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Dickens on the Strand | Annual Galveston Historic Christmas Event
Held the first weekend in December, Dickens on the Strand is a Galveston, Texas holiday tradition with great family programming, live entertainment, special events and more.
Brush off your bowlers and prepare your petticoats as Galveston Historical Foundation presents the 52nd annual Dickens on The Strand. Held the first weekend in December, the annual festival is a holiday tradition with great family programming, live entertainment, special events and more.
Dickens on The Strand, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on four stages, new additions like Tiny Tim’s Play Land, Shopkeeper Skills Village, and roaming characters throughout the festival. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items.
This is the first time I’ve been to Dickens on the Strand since I was in high school and it was just as fun as I remember.Since you’re right there by it, make sure to stop into La King’s – an old time ice cream and candy shop and watch taffy being made. If you’re lucky, you might get a sample like we did.
Exhibits
One of my favorite parts of this experience is getting to see all of the musicians on the street. On almost every street corner, there’s someone playing the violin, bagpipes, and musical groups singing Christmas carols. It’s really fun to see everyone’s talents and it definitely puts you in the Christmas spirit!
One exhibit my husband loved was Sky Kings Falconry. They had several trained birds flying about and gave a great discussion on each one.
If you’re looking for Christmas décor, vintage items, or handmade goods, there is a shop here for you! There are dozens of vendors here selling all sorts of wares, so make sure to take the time to check them out!
Calendar of Events
When you walk onto the property (or look online), you can see a full calendar of events that will be taking place all weekend long. There are several parades during the Dickens on the Strand festivities, one being the Queen’s Parade. This parade is really fun to watch as there are people dressed up from the Galveston Historical Foundation, seafarers from Galveston’s historic sailing ship, the Elyssa, draft horses pulling wagons, rowdy pirates, and even the Queen herself. It's a fun activity to watch for adult and kids alike.
Like I said previously, there’s a full calendar of events for the weekend, so you won’t be bored. There’s high school choir groups’ performances, fencing demonstrations, singing pirates, story tellers, and acrobatic acts that you’ll want to see.Speaking of acrobatic acts, you just have to see Cirque La Vie. They’re one part humor and one part acrobatic skill and they put on a great show!
The Victorian Bed Races are something you just have to see to believe – and yes, it is as silly and fun as you are imagining.
We had the best time at Dickens on the Strand and highly recommend you go next year!
Harbet Lodge | Alvin, Texas
“What else do you have on this earth except the love of the Lord, love of the land, and the love of your family?”
History
Harbet Lodge has a long history of acknowledging the importance of family. This property has been lovingly cared for by the Knape family for decades. This 200 acre plot of land used to be used as a dairy farm. Harrel and Betty Knape (thus where the name HarBet comes from) wanted a space for their family and future generations to call home. They raised a family here and Gregg Knape was one of those six kids.
When Gregg was in high school (around 1970), they built this current homestead. Gregg grew up to become a veterinarian and then turned the feed store on property into a large animal vet clinic.
Gregg’s wife Cheryl Knape stated, “Gregg has made it his mission to take care of the animals because that’s who we are and what we do. He gets up in the middle of the night to check on mares foaling, horses colicing, and cows trying to calve, and he does all this with a glad heart because he knows that this is what he was called to do.”
The Knapes have created a beautiful space to relax, entertain, spend time with family, and create new memories. So whether it’s getting fresh eggs out of the chicken coop or feeding Quiznos the mini horse, you’re going to love the feeling of home you get when you stay here.
Accommodations
The farm hotel has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and can sleep up to 12 people. There’s a washer and dryer for doing laundry and a fully stocked kitchen for you to make your favorite family recipes in.
Harbet Lodge has lots of personal touches in the home and reclaimed goods. For instance, the kitchen shelves were handmade out of a cedar tree that was in the backyard and the bathroom barn door in the master bedroom was found in an old barn and has been with the owner for 40 years.
Pets are allowed too, so be sure to bring the animals to enjoy the farm with you.
The Experience
Upon arrival, a charcuterie board awaits you because we all know how hungry a day of travel can make you!
If you’re looking to experience the country life, this is it! This real working farm has cattle, miniature goats, miniature horses, chickens, a garden, and all of the outside space you could ever want to roam. There’s a fire pit to enjoy making s’mores or just sit and unwind after a long day.
You can also go bass fishing in the pond out back, take a ride in an ATV, or visit the animals in the vet clinic next door.
How to Book
If you're interested in learning more about these accommodations and are ready to make your reservation, go here to the Harbet Lodge website to reserve your date!
Things to do Nearby
3 Things to Do in Brenham with Kids (on a Budget)
Looking to get out of the city and take in some fresh air in the Texas hill country? Look no further than Brenham, Texas! Here are 3 things you can do with your kids in Brenham that are cheap and fun for the whole family!
Looking to get out of the city and take in some fresh air in the Texas hill country? Look no further than Brenham, Texas! Here are 3 things you can do with your kids in Brenham that are cheap and fun for the whole family!
Washington on the Brazos
Ever wondered what Texas was like before it was a state – i.e. back when it was it’s own republic? Well this is where it all began! This is the very spot that 59 Texians braved the approaching armies of Mexican General Santa Anna to create and sign a formal declaration of independence from Mexico.
The Republic of Texas, created at Washington in 1836 (this site here off road 12), once encompassed all of the present state of Texas, and parts of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming.
Here you can see Independence Hall (where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed), the Barrington plantation (the home of the last President of Texas as a Republic), and the Star of the Republic Museum.
While the trail map looks pretty extensive and the property covers almost 300 miles, the hiking trails really aren’t that extensive. We chose the longest hiking trail they had to do and it took us maybe an hour to complete – and that’s with making stops to look at points of interest.
If you’re looking to experience Texas as it was in the 1800s, you’ll want to visit on the weekend closest to March 2nd for the Texas Independence Day celebration. During this, the 1830s Republic of Texas period comes to life with costumed interpreters, period demonstrations, toe tappin’ music, firearms and artillery firing. This annual, two-day celebration also features food vendors, traditional crafts, living history presentations and commemorative programs.
Admission fees are waived at the museum during this weekend celebration, but the grounds are always free to walk around and explore.
Flying Horses Carousel
Fireman’s Park in Brenham, Texas is home to this 1930s carousel. Brenham's Flying Horses Carousel is only one of five surviving classic wood Carousels that exist in Texas. According to the National Carousel Association, Brenham's Flying Horses Carousel is the oldest in Texas and one of the few remaining Carousels consisting of Charles W. Dare horses.
The carousel was discovered in 1930 by Mr. Hugh Durden in Clay, Texas. It was left in a pasture years earlier, during the Depression, by a carnival that couldn't afford to pay rent on the land they used for their carnival. Mr. Durden saw the potential of the old Carousel and told members of the Washington County Fair Association about how it could serve the community.
After many years of lovingly restoring it, the Flying Horses Carousel opened to the public.If you want to stop by and see this one of kind structure, pay close attention to their hours – as they are pretty limited. They are only open on weekends between March and October. Saturdays they’re open 11am to 4pm and Sundays is 1 to 4pm.
Kids under 12 can ride the antique horses and it’s only $1 per ride. If you’re a ”big kid” and want to ride too, you can stand alongside a horse or sit in one of the benches on the rotating carousel.There’s also a great playground at Fireman’s Park where the carousel is located, so you’ll be able to wear the kids out here as well.
Bluebell Creamery
Who can say no to ice cream? If you’re from Texas, chances are you’ve heard of Bluebell Ice cream. After all, it is the best ice cream there is.
For planning purposes, they’re open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm all year round. And just so you know, the warmer the weather, the earlier you might want to get there because it will get packed.
