Mr. Sanchos | Cozumel

So many times when we’ve went on a vacation as a family, it didn’t really feel like a vacation. We still had to find activities for the kids, cook meals, etc. and we were really just stressed but in a different place than home.

For once, we have found a place where we don’t have to think or plan or entertain - we can just enjoy the beautiful sand and sun and have fun without a care in the world!

We just got back from a Carnival cruise and one of the ports we visited was Puerto Maya, Cozumel. This is a popular port and actually quite beautiful with it’s colorful shops and cafes. But once you get outside of the port, you can really enjoy the beautiful turquoise water.

Our favorite place to visit in Cozumel for real relaxation is Mr. Sanchos Beach Club.

What is Mr. Sanchos?

Enjoy great service and convenience that comes with an all-inclusive day pass to Mr Sancho’s Beach Club in Cozumel. Lounge on the beach or swing on a hammock. Make use of a pool bar and beachfront section exclusive to all-inclusive day pass guests. All-you-can-eat delicious meals and bottomless drinks await you, making this the perfect vacation experience.

The beach club opens at 8 am to suit your schedule, so you can spend up to nine hours taking full advantage of the beach amenities at our own pace. Bask in the reserved beachfront area or relax on a shaded hammock, swim, or explore by ocean kayak for as long as you’d like.

Between naps and dips, feast on the included all-you-can-eat buffets on the beach and in the two main palapas and enjoy bottomless drinks at the two pool bars. You can also browse the beach club shop for souvenirs or photos (own expense).

What is included?

• Enjoy access to a private pool bar and beachfront section.

• Lounge in a hammock or beach chair.

• Access to lockers and restrooms included.

• Eat as often as you like from the buffet and waiter-service at your table with palapa covering.

• Sip your favorite drinks from the open bar.

• Paddle around in an ocean kayak.

Coconut Shrimp at Mr. Sanchos. Cozumel

Where is Mr. Sanchos?

If you’re cruising into Puerto Maya, you’ll have no trouble at all getting here. From the pier, you’ll walk through the shops at the port and get into the taxi line. There are a lot of resort options to choose from, so the taxi line can get a bit long, but it moves very quickly and there are plenty of port officials there to help you.

When you get to the front of the line, the official will ask you how many are in your party and will put you into a vehicle that holds that many. We had 8 people in our group, so we were able to fit in a van altogether.

We told the driver, “Mr. Sanchos”, and we were off. The drive is easy and is about 15 minutes. For our size group, it was $40 each way. For groups 4 and under, you can expect it to be a lower fee.

The process for getting back to the boat is the same. There will be someone to help you when you exit Mr. Sanchos and will put you into a taxi back to the port. This was another $40.

Is Mr. Sanchos safe?

I have been to Mr. Sanchos three times now. I never had the slightest “off” feeling while I was there. Everyone is so hospitable and accommodating (both at Mr. Sanchos and in the port area), so I’ve never felt an ounce of fear being there.

I’ve heard from others before that they don’t feel safe booking excursions that aren’t through the cruise ship. While I totally understand that, booking your own independent excursion is definitely the more financially friendly option and the only thing you’d really need to keep aware of is the time.

For instance, our ship said to be back on board by 4:30pm, so we made sure to leave Mr. Sanchos by 3:30pm. Could we have probably stayed a little longer? Yes. However, I’m not willing to chance the ship leaving us - especially since we had our 4 kids and 2 elderly parents with us.

Is Mr. Sanchos appropriate for kids?

Absolutely! There is plenty for kids to do while you’re here. There are several pools for them so swim in, the ocean, and even an inflatable water adventure park (for an additional fee). Kids are also at a discounted rate, so they get all of the same amenities at a lower cost than adults.

We bought snorkel gear and brought it with us and it was perfect for exploring and seeing what was beneath the water.

Crystal Clear Water at Mr. Sanchos Cozumel

How do I make my reservation at Mr. Sanchos?

While a reservation is not necessary, it is preferred - especially if you get into port on the same day as a bunch of other cruise ships. Plus - it’s one less thing to worry about. Just book it in advance here and you’re all set.

Key West Butterfly & Nature Preserve

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory was absolutely amazing! My husband (the self-reported plant nerd) loved seeing all of the different types of plants and flowers and it was absolutely mesmerizing walking into so many butterflies flying around you.

L'auberge Baton Rouge, Louisiana | What to Do at a Casino if You Don't Gamble

If gambling isn’t really your thing like us, let us show you how we enjoyed our time at L’auberge Casino and never stepped foot into the actual casino.

EAT.

There are seven different restaurants at L’Auberge. Everything from Asian, pizza and hotdogs to fine dining and a steak house. You truly never have to eat the same thing twice.

SWIM.

Their pool area is stunning and open all year round. There’s a lazy river, adult only pool, hot tub, and private cabanas if you just want to zone out for a bit in your own space.

SHOP.

If you love brining a little something home with you from your getaways, there’s plenty to find here! They have mens attire, women’s clothing, a golf pro shop, flower shop, souvenir shop, and a luxury purse and accessories store.

GOLF.

Designed by world famous Tom Fabio, Daily rates range from $40 to $104 per person and rates are lower for hotel guests. Tee times are daily from 8am-6pm and they are closed on Wednesdays

SPA.

The 8,700-square-foot spa houses eight facial, massage and custom body treatment rooms; men’s and women’s private locker rooms, saunas, whirlpools and vanity areas.

GYM.

This gym has everything you need to get a great workout in - plenty of cardio equipment, free weights, and strength training machines.

BEACH/BOARDWALK.

Escape to Touloulou’s Beach for a game of beach volleyball, boat watching and the best sunset views.

Shenandoah Caverns | Quicksburg, Virginia

On our trip to visit my brother in Virginia, we decided to do a little sight-seeing while we were in the area. One cool thing we got to do while in Harrisonburg, Virginia is visit Shenandoah Caverns. While there's a few cave systems to choose from in the area, we chose this one because it had the best price-point. We also found a deal on Groupon for group tickets, so since there were 10 of us, we were able to take advantage of the deal.

If you seen one cavern, you’ve seen them all, right? Absolutely not! Our family is no stranger to exploring caves, but when we saw just how many different cave systems there are in Virginia, we just had to go see one. The Shenandoah Caverns are right outside of Harrisonburg, VA. To take the one hour guided tour is $34 for adults and $16 for kids. However, we were able to snag a Groupon for 40% off the adult tickets, so that definitely helped the hit on our wallets.This cavern is also one of the few that have an elevator down. So if you have a wheelchair or stroller, you can easily get to the bottom of the cave and not be left out of the fun. Otherwise, it’s about 1 to 2 stories flight of stairs down (and back up again). We loved visiting the cavern in the summer because of the year-round 56° temperature which was a great reprieve from the 100° it was outside.

Upon arrival, we had to wait a bit. Tours leave every hour, so we had to wait for the next one, but it went by pretty quickly since we were able to look at the museum upstairs and explore the gift shop.

