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9/25/22 9/25/22

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!

9/18/22 9/18/22

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!

9/12/22 9/12/22

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

9/3/22 9/3/22

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

Santa Fe Gulf Shores Rogers Clarksville

8/5/22 8/5/22

What to Do in Santa Fe, New Mexico in a Weekend

Ready for a family vacation in the Land of Enchantment (aka Santa Fe, New Mexico)? Here’s what you can do in a weekend in Santa Fe.

Where to Stay

Whether you prefer an AirBnB, Hotel, or RV Park, Santa Fe has a little something for everyone. The most important thing you can do when looking for accommodations is to figure out a good centralized location for all of the activities you have planned. That way, you can maximize the time you have in activities and spend less time in the car.Booking.com

Day 1

Lunch - The Pantry

This was our first stop arriving into Santa Fe and it didn't disappoint! Let me just say that I am forever a fan of Sopapillas coming with every meal from here on out. Yum! We also had the Steak enchiladas, Chicken fried steak, Taco salad with chicken, and Kids French toast. Everything was delicious!

Santa Fe Jeep Tours - Diablo Canyon Sunset Tour

We booked our tour as a last minute idea and we’re so glad we did! Andrew was such a great tour guide! He picked us up from our AirBnB and drove up through the the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) over hills, rocks, and all sorts of things. We had a blast! He even dealt well with our kids’ personalities. As a photographer, I appreciated that he took to all of his favorite places at sunset (some along the Rio Grande, and some high atop a hill) so I could get some great shots. This was such a fun tour and well worth the money.

Dinner - Lolaburger

After the jeep tour ending at 9pm, we needed a place that we could get some good food that was still open and kid appropriate. Our jeep guide recommended that we get a burger at Lolaburger. They had some great chicken sandwiches, burgers, fries, and milkshakes!

Day 2

Santa Fe Farmer’s Market

If you love getting local veggies, fruits, flowers, meats, eggs, and snacks - then you’ve got to check out this farmer’s market. It’s open on Saturday mornings from 8am to 1pm in the Railyard Area. There were over 20 different booths selling all sorts of things and it was amazing to walk through the market and see what everyone had to offer. I love being able to talk to the people who grew the food themselves! Something different that we noticed about this Farmer's Market than others we have been to in the past is that they don't allow animals - so leave your fur babies at home.

Breakfast - Clafoutis

We found the place where the locals eat while on vacation on Santa Fe and this is it. And let me tell you, they know where to eat! We had a 20 minute wait, so it wasn't bad. The restaurant itself is adorable. Very cute decor and a great wait staff. We ordered the Eggs Benedict with ham, Nutella crepe, French toast, and Green Chile bacon quiche. Everything was delicious! We also ordered some pastries at the counter to take with us for later.

Santa Fe Rafting Co

We reserved our rafting trip ahead of time online and we’re so glad we did because they were busy, busy! We chose to do the Half Day Rio Grande Racecourse. It has class 1, 2, and 3 rapids in it and is a little over 6 miles long. The whole thing took about 3 hours for rafting plus two hours for travel to the drop off spot.The whole process was super simple. I liked that we got to know the guys a little bit on our bus ride to the drop off point by the river.Zack was the BEST raft guide! We had never been rafting before and we brought our two kids with us. Zack made us feel so at ease and was super patient with us and the kids and the learning curve of learning the different commands.The time flew by and it was the best combo of rapids and relaxing bits. We even saw an otter! So cute!

San Miguel Mission

This beautiful church is the oldest church in the United States and right next door, you’ll find the oldest house in the United States. It’s really amazing to see how they’re both standing tall after hundreds of years have passed.

Day 3

Hike & Explore Pecos National Park

Ancestral Sites trail: The trail starts right behind the visitor center. It gives you a glimpse into the past as you pass by the ancestral sites of the Pecos Pueblo and the mission church. You will also enjoy beautiful vistas of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Glorieta Mesa as you venture around the trail. 1.25 miles loop, easy trail.We visited during the wildfires, so only the Ancestral Sites Trail was open. But that turned out to be perfect! It was warm out, so the quick 1.5 mile round trip trail was perfect. We loved reading all of the information and seeing the historical sites. Very cool! I highly recommend it! And if you're bringing a stroller or wheelchair, this is a great path for you as well!

Explore the Plaza

With the Loretto Chapel as the center point for the the Plaza, you can't miss it. This beautiful square has many shops, cafes, and local artisans for you to find the perfect keepsake to remember your travels with.

Lunch - Palacio Cafe

If you need a place to eat in the plaza (especially on Sundays when other restaurants are closed), this is a good option. Their service is a bit slow, but if you’re not in a hurry, you’ll get some good food after your wait. We had the Enchilada plate (chicken), Steak tacos, Chicken salad, and Tamales. Everything was great and we even had some Mexican Cokes with it too.

Blue Mesa Alpaca Farm

Mr. Bob was the perfect host for our tour. He told us all about how he obtained the alpacas, what they ate, how they’re cared for, and all sorts of other interesting facts. We also found out they really love to eat the grass just outside of the pens that the kiddos were picking and feeding to them. Great stop to see some animals! Be sure to make an appointment online before just showing up because yours are limited. The tour is free, so make sure to purchase something in his shop to support this local small business!

Dinner - Tomasita’s

We decided to go here after hearing how good it was from a local. We had a 30 minute wait for our table, but there was plenty of seating and you could get a drink at the bar while we waited. Once seated, we saw a mariachi band (who was really good by the way) moving around the restaurant playing different songs. Our waiter was really friendly and fixed an order when it was incorrect without any issue. We had the Green Chile queso fries, Chicken flautas, Quesadilla, Steak combination, Sopapillas, and skinny margarita. Everything was really tasty!

Ethyl the Whale

This was our last stop of the trip and while it was just a big art installation off the back parking lot of Santa Fe Community College, it was a really cool way to end our trip with the sun setting and reflecting against the plastic tiles of the whale.Ethyl is an 82-foot life-sized sculpture of a blue whale is made of hand-recycled plastic trash to bring awareness to the ever-growing urgency of the negative impact plastics have on our environment.

More Things to Do and See in Santa Fe

Overlook Park (Best views)

Las Cieneguillia Petroglyph Hike

Santa Fe School of Cooking

Sky Railway

Schwebach Farm (Pick your own veggies late July - Nov)

More Family Friendly Vacation Ideas

Clarksville, Tennessee Gulf Shores, Alabama Fayetteville, Arkansas Amarillo, Texas

6/28/22 6/28/22

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

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

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

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, Texas Dripping Springs, Texas Plano, Texas

3/26/22 3/26/22

Things to Do and See in Livingston, Texas

If you find yourself traveling down 146 in East Texas, you’re going to go right through Polk County - home of Livingston, Texas. This classic, small Texas town was once a stop for weary travelers going up and down Highway 59 (I-69) and once the highway moved, travelers forgot all about this little town.Well, the people of Livingston want to tell you to put them back on the map! Downtown Livingston is growing by leaps and bounds through the efforts of many local small business owners and entrepreneurs. So make Livingston, Texas a destination this summer! Here’s a little of what you can find there.

Petalz By Annie

About a month ago, I was on my way home from visiting my in-laws and I saw the prettiest floral mural on the side of a building in Livingston, Texas. It was gorgeous and I knew at that point I needed to go in there and see what they offered. I’m so glad I did. After researching online a bit, I found that the place with the pretty mural was called Petalz by Annie. It is a an adorable boutique that has a florist component, a cute little shop for home goods, and a tea and coffee bar. From the moment you step inside the store, it feels like home. Everything is beautifully designed, it smells great, and there’s even really comfortable seating just waiting for you to have a seat and spend a few hours chatting with friends.While I was there, I got to talk with Annie, the owner of Petalz by Annie, and she couldn’t have been nicer. We got to talk about how the store came to be and what her hopes were for the patrons who came in. Another interesting thing is that she is passionate about revitalizing Livingston and bringing some life back into the town - especially in the historic downtown area. And she’s doing just that. She’s even bought the movie theater next door and is going to revamp it into its former glory.The great thing is that other companies are following suit. There’s a business that just moved in across the street from her and then there’s also the Ruby Cattle Company Market which is close by as well. Annie and the other ladies there are some of the most genuine women you’ll ever meet. So go order a coffee and tell them I sent you.