First off, you’ll want to stop in the visitor center. This area will tell you all about the history of Bluebell, show you how the company has grown over the years, and you can even get a paper Bluebell hat for free.
Next, you’ll go to the factory next door. After you head upstairs, you can go to the Observation area and watch the workers below fill the ice cream cartons, put the lids on, and package them up for shipment. Unfortunately, there’s no photos or videos allowed in that portion of the facility, but we all loved seeing how the ice cream is made. Don’t forget to wave at the ice cream makers below. They’re super friendly and will always wave back.
This facility in Brenham, Texas is the only one of Bluebell’s many locations that you can see the behind the scenes of the factory and sample a few of their flavors. For just $1 per scoop, you can try out some of their newest flavors – alongside a few of the classics.
Want to see more to do in Brenham? Try these options!
Photos with Bluebonnets (March-April only)
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The Chifley Hotel | Houston Galleria Area Boutique Hotel
The Chifley Hotel is a brand new 284 suite boutique hotel right in the heart of the Galleria area of Houston, Texas. They invited me for their grand opening celebration and to stay the evening and enjoy some of the amenities they’ll be providing their guests. Here's a little of what you can expect to experience at this fabulous hotel.
The name Chifley is inspired by the “schiffli” weaving process, which utilizes hundreds of needles to carefully stitch patterns into lace, reflecting the diverse culture and community in Houston.
Rouse
The Chifley Hotel is unique in that not only is it boasting an iconic hotel, but a restaurant destination as well, with it’s restaurant, Rouse.Rouse Craft Cooking is home to Chef Ricardo Planas. Chef Planas graduated from the French Culinary school and went on to work at prestigious restaurants such as Tavern on the Green in New York City and Watergate in Washington DC.
His style is pays homage to our city’s Asian, Mexican, and Texas barbecue culinary traditions and his food is incredible! Rouse, a name that embodies the establishment’s desire to awaken and stir diners with flavors and flair, will seat 76 in their main dining area and 50 at their bar.
Unique Packages
This is no cookie cutter hotel! In fact, you can customize your stay many different ways – like with a pet package where your pet can stay in style or the wellness package that includes an exercise class. I loved the yoga class I took!
Ready to Book Your Stay?
Go here to reserve your Chifley Hotel stay today!
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon, aka the "Grand Canyon of Texas" is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. It's got stunning overlooks, great hiking trails, and even a Texas-sized theatrical performance in the summer months. Ready to see all the Palo Duro Canyon travel tips? Let's get into it.
Where To Stay
Whether you prefer an AirBnB, Hotel, or RV Park, Amarillo has a little something for everyone. The most important thing you can do when looking for accommodations is to figure out a good, centralized location for all of the activities you have planned.That way, you can maximize the time you have in activities and spend less time in the car. Realistically though, Amarillo is pretty easy to get across. It’s not a huge city, so you can cross the city in about 30 minutes.Booking.com
Palo Duro Adventure Park
Ready to fly? How about zipping across a canyon on a steel cable? This series of ziplines goes across Palo Duro Canyon and lets you get an unforgettable view! Afraid of heights? There’s also the “chicken truck” where you can ride along with you friends or family members and provide moral support and still be part pf the action without actually riding. Ziplines cost $30 and kids can ride tandem with adults for just $10 each.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
This was a place that my dad has been wanting to visit for the longest time and I’m so glad we finally did it together! Palo Duro is absolutely beautiful! It’s called the “Grand Canyon of Texas” because it definitely has a similar feel to it. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to make your reservation up to 30 days ahead of time – even if it’s just for a day pass.This place is kind of amazing. You pass miles and miles or flat farmland only to end up in what is a beautiful canyon, just ready to be explored. There’s one main road that loops through the park, so if you’re looking to just drive through and see it, I recommend doing that with one stop – the Visitor center overlook. It really gives you that wow factor you’re looking from the top of the canyon looking in.If you’re looking to hike, ride horses, etc., there’s plenty of trail options for that too – with all different lengths ranging from .4 miles and beyond.The RV spots look awesome too, if you’re into that – which we are – so we’ll definitely be back with the RV sometime in the future and already have our campsite picked out.
Texas Outdoor Musical
A musical about Texas with Palo Duro canyon as the backdrop? Okay! This was such a unique experience! It’s $40 for adults and $30 each for kids, so while it’s not cheap, it’s definitely a unique experience that’s worth the splurge. Bring your own water with you; it can get pretty hot out there before the sun goes down! If you enjoyed this overview of Palo Duro Canyon State Park, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my channel to see more Texas travel tips!
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers visitors spectacular scenic vistas, hundreds of miles of hiking trails and roads for exploring, the mighty Rio Grande River for float trips and some of the darkest night skies in the lower 48.
About the Park
Big Bend was established as a national park in June of 1935, preserving the largest tracts of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States. The park is comprised of 1,252 square miles of land, making it larger than the state of Rhode Island.Big Bend National Park is America's fifteenth largest national park, boasting 801,163 acres of protected land, making it the largest protected portion of the Chihuahuan desert in the United States.
Hiking
Big Bend is a hiker's paradise containing the largest expanse of roadless public lands in Texas. More than 150 miles of trails offer opportunities for day hikes or backpacking trips. Elevations range from 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande to 7,832 feet on Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains. There are 78 different hiking trails in the park.
When to Visit Big Bend National Park
From October-April, you can usually find a pleasant weather window in the park. Weather in the winter can be variable though, and for that reason the best time to visit Big Bend National Park is October, November, March, or April. The spring brings optimal weather to the park as well as wildflowers. If you’re looking for the night skies, the best time of year to stargaze in Big Bend National Park is October to April. There are no visible lights indicating a house or even a town. You can see the Milky Way in its full glory and more than 2,000 stars on a clear night.
Reservations
Reservations are not needed to enter Big Bend National Park, but normal entrance fees will be collected at all park entrance stations.
Important Tip
Remember, Big Bend is hours away from any neighboring town, so be sure to have a full tank of gas and plenty of snacks and water with you. You do not want to be caught out here without it.
Where to Stay
You can always camp inside the park (with a reservation) or make the long drive from a neighboring town like we did. We stayed in Fort Stockton and drove quite a ways, but we wanted a nicer place to stay since we were driving home to Houston the next day. Check the map below to find a place that matches your style and budget.Booking.com
What to Do in Santa Fe, New Mexico in a Weekend
Ready for a family vacation in the Land of Enchantment (aka Santa Fe, New Mexico)? Here’s what you can do in a weekend in Santa Fe.
Where to Stay
Whether you prefer an AirBnB, Hotel, or RV Park, Santa Fe has a little something for everyone. The most important thing you can do when looking for accommodations is to figure out a good centralized location for all of the activities you have planned. That way, you can maximize the time you have in activities and spend less time in the car.Booking.com
Day 1
Lunch - The Pantry
This was our first stop arriving into Santa Fe and it didn't disappoint! Let me just say that I am forever a fan of Sopapillas coming with every meal from here on out. Yum! We also had the Steak enchiladas, Chicken fried steak, Taco salad with chicken, and Kids French toast. Everything was delicious!
Santa Fe Jeep Tours - Diablo Canyon Sunset Tour
We booked our tour as a last minute idea and we’re so glad we did! Andrew was such a great tour guide! He picked us up from our AirBnB and drove up through the the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) over hills, rocks, and all sorts of things. We had a blast! He even dealt well with our kids’ personalities. As a photographer, I appreciated that he took to all of his favorite places at sunset (some along the Rio Grande, and some high atop a hill) so I could get some great shots. This was such a fun tour and well worth the money.
Dinner - Lolaburger
After the jeep tour ending at 9pm, we needed a place that we could get some good food that was still open and kid appropriate. Our jeep guide recommended that we get a burger at Lolaburger. They had some great chicken sandwiches, burgers, fries, and milkshakes!