We had a group with kids, elderly, and everywhere in-between and we all found something we liked about the caverns. Maybe if you're claustrophobic, this isn't for you. But all in all, we had a great time exploring the caves with our guide and looking at the different formations.

https://youtube.com/shorts/nqRbs8_1BQM

Washington, D.C. In a Weekend

Washington DC is one of those fabulous locations that is perfect to take your kids, large families, go on a couple's get away, or even solo! Washington DC is a great, budget-friendly vacation spot for families as well because of all the free and low-cost options in the area. With so much to see in DC, this trip is barely going to scratch the surface.

For full disclosure, we were not able to do all of the things I had planned. Day one of getting into DC, I missed the last couple steps coming down the stairs at our AirBnB and sprained my ankle. Bad. But I wasn't about to let that stop us from having a lot of family fun! So if you have mobility issues, this trip itinerary will detail how to get around this walkable city in the easiest way possible as well.

Day 1

We got an early morning flight out of Houston into Dulles Airport and hit the ground running. Our first stop was the National Museum of American History.

After checking into our AirBnB, we got on the subway and rail took us straight to the National Mall. The kids absolutely loved their first subway experience and thought they were so cool (can we say, country kids? lol) But you can easily buy an unlimited ride pass for a few days that will make it easy to hop on and hop off wherever you need to go.

National Museum of American History

This is such an eclectic (and did I mention free?) museum! It’s got fine art, pop culture, and patriotic displays. My favorite exhibit was the replica of Julia Child’s kitchen Every pot, pan, and wooden spoon were accounted for and it was just so neat to see! One day I’ll go to Paris and visit her real kitchen and take a cooking class there. Until then, this was a good substitute.

My husband fought in the Iraqi Freedom War, and they currently have an exhibit on that particular war there which moved him to tears. Our kids loved the pop culture exhibits with R2D2, Lampchop, Bert & Ernie, and many more movie, music, and tv show paraphernalia. The museum is open 10am to 5:30pm, so plan to be there at least a few hours - you may even want to pick a couple exhibits that interest you and skip the rest if you’re short on time. 

The Museum of the Bible

We didn’t end up making it to this one (hello, sprained ankle), but my parents and friend’s family said it was the best museum they visited during the whole trip. They have all sorts of neat artifacts and you can even go into C.S. Lewis’ wardrobe (like from the Chronicles of Narnia books).

They don’t have free admission (it’s around $30 for adults and $20 for kids), but they do offer free days every now and then and Groupon offers as well if you can find them. They also offer half price tickets after 3pm every day. They’re open 10am-5pm if you’d like to check it out.

Day 2

This was the first full day that we were leaving the house with my new ankle situation, so we were able to rent a seated mobility scooter for the next few days where they delivered it right to our AirBnB and had it all charged up and ready to go. It was a life saver for the rest of the trip! Now let’s get this day started…

Arlington National Cemetery

For this location, you need to prepare yourself mentally before going. Since it was the dead of summer and H-O-T, we opted to visit first thing in the morning, so we were there right at 8am when they first started letting visitors onto the property, but they’re open until 5pm so if you’d prefer to go later, you can do that too. When we first got there, we walked (and scooted) over to the area where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is. They change the guards every half hour and it is such a sight to see. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I watched a video on all of the details involved in the sentinel’s uniform, number of steps they take, etc. It is such a beautiful and moving ceremony - especially after you’ve walked past thousands of gravestones of deceased military personnel. We felt this was an important stop for our kids as well. Was it fun? No. But it is an important reminder of the sacrifices many have made to ensure our country’s future. 

United States Capitol

Next up, the capitol! Tours are free, but it’s best to book a tour ahead of time to ensure you have a spot, because they’re first come first serve on site. They’re open 8:30am to 4:30pm and those tours start right on time. If you’re late - you’re out of luck. It’s best to get there early and look around a bit in the main hall while you wait for your tour time to start - plus, you have to go through airport-style security to get into the building, so be prepared for a line for that too. Once on the tour, you’ll watch a short video and then head into a few of the main halls where you’ll see statues for every state, paintings, and a whole lot of opulence. It’s only three rooms you really get to explore, but I thought it was worth it with it being free and all. All tours have a tour guide and they’re super knowledgeable about everything you see there. 

Day 3

This was by far our kids’ favorite day. 

National Mall

We started the day by visiting the National Mall and instead of walking a million miles (it’s not really a million miles, but it could easily feel like it…), we decided to rent scooters. This particular company allows kids 10+ to ride stand up motorized scooters, so that’s why we went with them. They also dropped the scooters off at our AirBnB and picked them up there, so we didn’t have to worry about transporting them anywhere or arranging that.

The kids loved scooting all over the city! Just make sure that you get off your scooter and walk it through monument locations - motorized vehicles of any kind are not allowed and it’s considered disrespectful if you ride through there (seated mobility scooters excluded). 

The National Mall is the collection of the national monuments - think Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, WW2 Memorial, Washington Monument, and Jefferson Memorial. It’s totally free to see all of the monuments from the outside, but there is a charge to go inside each one.

Ronald Reagan Building & Internal Trade Center

There’s not much to see here, but I saw this tip online for a great, affordable place to eat in the city and it was perfect for us. The 1st floor has a food court with a wide array of restaurants to choose from. It was perfect to get something that each kids would eat and that wouldn’t break the bank.

It’s also air-conditioned and has tables and chairs to sit at, so you can rest a bit before going back out. You will have to go through security to get in, so make sure you’re not trying to take anything into a government building that you shouldn’t be.

Bureau of Engraving & Printing

This is another stop that I was excited to see but we didn’t make it to. Tours are free and can (and should) be booked in advance. They have timed entry, so make sure you know what time you plan on visiting before you start to book your tour. They are open from 8:30am to 5pm and the last tour starts at 4pm.

Day 4

Since this was our last day in Washington DC and we needed to board a plan at 2pm, we had limited time. So we were able to drive out of the city a bit (and towards the direction of the airport) to the National Army Museum. I had to return my mobility scooter that morning, so I was so thankful that the museum had a wheelchair I could use while I was at the museum and they took me to the car in the parking lot via golf cart. They were so sweet and took such good care of me!

National Museum of the United States Army

Another free entry museum, this one was another crowd favorite - but we may be biased since we have an Army veteran in our midst. They had huge, elaborate exhibits for each war the Army branch of the military has been involved in. From real tanks and uniforms to guns and artifacts, the boys on our trip were especially enthralled at what all they had to offer. 

Our family of 6 had the most amazing time in Washington DC and we would love to go back and visit sometime. There’s so much to see there and I’m hoping next time we visit we can mark a few more things off the list. 

Happy travels!

Places I’d like to visit next time:

• Internationational Spy Museum

• Smithsonian National Gallery of Art

• National Portrait Gallery

• Ride the antique Carousel at the National Mall

• Planet Word Museum

• Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum

• Tour the White House

Houmas House Mansion and Gardens | Ascension Parish Louisiana

Houmas House Mansion and Gardens (Ascension Parish)

From the moment we arrived on property, we were absolutely blown away by the beauty of Houmas House and its surrounding gardens. This Antebellum home was built in the 1800s and was part of a sugarcane plantation.

