotel Fraye, where you can snag a little poolside TLC. Grab a Day Pass (starting at $40) to enjoy access to the rooftop pool, lounge chairs, towel service, and live music, or reserve a reclining daybed, which starts at $100 and accommodates up to four people. Private lounge seating is also available, featuring a dedicated server to bring you snacks and summer sippers. Find out more (including food and beverage minimums) via ResortPass. Hyatt Centric More Info: Head to the SoBro neighborhood to cool down at Hyatt Centric's ninth-floor rooftop pool. ResortPass gives you access to tasty cocktails and bites from Lala's, lounge chairs, towels, complimentary Wi-Fi, and seasonal poolside service for light snacks and drinks — including an extensive rosé menu! The Day Pass starts at $35. The Joseph More Info: Relax in style at The Joseph as you take in panoramic views. Aside from comfy lounge chairs, you can escape to a private cabana, where you can enjoy food and drinks from Denim and float in the saltwater pool. Check out ResortPass for reservations and more information. Pin JW Marriott More Info: Unwind for a day in a private daybed or cabana at JW Marriott's luxurious pool. A Day Pass is $50 via ResortPass, available Monday through Wednesday. Enjoy towel service, poolside snacks and beverages, and complimentary Wi-Fi. While there, take advantage of the spa packages, too. Omni Nashville More Info: You can reserve a spot at the Omni Nashville rooftop pool by booking a treatment at Mokara Spa, or you can book a Day Pass for $65 via ResortPass. We suggest making a day of it and indulging in a couple's massage, signature body treatment, or facial before enjoying access to the pool and fitness center. Virgin Hotels Nashville More Info: Guests of the hotel (and non-hotel guests) can enjoy The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels Nashville, where being a VIP means sun, swimming, and sofas. VIP reservations include access to the pool, a dedicated server, and sparkling water. The Pool Club also offers DJ entertainment during the day throughout the summer, and you can order food and beverages, too. Check out The Pool Club's dedicated website page for rates, seating options, cabana reservations, and more. Pin W Nashville More Info: Who needs a beach when there's a pool at the W Nashville? Listen to DJ-spun tunes while you swim and socialize. Day passes start at $50 and include lounge chairs, poolside snack service from Sunset Bar, and all sorts of package add-ons. You can also rent a daybed for two or a shaded cabana that seats up to eight. Book via ResortPass. The Westin More Info: The L27 Rooftop Lounge at The Westin offers a fantastic view of the city and private cabanas! You and up to seven friends can indulge in delicious bites and cold beverages from L27, along with poolside fun. Get more information and book your pool experience HERE. Pin HONORABLE MENTION: Pinewood Social More Info: It's not a hotel, but Pinewood Social deserves an honorary spot on this list. The restaurant and entertainment venue offers a ton of activities to pass the time, including lounging in one of its two dipping pools. Challenge friends to a game of ping pong, play bocce ball, and order from the poolside menu, featuring frozen cocktails served out of a retro Airstream. They even offer towels, sunscreen, and pool floats. You can find out more HERE. Pin Happy swimming! This article contains hotel affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a reservation after clicking on one of these links. ********** To stay in the know on the best of the South, follow us on Instagram! About the Author Jenna Bratcher Jenna Bratcher is StyleBlueprint Nashville's Associate Editor and Lead Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville 17 years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.
Time Out
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The Standard is going full-retro with a snazzy Soda Shop pop-up this summer
The Standard High Line is cranking the nostalgia to full blast with its summer pop-up: The Standard Soda Shop, opening Monday, June 23, on the hotel's plaza in the Meatpacking District. Inspired by 1950s Americana but very much a product of the trend-savvy Standard playbook, the experience blends classic diner kitsch with summer-in-the-city spectacle. At the center of it all is an 18-foot circular soda bar shaded by candy-colored umbrellas and flanked by a refurbished Airstream—aka the Standard Softee Truck—dishing out soft serve. The plaza will also host lawn games, drive-in-style movie nights and a pie counter that moonlights as a DJ booth (because of course it does). The menu leans into comfort food with flair: You'll find everything from a hash-brown-laced "Morning Sandwich Deluxe" and all-beef "Hot Diggity Dog" with spicy sloppy joe meat, to over-the-top "Tuna Salad Deluxe" on a pretzel bun with dill pickle shoestring fries. There's also a full suite of "Rise & Grind" breakfast classics, mini corn dogs, buffalo cauliflower and the kind of waffle cheese fries that practically beg to be eaten while sitting on a curb in the summer heat. Drinks are equally playful. You can order a homemade soda like the fennel-and-dill 'Better Root Beer' or the 'Cherry Cheesecake' float or spike them with gin or rum for grown-up kicks. Milkshakes are, naturally, on the menu, alongside cocktails like the Lana Americana (whiskey, cherry cordial, cola) and a brown buttered bourbon 'Short Stack Old Fashioned.' There's even a Pickle Martini for anyone brave (or Brooklyn) enough. The Standard's new Soda Shop is tailor-made for summer Instagram moments and lazy hangs. It's retro, it's ridiculous and it's ridiculously fun—just the kind of buzzy escapism that keeps The Standard High Line a downtown staple.