Ruby Cattle Company

Walking into the Ruby Cattle Company Market you will get a sense of Texas pride. On one wall there are meats from the cattle from the Ruby Cattle Company ranch and on the other wall there are all sorts of soaps, honey, T-shirts, barbecue rubs; all sorts of things anything you can think of that are all Texas made and grown. The market has a great selection of cuts of beef and they even have some prepared foods like shepherds pie (yum!), lasagna, and sides so if you were looking for a one stop shop for that dinner table tonight, this is the place to go. While I was there I also got to head outside of town to their farm.The farm is about 20 minutes east of Livingston and it is situated on 1200 acres next to the Native American reservation. It’s a beautiful piece of land with somewhere between 600 to 800 heads of cattle. I had the opportunity to go and meet with Joe, the fourth generation cattle rancher, and he was such a joy to talk to. You could see the passion and the love that he had for working his land, taking care of his cattle, providing for his employees, and for putting a good piece of meat on the table for not just himself but for the public in general.They have specialty tours twice a year at the farm where you can see the farm in action, eat some barbecue sandwiches, drink a Texas beer, and listen to a live band play. You need to be on one of these tours - you won’t regret it!

Lake Livingston State Park

Whatever your outdoor pleasure - whether it be camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, boating, or water skiing - Lake Livingston State Park has it all available for you. Be sure to reserve your dates ahead of time for both day passes and overnight camping!

C & M Blueberry Farm

Starting Memorial Day weekend each year, head on over to the blueberry farm! This pick your own farm has acres of blueberry bushes just ready for you to grab right off the bushes.

Livingston Trade Days

Trade Days is held in Pedigo Park, which is conveniently located just 2/10 mile off the Highway 59 corridor, in the center of Livingston, Texas, one hour north of Houston Intercontinental Airport and one hour south of Lufkin. Livingston Trade Days is set up in Livingston's scenic Pedigo Park. Shoppers peruse through two covered pavilions and open-air lots that are host to a wide variety of food, arts and crafts, collectible and antique vendors.This great environment welcomes families, day-trippers and outdoor enthusiasts who come to enjoy a few hours at the park. Their goal is to bring a treasure or two home. Courtesy rest areas are located throughout the grounds for shoppers' convenience. There is no admission or parking charge. With hundreds of vendors and an eclectic selection of wares, there's something for everyone!

Tempe Creek Vineyard and Farms

Down a dirt road by a creek, you’ll find pastures with longhorns and donkeys, a vineyard, and a wine tasting room. Tempe Creek Vineyard is owned by Jennifer Cook and Michael Santana, Houston natives who wanted to escape the city life for a more quiet, wholesome place to unwind. For just $12.50, you can sample all of their available wines and feed the livestock grazing in the nearby field. You can also check out their website for weekend events, concerts, and activities hosted at the vineyard.

Double Creek Farm

If you find yourself in the Livingston area in the fall, be sure to head to Double Creek Farm. They have a pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm that you and your kids will love. They’re only open Friday-Sundays, so be sure to stop by the farm for some fall/winter fun! As you can see, Livingston, Texas has a lot to offer people of all different backgrounds and interests! Be sure to check it out this summer for your next Texas road trip!If you’d like to see more travel tips like this, SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel!

2/26/22 2/26/22

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!

10/19/21 10/19/21

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, Texas Texas Hill Country Luxury at Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, TX What to Do in Georgetown, Texas Love Texas travel? Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to my Youtube channel to see my weekly videos!

10/9/21 10/9/21

Two Step on Down to Bankersmith, Texas

Texas Hill Country towns are known for a lot of things, but mostly they’re known as the perfect places for weekend getaway destinations.There’s Fredericksburg, Gruene, Wimberly, New Braunfels, and Canyon Lake to name a few, but I bet you’ve never heard of Bankersmith, Texas. Bankersmith sits halfway between Fredericksburg and Comfort, and if you’re looking for a rustic getaway with everything at your fingertips, well then this is it.

This town boasts a population of zero, which makes sense considering the whole town is only a few acres in size. Founded in 1912, no one has actually lived in this Gillespie County town since the 1960s. This once railroad town is now home to a dance hall, campsites, working farm, restaurant, and even has a couple Air BnBs.My friend Alley and I got to check this cool spot out this past week and we had an absolute blast!Bankersmith is minutes from downtown Fredericksburg, Texas. It’s a one stop spot for grabbing a bite to eat, taking a hay ride, petting farm animals, watching a match at the Fredericksburg Polo Club, and maybe even enjoying a game of cornhole or two.So leave your heels at home and put on your boots…let’s head to Bankersmith, Texas y’all!

Saloon

This rustic restaurant is perfect for those few precious weeks of perfect weather we get every year. You can grab a drink and order your food at the bar and then meet your group at a picnic table. The overhead twinkle lights and goats braying from their retired tour bus abode make for a fun afternoon of spending time with friends.One thing I really enjoyed about this location is that it’s definitely a local favorite. In fact, at any point during the day, you can find at least one (but probably more) musicians playing on the back porch. Guitars, singers, harmonicas – it’s all welcome here!

Dance Hall

On one side of the property, you’ll find the dance hall. This corrugated metal building holds up to 300 people and is the perfect place to dance the night away. They also hold events each month, so be sure to go check out one of their most popular events – the Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Working Farm

On most weekends, you can schedule to take a hayride down the road to the farm! While there, you’ll see the usual goats and donkeys, but also a few things you didn’t expect – like geese, camels, zebras, and buffalo! The longhorn cattle are close enough to touch them, but I wouldn’t recommend it because those horns have a mind of their own! The tractor-pulled hayride is about an hour and a half in length and you get to feed the animals right out of your hands as well.Back at the property, you can also check out the chickens, goats, pot belly pig, turkey, and guinea. The farm tour is great for all ages.

Lodging

Want to stay close to the action? Bankersmith has four 1 bedroom rooms and two 2 bedrooms suites available. In keeping with the rustic theme, they’re complete with wood plank walls, a galvanized metal shower, kitchen area, and comfy living room couches. The only downside? There’s a famous rooster outside that has no concept of time and likes to crow whenever he feels like it – not just at dawn.

Upcoming Events

This fun Texas small town has a ton of events coming up in the next few months, so take advantage of the nicer weather and go check out Oktoberfest, the Taco Festival, Fall farm bash, the Grape Stomp, the Hot Air Balloon Festival, Christmas Market, and so much more! If you’d like to see more Texas travel tips, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my Youtube Channel!

7/24/21 7/24/21

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.

7/17/21 7/17/21

Explore Historic Boston in a Weekend

Yes, it can be done. You can see the historic Boston in a weekend.My first tip? Maximize your time. If you’re going to one area of town, make sure you do all the things you want to do and see all on the same day. That way, you’re not crisscrossing all over the city.Here’s a sample itinerary based on my friend and I’s recent trip. We walked a lot of it and then other times we took an Uber. Don’t try to stress yourself out on trip. Know your limitations and relax in the back of a cab when you need to.

Day 1

This day, our flight got in right around 3pm, so we were able to get to our AirBnB and check in by 4pm. Once we checked in and got settled, we were ready to hit the ground running. Our AirBnB was in between the financial district and the theater district, so it was perfectly in the middle of all the things we wanted to do while visiting Boston.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Tea overboard! Become a revolutionist for a day and throw boxes of tea overboard in Boston Harbor while the tea party reenactors in period costume act out the historical event in detail.

Beacon Hill

If you’re interested in seeing the beautiful brownstone homes that Boston has to offer, you’ll want to visit the Beacon Hill area. This area is absolutely beautiful, but Charles street was our favorite. You can also take a trolley tour where the guide will tell you all about the historic homes and the famous people who lived there.

Acorn Street

This real cobblestone street from the 1700s gives you a glimpse into what the actual streets looked like for the colonists. While it’s a private street and can’t be walked/drove down, you can take a picture from the cross streets.

Cheers Bar

This underground bar was the inspiration for the 90’s sitcom, Cheers. You can grab a beer or just check out their memorabilia in this super touristy nod to the show.

Dinner at 75 Chestnut

This restaurant is definitely a favorite for locals. It offers outdoor seating, great cocktails, and absolutely delicious food. The staff was all super nice as well. If you go, make sure to get the Pineapple Elderflower Cosmo. Yum!

Day 2

Today is out first full day in Boston, so we plan on being gone all day. The name of the game today is history and food. Here we go!