Day 2
Santa Fe Farmer’s Market
If you love getting local veggies, fruits, flowers, meats, eggs, and snacks - then you’ve got to check out this farmer’s market. It’s open on Saturday mornings from 8am to 1pm in the Railyard Area. There were over 20 different booths selling all sorts of things and it was amazing to walk through the market and see what everyone had to offer. I love being able to talk to the people who grew the food themselves! Something different that we noticed about this Farmer's Market than others we have been to in the past is that they don't allow animals - so leave your fur babies at home.
Breakfast - Clafoutis
We found the place where the locals eat while on vacation on Santa Fe and this is it. And let me tell you, they know where to eat! We had a 20 minute wait, so it wasn't bad. The restaurant itself is adorable. Very cute decor and a great wait staff. We ordered the Eggs Benedict with ham, Nutella crepe, French toast, and Green Chile bacon quiche. Everything was delicious! We also ordered some pastries at the counter to take with us for later.
Santa Fe Rafting Co
We reserved our rafting trip ahead of time online and we’re so glad we did because they were busy, busy! We chose to do the Half Day Rio Grande Racecourse. It has class 1, 2, and 3 rapids in it and is a little over 6 miles long. The whole thing took about 3 hours for rafting plus two hours for travel to the drop off spot.The whole process was super simple. I liked that we got to know the guys a little bit on our bus ride to the drop off point by the river.Zack was the BEST raft guide! We had never been rafting before and we brought our two kids with us. Zack made us feel so at ease and was super patient with us and the kids and the learning curve of learning the different commands.The time flew by and it was the best combo of rapids and relaxing bits. We even saw an otter! So cute!
San Miguel Mission
This beautiful church is the oldest church in the United States and right next door, you’ll find the oldest house in the United States. It’s really amazing to see how they’re both standing tall after hundreds of years have passed.
Day 3
Hike & Explore Pecos National Park
Ancestral Sites trail: The trail starts right behind the visitor center. It gives you a glimpse into the past as you pass by the ancestral sites of the Pecos Pueblo and the mission church. You will also enjoy beautiful vistas of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Glorieta Mesa as you venture around the trail. 1.25 miles loop, easy trail.We visited during the wildfires, so only the Ancestral Sites Trail was open. But that turned out to be perfect! It was warm out, so the quick 1.5 mile round trip trail was perfect. We loved reading all of the information and seeing the historical sites. Very cool! I highly recommend it! And if you're bringing a stroller or wheelchair, this is a great path for you as well!
Explore the Plaza
With the Loretto Chapel as the center point for the the Plaza, you can't miss it. This beautiful square has many shops, cafes, and local artisans for you to find the perfect keepsake to remember your travels with.
Lunch - Palacio Cafe
If you need a place to eat in the plaza (especially on Sundays when other restaurants are closed), this is a good option. Their service is a bit slow, but if you’re not in a hurry, you’ll get some good food after your wait. We had the Enchilada plate (chicken), Steak tacos, Chicken salad, and Tamales. Everything was great and we even had some Mexican Cokes with it too.
Blue Mesa Alpaca Farm
Mr. Bob was the perfect host for our tour. He told us all about how he obtained the alpacas, what they ate, how they’re cared for, and all sorts of other interesting facts. We also found out they really love to eat the grass just outside of the pens that the kiddos were picking and feeding to them. Great stop to see some animals! Be sure to make an appointment online before just showing up because yours are limited. The tour is free, so make sure to purchase something in his shop to support this local small business!
Dinner - Tomasita’s
We decided to go here after hearing how good it was from a local. We had a 30 minute wait for our table, but there was plenty of seating and you could get a drink at the bar while we waited. Once seated, we saw a mariachi band (who was really good by the way) moving around the restaurant playing different songs. Our waiter was really friendly and fixed an order when it was incorrect without any issue. We had the Green Chile queso fries, Chicken flautas, Quesadilla, Steak combination, Sopapillas, and skinny margarita. Everything was really tasty!
Ethyl the Whale
This was our last stop of the trip and while it was just a big art installation off the back parking lot of Santa Fe Community College, it was a really cool way to end our trip with the sun setting and reflecting against the plastic tiles of the whale.Ethyl is an 82-foot life-sized sculpture of a blue whale is made of hand-recycled plastic trash to bring awareness to the ever-growing urgency of the negative impact plastics have on our environment.
More Things to Do and See in Santa Fe
Overlook Park (Best views)
Las Cieneguillia Petroglyph Hike
Santa Fe School of Cooking
Sky Railway
Schwebach Farm (Pick your own veggies late July - Nov)
More Family Friendly Vacation Ideas
Clarksville, TennesseeGulf Shores, AlabamaFayetteville, ArkansasAmarillo, Texas
What to Do in Amarillo, Texas in a Weekend
We just got back from Amarillo, Texas and we had such a great time! Whether you’re looking for adventure, nightlife, or something a little more low key, Amarillo has it. Since we, like most people, don’t have a lot of time to spend while on vacations, we thought we’d show you our itinerary for how we get the most out of weekend trips.This weekend trip included driving the 9 hours from Houston on Friday and spending both weekend days exploring the city. As always, make your trip your own! This is just what worked for us.
Where to Stay
Whether you prefer an AirBnB, Hotel, or RV Park, Amarillo has a little something for everyone. The most important thing you can do when looking for accommodations is to figure out a good centralized location for all of the activities you have planned.That way, you can maximize the time you have in activities and spend less time in the car. Realistically though, Amarillo is pretty easy to get across. It’s not a huge city, so you can cross the city in about 30 minutes.
Booking.com
Day 1
Day 1 for us included driving in from Houston, so we kept it pretty low key. We arrived in town around 4pm, so we were mostly looking to see/do something quick, eat, and head to bed.
Cadillac Ranch (free)
Bring your spray paint and come check out these iconic Cadillacs buried nose-first into the ground in a field right off of I-10. This completely random art installation is a fun, interactive stop that will allow you to make your mark (literally) on you family road trip! It was created in 1974 by artists Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels, who were a part of the art group Ant Farm and has become a mecca for graffiti artists over the years. Pro tip: bring spray paint with you. Because of the popularity of this activity, local stores have a hard time keeping it in stock.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch
If you like steak, over the top western wear, and kids meals being served in a cowboy hat, you'll love this place. The food is great, the service is great, and the wait times are minimal. Also, if you're staying at the RV park, there's a free shuttle to bring you to the restaurant and back.The most exciting part of the Big Texan is the 72 oz steak challenge. On a stage in the center of the room, you'll get to watch the contestants try to eat a 72 ounce steak, 3 sides, and a salad - all in under an hour. We watched two guys try and fail, but it was fun to cheer them on from our tables.
Day 2
Day 2 was a day for adventure at Palo Duro Canyon! We hiked, we went ziplining, and we saw a show!
Breakfast - Ye Olde Pancake Station
If you love down home cooking breakfast kind of places like we do, this is your place. We were originally going to go to Brent’s Cafe, but they were closed, and we happily stumbled upon this place.The place was packed. Don’t judge the parking lot fullness by your wait time. The parking lot was full when we went and we only had 5 minute wait before we got our table. The waitress was so friendly. Everything came out delicious, hot, and with a smile.We enjoyed the hot chocolate, western omelet, chocolate chip pancakes, and biscuits and gravy. We’d stop here again in a heartbeat.
Palo Duro Adventure Park
Ready to fly? How about zipping across a canyon on a steel cable? This series of ziplines goes across Palo Duro Canyon and lets you get an unforgettable view! Afraid of heights? There’s also the “chicken truck” where you can ride along with you friends or family members and provide moral support and still be part pf the action without actually riding. Ziplines cost $30 and kids can ride tandem with adults for just $10 each.