Mansion Tour

In the Spring of 2003, the Estate of Dr. George Crozat auctioned off the entire contents of the mansion and grounds. Kevin Kelly, a New Orleans Businessman, purchased the mansion and surrounding grounds and began the task of restoring the mansion and gardens. The mansion, having undergone over 200 years of construction and remodeling by various owners, reflected a multitude of styles.

It was impossible to restore the house to a definite period without sacrificing elements from other important periods of its history. The choice was made to select the best features from various periods to showcase a legacy of each family in the mansion.

After extensive restorations to the house and grounds, the Houmas re-opened for tours in November of 2003. Mr. Kelly allows tours of the mansion and gardens, however the Houmas remains his private residence, as it was for its previous owners for over 240 years.  Tours are $35 per person for adults and are approximately 1 hour in length.

The Gardens

There’s also a self-guided garden tour available and you won’t want to miss it because the gardens are immaculate and contain so many unique art pieces. The Gardens of Houmas House, spanning 38 acres, are a panorama of indigenous Louisiana plant life and stunning exotics designed to beckon visitors to extend their stay.

The Gardens are planned to reflect the unique beauty of each part of the year with an extensive color renewal each April and November. Many sitting areas have been provided around the property to invite guests to sit and experience the year-round grandeur of the ancient oak alley, the fragrance of spring and summer blooms and the sights and sounds of bird life, wildlife and plantation life of long ago.

Each courtyard displays a dramatic water feature where exotic Lotus and Lily pads thrive.  Large and colorful Koi friskily circle the ponds providing vibrant colors and a peaceful feeling.

Restaurants

While on property, there’s plenty of places for you to eat. First up is the Carriage House. This beautiful space offers a casual lunch in the most stylish of spaces. Right across the hall is the Turtle Club. This little bar has so much personality!

Everywhere you look, there’s an interesting art piece or interesting decorative item. I’d love to spend an evening there chatting with friends. Lastly, there’s the Dixie Café. This buffet service offers all of the southern classics in one quick stop. There is also a fine dining option for dinner called Latil’s Landing Restaurant. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available in both casual and fine dining settings. 

Just minutes from Baton Rouge and New Orleans, these restaurants have varying menus reflecting traditional Louisiana cuisine.  Each menu is updated seasonally to reflect the availability of locally grown produce, providing a true farm-to-table experience.  

Both tourists and locals enjoy the quaint feeling of the intimate settings each restaurant and The Turtle Bar provide.  It’s easy to imagine dining in the 1830’s when using exact replicas of the original china used by General Wade Hampton.  Reservations are required for Latil’s Landing and suggested for The Carriage House Restaurant.

Accommodations

You can also stay at the plantation! The property has a few quaint cottages that can sleep between 1 and 4 people. All of the cabins are right next to one another, so it makes for the perfect setup for bridal parties, girls get away weekends, and leadership retreats. A breakfast buffet for two is included in your night’s stay as well.

Great River Road Museum

This unique museum is located on the same property as Houmas House. Tickets are $25 each for adults and a really interesting way to see the history of the area.

Visiting The Great River Road Museum opens visitors’ eyes to what early life along the lower Mississippi was like.

The culture, commerce, folklore and music was a fusion of all the foreign countries that discovered and developed this new territory. From the wealthy owners of great sugar empires, to the humble lives of the enslaved, this museum details how each lived and survived by this powerful body of water.

The Mississippi River has proved to be the most important body of water in the United States. For early explorers, its width and powerful current taunted them as they attempted to cross and explore the other side.  For businessmen it proved to be the answer for westward expansion.  And for power-hungry leaders it was the cause of war and the prize of many battles. 

Where to Stay Nearby

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Getting WILD in Southeast Louisiana

Global Wildlife Center (Tangipahoa Parish)

If I told you there were zebras, giraffes, camels, and bison in Southeast Louisiana, you would probably think I’m nuts. But it’s true! The Global Wildlife Center in Folsom, Louisiana has a 900 acre wildlife preserve and this is no simple drive through experience.

The Global Wildlife Center is one of the largest free-roaming wildlife preserves of its kind in the country! They are home to over 2,000 exotic, endangered, and threatened animals from all over the world.

The staff were all so amazing! They showed us around the kangaroo and capybaras’ areas and told us all about how the animals are cared for.

Safari Tours

For an afternoon of fun, you can take a safari tour and feed the animals right from the vehicle.

On our trip, we took the 4x4 Pinz Tour. This off-road vehicle can seat 8 people and allows you to get up close and personal (and off the main path). It’s $50 per person and in my opinion – totally worth it! If you’re okay with staying on the main path, you can opt for the Wagon Tour. Wagon tour pricing ranges from $15 to $21 per person and is a great option for families and larger groups.

Giraffes are considered gentle giants, which is no surprise considering they have the largest heart of any land mammal! Their hearts can weigh up to 25 pounds! Global Wildlife’s family of reticulated giraffes is growing, but not as quickly as the babies! At birth, giraffes weigh 150 pounds and can be up to 6 feet tall. On average, giraffes are 15-18 feet tall, and their tongues are 18-20 inches long. At one point, we had giraffes swarm our vehicle and reach their long necks right into our truck for food! Giraffes are my favorite animal, so it was a truly amazing experience for me!

The facility is free-roaming, so the animals, including the giraffes, can make the decision to approach the safari wagons to be fed. The giraffes love to interact with visitors and approach plenty of safari wagon tours, but they can’t guarantee it! If giraffe interactions are a priority, you will definitely want to take the Private Pinz tour, as the 4×4 can traverse in many areas of the property that the safari wagon tours cannot.

If you’re looking for a unique experience in Southeast Louisiana, this is it!

St. Francisville Inn and Spa | Louisiana

Welcome to the St. Francisville Inn and Spa, where peace and tranquility are equally paired with sophistication and style. This 11-room boutique hotel is the epitome of class and relaxation. The shaded porches perfect for enjoying a glass of ice-cold sweet tea and watching the day go by.

Home cooked meals are served for lunch and dinner (as well as a continental breakfast each morning) in the inn’s on-site restaurant, The Saint.  You won’t want to miss eating there – they were named one of America’s top restaurants! At the end 0f 2023, the inn added a new feature – a luxurious spa where you can get facials, scrubs, cupping, and massages. You also don’t have to be a guest at the inn in order to dine or take advantage of the spa services.

I also love that the St. Francisville Inn is within walking distance of shopping, several restaurants, and coffee shops. Plus, the town trolley is free, so it can take you wherever you need to go in town. So grab your complimentary glass of champagne at check in, kick up your feet by the pool, and get ready to relax!

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What to See on the Mendocino Coast

Northern California is home to some seriously beautiful areas. Whether it's the coastal cliffs, the soaring trees, or miles of vineyards, there really is a little something for everyone. If you find yourself in the Mendocino coast area, you're going to want to check out some of the places listed here.

Point Arena Lighthouse

On the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Mendocino, California sits the tallest lighthouse on the West coast – the Point Arena Lighthouse. This once-working lighthouse has been featured in many movies like Forever Young over the years and has been a must-see tourist stop for thousands of out of towners every year.