Breakfast at Café Bonjour

When the number one breakfast place in Boston is three doors down from your AirBnB, you go. This place was delicious! I loved the French theme of the restaurant as well as the décor. The food was amazing. I had the Steak Tips and Eggs and it was SO good! I love anything with caramelized onions on it and this meal was delicious! It also came with homefries and you know this Texas girl loved that!

Freedom Trail

This was one of our favorite activities of the whole trip. Why? The Freedom trail is a 2.5 mile literal red brick trail you follow through the city in order to see a bunch of the most important historical buildings Boston has to offer from the era of the American Revolution.You’ll begin your journey at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center located at 139 Tremont Street and conclude at the USS Constitution in Charlestown. Along the way, you will see places like:

Boston Common
Massachusetts State House
Park Street Church
Granary Burying Ground
King's Chapel
King's Chapel Burying Ground
Benjamin Franklin Statue & Boston Latin School
Old Corner Bookstore
Old South Meeting House
Old State House
Site of Boston Massacre
Faneuil Hall
Paul Revere House
Old North Church
Copp's Hill Burying Ground
Bunker Hill Monument
USS Constitution

We loved this tour! We also found this brochure to be super helpful in just giving us a brief synopsis of what we were looking at and why it was important. While we were on the trail, we made a few stops. We took our time, enjoyed a few restaurants’ specialty items, and meandered through town.

Quincy Market

This farmer’s market of sorts features food, live entertainment, and souvenirs. This place is super touristy, so be wary of that, but it was a great place to grab a cup of lobster bisque and a few souvenirs.

Skinny House

This famous narrow house is located at 44 Hull Street (right across the street from Copp’s Hill Burying Ground). This four story home boasts the “Most Narrow House in Boston” at only 10 feet wide. It’s sort of hard to wrap your mind around the fact that someone could live there. While there are differing stories on how this house came to be, this home is called the “Spite House” because both stories have it being built out of spite.One story is that two brothers inherited land from their deceased father. While one brother was away serving in the military, the other built a large home, leaving only a shred of property that he felt certain was too tiny to build on. When the soldier returned, he found his inheritance depleted and built the narrow house to spite his brother by blocking the sunlight and ruining his view.The other story is that two neighbors were quarreling and one built the narrow house so that it shut off the air and light from the home. No matter which story you believe, it’s still quite a sight to see.

The North End

I instantly fell in love with the North End, or “Little Italy” as it’s referred to. It’s a vibrant area filled with shops and restaurants – most of which stating how their red sauce, oysters, etc. are the best. While visiting this area, we found the best. Here’s where I recommend going.

Lobster Rolls at Pauli’s

For about $26, you can get a hot and buttered lobster roll and chips at Pauli’s. This place has been featured on the Food Network, has had tons of stars visit, and lots of success. But one bite into that hot lobster roll and you’ll know why. The buttered and grilled bun was the perfect vehicle for that mountain of lobster they put on top. Yes, $26 is pricey for a sandwich, but you definitely get your money’s worth. It was delicious and my mouth is watering for one as I sit here typing this up.

Cannoli’s at Mike’s Pastry

At just $5 each, you can grab one of their famous cannolis and man, are they good! Don’t forget your dollar bills though, because this place is cash only.

Dinner at La Famiglia Giorgio’s

We heard this place had the best “sauce” in town, so we decided to give it a try. Y’all, this place was amazing! I tried a classic – Chicken Parm – and it was SO good! The sauce wasn’t acidic at all (you know, that canned tomato taste) and the portion size was huge! I had two meals off of what they served me. They also gave us bread with an olive oil dipping sauce and served it with parmigiano Reggiano on top. I’ve never had it that way with cheese on it before, but now I won’t be able to have any without it. So good!

Day 3

For the last full day in Boston, the name of the game is to see the non-American Revolution historical places, pop culture references, and get a few souvenirs.

Breakfast at Café 26

Another delicious breakfast place we tried was Café 26. This breakfast and brunch place has a little bit of everything. Omelettes, English muffins, crepes, etc. they’ve got it all. I tried the Western Omelette with home fries and it was delicious. I always love starting off the day with a protein packed breakfast and we certainly needed it so we wouldn’t get hungry during all of our adventures!

Boston Pubic Garden

This beautiful garden has been around since the 1800s and is just gorgeous! You can walk around the grounds, take a ride on the swan boats, or have a picnic. It’s such a beautiful place to unwind.

Harvard Tour

We didn’t go to Harvard. We know nothing about Harvard except that’s an Ivy League school and super hard to get into. And yet, I think it’s a must see if you’re visiting Boston. The campus is absolutely gorgeous. You can walk onto campus without being a part of the tour, but I highly recommend taking the Hahvahd tour we did. It was inexpensive and an actual Harvard student led the tour. He talked about the history of the buildings, the faculty, the stories of how certain traditions came to be, and even a few tall tales. It was great!

Milk Bar

After walking around Harvard, we needed a little pick-me-up, so we stopped in Harvard Square at Milkbar, I’ve made their famous Birthday Cake before (with all 54824 ingredients) and it was amazing, but I’ve always wanted to try their Milk Bar Pie! I got my chance. It was SO yummy! It reminds me of a buttermilk pie (which I love), so I think I might be trying to make that at home next!

Lunch at Wahlburgers

Yes, we had dessert before lunch, it’s vacation, okay? After the Wahlburgers tv show came out, my friend insisted we go there to eat. It was such a neat place! There were movie and concert posters from the Wahlburger brothers’ accomplishments, Red Sox paraphernalia, and delicious food! We recommend trying the fried pickles and Jenn’s Chicken. I had Jenn’s chicken on a salad (and it was so flavorful), but I bet the sandwich version is just as good. My friend said the chocolate shake was good too. I imagine it would be a really fun place to watch a baseball game at since it’s so close to Fenway.

Fenway Tour

As a baseball lover, seeing Fenway was definitely on the list. Tours start every hour (when there’s no home game), and leave from the souvenir shop across the street. You can schedule a tour in advance or in store when you’re there. On the tour, you’ll see the inside of the stadium (including the Green Monster), hear the history of it, and maybe even a few tall tales too.

Where to Stay in Boston

We stayed at a place in between the Financial District and the Boston Common and it was perfect. If you need a place to stay, use the search bar below to find a place in your price range and area of town that you prefer!Booking.comIf you’d like to see more weekend trip itinerary ideas, subscribe to my YouTube channel!

7/10/21 7/10/21

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!

7/3/21 7/3/21

Fayetteville, Arkansas Weekend Trip | Family Travel Tips

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”I’ve always loved being in the mountains. So driving and hiking around in Fayetteville, Arkansas was *literally* a breath of fresh air for me. Arkansas is known as “The Natural State” and if you visit, you’ll see why. Everywhere you look, there’s mountains and hills, rivers, and gorgeous landscapes for as far as the eye can see.We recently got back from a weekend trip to Fayetteville, Arkansas and I couldn’t wait to show you all of the wonderful things there are to do here. No matter your activity level, interest, or amount of time you have to spend on vacation, you’ll find it here.

Things to Do

There’s more to Fayetteville than just the mountains! Check out all the fun things your family can do while visiting!

Pig Trail Scenic Byway

If you’re looking for winding scenic drive, you’ll want to take the 19 mile Pig Trail Scenic Byway through the Ozark Mountains. Named after it’s curly, pig-tail appearance, this foliage-filled road is popular most seasons of the year, but primarily fall when it’s vibrant with colors. In order to get on the trail, you’ll take Arkansas State Highway 23 near Interstate 40 through to it’s intersection with Arkansas 16. It starts and ends in Fayetteville, so you’re bound to see parts of it while you’re there.

Lokomotion Family Fun Park

If indoor activities for the family are the name of your game, then Lokomotion is where you should go. They’ve got laser tag, mini golf, go karts, bumper boats, and a video arcade.

Devil’s Den State Park

The “Natural State” has loads to offer when it comes to outdoor sights. If you want to get a feel for the land, head out to Devil’s Den State Park. This park has hiking trails through the wooded areas that you’re just going to love. And the drive through the switchbacks entering the park are all part of the fun!

112 Drive In Theater

Thursdays through Sunday evenings, head on over to the 112 Drive In movie theater. For just $10 per car, you can drive your car on in and park it to watch a movie on the big screen from the comfort of your own space. A concession stand is available and you can also bring your own snacks as well.