Lunch – Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner
If you’re looking for something delicious to eat near Palo Duro Canyon, this is a great place to go to. They have classic Southern favorites like chicken fried steak and beef tips and they serve it with a smile. Our waiter was so kind and helpful. Our group enjoyed all the things - especially the chicken fried chicken, chicken fried steak, and beef tips. The chili cheese fries and chips and queso were great as well. We’d definitely go back here.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
This was a place that my dad has been wanting to visit for the longest time and I’m so glad we finally did it together! Palo Duro is absolutely beautiful! It’s called the “Grand Canyon of Texas” because it definitely has a similar feel to it. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to make your reservation up to 30 days ahead of time – even if it’s just for a day pass.This place is kind of amazing. You pass miles and miles or flat farmland only to end up in what is a beautiful canyon, just ready to be explored. There’s one main road that loops through the park, so if you’re looking to just drive through and see it, I recommend doing that with one stop – the Visitor center overlook. It really gives you that wow factor you’re looking from the top of the canyon looking in.If you’re looking to hike, ride horses, etc., there’s plenty of trail options for that too – with all different lengths ranging from .4 miles and beyond.The RV spots look awesome too, if you’re into that – which we are – so we’ll definitely be back with the RV sometime in the future and already have our campsite picked out.
Dinner - Canyon Ranch Steaks & Sports
We decided to stop into Canyon to eat in between hiking and the Texas musical at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This place had good reviews, so we thought we’d give it a try.We’re so glad we did! The wait staff was all super friendly and we were seated right away. We ended up getting the Foreman Philly, Chicken fried steak, hamburger, Quesadilla, and Ribeye special. Everything was delicious. We’d definitely eat here again if we’re back in the area.
Texas Outdoor Musical
A musical about Texas with Palo Duro canyon as the backdrop? Okay! This was such a unique experience! It’s $40 for adults and $30 each for kids, so while it’s not cheap, it’s definitely a unique experience that’s worth the splurge. Bring your own water with you; it can get pretty hot out there before the sun goes down!
Day 3
On day 3, we did a lot of sightseeing.
Floating Mesa (free)
Northwest of Amarillo on Tascosa Road, you’ll find what appears to be a mesa hovering above the earth. This optical illusion created by Stanley Marsh is really just a wide, white stripe painted around the mesa, causing it to appear as if it’s floating. It’s really pretty neat to see in person and let the kids think there’s some sort of magic afoot.
Route 66 Historic District
It used to be that if you wanted to travel from the East coast to the West coast, you had to travel route 66. From Chicago to Santa Monica, this road has been well traveled. Now, the historic Route 66 has been replaced by interstate highways, but the small towns still highlight the road-trippers through nostalgic cafes, shops, antiques, and more. Now this area in Amarillo has a great night life - there's plenty of bars and music venues to spend a few evening hours.
Bill’s Backyard Classics
If you love antique cars, muscle cars, and everything in between, you'll love Bill's. Here, you'll find two huge warehouses full of cars, trucks, jeeps, and vans from all different eras and in all different styles.
Ozymandias of the Plains (free)
The same man who commissioned Cadillac Ranch also commissioned these leg statues South of Amarillo. Another random stop? Yes. But let your creativity fly in coming up with a funny photo op here!
Creek House Honey Farm
Buzz buzz! This bee and honey farm is a great place to take a bee tour and learn about how these little winged insects help pollinate the area and produce some delicious honey. Tours are 1.5 hours in length and it’s $35 for adults and $20 for kids. They also have a great little boutique will also sorts of things made our of honey and beeswax, as well as a winery to sample their wines and have a light lunch/snack.
RV Museum
Jack Sisemore’s RV Museum is home to a collection of 15 vintage trailers, campers, and mobile homes from the 1930s to the 1970s, including the bus from the Robin Williams film RV.
Amarillo Botanical Gardens
On over 4.4 acres in West Texas, you'll find beautiful blooms, gardens, and installations that'll leave you in awe. If you love flowers and the beautiful outdoors, you'll love this one.
Dinner – 575 Degree Pizza
This small pizza joint is serving up some seriously delicious pizza! Down the street from Cadillac Ranch, you’ll find this pizza place at the end of a shopping center. Though it’s not a large place, it’s packing a big punch when I comes to the food they provide. The service was excellent. While there, we got cheese breadsticks, Bender Pizza, and a build your own pizza. They also had live music which was a nice way to unwind after a long drive into town.
More Fun Things to Do & Eat in Amarillo
Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West
Texas Air & Space Museum
Tascosa Drive In
American Quarterhorse Museum
Brent’s Café
Coyote Bluff Café
Six Car Pub & Brewery
When planning a trip to Amarillo, here's a couple things to know:
*Make a reservation. Everywhere you plan to go, just book it. Our zipline adventure was booked ahead of time and had we not had the reservation, we wouldn't have gotten to do it because they were booked. It wasn’t crazy busy when we were there, but had it been, we wouldn’t have been able to get in without one.*Visit earlier in the summer if you’re looking for below 90° weather. The first day we were there, it’s was 68° and perfect and the next it was 88° and definitely not the same experience.*Bring lots of water. It’s dry and you can get dehydrated really quickly.
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Things to Do and See in Livingston, Texas
If you find yourself traveling down 146 in East Texas, you’re going to go right through Polk County - home of Livingston, Texas. This classic, small Texas town was once a stop for weary travelers going up and down Highway 59 (I-69) and once the highway moved, travelers forgot all about this little town.Well, the people of Livingston want to tell you to put them back on the map! Downtown Livingston is growing by leaps and bounds through the efforts of many local small business owners and entrepreneurs. So make Livingston, Texas a destination this summer! Here’s a little of what you can find there.
Petalz By Annie
About a month ago, I was on my way home from visiting my in-laws and I saw the prettiest floral mural on the side of a building in Livingston, Texas. It was gorgeous and I knew at that point I needed to go in there and see what they offered. I’m so glad I did. After researching online a bit, I found that the place with the pretty mural was called Petalz by Annie. It is a an adorable boutique that has a florist component, a cute little shop for home goods, and a tea and coffee bar. From the moment you step inside the store, it feels like home. Everything is beautifully designed, it smells great, and there’s even really comfortable seating just waiting for you to have a seat and spend a few hours chatting with friends.While I was there, I got to talk with Annie, the owner of Petalz by Annie, and she couldn’t have been nicer. We got to talk about how the store came to be and what her hopes were for the patrons who came in. Another interesting thing is that she is passionate about revitalizing Livingston and bringing some life back into the town - especially in the historic downtown area. And she’s doing just that. She’s even bought the movie theater next door and is going to revamp it into its former glory.The great thing is that other companies are following suit. There’s a business that just moved in across the street from her and then there’s also the Ruby Cattle Company Market which is close by as well. Annie and the other ladies there are some of the most genuine women you’ll ever meet. So go order a coffee and tell them I sent you.
Ruby Cattle Company
Walking into the Ruby Cattle Company Market you will get a sense of Texas pride. On one wall there are meats from the cattle from the Ruby Cattle Company ranch and on the other wall there are all sorts of soaps, honey, T-shirts, barbecue rubs; all sorts of things anything you can think of that are all Texas made and grown. The market has a great selection of cuts of beef and they even have some prepared foods like shepherds pie (yum!), lasagna, and sides so if you were looking for a one stop shop for that dinner table tonight, this is the place to go. While I was there I also got to head outside of town to their farm.The farm is about 20 minutes east of Livingston and it is situated on 1200 acres next to the Native American reservation. It’s a beautiful piece of land with somewhere between 600 to 800 heads of cattle. I had the opportunity to go and meet with Joe, the fourth generation cattle rancher, and he was such a joy to talk to. You could see the passion and the love that he had for working his land, taking care of his cattle, providing for his employees, and for putting a good piece of meat on the table for not just himself but for the public in general.They have specialty tours twice a year at the farm where you can see the farm in action, eat some barbecue sandwiches, drink a Texas beer, and listen to a live band play. You need to be on one of these tours - you won’t regret it!