The original Point Arena lighthouse was constructed in 1870. After a devastating earthquake along the San Andreas fault line in 1906, the lighthouse had to be completely rebuilt from the ground up. The lighthouse tower stands 115 feet tall and the lens (or sometimes referred to as the light) is 7 feet in diameter and weighs 4700 pounds. The lens is made up of 258 hand-ground glass prisms all focused toward three sets of double bullseyes.

It is these bullseyes that gave the Point Arena Lighthouse its unique “light signature” of two flashes every six seconds. This incredible optic, that holds an appraised value of over $3.5 million, is set in solid bronze framework and was built in France. In 1975 the fog signal at the station was silenced and replaced with a radio beacon with a 50 mile signal that originates from the Tower to assist mariners in navigating the Mendocino coast, but you can see this lens in the Light Station (gift shop).

Manchester Beach

If you like to walk on beaches that aren’t crowded, Manchester State Park is a good one. You’ll have to trudge through the piles of sand on the sand dunes, but that coastline is totally worth it! Bring a picnic and enjoy the day!

Matson Mercantile

This general store, also called “The Merc” by locals, is operated by a group of three sisters who are the fourth generation to do so. The locals love this place - so much so that while I was in the store filming, they were telling me all about the history of the shop and how important to the town it is.

This store sells a little bit of everything and most importantly – it has a ton of items made by local artisans, so the available items are always changing. If you’re in the area, you’ll definitely want to check out what they have in the store while you’re there.

Greenwood State Beach

A short walk from town and down well-graded trail leads from the parking area down to the driftwood-laden beach where Greenwood Creek pools at the base of Bonee Gulch.

This is a picturesque spot to say the least. Gunderson Rock is a rock island that stands tall just offshore from the beach. When conditions are calm, Greenwood Cove is a sea kayaking destination that is known for the sea stacks and rock arches with names such as Wharf Rock and Casket Rock.

The Elk Store

Across the street from Greenwood State Beach, you’ll find the Elk Store. If you’re looking to grab a few groceries or a quick bite to eat, this is the place to go.

They have a great selection of cheese, wine, and craft beer as well as a sandwich counter where they serve freshly made tuna melts, paninis, and more. They’re open daily from 11 to 5, but they’re closed on Tuesdays, so make sure to plan accordingly. This ham and swiss really hit the spot!

Elk Cove Inn & Spa

Located roughly 150 miles north of San Francisco, this once-bustling, late 19th-century logging settlement is today one of the smallest enclaves along the Northern California coast, with just 250 residents.

Upon arriving in Elk, California, you’ll see a cute little downtown area with shops, cafes, and bed and breakfasts, but where you really want to stay is Elk Cove Inn & Spa. This hidden gem is a 16 suite boutique hotel in a beautiful craftsman-style mansion dating back to 1883.

A lot of thought has gone into making these suites your home away from home, but the best part by far is the view. Right outside your window, or stepping out on your balcony, you see the stunning cliffs of the Northern California coast as far as the eye can see of the Pacific Ocean. It’s breath-taking. And that sunset – oh man, it’s absolutely mesmerizing.

SIBO

Now both nights I was there, I had dinner reservations at SIBO – the on-site French-style restaurant. It was there that I finally got to meet the co-owners Chef Victor and Melissa. The couple has their private residence on property and they keep everything running. Chef Victor is the sole cook at SIBO and prepares everything fresh the day of.

Doesn’t that sound stressful? I guess it could be – but the kitchen has adopted a pre-ordering system. All orders must be placed by noon the day of your reservation. That’s right – so you pick out what you want to eat when you make your reservation. A little un-orthodoxed? Maybe. But they strive to be a zero waste kitchen, so Chef Victor only cooks what has been ordered and it actually works out really well.

For this reason, it is hard for them to work with any dietary restrictions, so if you’re on a strict diet, you may need to eat elsewhere. Ready to check out the Mendocino coast for yourself?

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A Look At The Point Arena Lighthouse | Mendocino, California

On the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Mendocino, California sits the tallest lighthouse on the West coast – the Point Arena Lighthouse. This once-working lighthouse has been featured in many movies like Forever Young over the years and has been a must-see tourist stop for thousands of out of towners every year.

The History

The original Point Arena lighthouse was constructed in 1870. After a devastating earthquake along the San Andreas fault line in 1906, the lighthouse had to be completely rebuilt from the ground up. The lighthouse tower stands 115 feet tall and the lens (or sometimes referred to as the light) is 7 feet in diameter and weighs 4700 pounds. The lens is made up of 258 hand-ground glass prisms all focused toward three sets of double bullseyes.

It is these bullseyes that gave the Point Arena Lighthouse its unique “light signature” of two flashes every six seconds. This incredible optic, that holds an appraised value of over $3.5 million, is set in solid bronze framework and was built in France. In 1975 the fog signal at the station was silenced and replaced with a radio beacon with a 50 mile signal that originates from the Tower to assist mariners in navigating the Mendocino coast, but you can see this lens in the Light Station (gift shop).

Guided Tours

Tour tickets can be purchased in the Light Station. It’s $5 to visit the museum and an additional $5 per person to go up in the lighthouse tower. Which is well worth it for these views. The museum portion features the original 1908 lens and this thing is massive!

Tower tours last about 30 minutes and the guides will tell you all about the history of the lighthouse and other important facts about the area and what you can see from the top. You really can’t beat those 360 degree views!At certain times of the year, you can also take a full moon nighttime tour or watch the wildlife from the whale watching room.

Staying at the Lighthouse

Yes, you can spend the night at the property, but no, it won’t be in the actual lighthouse. The light keeper’s quarters are available to spend a night or two for around $200 a night.

Daily visitation, Light Station Store, sales, memberships, and the rental of the historic Keeper’s homes on the property as vacation houses all provide the desperately needed income for ongoing preservation, facility upgrades and educational endeavors.

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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!

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!

• Chappell Hill Lavender Farm

• Photos with Bluebonnets (March-April only)

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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!

A Family Friendly Guide to Pecos National Historic Park

Just outside Santa Fe, New Mexico in Pecos, you’ll find Pecos National Historic Park. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson established Pecos National Monument over the same area, and control was turned over the Park Service. In 1990 the main unit of the park was expanded to more than 6,000 acres (24 km 2), including a large area of ranchland and archaeologically sensitive landscapes.We really enjoyed this park! We started off in the visitor’s center looking at all of the artifacts that have been found there over time. We then headed out the back door onto the ancestral sites trail. It was the perfect short hike for us and our kids to stretch our legs, see some really neat historical structures, and get a glimpse of what life might have been like in the 1600s.

Spanish Mission

The main unit of the park also protects the remains of Mission Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Porciúncula de los Pecos, a Spanish mission near the pueblo built in the early 17th century. A 1.25-mile (2 km) self-guiding trail begins at the nearby visitor center and winds through the ruins of Pecos Pueblo and the mission church.