Air & Military Museum

If you have an aviation fanatic or military buff in your family, you need to check this place out. They have countless fixed-wing airplanes, helicopters, and even an “air tractor”. My military loving child loved this stop! He got to sit inside a ferret tank and several airplanes and was in pure Heaven.

Lake Fayetteville

If you enjoy fishing, this is the place to do it! At the lake, you’ll find Crappie, Bass, Blue Gill, Red Ear, Catfish, Goggle-eye, and Carp. However, if you’re looking for something more adventurous, it’s an idle-only lake, so water sports are a no go.

Fayetteville Square

In the center of town is Fayetteville Square. There, you’ll find restaurants, shops, and and meet a few locals. There’s a weekly farmer’s market you can shop for regional goods as well as several spots for photo ops, like the world peace fountain and several murals on town square.

Gator Golf Course

This mini golf course features 2 18-hole mini golf courses in the hills of the Ozarks. Ranging from easy puts to more difficultly timed shots are fun for the whole family and is sure to bring out your competitive side.

Razorbacks Greenway

The Razorbacks Greenway is a 36 mile paved path route that runs from Fayetteville to Springdale. It’s great for biking or walking and provides a great scenic way to get around. You can rent electric bikes and have fun riding down the greenway in style!

Canoeing, Kayaking, and Water Rafting

There are 5 different rivers that easily accessible from the Fayetteville area. The most breath-taking is the Buffalo river. For a more adventurous ride, start towards the north end of the river. If you’re looking for a more relaxing trek, start at the midpoint of the river.

Prairie Grove Aquatic Park

There’s no better way to beat the heat than to hit the pool! Prairie Grove Aquatic Park has a walk-in entry pool with two water slides that’s a fun and affordable option for your family visiting in the summer months. The day we visited the park, it was over 100 degrees outside. The pools and water slides were perfect to cool off in and have a few hours of fun. It's a great spot for kids of all ages - in fact, my five year old was able to go on the ride above and touch bottom once she got to the 3 foot deep water at the bottom. There's also tables and plenty of places in the shade for us non-sun people as well.

Flying Q Farms

Ages 5 and up can hit the trail on their trusty steed for a trail ride. Trail rides are during weekdays only and are a fun way to get to see the beautiful landscape from a different perspective. The farm also offers summer camps and private horseback riding lessons, if that’s something you’re interested in.

Arkadia Retrocade

This super cool arcade has over 160 machines. From classic arcade games and foosball, to super nintendo and many more. And at just $5 per visit, this place is a steal because you can play every game in the place for as long as they're open.

Where to Eat

The best way to experience a new place has got to be checking out the local eateries. Here’s a few of our favorites!

Hugo’s

This is the place to go to in Fayetteville for burgers! The entrance is downstairs in the basement, but the flavors are anything but lower level! My favorite was the sirloin steak sandwich. It has a lime aioli on it which really makes it!

Hammontree’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese

This place is a grilled cheese sandwich connoisseur’s dream! The fun Dr. Seuss-esque logo of a ham sitting on top of a tree is exactly the whimsical kind of food you’re going to get here – and it’s just as delicious! I loved the white buffalo sandwich with tomato basil soup and my husband really enjoyed the Cheebacca with crawfish bisque. This place has a fun vibe, is in a great area, and afterwards you can go to the food truck park and get some ice cream for dessert.

Burton’s Creamery

You say ‘ice cream’, I say, ‘I’m in!’ At Shulertown Food Truck Park, you’ll find half a dozen food trucks with all different kinds of food, but one your mouth will start watering at is definitely the ice cream truck. Burton’s keeps it simple – vanilla or chocolate – but they’ll put it in a cone, between two cookies, add some toppings, or make it however you like! I got vanilla ice cream between two chocolate chip cookies and they rolled the edges in cinnamon toast crunch. Yum! My husband also had the double chocolate chip cookie sandwich with the vanilla ice cream in the middle.

Wood Stone Craft Pizza + Bar

There’s two locations for this pizza place and we just happened to be closer to the one by the mall when we went. The garlic bread sticks were cheesy and delicious and are a must! I also ordered a wedge salad to start so I could start the meal on a semi-healthy note and this giant salad came out with a steak knife in it. It was delicious and ended up being my meal and I took the pizza home. Ha! The macaroni and cheese was made with cavatappi noodles and was super cheesy and delicious! I also ordered the THISS pizza and it was really flavorful! The service was great, the food was good, and we were seated almost immediately when we walked in. Overall, it was a great experience and we’d love to go back!

Catfish Hole

If you’re looking for grandma’s southern fried cookin’, this is the place! The service is super fast – all of the waiters work all of the tables it seems like, because everyone was helping us if they saw our tea glasses getting low or asking if we needed more hushpuppies. They serve everything family style, so make sure to order plenty of fried catfish, because everyone will eat more than you think they will. I also tried the blackened catfish, but as someone who loves her cajun food, I would just call it ‘grilled’ and not so much blackened because there wasn’t any spice to it at all. The kids loved the atmosphere of the restaurant too – the stained glass windows all depicted funny “catfish” images and they loved looking at each one.

Places to Stay

Whether you're an AirBnB lover or prefer a hotel that comes with complimentary breakfast, Fayetteville has something to meet your needs! Use the search box below to see what's available for your travel dates!Booking.comIf you’d like to see more family friendly vacations like this, subscribe to my Youtube Channel!

6/19/21 6/19/21

A Weekend Itinerary for Hot Springs, Arkansas

There’s something in the water…Or at least that’s what people thought when they used to make the cross country journey to the healing powers of the natural springs in Hot Springs, Arkansas.Since that time, Hot Springs has ‘sprung up’ with so much more than just water. From hiking to horses races, there’s a little something for everyone in your family. Check it out!

Things to Do

Hot Springs, Arkansas has not shortage of things to do! In fact, there’s so much there, you might need more than just a weekend to fit it all in. Here’s a few things to choose from:

Hot Springs National Park

Of course, the number one thing to do in Hot Springs is going to be it’s namesake – Hot Springs National Park. It’s free to visit the park, so price-wise this place is perfect. This beautiful park is right in the middle of the city – in fact, on one side of the street you’ve got businesses and buildings and the other is national forest area. But once you get deeper into the park, you’ll find 26 miles of hiking trails and 8 historic bathhouses. On Bathhouse Row, you’ll see eight historic buildings that were constructed in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, along with the Grand Promenade.So what exactly are the bathhouses you ask? Before modern medicine was around, health seekers came to Hot Springs to “take to the waters”. In sitting in the spring-fed baths, the waters were thought to cure a plethora of ailments. While most of the bathhouses are no longer in use, two of them are open to the public. The Fordyce Bathhouse, one of the more luxurious spas, now serves as a museum to the Golden Age of Bathing (and it has free entry) and you can still take a dip at the Buckstuff Bathhouse or Quapaw Baths & Spa – but make sure you have a reservation and kids are not allowed inside the working bathhouses.While in the park, you’ll want to take a sip at one of the 6 public water fountains. These drinking facilities are real, spring fed, water – so you can experience the “healing powers” for yourself.

Running of the Tubs

If you’re into the quirky and slightly silly, then you have to check out the Running of the Tubs! This is one day of the year where the community has fun paying homage to their water-loving city by strapping some wheels on the bottom of their bathtubs, decorating them to the nines, and racing through town. It’s such a fun event and like nothing you’ve ever seen before!

AdventureWorks Hot Springs

Looking for a little adventure? This zipline course provides all the thrills and excitement you’re looking for on a vacation. Packages range from $35-80 per person.

Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo

If you’re an animal lover, this place is a must see place in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo has been there for over 100 years, so you know they treat their animals well and are doing a great job teaching the community about these dragon-looking creatures. While at the farm, you can hold a baby alligator, learn more about these powerful animals, and pet a few more cuddlier animals in the petting zoo. If you go, make sure to go on a Saturday or Sunday at noon so you can watch the alligator feeding. Those powerful jaws are a sight to see in person! Tickets are $7 for kids and $9 for adults, but they also have a 50 cent coupon on their website. And, of course, don’t bring your pets unless you want them to become alligator food!

Oaklawn Racing & Gaming

Since 1904, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort has been one of the premier Thoroughbred racetracks in the country – home of the $1 million Arkansas Derby and so much more. The season ended the end of April, so we weren’t able to catch any races, but it’s such a beautiful arena! There’s also a large hotel and casino on property that has regularly scheduled live entertainment.