Lake Livingston State Park
Whatever your outdoor pleasure - whether it be camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, boating, or water skiing - Lake Livingston State Park has it all available for you. Be sure to reserve your dates ahead of time for both day passes and overnight camping!
C & M Blueberry Farm
Starting Memorial Day weekend each year, head on over to the blueberry farm! This pick your own farm has acres of blueberry bushes just ready for you to grab right off the bushes.
Livingston Trade Days
Trade Days is held in Pedigo Park, which is conveniently located just 2/10 mile off the Highway 59 corridor, in the center of Livingston, Texas, one hour north of Houston Intercontinental Airport and one hour south of Lufkin. Livingston Trade Days is set up in Livingston's scenic Pedigo Park. Shoppers peruse through two covered pavilions and open-air lots that are host to a wide variety of food, arts and crafts, collectible and antique vendors.This great environment welcomes families, day-trippers and outdoor enthusiasts who come to enjoy a few hours at the park. Their goal is to bring a treasure or two home. Courtesy rest areas are located throughout the grounds for shoppers' convenience. There is no admission or parking charge. With hundreds of vendors and an eclectic selection of wares, there's something for everyone!
Tempe Creek Vineyard and Farms
Down a dirt road by a creek, you’ll find pastures with longhorns and donkeys, a vineyard, and a wine tasting room. Tempe Creek Vineyard is owned by Jennifer Cook and Michael Santana, Houston natives who wanted to escape the city life for a more quiet, wholesome place to unwind. For just $12.50, you can sample all of their available wines and feed the livestock grazing in the nearby field. You can also check out their website for weekend events, concerts, and activities hosted at the vineyard.
Double Creek Farm
If you find yourself in the Livingston area in the fall, be sure to head to Double Creek Farm. They have a pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm that you and your kids will love. They’re only open Friday-Sundays, so be sure to stop by the farm for some fall/winter fun! As you can see, Livingston, Texas has a lot to offer people of all different backgrounds and interests! Be sure to check it out this summer for your next Texas road trip!If you’d like to see more travel tips like this, SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel!
What is There to Do at the Texas Renaissance Festival?
Hear ye, hear ye! The Texas Renaissance Festival is in town and if you’re looking for a medieval good time, now is your chance. Every weekend in in October through the Friday after Thanksgiving, you can drive into the woods and enter the stone gates into a world of court jesters, royal banquets, and dueling knights. It is such a great experience and if you’ve never been to the Renaissance Festival before, here’s a little glimpse into what you’ll see while you’re there.
Food
Important stuff first – the food. Of course, the first thing you might think of is turkey legs or funnel cakes, but the Texas Renaissance Festival boasts a whole lot more than that! Whatever you’re in the mood for – be it Chinese food, Greek, a sweet treat, you will find it there. You can also find a plethora of drink options. There’s beer, wine, and soda – and even a mead tasting or two!
Games & Activities
Let’s talk games! There are fun things for all ages! There’s a playground, pirate ship, giant swings, pony rides, darts, a carousel, and even a giant rocking horse! Some of our favorites were archery and the kids’ jousting, so be sure to check those out!
Shopping
Texas Ren Fest has some of the coolest shops to grab a few wares at! Whether you just want a little momento from your visit or you’re in the market for a full knights of the round table costume, the shopping here is unmatched. I also love that they have scheduled shows where you can watch the local artisans make everything from brooms to glass blowing – all right in front of you
Performances and Shows
The shows at the renaissance festival are really the crown jewels of the whole event. These actors are everywhere – from up in the trees acting like Peter Pan to down on the streets juggling knives. And then there’s the scheduled performances too. In the many outdoor theaters around the grounds, you can see birds of prey take flight, watch a jousting match, hear the cracks of a fire whip, or catch a full steel combat match between knights. If you’re looking for something a little more laid back, there’s also many bands that play throughout the day, so no matter your excitement level, there’s something for you to see.I hope you’re able to make it out to the Texas Renaissance Festival this year and see some of the things I showed you here in person. It’s such a fun experience for the whole family!If you enjoyed this video, be sure to like the video and subscribe to my Youtube Channel so you can get more family fun inspiration!
Enchanted Rock | Fredericksburg Texas Hill Country Hiking
20 minutes North of Fredericksburg, Texas, you’ll find the 425 foot tall pink granite batholith known as Enchanted Rock. People drive from neighboring metropolitan cities like Houston, Austin, and Dallas in hopes to climb this over 30 degree slope up.
The Enchanted Rock Summit Trail is only 1.3 miles up and back and you don’t really understand how steep it is until you’re already invested in your climb and find yourself suddenly out of breath.Worried about falling off? You might think about it once or twice along the climb, but in reality, only two people have ever died while in the park. And, since Enchanted Rock is made of granite, it produces a good amount of friction in order to help you stay put.If going straight up isn’t your thing, you can also walk over 11 miles of hiking trails around the base of the Texas icon.
This over 1600 acre park provides a great display of the wide array of Texas landscapes – from rocky terrain and cacti to beautifully tall trees and grassy areas. Camping is available in the park as well as day passes for $8 per person. But this popular park is a busy one, so make sure to reserve your pass well in advance of your trip so you don’t get rejected when you arrive. You’ll also want to make sure to check weather reports before you leave home too. Because of it’s steep slope, the park closes all trails when there’s bad weather – the last thing you’d want to do is be caught on a big slippery wet rock and try to get down safely.I’ve heard of Enchanted Rock for years and I’m so glad I finally got a chance to hike around it and up it. Overall, the whole thing took about 3 hours to walk around, up, and down. But that view from the top – that’s what makes it all worth it. I highly recommend you go hike Enchanted Rock soon!
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Two Step on Down to Bankersmith, TexasTexas Hill Country Luxury at Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, TXWhat to Do in Georgetown, Texas Love Texas travel? Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to my Youtube channel to see my weekly videos!
Two Step on Down to Bankersmith, Texas
Texas Hill Country towns are known for a lot of things, but mostly they’re known as the perfect places for weekend getaway destinations.There’s Fredericksburg, Gruene, Wimberly, New Braunfels, and Canyon Lake to name a few, but I bet you’ve never heard of Bankersmith, Texas. Bankersmith sits halfway between Fredericksburg and Comfort, and if you’re looking for a rustic getaway with everything at your fingertips, well then this is it.
This town boasts a population of zero, which makes sense considering the whole town is only a few acres in size. Founded in 1912, no one has actually lived in this Gillespie County town since the 1960s. This once railroad town is now home to a dance hall, campsites, working farm, restaurant, and even has a couple Air BnBs.My friend Alley and I got to check this cool spot out this past week and we had an absolute blast!Bankersmith is minutes from downtown Fredericksburg, Texas. It’s a one stop spot for grabbing a bite to eat, taking a hay ride, petting farm animals, watching a match at the Fredericksburg Polo Club, and maybe even enjoying a game of cornhole or two.So leave your heels at home and put on your boots…let’s head to Bankersmith, Texas y’all!
Saloon
This rustic restaurant is perfect for those few precious weeks of perfect weather we get every year. You can grab a drink and order your food at the bar and then meet your group at a picnic table. The overhead twinkle lights and goats braying from their retired tour bus abode make for a fun afternoon of spending time with friends.One thing I really enjoyed about this location is that it’s definitely a local favorite. In fact, at any point during the day, you can find at least one (but probably more) musicians playing on the back porch. Guitars, singers, harmonicas – it’s all welcome here!
