historic douwntown brenham

Things to Do in Brenham, Texas

While in Katy for some horseshows, I took a side trip to Brenham, just an hour drive away.  Brenham, with a population near 19,000, is most famous for being the home to Blue Bell Creameries, maker of “the best ice cream in the country.”

While Blue Bell may be one of the most popular attractions in this darling town, there are many things to in Brenham from strolling its historic downtown to riding the Flying Horse Carousel to camping at nearby Lake Somerville State Park.  Historians, nature lovers, and shoppers will all enjoy a weekend getaway in Brenham.

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crater of diamonds state park

Digging for Diamonds: Crater of Diamonds State Park

Well, I finally made it to the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas.  I’ve always been interested in rocks, so what better way to indulge in stones by digging for diamonds? 

The Crater of Diamonds State Park is only a four hour drive from my hometown of Dallas, Texas.  So, I don’t know why it has taken me so long to try my luck. Especially with a recent trip to Mena and passing through the state too many times to count for horse shows in Gulfport and Ocala.

The good news is that now my piqued interest in digging for diamonds has been satisfied.  For anyone else who wants to try their luck, below is a helpful guide.

DIG FOR DIAMONDS

Happy Hiking: Dam Mountain Trail

Much to my dismay, aside from hiking the Wild Pacific Trail in Vancouver, trekking this summer eluded me.  Fortunately, however, on my way to Maryland for a horse show, I stopped to stretch my legs with my dog Annie on the Dam Mountain Trail in Lake Catherine State Park.

Lake Catherine State Park is located outside of the popular resort City of Hot Springs in the forest-clad Ouchita Mountains. The 2,240 acre park offers many outdoor activities including camping, fishing, water sports, hiking and horseback riding. 

With the majority of the campsites on the lake shore, camping and water activities including fishing, party barges, canoeing, kayaking, water biking and pedal boating are the biggest draw.

HAPPY HIKING!
fisherman's wharf victoria

A Day In Victoria BC

I recently visited Vancouver and spent most of my time adventuring on its west coast in Ucluelet and Tofino.  While I prefer small towns like these, city goers should not overlook beautiful Victoria!

There ae many things to do in Victoria for all tourists, from families to solo travelers.  I saved one day of my weeklong trip to Vancouver Island for a self-made walking tour of the city.

TAKE A TOUR
camel ride in eqypt

Unveil the Secrets of Egypt: Your Ultimate Guide to Luxury Travel

Egypt—just the name evokes images of pyramids, ancient tombs, and golden deserts, right? But beyond these iconic landmarks, Egypt offers something that many travelers don’t realize: a chance to experience the country in pure luxury. Imagine exploring the land of the pharaohs with private tours, staying in five-star resorts, and indulging in exclusive experiences that most can only dream of. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? If you’re looking for a vacation that combines history, culture, and indulgence, Egypt should definitely be on your radar. Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes Egypt the ultimate luxury destination.

INDULGE!
tofino hot springs tour

Tofino: Hot Springs Cove Tour

A popular tour in Tofino is to Hot Springs Cove.  The six-hour tour includes a boat ride, a hike, and a soak in the hot springs in Maquinna Provincial Park.  The only way to get to Hot Springs Cove is by float plane or boat.  As a result, the tour time is dependent on the tides and coordinated among the many companies that have a park permit.

SOAK IT IN!
Wild Pacific Trail

Hiking the Wild Pacific Trail

The Wild Pacific Trail travels along the rugged coastline and through the magnificent rainforest of Ucluelet, BC on Vancouver Island.

The trail may be hiked in three sections, the Lighthouse Loop, Big Beach Section, and Browns Beach to Rocky Bluffs including Ancient Cedars Loop. Each section has a parking area and is extremely well marked.

HAPPY HIKING!

Canso Bomber Trail in Tofino

I spent several mornings hiking during my week in Ucluelet and Tofino.  Despite the mud, I particularly enjoyed the Canso Bomber Trail, which is a 3.2 mile hike to the crash site of a WWII bomber.

HAPPY HIKING!

New York City: Weekend Walking Itinerary

You’d have to read a thousand blogs to find all the things to do in New York City.  While I always stay in midtown, hit up a broadway show, stroll through Central Park, and find a few fancy places to eat, I change up the rest of my Big Apple visit.

During my most recent weekend stay in March, I logged a good 15 miles each day as I explored parks, neighborhoods, and few tourist attractions.

WANDER!