Mid America Science Museum

Who says science museums are boring? This indoor/outdoor museum was so neat! For only $8.80 per person, you can see exhibits like the Bob Wheeler Science Skywalk, Light Bridge, Dinosaurs, Rowland Emett Collection (Rowland Emett was a constructor of whimsical kinetic sculpture and creator who made pieces like those in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), rope trampoline thing, dino trek, and the world’s largest tesla coil. Plan to spend a couple hours looking at all of the exhibits.

Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail

Do you have baseball coursing through your viens? If you’re a baseball fanatic, you’ll want to make note of this one. You can stand in the very spot where Babe Ruth hit his record-breaking home run – the first to fly more than 500 feet! Just download the app and you’re on your way to a self-guided tour of the city’s baseball history! Check out more info on that here.

Garvan Woodland Gardens

This beautiful wooded wonderland is a place you just have to see! Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre botanical garden of the University of Arkansas located on the shores of beautiful Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas.The site for Garvan Woodland Gardens was purchased in the 1920's after a timber clear-cut in about 1915. Mrs. Garvan loved this beautiful place so much that she never allowed it to be cut again. In 1956, as a self-taught gardener, she began to develop it as a garden and possible future residence. She was intimately familiar with the land and laid out each path, marking every tree to be removed. Verna also personally chose each new plant and selected its location. Over the next forty years, Mrs. Garvan planted thousands of specimens which now form an impressive collection.There are hundreds of rare shrubs and trees, some more than 40 years old, including camellias, magnolias and more than 160 different types of azaleas. In the center of the original plantings is the Garvan Pavilion, designed by nationally acclaimed architects E. Fay Jones (winner of the American Institute of Architects' prestigious Gold Medal and former Dean of the University of Arkansas School of Architecture) and his partner Maurice Jennings. Japanese maples and tree peonies serve as an introduction to the Japanese inspired Garden of the Pine Wind, just as Mrs. Garvan always intended. Rock gardens, a conifer border, and a growing number of bulbs and perennials complete the collection, providing interest throughout the year. It was Mrs. Garvan's wish that the Gardens be used to educate and serve the people of Arkansas, providing them the joy and repose it had offered her. She noted the devastation of the environment that had taken place in her lifetime and wished to preserve a remnant of the twentieth century's natural grandeur for generations to come.Also on property, you can see the Anthony Chapel. This gorgeous glass and native wood beam chapel is the perfect spot for a fairytale wedding! It features a 57 foot ceiling tat seems to just reach right into the trees! We were able to stop in and see it and it just surreal! This is a must see for sure! While you can’t go inside right now (thanks, Covid!), visitors are still able to see it from the outside and take it all in.For just $15 per adult and $5 per kid or dog, you can see take in all this gorgeous garden has to offer. Don’t forget to check out the 4 story tree house (our kids loved it) – and if you’re a flower buff, there’s a bloom calendar on their website.

Ron Coleman Crystal Mining

The Ouachita Mountains surrounding Hot Springs produce some of the world’s finest quartz crystals including mammoth-size specimens that have made their way to museums, galleries and private collections all around the world. Various mines in nearby Jessieville and Mount Ida offer visitors the opportunity to dig for their own treasures and keep whatever they find. There’s also a zipline there for a the more adventurous ones in your group.

Magic Springs & Crystal Falls

Looking for a little heart-pounding adventure? Then you’ll want to head over to Magic Springs! This theme park/water park combo opens at the end of may and provides tons of fun all summer long. There’s concerts on Saturday nights and they also have “Cooler Sundays” where you can bring your own drinks and snacks into the park (just no alcohol or glass containers please). They have kid rides, family rides, and thrill rides, plus all the water park fun you could need to help you cool off this summer.

Maxwell Blade Magic Show

Ready to be amazed? The Maxwell Blade Theater of Magic is just the place! This family-friendly show features Maxwell Blade – a magician and illusionist that you just have to see to believe. Shows are just under 2 hours and feature large scale illusions, close up magic, comedy, and live music. Tickets are available online for just $20-39 each.

Where to Eat

When I'm checking out a new town, I've just got to try a few of the local restaurants. Here's a few restaurants in Hot Springs we loved.

Superior Bathhouse Brewery

Get your fill of the geothermal waters that gave Hot Springs its name and its fame at any of the jug fountains in Hot Springs National Park. At Superior Bathhouse Brewery you can drink beer brewed with the park’s water. Housed in a historic bathhouse, it is the first brewery headquartered in a national park and is believed to be the only brewery using thermal spring water as its main ingredient. The water flows through Superior’s pipes at about 140 degrees, saving both time and energy in the brewing process.

Deluca's

Would you believe you can find Brooklyn style pizza in the Northwest part of Arkansas? Yeah, I didn’t either. But here we are! Food & Wine said they had the best pizza in the state, and we agreed that it was pretty dang good. We ordered the Big Mike (sausage and pepperoni) and it was delicious! These 18” pizzas are big enough to feed the entire family for just $29 each! Pro tip: make a reservation. They only make so much dough per day, so when they sell out, they sell out. When you make your reservation, you’ll actually reserve a number of pizzas. So that way, they know they have enough saved for you. We loved it and the location was super convenient to go walk off all that pizza at Bathhouse Row afterwards.

Taco Mama

Away from the touristy spots, you’ll find a local Mexican food eatery. We had no wait and the food was good. I recommend getting the chicken enchiladas or the chicken and rice dish. Portions are a little on the small side from what we’re used to in Texas Tex-Mex joints, but the food had some great flavor.

The Pancake Shop

Just go get in line. Seriously. Do it now because there’s going to be a wait. But when you’re voted as one of the 50 Best Breakfasts in 50 States by the Food Network, you know you’re going to have something delicious waiting for you on the other side of that wait. You’re going to need to order pancakes, something with ham (I got an omelet), and the hot chocolate. Just trust me on this one. They make the hot chocolate with hot milk fresh for each order and it was delicious. Everything we got was super tasty!

Fat Bottomed Girls Cupcakes

We stumbled upon this cupcake shop across from Bathhouse Row and we're so glad we did! Their cupcakes were flavorful and moist - just how they should be!

Places to Stay

Where should I stay in Hot Springs Arkansas?

Cloud 9 RV

The thing with RV parks is that you never really know what you’re going to get. So we were pleasantly surprised when we pulled off the main road and drove through the huge arch over the road that read ‘Cloud 9 - Open’ in neon lights. Up a twisty-turvy driveway, was a beautiful Hot Springs RV park full with trees, campers, and friendly faces. We felt safe letting the kids play outside and we loved exploring around the grounds. I would definitely stay here again the next time we’re in the area.

Need a few hotel ideas?

Enter your possible travel dates below to find a place perfect for your family!Booking.comIf you’d like to see more family friendly vacations like this, subscribe to my Youtube Channel!

5/25/21 5/25/21

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Weekend warrior? Looking for a weekend getaway? How about just a little rest and relaxation for a few days?The JW Marriott San Antonio has something for every type of vacation – couples getaways, family retreats, and solo expeditions. You’re going to love this place!

Accommodations

The rooms here are spectacular. They have everything from rooms with 2 double beds to private suites. They have rooms with balconies and some that walk out to direct access to the pool. Check out their availability here.

Amenities

Indoor lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will all love the activities this resort has to offer!

Water Activities

Whether you’re looking for high adventure or just lounging by the pool, the JW Marriott in San Antonio has it all! First, there’s the River Bluff Experience that features a lazy river and pool. Then there’s the children’s play area and if you’re looking for a place a little more quiet, there’s an adults only overlook infinity pool as well.

Spa

Ready for a little relaxation? There’s no better place to luxuriate than the Lantana spa. Get any treatment you like – such as a pedicure, facial, and massage. If you’re trying to stay in shape, they also have a full gym complete with Peleton bikes and fitness classes available. They also have tennis and basketball courts available.

Golf

If you’re an avid golfer, this golf course (or should I say courses since there’s two) is stunning. It’s won numerous awards and is only open to JW Marriott guests and members. If you need a little help with your backswing, private lessons are available as well.

Nature Trails

You know I love getting outside any chance I can, so we had to hit the trails. Right outside of the hotel are 3 different trails – none longer than a mile, so it was a great way to start the day with a leisurely stroll and little exercise.