Dance Hall
On one side of the property, you’ll find the dance hall. This corrugated metal building holds up to 300 people and is the perfect place to dance the night away. They also hold events each month, so be sure to go check out one of their most popular events – the Hot Air Balloon Festival.
Working Farm
On most weekends, you can schedule to take a hayride down the road to the farm! While there, you’ll see the usual goats and donkeys, but also a few things you didn’t expect – like geese, camels, zebras, and buffalo! The longhorn cattle are close enough to touch them, but I wouldn’t recommend it because those horns have a mind of their own! The tractor-pulled hayride is about an hour and a half in length and you get to feed the animals right out of your hands as well.Back at the property, you can also check out the chickens, goats, pot belly pig, turkey, and guinea. The farm tour is great for all ages.
Lodging
Want to stay close to the action? Bankersmith has four 1 bedroom rooms and two 2 bedrooms suites available. In keeping with the rustic theme, they’re complete with wood plank walls, a galvanized metal shower, kitchen area, and comfy living room couches. The only downside? There’s a famous rooster outside that has no concept of time and likes to crow whenever he feels like it – not just at dawn.
Upcoming Events
This fun Texas small town has a ton of events coming up in the next few months, so take advantage of the nicer weather and go check out Oktoberfest, the Taco Festival, Fall farm bash, the Grape Stomp, the Hot Air Balloon Festival, Christmas Market, and so much more! If you’d like to see more Texas travel tips, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my Youtube Channel!
A Weekend in Waco, TX | What to Do and Where to Eat
I love college towns.
They're always so vibrant, adventurous, and they ALWAYS have good food options. So let's say you're visiting Waco, Texas and you only have a weekend so explore. Here's a few things that we've found that are MUST SEE things to do and place to eat at while in Waco, Tx.
Things to Do
What started out as a college town has grown into a thriving small town with big city amenities. Check out all there is to do in Waco, Texas on your next family road trip!
Homestead Craft Village
This really neat place for kids is a free admission farm that features make your own craft activities for kids, hay rides, gardens, and you can even have a meal at the Café Homestead. It’s a great way to spend a few hours outside and learning how early settlers might have lived.
Magnolia Market
If you’re a fan of Chip and Joanna Gaines or their show, Fixer Upper, chances are you’ve heard of the Magnolia Silos. The Silos feature food and home décor all in one cute location. The Silos, Seed + Supply, Press, and Bake Shop take up several city blocks and provide a great space for families to shop, eat, spend some time outdoors, and design their dream home. It’s really a great place to spend a couple hours. Our new favorite additions include the Katy Ballpark and the Old Church. They add such a sweet, hometown element to the Silos District and we all found something different that we loved about the space.
Mammoth National Monument
This cool national park is open 9-5, and admission adults $5, kids $3. What you’ll see while there are Columbia Mammoths! Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and only recorded evidence of a nursery herd of ice age Columbian mammoths.
Visit the Bears
On the edge of the campus of Baylor University, you can walk up to the bear den – aka where the famous Baylor Bears live on campus. Depending on the weather, you might be able to see them and you might not. But I always have to check and see just to be sure.
Where to Eat
You know this girl’s gotta eat well while on vacation, so here’s a few spots you’ll want to take your family to eat at while you’re in Waco, Texas.
Southern Roots Brewing
This was our favorite place to eat while in Waco, hands down. Even during the summer when the students are out of school, they’re busy on most nights – especially weekends when they have life music playing inside. The pizza and wings are out of this world! That’s what I love about college towns – there’s always so much delicious food available! They also have board games available, so you can come and drink a few beers and make a night of it!
Magnolia Table
Every time I visit Waco, thi is a must if you want to eat all of those delicious Joanna Gaines recipes she has in her recipe books. They serve breakfast and lunch and are open to walk-ins, but reservations open up online one month prior to the booking date, so if you want a guaranteed table without a wait, you’ll want to stay up until midnight and book that reservation for your day and time of choice. They have some delicious country-style classics and the food and décor are both phenomenal.On a normal day, there is at least an hour wait to get a table at Magnolia Table. But here’s how you’re going to skip that line. Reservations open exactly 30 days before booking a specific date. So if you know you’re going to want to go on a certain day, go on their website at 11:59pm 31 days before your trip and patiently wait that one minute and then POUNCE ON IT. Yep. You will pick your exact time and you can’t reserve a table for over 6 people, so have a game plan beforehand. There are only a certain number of reservations allowed each day, so once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Places to Stay
Waco has a ton of different types of housing options for you to stay in while visiting! Use the map below to see what's available duringt the dates you're looking at visiting!Booking.comIf you’d like to see more family friendly vacations like this, subscribe to my Youtube Channel!
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Weekend warrior? Looking for a weekend getaway? How about just a little rest and relaxation for a few days?The JW Marriott San Antonio has something for every type of vacation – couples getaways, family retreats, and solo expeditions. You’re going to love this place!
Accommodations
The rooms here are spectacular. They have everything from rooms with 2 double beds to private suites. They have rooms with balconies and some that walk out to direct access to the pool. Check out their availability here.
Amenities
Indoor lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will all love the activities this resort has to offer!
Water Activities
Whether you’re looking for high adventure or just lounging by the pool, the JW Marriott in San Antonio has it all! First, there’s the River Bluff Experience that features a lazy river and pool. Then there’s the children’s play area and if you’re looking for a place a little more quiet, there’s an adults only overlook infinity pool as well.
Spa
Ready for a little relaxation? There’s no better place to luxuriate than the Lantana spa. Get any treatment you like – such as a pedicure, facial, and massage. If you’re trying to stay in shape, they also have a full gym complete with Peleton bikes and fitness classes available. They also have tennis and basketball courts available.
Golf
If you’re an avid golfer, this golf course (or should I say courses since there’s two) is stunning. It’s won numerous awards and is only open to JW Marriott guests and members. If you need a little help with your backswing, private lessons are available as well.
Nature Trails
You know I love getting outside any chance I can, so we had to hit the trails. Right outside of the hotel are 3 different trails – none longer than a mile, so it was a great way to start the day with a leisurely stroll and little exercise.
Activities for Kids
Since it rained the one full day we had at the resort, I thought for sure the kids we saw around the resort would be bored out of their minds – but they weren’t! Not only does the resort have an arcade, but they also have family friendly activities planned for every day of the week. There was an animal exhibition, slime making, birdhouse painting, inner tube decorating, and s'mores made by the fire. So many fun things to do!
Restaurants
With several restaurants on property, you can find whatever you’re in the mood to eat – from a simple cup of coffee to a perfectly cooked steak.
Cibolo Moon
This casual dining restaurant features Tex-Mex favorites and a tequila bar. They even have 3 private dining spaces – all named after different kinds of tequila – Anejo, Reposado, and Blanco. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.
Rivertop Grill
If you’re out by the water activities, no need to come inside! This poolside bar and grill features sandwiches, hamburgers, chips and salsa, and cold margaritas.
Starbucks
If you need your morning jolt of coffee, there’s a Starbucks located conveniently on property.
High Velocity
If you like the energy of sports bars, High Velocity will be just your speed. They have a great food selection, craft cocktails, and a vibrant 120 foot long HD video wall. Here, you'll find your traditional bar food - burgers, wings, loaded fries, etc.
Crooked Branch
This whiskey bar is a great place to have nightcap and wind down from the day’s festivities. It's in the middle of the downstairs common area, so it's a nice spot to grab a drink, sit by the fireplace, and unwind.