Forked Lightning Ranch

Another part of the park is the Forked Lightning Ranch, a cattle ranch established in the 1920s by Tex Austin, a famous producer of rodeos. It was headquartered at the Kozlowski's Stage Stop and Tavern, a stagecoach stop on the Santa Fe Trail that had also served as a Union forces encampment before the Battle of Glorieta Pass. It was only a cattle ranch for a time before Austin converted it into a dude ranch which he promoted to Easterners.The main ranch was designed by John Gaw Meem in the Pueblo Revival style of architecture. Austin's heavily mortgaged endeavor failed, closing in 1933. In 1936 the ranch again became a working cattle ranch, and in 1941 it was purchased by Buddy Fogelson, a Texas oilman who married actress Greer Garson. After her husband died, Garson sold her share of the park in 1991 to a conservation group, which donated it to the Park Service.

Things to do Indoors

Stop by the visitor center to talk with rangers and check out the museum exhibits with text in English and Spanish, a bookstore with gift shop, and a 12-minute introductory film. Don’t forget to bring your National Park passport to get your stamp as well!

Things to do Outdoors

If you are interested in enjoying the outdoors, they have that too! You can have a picnic in the park (two picnic areas, one next to the visitor center and the other near the mission church), go hiking, take a ranger-guided tour, and fishing on the Pecos River (with a special permit).

Hiking Trails

There are three trails that are open in the park at this time (2022).

Ancestral Sites Trail

Hike along the 1.25 mile Ancestral Sites Trail and discover the remains of the Pecos Pueblo and 1717 Spanish mission church. Allow for at least an hour for the main loop trail walk. Trail Guides are available at the visitor center, but I don’t think you’d need it. There’s signs with information so you know what you’re looking at at most points of interest.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. Trail guides are available to borrow or for purchase at the visitor center.

Battlefield Trail

For a tougher and longer hike, venture on over to the 2.3 mile Civil War Battlefield Trail and explore the history of the Battle of Glorieta Pass; check in at the Visitor Center and rangers will provide you with a gate code for access to the trail. The trailhead is a 7.5 mile drive from the visitor center and is behind a locked gate. Please visit the visitor center to acquire the gate code to access the trail.Winding through a forested area, this trail gives you a detailed look into the Civil War in New Mexico. As you walk around the trail, you will see wayside signs about the battle. Additional trail markers are along the trail that correspond with a trail guide. Trail guides are available for purchase at the visitor center.

South Pasture Trail

A third trail option is the South Pasture Trail. It is open seven days a week, and you can ask a ranger at the visitor center for more information. This old ranching road-turned-trail starts out at Fishing Beat 3 and winds its way through pasture lands.As you hike along the trail, you'll pass through a grove of cottonwoods along the Pecos River. The trail then loops back through pasture lands before ending at Fishing Beat 3. This trail has expansive views of the Pecos River, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and Glorieta Mesa.Important Notices: Pets of any kind are not allowed on this trail. This trail is open seven days a week. Please inquire at the visitor center for more information. Last entry onto this trail is at 1:00 pm, as the trail closes at 3:00 each day.

Summer Hours

From Memorial Day (late May) until Labor Day (early September), the park is open every day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Please note that the Visitor Center is only open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Winter Hours

From Labor Day (early September) until Memorial Day (late May), the park is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Please note that the Visitor Center is only open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Fees

Entry to the park is free.This park really is a hidden gem. They’re got some great hiking options and plenty to see.Booking.comIf you’d like to see more travel tips like this, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my Youtube Channel!

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

How to See Chicago in a Weekend

Looking for a fun way to spend a weekend in Chicago? I’ve got the perfect Chicago weekend itinerary here.My best friend Amanda and I take a yearly “bestie” trip. We’ve done road trips to places both near and far and the last few years we’ve gotten into walkable cities (i.e. cities you can visit without needing a rental car). Last year we saw everything Boston had to offer and this year we explored Chicago.Since we only had a 3 day weekend, we crammed everything we could think of into our trip. So if you’re looking to explore Chicago and you’re only working with a few days, this is going to be the perfect guide for you!

Day 1

Hyatt Regency

This is one amazing hotel. Its location is perfectly situated a couple blocks from the Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, and Millennium Park (where “the bean” is). It’s got tons of amenities too! There are restaurants, a larger than most gym, and plenty of places to sit and work, talk, or people watch with a gorgeous view of the skyline.

The Dearborn

Not far from our hotel, we found this delicious restaurant. We had a reservation for lunch, and it’s a good thing we had it too because it was really busy when we arrived. We got a great table near the open windows and it was a perfect, breezy day for dining al fresco. The décor here is absolutely stunning. It feels so high end and would be a great spot for a business lunch or date night. My friend and I both ordered the Dearborn Burger, and I got mine with added bacon and caramelized onions. It was delicious! We loved this place and would eagerly go back!

Millennium Park

Seeing the Millennium Cloud (aka “the bean”) is one of those must-see things while in Chicago. It takes all of 5 minutes to see it and it’s a great place to get that signature picture for Chicago.

Buckingham Fountain

If this fountain looks familiar, that’s because it’s been featured in a lot of things like the tv show Married With Children, Crime Story, Amazing Race, Shameless, The Great Food Truck Race, and movie National Lampoon’s Vacation. This Grant Park fountain was dedicated in 1927 and is one of the largest fountains in the world.

Maggie Daley Park

If you’re looking to relax a bit, walk around Maggie Daley Park. There’s gorgeous lush green spaces to sit and relax, as well as a bunch of fun things to do for the kids like rollerblading at the ribbon, climbing the rock wall, play on the playground, mini golf, and grab some Ice cream.

Lakefront Trail

If you’re looking for great views of the city and Lake Michigan, then this is the place to be. This 18.5 mile paved path is used for walking, running, skateboarding, and cycling along the western shore of Lake Michigan. It’s nice a nice area to take stroll, enjoy a picnic, or just watch the boats go by.

Giordano’s

When we asked most people for their recommendations on the best deep dish pizza in Chicago, 9 out of 10 of them recommended this place – Giordano’s. First of all, expect a wait for your table, Also, it takes 45 minutes for a deep dish to be made and 30 minutes for a regular, so be prepared to hang out a bit before your food actually arrives. If you’re in a hurry, I recommend making an order ahead of time and just going to pick it up. We had the personal deep dish pizza (6” diameter) and the chopped salad. Both were out of this world delicious. 

Day 2

Wildberry Cafe

If you’re a fan of breakfast food, then you need to get up a little earlier, roll out of bed, and head to Wildberry Café. This place was referred to us by a couple people, so we decided to try it out. We didn’t have a reservation, but we got to the restaurant around 8am and only had to wait for a few minutes. But let me tell you, that place got full, fast. So if you’re planning on trying it out, go as early as possible. They have all the classics here like omelettes, biscuits and gravy, and eggs any way you want it. But they also have some amazing looking pancakes and French toast that they’re most known for. This is the kind of place you can go back several times and find all sorts of things on the menu that will make your mouth water.