Activities for Kids

Since it rained the one full day we had at the resort, I thought for sure the kids we saw around the resort would be bored out of their minds – but they weren’t! Not only does the resort have an arcade, but they also have family friendly activities planned for every day of the week. There was an animal exhibition, slime making, birdhouse painting, inner tube decorating, and s'mores made by the fire. So many fun things to do!

Restaurants

With several restaurants on property, you can find whatever you’re in the mood to eat – from a simple cup of coffee to a perfectly cooked steak.

Cibolo Moon

This casual dining restaurant features Tex-Mex favorites and a tequila bar. They even have 3 private dining spaces – all named after different kinds of tequila – Anejo, Reposado, and Blanco. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.

Rivertop Grill

If you’re out by the water activities, no need to come inside! This poolside bar and grill features sandwiches, hamburgers, chips and salsa, and cold margaritas.

Starbucks

If you need your morning jolt of coffee, there’s a Starbucks located conveniently on property.

High Velocity

If you like the energy of sports bars, High Velocity will be just your speed. They have a great food selection, craft cocktails, and a vibrant 120 foot long HD video wall. Here, you'll find your traditional bar food - burgers, wings, loaded fries, etc.

Crooked Branch

This whiskey bar is a great place to have nightcap and wind down from the day’s festivities. It's in the middle of the downstairs common area, so it's a nice spot to grab a drink, sit by the fireplace, and unwind.

18 Oaks

Did somebody say steak? This upscale steakhouse was the perfect birthday dinner spot for us. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love this fine dining experience overlooking the golf course’s 18^th hole. Be sure to make a reservation before you arrive on property!Curious to find out more about the property? Enter your possible vacation dates in the search bar below to get started!Booking.comIf you’d like to see more travel tips like this, subscribe to my Youtube Channel!

12/1/20 12/1/20

Antique Cars, Fused Glass, and Caverns, Oh My! | Springfield, MO

When thinking of places in the US I want to visit, Springfield, Missouri wasn't even on my radar.I mean I knew that, "The 417" is home to Missouri State University and is the birthplace of Route 66, but other than that, I didn't know much about the city. It wasn't until Discover Springfield asked me to visit that I started looking more into the city. In researching our activities beforehand, I found all sorts of fun, unique activities that our whole family would enjoy.I've compiled a ton of tips, ideas, and experiences that we had and I'm ready to show you what Springfield is all about!

Where should I stay in Springfield?

I'm always a lover of staying in AirBnBs, but the Holiday Inn & Suites on the North side of Springfield, MO was perfect for us. The rooms were clean, spacious, and having breakfast downstairs in the restaurant was perfect, so we didn't have to worry about leaving the hotel to look for food first thing in the morning. With two kids in tow, we were happy to just go downstairs to get a bite to eat instead of having to get everyone ready for the day beforehand. It's the little things when traveling with kids, am I right? All of the staff was so friendly too!

What is there to eat in Springfield?

Whole Hogs BBQ

There's a reason why there's a bunch of BBQ contest trophies in the front window of this restaurant. It may not look like much from the outside, but the food here is delicious!The Pulled pork sandwich was so tasty! And there was 6 different barbecue sauces on the table that you could choose from. My husband also got the beef and sausage plate and he said everything was delicious for him too.What I really loved is that their kids meal was REAL food. Both of my kids had the smoked chicken and it was freshly pulled white meat chicken that would have been just as good on an adult's plate.

Bricktown Brewery

I love the vibe of this place! It's a relaxed bar setting with the ability to bring your kids - win win! The burgers were delicious, as was the chicken Caesar salad! Definitely a great place to stop in for dinner and try one of the many beers they have on tap!

The Grotto

This fast-food feeling place has great dishes, uses quality ingredients, and delicious food. It's also great for kids with a wide array of options. I got the Steak & Gorgonzola Salad and it was delicious!

Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes

If you're looking for the best burger in the city and delicious fries to go with it, this is the place! I had the Foodie Burger,, and, at our waitress' recommendation, got the candied bacon on top. Holy moly. So good! The truffle fries were amazing too. There is no shortage of fry sauces either! With an order of fries, you'll get a bunch of options for fry dipping.

Civil Kitchen

I love the vibe of this place! The dishes are all at a great price point, and it's conveniently located near History Museum on the Square. I got the Maple Bourbon Petite Filets with mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts and it was delicious! Everyone else at my table got burgers and they said they were tasty too! It seems like a great place to hang out after work for a drink or have dinner with friends.

Lost Signal Brewing Company

If you're noticing a trend with us visiting breweries, you're right. My husband loves trying local craft breweries wherever we go, so this place was a must on our list.I like citrus-y beers with not too much hops, so the Little Bo Pits was perfect for me! And it went really well with my pulled pork sandwich. I definitely recommend using the spicy BBQ sauce on it - so good! The Mexican street corn was a good side dish as well. My kids loved the chicken wings and chicken street tacos. The menu isn't extensive, but it doesn't really need to be if the food is good - and it is.

What there is to do in Springfield?

Springfield has a little something for all sorts of interests. Like fishing? There's something for that. Like crafting? They've got that covered too.

Creative Escape Glass

This was one of my favorite activities we did while visiting the "Queen City of the Ozarks". With some assistance from the super sweet owner Rebekah, we were able to make our own souvenirs from our trip - fused glass ornaments! When I made our appointment and before setting out on our trip, she sent me a video explaining how the process would work so we could get an idea of what we were going to be doing. It was SO helpful!

Once there, we got one on one help with our creations. It was so fun to etch the glass, tap it, and break it. We had the best time and I'm so glad we have these great items to hang on our Christmas tree now!

Route 66 Car Museum

If you have a car lover in your group (my husband is a fanatic), then you have to visit the Route 66 Car Museum. They have super rare classics like the 1907 REO Runabout (which still runs!) up to the latest and greatest of super slick sports cars. My kids really loved seeing all the changes that have been made over the decades to vehicles.

Bass Pro Shop

Dubbed the “Granddaddy of Bass Pro Shops” this giant Bass Pro Shop is just under 500,000 square feet and is the headquarters for the outdoor store chain. It’s not the largest (Memphis, Tennessee has that title at 535,000 square feet), but sure is impressive. If you are a fan of the outdoors and enjoy fishing, hunting, camping, etc. you just have to visit this store. My kids’ favorite part was the free carousel, but it's also home to the National Archery Hall of Fame, NRA Sporting Arms Museum, and the John A and Genny Morris Conservation Education Center. Inside the “shop” is also an elaborate conference center and café.

Fantastic Caverns

We have plenty of caverns in Texas, but we certainly don’t have one where you can ride in a car through one! This propane-powered vehicle goes all throughout a beautiful cavern and from the comfort of your seat can see all the stalagmites and stalactites your heart could ever want! And the best part? No carrying your kids when they get tired of walking!You'll be amazed by the story of the 12 year old girls that first explored the cave and the size of the opening they went through to get in! And they're open 362 days per year, so you have plenty of opportunities to check it out!

Pythian Castle

If you like historical sites or things of a spooky nature, check this place out! Pythian Castle offers ghost tours, murder mystery dinners, and an escape room. Or you can just take an afternoon and explore the historic home. The castle was an orphanage, army base, and a flea market, but had been restored so it’s original beauty.

World’s Largest Fork

I think this one is pretty self explanatory, but at 2215 W Chesterfield Blvd in Springfield, MO, you’ll find the biggest cutlery you’ve ever seen. It’s just a simple stop and see it kind of thing, but if you get creative, you can make some super fun vacation memories with it. At 35 feet tall and weighing in at 11 tons, you can't miss it.Historic Street is also great for restaurants, shopping, and local favorites.

Looking for more family-friendly vacation ideas?

Andy B's

If you have a family with kids of any age, you just have to spend the day at Andy B's. This family-friendly location has laser tag, bowling, virtual reality, and an arcade. They also have a full menu and bar so you can play, eat, and enjoy spending time together as a family - with something for everyone!Since my kiddos both love anything competitive (where could they have gotten that from?), they both loved the laser tag and bowling the best. They had so much fun shooting their dad and I with laser guns and then bowling with the bumpers was a must.

Itty Bitty City

If you have younger kids, they're going to love Itty Bitty City! Picture a tiny town where they can be anything they like - from veterinarian to policeman - and go to their own grocery store as well. It's a cute place for the kids to play pretend and explore.