18 Oaks
Did somebody say steak? This upscale steakhouse was the perfect birthday dinner spot for us. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love this fine dining experience overlooking the golf course’s 18th hole. Be sure to make a reservation before you arrive on property!Curious to find out more about the property? Enter your possible vacation dates in the search bar below to get started!Booking.com
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Gulf Coast Luxury at Cinnamon Shore
This post is sponsored by Cinnamon Shore.
A couple years ago, my husband and I took our kids to stay in Port Aransas. Neither one of us had been there before, but I found a really cute place in Cinnamon Shore that looked really nice so I booked it. It was one of our favorite vacations to date.While we were there, we were able to entertain the kids with a sand castle competition, ride on a golf cart on the beach, and watch a movie on the lawn in the community area. We left that weekend trip vowing to go back one day just the two of us.And this past week, we were able to do just that. We stayed in a beautiful condo in the same Cinnamon Shore area and it was even better than we remembered. We roasted marshmallows on the fire pit, ate at both on site restaurants, and swam in one of the three pools on the property. It was amazing.So if you're looking to visit the Corpus Christi/Mustang Island/South Padre Island area but are looking for something a little more upscale with all of the amenities you could ever want, Cinnamon Shore is the place to go.
Where to Stay
We stayed at the beautiful Serenity Blue at Cinnamon Shore. It’s part of a large community that is right on the dunes! They’ve got 2 dune cross overs to the beach, three community pools, on-site dining, weekly entertainment, two community lakes for fishing, a pirate ship playground, a dog play ground and dog washing area, and a fitness center. And don’t forget to rent a golf cart from Top Deck Golf Carts because that’s how everyone travels from place to place in this beach-side community.
Where to Eat
Dylan’s Pizzeria
Right as you enter Cinnamon Shore, you'll find Dylan's Coal Oven Pizzeria. We were able to have dinner there one evening and the guys working there couldn't have been nicer! They gave us some great recommendations on what to order and we were so glad to have taken their advice!I had the Bianca Pizza with pesto chicken added. It's a white sauce pizza and I'm not lying when I tell you that it was probably the best white pizza I've ever had. It was amazing. My husband had the Tradizionale with sausage and peppers and he said that his was great too.I'd also recommend getting the Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita. It was so flavorful! The predominate flavor was pineapple and then a gentle heat sneaks up on you towards the end. Delicious! I can't wait to go back and eat there again!
Lisabella’s
When you're staying at Cinnamon Shore for a relaxing getaway, this restaurant is a must for dinner. Their menu is primarily seafood, with some steak and quail thrown in as well.Recommendations: Get the crab cake for an appetizer. It's got tons of crab in it and is served with a delicious beurre blanc sauce. For your meal, get either the Red Snapper or the Filet. I've also heard that the Seafood Enchiladas are good as well.Our chocolate cake for dessert wasn't all that special. So maybe skip dessert here.Pro Tip: You'll want to make a reservation. Because of social distancing, a reservation is required to get a table - especially on Tuesday and Thursday evenings when there is a live band playing.The locals also recommended La Playa, Phoenix, Venetian Hot Plate, Island Market, Lelo’s, and Roosevelt’s. So I’ll try to check out a few of these the next time I’m in town.
Indulge Yourself
The best way to relax while on vacation is to plan ahead and anticipate your needs.When I travel, I always have a plan for what we’re going to eat upon arrival. It never fails. You go on a road trip, you get to your destination, you get unpacked, and then you’re exhausted and hungry with no energy to go out to eat.That’s why on this trip, I ordered from Bodega Box to have a charcuterie box of nibbles to be delivered around the time that we’d be arriving. It was perfect! They thought of everything and it was the perfect snack to tide us over until our dinner reservation. Plus, we had some left over to use for a beach picnic the next day!Shopping is great here too! Be sure to check out Roam, Roam Home, The Palm Republic, and Coastal Closet. They have all sorts of things from clothing to home décor and you’re sure to find something you like.
What to Do
The beach is definitely the #1 spot to spend some time while you’re enjoying the Port Aransas area.Texas Sandfest is a close second. We brought our kids a couple years ago to this event and it was amazing! There were people from all over the world building huge, detailed sand art and displaying it for all to see. There were some really amazing pieces! The event takes place every April (although this year’s was canceled) and they’re already scheduled for next year’s to be bigger than ever!Cinnamon Shore also has daily activities scheduled all year round! While we were there, there was s'mores at the fire pit, sand castle building lessons, and yoga. During the Fall, they also have movies in the outdoor theater, beach workouts, surfing lessons, and tons of live music. During the summer months, they have up to 5 different activities scheduled each day! You WILL NOT be bored at Cinnamon Shore
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Plano, Texas | Where to Stay, Eat, and Play
This post was sponsored by Visit Plano. It contains affiliate links.
This past weekend my husband and I celebrated our 12 year wedding anniversary. When I say the last 12 years have been crazy, wonderful, chaotic, hurtful, and full of love, I mean it. Marriages aren't perfect. After all, people aren't perfect. But what matters is that two people who love each other can get through anything if they both work at it hard enough.In order to celebrate our anniversary, we thought what better way to do it than to go on a little weekend getaway without the kids. We didn't want to go to far, and we wanted to eat well and enjoy ourselves. So we opted for Plano, Texas. Neither of us had been to Plano before (we usually drive through the area on the way to somewhere else on a road trip), but we thought we would check out what there is to do.We ended up having such a great time! We slept in. We ate what we wanted to. And we saw the sights. Plano has a great assortment of things to and I'm going to outline them below for you.
Where to Stay in Plano, Texas
We stayed at the oh so fabulous Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West. It was fantastic! From the moment we checked in, the staff was so friendly and helpful and everywhere you looked there were delicious little touches. The lobby had fruit infused water, fresh lemonade, and other goodies like peanut brittle and house made lollipops. It was fun to leave and come back and see what treasures awaited us there! There's also a gorgeous roof top pool with ample amounts of seating and a swanky upscale bar near the lobby with some really neat decor. The beds were also really comfy and the rooms were spacious.
This hotel has Happy Hour every Monday through Thursday from 5pm to 7pm to enjoy special drink prices and featured monthly specials. You can enjoy your cocktail at the bar, or step outside onto the terrace and gather around the fire pit. They also have a "Punch Ritual" held every weekday starting at 6pm. The Punch Ritual offers the opportunity for you to learn about their cocktail-making process and the seasonal ingredients they use to create them. It's delicious and educational!
One really great part of the hotel is that when you walk out the door, you walk straight onto Legacy West. This road is full of fine dining, upscale shopping, and Legacy Food Hall. Any time of day we went, there were people buzzing around and enjoying themselves. Nighttime was definitely the busiest, as the fountains were on full display with lights and movements set to music. It was a great spot to sit, people watch, and enjoy the music.
Where to Eat
We ate a lot, but I'm going to narrow it down for you top places we'd like to go back to:
XO Coffee Company. From the moment we walked in, I loved this place. It's a good size cafe with fresh made coffees and delicious brunch items. We ordered the mocha, caramel latte, Nutella stuffed french toast with sugared bacon and cheesesteak. That French toast and bacon was simply amazing. I would go back over and over again for that. The staff was all really helpful and friendly as well. Go early in order to get a good table!
The Biscuit Bar. Go early or expect a wait. And there's a reason for that. The locals and visitors alike know that this place is pumping out delicious food! We opted for the Buffalo chicken and blue cheese biscuit, sausage and gravy biscuit, cold brew, and a fruity pebble cereal drink (alcoholic). Everything was SO good! The buffalo chicken biscuit had hardly any spice to it, so if you're afraid of setting your mouth on fire, this won't do it. Next time, I will definitely be trying the hot chocolate biscuit. That thing looked amazing!