Navy Pier

The views from the Navy Pier are just stunning. We walked from our hotel out onto the pier and I have to tell you, it’s a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be. The pier is a 3,300 foot long pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago. Built in 1916, this area has seen a ton of growth over the last century and is a great place to spend a few hours or whole day. There’s rides and attractions, cafes, shops, cruise tours, and even a children’s museum. You can even spot a lighthouse not too far off shore.

Architecture River Cruise

If you love history, architecture, or just sightseeing in general, you’re going to want to take this river boat cruise tour. We boarded the boat for the mid afternoon cruise and got a seat near the back. The boat was probably about half full, so we didn’t feel cramped or too close to others. There’s a full bar on the boat, as well as restrooms if you need it. Our tour guide Becky was the best! Her sarcastic humor was right on point with us and we enjoyed every minute of this tour.We learned that the skyscraper was actually founded in Chicago. And had the great fire of Chicago never happened, the city would look vastly different than it does currently. There were lots of interesting facts, historical points, and things to see. I would say this is a ”must” when visiting Chicago.

Magnificent Mile

If you’re a shop-a-holic, then this is the street for you. Luxury stores, big brand names, and little boutiques is the name of the game for the Magnificent Mile. You’d also really like walking along this road if you’re window shopper, because there’s a lot to see!

360 Chicago

Up on the 94^th floor of the Hancock building, you’ll find the absolute best views of the city. It overlooks the Lakefront Trail, Harbor, and Lake Michigan on one side and then the city’s skyscrapers on the other. This was well worth the money to go 1000 feet above the street level. There’s also something at the observation deck called TILT. This is a unique way of seeing just how high up you are by standing on a platform that gradually tilts forward until you’re staring all the way down the side of the building. The people doing it seemed to be having fun, but the long line to do it wasn’t worth it for me.Plus, that view from the top really couldn’t be beat. It’s gorgeous! You will want to check the weather before you go though - if it's cloudy, you most likely won’t be able to see anything below you. One last tip – if you don’t feel like going where the crowds are (or you’re looking for a cheaper option), head to the 95th floor instead. There, you’ll find The Signature Lounge - a cocktail bar that has the best views of the city – just make sure you bring money to cover the two drink minimum.

Portillo’s

Every single person we told we were going to Chicago told us we just had to eat at Portillo’s. So when a restaurant comes with that high of praise, we listened. We got there around 2pm or so and the line was almost out the door. This place is always busy, so going at off peak times really isn’t a thing. Once we got inside, we figured out that it would be faster to order online and pickup at the counter. So that’s what we did. We went and got a table, ordered our food online and it was ready within 10 minutes.I highly recommend this tactic because that counter service line was not moving very quickly. Portillo’s is known for their Chicago hot dogs and their Italian beef w/ sweet peppers sandwich. I didn’t try the hot dog, but that Italian Beef sandwich was out of this world delicious. And whatever is in that sauce they put on it is heavenly. I’d easily go back here again (and try the chocolate cake shake next time).

Wrigley Field

Since my bestie Amanda is a huge baseball fan, of course we had to see the iconic stadium since we were here. It’s not really close to anything else touristy, so you’ll need to take a short Uber ride over to it and back. Normally, you can take stadium tours, however Lady Gaga was putting on a concert the day that we were here, so they didn’t have any tours running that day. But it was still really great to see the real deal and walk around it.

Remington’s

There’s a lot of great restaurants over by “the bean”. One in particular is Remington’s. We made a reservation beforehand (which we figured out is a must anywhere in Chicago). Together, we had the lobster deviled eggs, crab cake, and steak salad. Everything was delicious! Our waiter was very friendly and attentive and we got to sit in a table next to the open windows and listen as the street performers played down the street a bit.

Day 3

Big Bus Tour

I’ve only done one other bus tour in my life and that was almost 20 years ago in NYC. But if I can recommend anything to do in Chicago, it’s this. Basically, with the bus tour you’re driven around to landmarks in the city and have certain stops the bus makes along the way. While you ride, you listen via headphones to the history of the places around you and it makes for a really great drive! Once you arrive at a bus stop, you can either choose to jump off and look around there or stay on and ride to the next destination. Buses will come every 30 minutes to the stops, so whenever you’re done exploring that area, you can just jump on the next one that shows up. We got to see places like:

• Willis tower
• Chicago Picasso
• Solider Field - Chicago bears’ stadium
• Adler planetarium
• Shed aquarium
• Field museum

Pro tip: use the bus tour as transportation to get anywhere you need to in the city.

Union Station

Before we went on the Big Bus Tour, we knew we had a couple stops we wanted to get off the bus at. The first was Union Station near Willis Tower. This beautiful Amtrak station is home to a major train hub. You can board a train to locations both near and far and the Great Hall inside is just stunning! It was built in 1925 and altogether the train station takes up about 10 city blocks. The Great Hall has a 219 foot long barrel-vaulted skylight that soars 115 feet above the floor. While it is a working train station, its beauty has captured the attention of those in Hollywood, as Union Station has been used in movies like My Best Friend’s Wedding and The Untouchables.

Doc B’s

Another Big Bus Tour stop brought us to a restaurant near the Magnificent Mile – Doc B’s. We didn’t have a reservation, but we were able to be seated at one of their last open tables for lunch. We had the guacamole with sweet potato chips, chicken sandwich, and the knife and fork cobb salad. Everything was absolutely delicious. Our waitress was super friendly and we were able to get in and out pretty quickly so that out tourist adventures could commence.

White Sox Game (at Guaranteed Rate Field)

When your home team (the Astros) are in town, you go see them wipe the floor with the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. The stadium itself is great! It’s got plenty of seating and lots of different food options (even a couple restaurants for those that are gluten intolerant).

The Gage

Over by the bean yet again for dinner. This time, we’re at The Gage. We made reservations and were seated right away once we arrived at the restaurant. We were able to sit outside on the patio and it was so nice to relax with the breeze gently blowing. This restaurant had some really delicious food! We ordered the colossal prawn cocktail, 10 oz Filet, and the buffalo cauliflower. The shrimp cocktail was delicious and had 4 massive prawns on it. The filet was delicious and I originally ordered green beans but they were out, so I opted for the cauliflower. I wasn’t really a fan of it. All in all, we had a great meal here.

Art on the Mart

Looking for something free to do in Chicago? I highly recommend walking down the Riverwalk and seeing all sights from down by the river. If you are close to the Merchandise Mart in the evening, you’ll want to grab a seat across from the Mart for their nightly show called, Art on the Mart. This 4 billion square foot building originally housed some of the biggest names in retail and now puts on a lights and sounds show every evening after dark (which is 9pm in the summer). The show is about 30 minutes long and repeats itself once just in case you missed the earlier show. It was really cool and definitely a must see.

More Family Friendly Weekend Trips

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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.

More Texas Family-Friendly Places You'll Love

Corpus Christi, TexasDripping Springs, TexasPlano, Texas  

What is Travel Hacking and How to Take {Almost} Free Vacations

So, I have this friend Jessica that loves to travel. And not just that - but she is always going places. But how on earth can someone afford to take as many trips as she does? Travel hacking.In this interview, I sat down and talked to Jessica from Our Long Life to talk all about how she's able to take luxurious vacations and trips all over the world and not spend a fortune doing it. (All photos provided by Jessica from her travels)

Where did your love of travel come from?