Dickerson Park Zoo

While we have a pretty awesome zoo here in Houston, it’s always fun to visit other cities’ zoos and see what they have to offer. This zoo definitely didn’t disappoint! While it was a little chilly when we visited (we’re from Texas, so 37 degrees is cold, okay?), the animals were totally used to it and out and about in their confinements.

Our favorite animals we spotted were the giraffes, kangaroos, and lions. It was also really neat to see how the peacocks were just everywhere! They were wandering all over the place - but steering clear of the tiger cage of course.This is a great place to visit if you have little ones or are an animal lover yourself.

Wonders of Wildlife

When my son was little, I had a membership to the local aquarium. It was the greatest outing for him because he could sit and stare at the fish and turtles all day. Over the years, that love for sea creatures hasn’t changed one bit. The only exception is that now my son likes to make sure to point out every octopus he sees (I am so not a fan of octopus). All that to be said, this aquarium was awesome. There’s plenty to see and experience there! And when USA Today votes it as America's Best Aquarium, you know you're in for a treat.

My favorite was seeing Johnny Morris' boat suspended in what looked like a painting - it was gorgeous! With tank after tank of unique fish and wildlife, this is no ordinary aquarium!

More Family Friendly Travel Ideas

Clarksville, Tennessee | Family Friendly Places to Stay, Eat, and Go Where to Stay & What to See in Corpus Christi, Texas Want more travel tips like this? Follow me on Facebook!

10/8/20 10/8/20

Gulf Coast Luxury at Cinnamon Shore

This post is sponsored by Cinnamon Shore.

A couple years ago, my husband and I took our kids to stay in Port Aransas. Neither one of us had been there before, but I found a really cute place in Cinnamon Shore that looked really nice so I booked it. It was one of our favorite vacations to date.While we were there, we were able to entertain the kids with a sand castle competition, ride on a golf cart on the beach, and watch a movie on the lawn in the community area. We left that weekend trip vowing to go back one day just the two of us.And this past week, we were able to do just that. We stayed in a beautiful condo in the same Cinnamon Shore area and it was even better than we remembered. We roasted marshmallows on the fire pit, ate at both on site restaurants, and swam in one of the three pools on the property. It was amazing.So if you're looking to visit the Corpus Christi/Mustang Island/South Padre Island area but are looking for something a little more upscale with all of the amenities you could ever want, Cinnamon Shore is the place to go.

Where to Stay

We stayed at the beautiful Serenity Blue at Cinnamon Shore. It’s part of a large community that is right on the dunes! They’ve got 2 dune cross overs to the beach, three community pools, on-site dining, weekly entertainment, two community lakes for fishing, a pirate ship playground, a dog play ground and dog washing area, and a fitness center. And don’t forget to rent a golf cart from Top Deck Golf Carts because that’s how everyone travels from place to place in this beach-side community.

Where to Eat

Dylan’s Pizzeria

Right as you enter Cinnamon Shore, you'll find Dylan's Coal Oven Pizzeria. We were able to have dinner there one evening and the guys working there couldn't have been nicer! They gave us some great recommendations on what to order and we were so glad to have taken their advice!I had the Bianca Pizza with pesto chicken added. It's a white sauce pizza and I'm not lying when I tell you that it was probably the best white pizza I've ever had. It was amazing. My husband had the Tradizionale with sausage and peppers and he said that his was great too.I'd also recommend getting the Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita. It was so flavorful! The predominate flavor was pineapple and then a gentle heat sneaks up on you towards the end. Delicious! I can't wait to go back and eat there again!

Lisabella’s

When you're staying at Cinnamon Shore for a relaxing getaway, this restaurant is a must for dinner. Their menu is primarily seafood, with some steak and quail thrown in as well.Recommendations: Get the crab cake for an appetizer. It's got tons of crab in it and is served with a delicious beurre blanc sauce. For your meal, get either the Red Snapper or the Filet. I've also heard that the Seafood Enchiladas are good as well.Our chocolate cake for dessert wasn't all that special. So maybe skip dessert here.Pro Tip: You'll want to make a reservation. Because of social distancing, a reservation is required to get a table - especially on Tuesday and Thursday evenings when there is a live band playing.The locals also recommended La Playa, Phoenix, Venetian Hot Plate, Island Market, Lelo’s, and Roosevelt’s. So I’ll try to check out a few of these the next time I’m in town.

Indulge Yourself

The best way to relax while on vacation is to plan ahead and anticipate your needs.When I travel, I always have a plan for what we’re going to eat upon arrival. It never fails. You go on a road trip, you get to your destination, you get unpacked, and then you’re exhausted and hungry with no energy to go out to eat.That’s why on this trip, I ordered from Bodega Box to have a charcuterie box of nibbles to be delivered around the time that we’d be arriving. It was perfect! They thought of everything and it was the perfect snack to tide us over until our dinner reservation. Plus, we had some left over to use for a beach picnic the next day!Shopping is great here too! Be sure to check out Roam, Roam Home, The Palm Republic, and Coastal Closet. They have all sorts of things from clothing to home décor and you’re sure to find something you like.

What to Do

The beach is definitely the #1 spot to spend some time while you’re enjoying the Port Aransas area.Texas Sandfest is a close second. We brought our kids a couple years ago to this event and it was amazing! There were people from all over the world building huge, detailed sand art and displaying it for all to see. There were some really amazing pieces! The event takes place every April (although this year’s was canceled) and they’re already scheduled for next year’s to be bigger than ever!Cinnamon Shore also has daily activities scheduled all year round! While we were there, there was s'mores at the fire pit, sand castle building lessons, and yoga. During the Fall, they also have movies in the outdoor theater, beach workouts, surfing lessons, and tons of live music. During the summer months, they have up to 5 different activities scheduled each day! You WILL NOT be bored at Cinnamon Shore

More Texas Towns You’ll Love:

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7/29/19 7/29/19

Plano, Texas | Where to Stay, Eat, and Play

This post was sponsored by Visit Plano. It contains affiliate links.

This past weekend my husband and I celebrated our 12 year wedding anniversary. When I say the last 12 years have been crazy, wonderful, chaotic, hurtful, and full of love, I mean it. Marriages aren't perfect. After all, people aren't perfect. But what matters is that two people who love each other can get through anything if they both work at it hard enough.In order to celebrate our anniversary, we thought what better way to do it than to go on a little weekend getaway without the kids. We didn't want to go to far, and we wanted to eat well and enjoy ourselves. So we opted for Plano, Texas. Neither of us had been to Plano before (we usually drive through the area on the way to somewhere else on a road trip), but we thought we would check out what there is to do.We ended up having such a great time! We slept in. We ate what we wanted to. And we saw the sights. Plano has a great assortment of things to and I'm going to outline them below for you.

Where to Stay in Plano, Texas

We stayed at the oh so fabulous Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West. It was fantastic! From the moment we checked in, the staff was so friendly and helpful and everywhere you looked there were delicious little touches. The lobby had fruit infused water, fresh lemonade, and other goodies like peanut brittle and house made lollipops. It was fun to leave and come back and see what treasures awaited us there! There's also a gorgeous roof top pool with ample amounts of seating and a swanky upscale bar near the lobby with some really neat decor. The beds were also really comfy and the rooms were spacious.This hotel has Happy Hour every Monday through Thursday from 5pm to 7pm to enjoy special drink prices and featured monthly specials. You can enjoy your cocktail at the bar, or step outside onto the terrace and gather around the fire pit. They also have a "Punch Ritual" held every weekday starting at 6pm. The Punch Ritual offers the opportunity for you to learn about their cocktail-making process and the seasonal ingredients they use to create them. It's delicious and educational!One really great part of the hotel is that when you walk out the door, you walk straight onto Legacy West. This road is full of fine dining, upscale shopping, and Legacy Food Hall. Any time of day we went, there were people buzzing around and enjoying themselves. Nighttime was definitely the busiest, as the fountains were on full display with lights and movements set to music. It was a great spot to sit, people watch, and enjoy the music.

