Adventure Travel Photography Blog
I’m thankful for Florida’s forgotten coast because you can visit the historic town of Apalachicola and the beautiful beaches of St. George Island with your dog in tow and without the crowds. It was a perfect getaway place for me and my dog Annie as we roadtripped to Florida for three weeks in Venice to horse show in January.
DON’T FORGET!
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.
Continue reading “Things to Do in Brenham, Texas”
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
The Cascades National Recreation Trail in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests is a spectacular fall hike near Pembroke, Virginia.
HAPPY HIKING!
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!
When I think of Florida for vacation, Sarasota doesn’t come to mind. That said, this underrated Florida city of 60,000 is low key place to visit. While in Ocala, I took a few days off from the horse shows and popped down to the west coast for a lovely 48 hours in Sarasota.
EXPLORE!
Ocala, located in North Central Florida, has a growing population of 63,000+ and counting. With hundreds of horse farms and the famous World Equestrian Center, Ocala is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” Though Lexington, Kentucky would argue that claim. While the horse industry in the area is substantial, there are other things to do in Ocala.
EXPLORE!
As a kid, I loved the circus. While I have a few fond memories of sitting in the nosebleed section, eating cotton candy, and seeing all the performers, I also remember being disappointed that we stopped going. Maybe that is why once I learned of the Ringling Circus Museum, located in Sarasota, I was set on visiting.
Sarasota is only a few hours from Ocala where I am spending a few months horse showing at the World Equestrian Center. I took a two-day break to explore Sarasota with visiting the Ringling Circus Museum being the main draw.
STEP RIGHT UP!
Devil’s Hall Trail is in Guadalupe Mountains National Park located in West Texas. The hardest part of this trail is getting there. Not because of dirt roads, but because the park is in a desolate area and 50 miles from the closest gas station. Fortunately, there are many signs that warn drivers to fill up!
You can fill up in Carlsbad, New Mexico 50 miles north of the trailhead or 63 miles south of the trailhead parking in Van Horn, Texas. In a jam, you can get gas in Whites City which is at the entrance of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. But being the only gas station along with an RV park, motel, and small store for grocery provisions, the price is much higher. If you are flying in, El Paso is the closest airport, 110 miles away. If you are driving from Houston, Austin, or San Antonio, Fort Stockton is a good resting point.
Once in the general area of Guadalupe Mountains National Park go to the Pine Springs entrance. This entrance includes a Visitors Center, a basic campground, bathrooms, and a small parking area for Devil’s Hall Trail.
This parking lot also serves Guadalupe Mountain, the highest peak in Texas, as well as other hiking paths, so it is best to arrive early to get a spot. Not to mention, you will beat the heat if you are hiking in late spring, summer, or fall.
HAPPY HIKING!
Well, it is that time of year again. Time to wrap up my summer of van life. This summer I spent six weeks on the road, most of it in Wyoming. I really love Wyoming. It is such a hidden gem. It’s hard to believe it has the lowest population of the 50 states. That’s probably why I like it because you get to enjoy the solitude of nature!
I spent the majority of my time in Buffalo, Lovell, and Jackson Hole with a short stint in Red Lodge, Montana, a few days in Cody and Ten Sleep, a day near Pinedale, and a day near Saratoga. I also enjoyed a brief bit in Denver seeing my family and friends. I drove nearly 5,00 miles, though probably only about half of that was in Wyoming.
I failed to snap my token state sign in costume, but that gives me a reason to go back. I already have some places for next year as a pit stop to and from Canada.
Of the small towns I visited in Wyoming, I preferred Buffalo. I loved its quaint downtown, colorful history, the size of the city, and the plethora of outdoor opportunities. It really stood out above all the other towns except Red Lodge, Montana, which I have previously visited.
TAKE A DRIVE!