Part of me thinks certain people are really drawn to traveling.  I am definitely drawn to spending more on experiences rather than things.  When I was little, my Mom would take me to Disney World every year, and even as a kid I enjoyed going around the world at Epcot to see all the different countries.  Then, once I got to college I had a lot of friends that had traveled internationally, and I felt pressure to have my own international experiences and I traveled a lot on my summer breaks from college.

How would you describe what you do?

In the last 15 years, I have traveled to over 18 different countries, and now that I have a family my 4 year old has taken over 50 flights.  We really love traveling, but in the past two years I have really learned a ton about using rewards points and miles, which has been a total game changer for me.  Essentially, you sign-up for a travel rewards credit card, and spend on your typical spending to earn a lot of rewards from the sign-up bonus, then you transfer those to a travel partner like Southwest Airlines or Hyatt Hotels and have free flights and hotels for trips.   Learning a lot about this hobby has saved me so much money and allowed me to stay at hotels we could never afford otherwise.

What was your first trip using points/some sort of deal?

I took a couple small trips, but I love to talk about my first big points and miles trip to Maui, Hawaii in April 2021. We booked every flight and hotel on points and miles. We ended up saving over $6,500 on that trip paying for every flight and hotel with points and miles for our family of 3.  Hawaii was on my bucket list, but I had heard from everyone how expensive it was, so I knew I had to wait for a special occasion where we had like $5,000 saved to spend on a vacation which is more than we've ever spent on a vacation!

What's been your favorite trip so far that you've taken?

After our trip to Hawaii in April 2021 on points, we took another trip to Hawaii on points in December 2021, 8 months later, where we saved almost $10,000 again paying for all flights and hotels with credit card points.   In just the two years I've been doing this, we've traveled to Miami, Disney World, San Antonio, Austin, San Diego, Washington DC all on points.  Something really cool is that I used what I learned to earn extra perks too, like hotel status with Hyatt allowing us to also have free breakfast, free valet parking, free room upgrades, gifts in the room, club access, etc. We also visited exclusive airport lounges on our trips that gave us free food (and alcohol for those drinking) and nice spaces to hang out. Honestly, it's a whole new world I never knew about.

What's the most amount of money that you've saved on a vacation through travel deals?

On our last trip to Hawaii, we saved almost $10,000 we stayed in Hawaii for 8 nights and paid for all flights and hotels on rewards points.  Each hotel was over $3,500 for 4 nights at each place. We had free valet parking, breakfast, no taxes or resort fees, club level access for free snacks and alcohol. The list goes on and on.  That left our biggest expenses to be food, tipping, rental car, and some family excursions.

What's your favorite travel tip to tell people?

I was raised to be scared of credit cards, because they are made to profit off of people who can't pay a bill off on time and in full. If you are at a place in your life where you can pay off these high interest cards on time and in full every month, then you can be the one benefiting off of these banks. If you can pay off your monthly credit card balances, you can save so much money on travel using credit card points. One of the biggest tips is to make sure to transfer the points to the travel partners. The points go a lot further that way and are easier to cancel and get returned to you.  Another tip is if you are married, do not add your spouse as an authorized user on the card.  You can add the card to their apple pay or google pay to put all expenses on that card, but after you achieve the bonus, you can refer your spouse to apply for the card, and you earn points for the referral and your spouse earns a sign-up bonus too.

How can someone get started in traveling like this?

One of the best cards to start with is the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. If you are approved for the card, you have to spend $4,000 in 3 months to receive the sign up bonus. I like to time signing-up for cards when I know we have bigger expenses coming up, like paying car insurance, home insurance, Christmas presents, etc. We don't use the card as an excuse to buy something we weren't planning to buy already.  The bonus is currently 60,000 points but has been as high as 100,000 in the past.  On our trip to Hawaii, we stayed 8 nights for 200,000 points at hotels that were well over $600 per night.

How long does it take to accumulate enough points/rewards to travel this way?

Most cards have a three month spend bonus, so it usually takes 3-4 months to earn a sign-up bonus.  This would give you enough points to save a significant amount.  It depend on the trip you want to take and how much your family spends too. Earning enough for a week long trip to Hawaii could take a little longer. Business cards have allowed me to earn even more points as well.

Does point accumulation negatively impact your credit?

Point accumulation has not affected my credit score.  It can actually help your score because sometimes it increases how much credit you have.  When you first apply for a card, you can see a slight dip in your score, but it quickly returns or goes higher.  Paying off your card on time and in full is also important for helping your credit score. When you have several cards, it is also good to put your payments on auto-pay.  My score is currently 775 and my husband's is 800, but while I do monitor it, I don't worry about it.  We don't have any plans to take out any major loans and we try to pay things off when we can.  If I was planning to buy a house, I might study it a little more for the 6 months before.  But our scores are still considered "excellent".

What's one thing to avoid when starting this process?

Make sure to sign-up for the hotel and flight rewards programs when you are traveling even if you are not using points, such as Southwest, United, Jet Blue, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, IHG, etc.  Make sure to transfer points to travel partners and not use the points for cash back or gift cards if you would like to travel.  You can save so much more using these points towards travel.  One of the big recommendations is to set up auto-pay on your card so you never miss a payment. Another great tip is if you are married, don't put your spouse on your card as an authorized user. You can refer them to sign up for their own card so you receive referral points and your spouse receives their own bonus. You can  always add the card to your spouse's Google or apple pay.

What's your dream location that you'd like to travel to?

I would love to go to Greece, New Zealand, the Virgin Islands.

Where can people find more information about you?

https://www.ourlonglife.com/blog/https://www.instagram.com/ourlonglifeblog/

Special Offers

• If this information is helpful and you want to sign up for a card, check out this blog post where Jessica mentions different cards she has and why she likes each one.
• If you're interested in Southwest Airlines' card offer that includes a companion pass for one year, visit this blog post for more information.

 If you'd like to see more travel tips like this, SUBSCRIBE to my Youtube channel!

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!

More Texas Vacation Spots You'll Love

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!

Portland Maine in a Weekend | What to Do and Where to Eat

When that summer heat rises, we Texans head North!

When you want to stay in the US and find some place cooler, you head to the northern most contiguous state – Maine. And why not start with the seaside town of Maine, Portland?

Portland is a beautiful city right on the coast of the Atlantic ocean. My friend Ashley and I had so much fun exploring the city! We stayed in the Old Port area, so restaurants, shopping, and excursions were all within walking distance! We had a great weekend exploring the city and I’m here to show you that you CAN see and do all the things in just two days.

A couple things you’ll want to keep in mind. Most places close early, so have a game plan in mind before you start down the road towards a destination. And you’ll also see that we rarely got several courses at one restaurant. I really recommend trying different things at different restaurants and enjoying the walk and the sights along the way. Each place has their own specialty, so don’t feel like you’re tied down to eating at just one place.Are you ready for it? Here we go…

Day 1

Farmer’s Market. Hiking. Lighthouses. Lobstering.