Mexican Sugar. We started off with the queso blanco and it was tasty. It was nice and creamy and the salsa that came with it was really flavorful. I always like it when my salsa comes warm, because you know it's fresh. We then ordered the steak enchiladas and the carne asada tacos. For the tacos, I opted for lettuce cups instead of the traditional flour tortillas and it was a really great option for people who are trying to cut carbs. The only regret I have is not trying their chocolate avocado cake. That looked really great, we were just too full to get one by the end of the meal!
B Frank & Relish. They weren't busy at 7pm on a Saturday evening and I'm still not really sure why. We walked up and were seated right away. The server recommended the B Famous wings and we were really happy he did. They were amazing! The flavor was so great and because they sous vide them for 3 hours before serving them, they're just fall off the bone tender! The Fiery Pineapple Margarita was great too. It didn't set my mouth on fire - it was just a slow, gentle heat mixed with delicious pineapple - perfection! The white truffle and parmesan fries were really good. I could have had a side of that white truffle aoili with it and would have been perfectly content with that as my dinner. The Harvest Greek salad and the street tacos were okay, but they weren't wow-worthy like those wings were. Their Old fashioned cocktail is another one to get. They brand the ice with a signature 'B' and it makes for a really smooth cocktail. Lastly, the fried smores...heaven on a plate. I mean they deep fry smores, people. How can you really go wring with that? You can't. Oh, and they serve it with chocolate sauce that you pour over the whole thing. So good! The staff was super attentive and were a fun group! We'll definitely be back!
Sixty Vines. First of all, you should really have a reservation when you come here - especially if you have a large group. We went in on a Friday night and with our reservation, we were seated right away. We opted for the Frose and red wine flight to start. The price point was pretty good for what you got with the drinks. As a starter, we got the Wagu Carpaccio. The flavor was tangy and delicious! For dinner, we shared the filet, fregola, spicy sausage pizza, and broccoli-avocado slaw. Out of everything, the filet and the fregola were awesome! The filet was tender and melt in your mouth delicious. The fregola was creamy and a perfect combination with the filet. The rest of what we got was okay, but it just wasn't something we would order again. We had the Deviled Affogado and as much as I really wanted to like it, I just didn't. The flavors felt like they were competing with one another and not melding together like I had hoped they would. All that being said, the restaurant itself is gorgeous. There's high ceilings, tons of light, great decor, and tons of attention to detail (like leather menus and luxurious terry cloth napkins). If you're looking for trendy, this is the place.
Things to Do
For Adults
Legacy Food Hall. This three-story food court is so much more than fast food restaurants! In fact, it has 22 chef-driven food stalls, a brewery, and live music and entertainment in the Box Garden. It's a great way to spend a few hours eating, drinking, and enjoying time together with friends.Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve. Hike, canoe and zip line your way through the wilderness!Go Ape. This canopy tour has you harnessed in, going up rope ladders, 30 crossings, and several zip lines. See the beauty of Plano from the sky!Pinstack. With bowling lanes, an LED rock climbing wall, and indoor games for the whole family, this place is a great way to spend an afternoon. They also have an in-house restaurant and full bar for some late night fun.
Legacy West. This collection of outdoor shopping, fine dining, and entertainment is great fun! Be sure to go by in the evenings and watch the fountain show!Escape Expert. Think you're smart enough to solve all the puzzles and make it out of the room? Try it and find out!Pipe & Palette. Grab your friends and paint something together! It's sure to be a fun time.End Zone Plano. Like to play pool? This is the spot for you! They also offer poker, karaoke, and bingo on select nights of the week.
Granite Park Boardwalk. This boardwalk is another great place to relax and unwind. There's tons of quality restaurants, corn hole, patio dining, connect four, and a hill for the kids to play on.Texas Wine & Wood. Come design and create your own piece of home decor! Sand, stain, and paint your way to a masterpiece!Bullet Trap. This indoor gun range is a great place to work on your marksmanship and also obtain your handgun license.
For Kids
Colorful World of Crayola. Create your own crayola box of markers in the Crayola store and then head on over to the Colorful World of Crayola where kids can get hands on with their color! Teachers also get free annual passes!Heritage Farmstead Museum. Experience what life was like on the farm with calf roping, cooking over an open fire, and making crafts.Kid Mania. Let the kids loose with slides, bungee walls, climbing nets and more! There's also a parent area where kids aren't allowed (but you can see the whole kids area from it). Winning!Whirlyball Laser Wirld. This super competitive game is a cross between lacrosse, basketball and bumper cars. You really have to see it to get it.Plano Super Bowl. Bowling. Need I say more?Texas Archery Academy. Learn how to shoot a bow and arrow.Thunderbird Roller Rink. Skate in circles at the roller skating rink!The Children's Health Star Center. Beat the heat or boredom and go ice skating year round at this ice skating rink!Carpenter Skate Park. If ramps, rails, stair sets, ledges, and a "large bowl" mean anything to you, then this place will be your jam! The skate park is also in the shape of the official Plano logo "P".If you'd like to see more tips like this, follow me on Pinterest!
THE Ultimate Guide to all Things Magnolia in Waco, Texas
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As soon as the HGTV Show “Fixer Upper” introduced America to Chip and Joanna Gaines, viewers fell in love with this couple, Joanna’s warmth, Chip’s humor, and their unique modern farmhouse style.Since the birth of their tv show, they’ve created quite a brand for themselves – and brought a lot of interest to the, once small, college town of Waco, Texas.If you’re a Magnolia fanatic, here’s the top places in Waco that you simply have to visit if you really can call yourself a fan.
Magnolia Market Silos.
This shop has it all – housewares, cooking utensils, a garden, food trucks, and an outside play area. Be prepared to spend a couple hours to see everything because every square inch of the property is carefully thought out and you won’t want to miss any of it.
Silos Baking Company.
Need something sweet to nibble on? This little shop features baked goods of all kinds and don’t forget to get some coffee to go with it. You can sit outside the shop in their patio area as well and enjoy your treats.
The Little Shop on Bosque.
This is where the original store the Gaines’ owned was. Now, it is home to their clearance items. They have great deals and you can also save an additional 10% if you show them your same day receipt from Magnolia Market.
Harp Design Co.
Clint and Kelly are woodworkers whose tables and housewares are regularly featured in Joanna’s home designs. You can visit this shop to see their quality cutting boards, tables, and take some home for yourself!
Magnolia Table.
If you have Joanna’s Magnolia Table cookbook (which I highly recommend) and want to taste some of the recipes straight from the source, then this is the place to do so. The restaurant is open from 6am to 3pm and they serve breakfast and lunch all day. Fair warning: if you don’t get there before 7am, you will definitely have a wait before you are seated to eat. But if you’re in a hurry and can’t wait, they have an outside patio and the Takeaway where you can get coffee and pastries. But I highly recommend eating there. Get the candied bacon and the biscuits with strawberry butter. You won’t be sorry.
JDH Iron Designs.
If you head to Waco and you visit Magnolia market, there's a little trailer with a white tent over on a street nearby. At that tent, you are more likely than not going to meet Jimmy Don himself. Jimmy Don has been featured on Fixer Upper with his sturdy metal signs with meaningful quotes and scripture on them. He is exactly the same as you see on television. You can also visit his full store in Crawford, Texas and see how the signs are made and a much bigger selection of signs are there as well.
Cotton Castle.
This castle was recently purchased by Magnolia Realty and is going to featured in an upcoming episode (once it's finished, that is). I can't wait to see this beautiful place restored and given the Gaines' special touch.
If you’re interested in seeing more, make sure to go to the link below to see more:
3 Tips for Your Trip to Magnolia Market in Waco, Texas
How to Make the Most of Your Drive from Houston to Waco
Need a Place to Stay Nearby?
Check out these Places to Stay in Waco, Texas If you'd like to see more tips like this, follow me on Facebook!
Do you have anything to add? Let me know in the comments below!