Where to Eat

We ate a lot, but I'm going to narrow it down for you top places we'd like to go back to:XO Coffee Company. From the moment we walked in, I loved this place. It's a good size cafe with fresh made coffees and delicious brunch items. We ordered the mocha, caramel latte, Nutella stuffed french toast with sugared bacon and cheesesteak. That French toast and bacon was simply amazing. I would go back over and over again for that. The staff was all really helpful and friendly as well. Go early in order to get a good table!The Biscuit Bar. Go early or expect a wait. And there's a reason for that. The locals and visitors alike know that this place is pumping out delicious food! We opted for the Buffalo chicken and blue cheese biscuit, sausage and gravy biscuit, cold brew, and a fruity pebble cereal drink (alcoholic). Everything was SO good! The buffalo chicken biscuit had hardly any spice to it, so if you're afraid of setting your mouth on fire, this won't do it. Next time, I will definitely be trying the hot chocolate biscuit. That thing looked amazing!Mexican Sugar. We started off with the queso blanco and it was tasty. It was nice and creamy and the salsa that came with it was really flavorful. I always like it when my salsa comes warm, because you know it's fresh. We then ordered the steak enchiladas and the carne asada tacos. For the tacos, I opted for lettuce cups instead of the traditional flour tortillas and it was a really great option for people who are trying to cut carbs. The only regret I have is not trying their chocolate avocado cake. That looked really great, we were just too full to get one by the end of the meal!B Frank & Relish. They weren't busy at 7pm on a Saturday evening and I'm still not really sure why. We walked up and were seated right away. The server recommended the B Famous wings and we were really happy he did. They were amazing! The flavor was so great and because they sous vide them for 3 hours before serving them, they're just fall off the bone tender! The Fiery Pineapple Margarita was great too. It didn't set my mouth on fire - it was just a slow, gentle heat mixed with delicious pineapple - perfection! The white truffle and parmesan fries were really good. I could have had a side of that white truffle aoili with it and would have been perfectly content with that as my dinner. The Harvest Greek salad and the street tacos were okay, but they weren't wow-worthy like those wings were. Their Old fashioned cocktail is another one to get. They brand the ice with a signature 'B' and it makes for a really smooth cocktail. Lastly, the fried smores...heaven on a plate. I mean they deep fry smores, people. How can you really go wring with that? You can't. Oh, and they serve it with chocolate sauce that you pour over the whole thing. So good! The staff was super attentive and were a fun group! We'll definitely be back!Sixty Vines. First of all, you should really have a reservation when you come here - especially if you have a large group. We went in on a Friday night and with our reservation, we were seated right away. We opted for the Frose and red wine flight to start. The price point was pretty good for what you got with the drinks. As a starter, we got the Wagu Carpaccio. The flavor was tangy and delicious! For dinner, we shared the filet, fregola, spicy sausage pizza, and broccoli-avocado slaw. Out of everything, the filet and the fregola were awesome! The filet was tender and melt in your mouth delicious. The fregola was creamy and a perfect combination with the filet. The rest of what we got was okay, but it just wasn't something we would order again. We had the Deviled Affogado and as much as I really wanted to like it, I just didn't. The flavors felt like they were competing with one another and not melding together like I had hoped they would. All that being said, the restaurant itself is gorgeous. There's high ceilings, tons of light, great decor, and tons of attention to detail (like leather menus and luxurious terry cloth napkins). If you're looking for trendy, this is the place.

Things to Do

For Adults

Legacy Food Hall. This three-story food court is so much more than fast food restaurants! In fact, it has 22 chef-driven food stalls, a brewery, and live music and entertainment in the Box Garden. It's a great way to spend a few hours eating, drinking, and enjoying time together with friends.Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve. Hike, canoe and zip line your way through the wilderness!Go Ape. This canopy tour has you harnessed in, going up rope ladders, 30 crossings, and several zip lines. See the beauty of Plano from the sky!Pinstack. With bowling lanes, an LED rock climbing wall, and indoor games for the whole family, this place is a great way to spend an afternoon. They also have an in-house restaurant and full bar for some late night fun.Legacy West. This collection of outdoor shopping, fine dining, and entertainment is great fun! Be sure to go by in the evenings and watch the fountain show!Escape Expert. Think you're smart enough to solve all the puzzles and make it out of the room? Try it and find out!Pipe & Palette. Grab your friends and paint something together! It's sure to be a fun time.End Zone Plano. Like to play pool? This is the spot for you! They also offer poker, karaoke, and bingo on select nights of the week.Granite Park Boardwalk. This boardwalk is another great place to relax and unwind. There's tons of quality restaurants, corn hole, patio dining, connect four, and a hill for the kids to play on.Texas Wine & Wood. Come design and create your own piece of home decor! Sand, stain, and paint your way to a masterpiece!Bullet Trap. This indoor gun range is a great place to work on your marksmanship and also obtain your handgun license.

For Kids

Colorful World of Crayola. Create your own crayola box of markers in the Crayola store and then head on over to the Colorful World of Crayola where kids can get hands on with their color! Teachers also get free annual passes!Heritage Farmstead Museum. Experience what life was like on the farm with calf roping, cooking over an open fire, and making crafts.Kid Mania. Let the kids loose with slides, bungee walls, climbing nets and more! There's also a parent area where kids aren't allowed (but you can see the whole kids area from it). Winning!Whirlyball Laser Wirld. This super competitive game is a cross between lacrosse, basketball and bumper cars. You really have to see it to get it.Plano Super Bowl. Bowling. Need I say more?Texas Archery Academy. Learn how to shoot a bow and arrow.Thunderbird Roller Rink. Skate in circles at the roller skating rink!The Children's Health Star Center. Beat the heat or boredom and go ice skating year round at this ice skating rink!Carpenter Skate Park. If ramps, rails, stair sets, ledges, and a "large bowl" mean anything to you, then this place will be your jam! The skate park is also in the shape of the official Plano logo "P".If you'd like to see more tips like this, follow me on Pinterest!

6/24/19 6/24/19

THE Ultimate Guide to all Things Magnolia in Waco, Texas

This blog post contains affiliate links. All purchases made through these links keep this blog running.

As soon as the HGTV Show “Fixer Upper” introduced America to Chip and Joanna Gaines, viewers fell in love with this couple, Joanna’s warmth, Chip’s humor, and their unique modern farmhouse style.Since the birth of their tv show, they’ve created quite a brand for themselves – and brought a lot of interest to the, once small, college town of Waco, Texas.If you’re a Magnolia fanatic, here’s the top places in Waco that you simply have to visit if you really can call yourself a fan.

Magnolia Market Silos.

This shop has it all – housewares, cooking utensils, a garden, food trucks, and an outside play area. Be prepared to spend a couple hours to see everything because every square inch of the property is carefully thought out and you won’t want to miss any of it.

Silos Baking Company.

Need something sweet to nibble on? This little shop features baked goods of all kinds and don’t forget to get some coffee to go with it. You can sit outside the shop in their patio area as well and enjoy your treats.

The Little Shop on Bosque.

This is where the original store the Gaines’ owned was. Now, it is home to their clearance items. They have great deals and you can also save an additional 10% if you show them your same day receipt from Magnolia Market.

Harp Design Co.

Clint and Kelly are woodworkers whose tables and housewares are regularly featured in Joanna’s home designs. You can visit this shop to see their quality cutting boards, tables, and take some home for yourself!

Magnolia Table.

If you have Joanna’s Magnolia Table cookbook (which I highly recommend) and want to taste some of the recipes straight from the source, then this is the place to do so. The restaurant is open from 6am to 3pm and they serve breakfast and lunch all day. Fair warning: if you don’t get there before 7am, you will definitely have a wait before you are seated to eat. But if you’re in a hurry and can’t wait, they have an outside patio and the Takeaway where you can get coffee and pastries. But I highly recommend eating there. Get the candied bacon and the biscuits with strawberry butter. You won’t be sorry.

JDH Iron Designs.

If you head to Waco and you visit Magnolia market, there's a little trailer with a white tent over on a street nearby. At that tent, you are more likely than not going to meet Jimmy Don himself. Jimmy Don has been featured on Fixer Upper with his sturdy metal signs with meaningful quotes and scripture on them. He is exactly the same as you see on television. You can also visit his full store in Crawford, Texas and see how the signs are made and a much bigger selection of signs are there as well.

Cotton Castle.

This castle was recently purchased by Magnolia Realty and is going to featured in an upcoming episode (once it's finished, that is). I can't wait to see this beautiful place restored and given the Gaines' special touch.

If you’re interested in seeing more, make sure to go to the link below to see more:

3 Tips for Your Trip to Magnolia Market in Waco, Texas

How to Make the Most of Your Drive from Houston to Waco

Need a Place to Stay Nearby?

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