Portland Farmer’s Market

If you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday, you must stroll through the Portland Farmer’s Markets. I love living like a local for a day at farmers markets because it allows you to see and taste the local favorites. From home grown berries and homemade pies to freshly picked flowers and farm fresh eggs, this is THE place to visit. I ended up getting some fresh honeycomb and raspberries. The flavors are so robust and delicious!

Back Cove Trail

After we got our snacks, we headed to Back Cove Trail for a little hiking. This 3.5 mile loop is one of the oldest and most popular trails in Portland and provides great views of the skyline.

Tomaso’s Canteen (Lunch)

When a restaurant has something called the "bomb" on the menu, you know you're in for some good food! If you happen to be in the area, I recommend heading to Tomaso's and getting the fried pickles, chicken bomb, and the buffalo chicken mac n cheez.

Portland Head Light & Fort Williams Park

This beautiful lighthouse holds the title for the most photographed lighthouse in the country. Ever notice the lighthouse on Red Lobster’s logo? Yep. This is that same exact one. I could have stayed there for hours listening to the waves crash into the shore. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk down to the water along the jagged rocks and let the surf wash over your bare feet. I have to warn you – that water is little chilly! If you’re visiting earlier in the day, the lightkeeper’s home has been turned into a museum and you can tour the building to learn more about the history of the Portland Head Light.

Lucky Catch Cruises (Lobstering)

When you’re this close to the water, it would be a shame not to go out on it! And we didn’t just go out on it – we went lobstering! I cannot recommend Lucky Catch Cruises enough! We had the best time! I’ve always wanted to see how lobster were harvested and this blew my expectations out of the water (ba dum ching). Not only did we set traps with bait, but we also reeled in our own catches, saw different World War I forts, and learned about the sustainability the Maine fisherman adhere to.With every lobster caught in Maine, the lobster is measured and checked for gender and eggs. One thing I thought was interesting was that not all female lobster reproduce. So if a fisherman catches a female lobster with eggs (little black dots) on her belly, the fisherman marks her tail and put her back in the ocean. This ensures that future fisherman won’t keep her and the lobster population will still be able to grow. Also, female lobster can reproduce until death, and since lobster can live to be up to 100 years old, that’s a lot of lobster babies she could produce.

Portland Lobster Co (Dinner)

Once we hauled in our catch, we walked our lobster next door to Portland Lobster Company. There, they steamed the lobster and we were able to eat what we caught. You can’t get much closer to sea to table than that!

Gross Confection Bar (Dessert)

Forget everything you know about desserts because this place is going to take all of the ingredients of a nostalgic favorite and reconstruct it into something completely different and utterly amazing.

LUNA (Cocktails)

This brand new cocktail bar on the rooftop of the Canopy by Hilton just opened about 3 weeks ago. This swanky, upscale bar features gorgeous fews of the harbor and specialty cocktails that are simply divine! If you’re a fan of tequila and a little heat, I recommend getting the Dioscuri.

Day 2

Shopping. Mansion Tour. Sailing.

Rigby Yard (Brunch)

Another big day of sightseeing means you’re going to need some sustenance to start your day off right. We loved having brunch at Rigby Yard. The breakfast charcuterie was the perfect way to mix and match the local ingredients.

Shopping

My friend Ashley loves to shop, so shop we must! The whole Old Port area has tons of shopping options to choose from and everything you could ever want! From housewares and kitchen gadgets to souvenirs and lobster hats, you can find it all. Start on Fore street. It’s got some great shops and cute items.Then you’ll want to head over to Sea Bags Maine. I love this company’s mission! Instead of sailors throwing out old worn out sails, they can bring them to Sea Bags where the company makes the sails into bags and purses of all shapes and sizes. The vintage bags feature the number and symbol panels from the sails while the other bags have printed symbols on them (and are a bit cheaper than the vintage). They’re just so unique!

Anthony’s Italian Kitchen (Lunch)

If you’re tired of seafood already, do yourself a favor and head into Anthony’s. This family-run Italian restaurant features all the favorites with a red sauce that’s to die for! They have pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and salads, but you really can’t beat their lasagna! If you’re there on a Saturday night, they also have an all you can eat buffet and a dinner show.

Victoria Mansion

If you’re a lover of Downton Abbey and the early 1900s, then this is the place for you. Built in 1860, this beautiful home was one of the first in Maine to have indoor sewer and plumbing, hot and cold water, and a 25 foot skylight. The man who had it built, Ruggles Morse, was a self-made man only completing 2^nd grade schooling and prospering through his own hard work. While I couldn’t video inside the home, I did want to show you a few photos I took inside. In every room, there are paintings of the owner, nods to his power and position, and even a full dinnerware set that was made just for him and his family that has their family name etched into the silverware. If you’d like to check out this beautiful home, make sure to make a reservation and get your tickets online before you visit because they sell out.

Portland Schooner Company

I have always wanted to go on a sailboat. This was my chance. When in Maine, right? We boarded the Timberwind and sailed out of the harbor. Once away from the dock, the passengers were able to volunteer to help hoist the sails, and let me tell you – they were heavy! I still know nothing about sailing or the commands they called out or the difference between port and starboard, but I totally enjoyed myself. Once out on the water, we floated along enjoying the breeze and watching the seals play in the water (we saw 3 that day which apparently was not common). The boat wasn’t packed and everyone was able to move around the ship freely. We also were able to bring snacks and drinks on board, so you could easily make a romantic date or family picnic on the water out of it. This cruise also requires reservations be made in advance.

Taco Escobarr (Dinner)

First of all, this Texas girl knows her Mexican food. So I was admittedly skeptical about a Mexican food joint so far away from the border. But let me say, I was pleasantly surprised! The infused tequila cocktails were refreshing (I recommend the pineapple one) and packed with flavor and the mix and match enchiladas were so freaking good. I got them filled with Bisteck (slow braised beef) and green verde sauce on top. It was amazing! The only thing I didn’t enjoy was the queso. It tasted like that cheese in can that sporting events buy in bulk and squeeze over some nachos. The service, the food, and the drinks were all great and definitely exceeded my expectations!

Captain Sam’s Ice Cream (Dessert)

I’ve never had bourbon in icecream, but I feel like I should have it more often now. We saw Captain Sam’s the day before and the line was out the door and down the street, so we decided not to stop in until later. I’m so glad we were able to come back because it was delicious! They had about 15 different flavors to choose from and I tried the Kentucky Derby (bourbon, molasses, pecans, chocolate chips). It was SO good. I wish I could take that stuff back to Texas with me.

Via Vecchia (Cocktails)

First of all, I’m in love with the look of this restaurant. It’s got a 1920’s flair about it and it perfectly sets the stage for some amazing cocktails. The bartenders are super friendly and knowledgeable as well, so it you don’t see something you like on the menu, they can craft something to your specific tastes.I have definitely fallen in love with the East coast this summer! From my trip to Boston last month to this trip to Maine, I have been blessed to have seen some beautiful sights and east some amazing foods. If you liked this Portland itinerary, be sure to subscribe to my Youtube channel so you can get more vacation tips for your next trip.

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!