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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blue bell ice cream

Blue Bell: The Best Ice Cream in the Country

As a native Texan, I’m sorry to say it took me 54 years to finally visit the Blue Bell Creamery, whose slogan when I grew up was “The Best Ice Cream in the Country.”  While I tend to agree, I’m certain people from other states might not, so I will concede and go with the slogan, “Blue Bell is the state ice cream of Texas.”  I can’t think of too many Texans who would disagree.

DIG IN!
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
beartooth highway

The Ultimate USA Travel Bucket List: 25 Epic Adventures

After traveling to all seven continents, I can honestly say that the United States remains one of the most diverse and breathtaking destinations on Earth. From the rugged coastlines of Maine to the desert landscapes of Arizona, from the towering peaks of Alaska to the tropical beaches of Hawaii, this country offers an incredible variety of experiences that could take a lifetime to fully explore.

As someone who spent a year road-tripping across America with my two dogs in a Eurovan, I’ve had the privilege of discovering hidden gems and iconic landmarks that showcase the true beauty and diversity of this amazing country. Here’s my ultimate USA travel bucket list – 25 epic adventures that every traveler should experience at least once.

ADVENTURE AWAITS!

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!
Mark Twain boyhood home

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum

Since my horse show schedule has somewhat taken over my vacation travel, I try to make the most of it and look for interesting stops on my road trips across the USA.  From Dallas to Chicago, I took a slight detour to Hannibal, Missouri to visit The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum.

Mark Twain was by far my favorite author in school.  In fact, I basically hated reading and his books like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn may have been the only ones I ever finished during the school year!  I liked his writing so much, that I took an entire class in college dedicated to his works. 

So to me, stopping to visit Twain’s boyhood home was a very exciting endeavor.  I wished I had made more time to wander Hannibal’s charming downtown too.  But with the black sky and ominous storm approaching, I only took a few hours to check out my favorite author’s childhood abode.

JOIN THE ADVENTURE!
roosevelt island

Escape to the Quiet Side of NYC: Roosevelt Island

Once upon a time, all the castaways resided in Roosevelt Island.  The island of many names was home to 26 institutions that housed prisoners, the insane, small pox and typhus patients, and more. Since the 1970’s, however, Roosevelt Island has undergone a makeover and is now the stomping ground for 12,000 residents. It’s limited vehiculer traffic, coupled with a lovely 2.5 mile trail that circumnavigates the island, gives New Yorkers and visitors a place to escape the bustle of the city.

EXPLORE!

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!

Historic Blakeley State Park

Continuing my road trip home from Ocala, Florida, I stayed the night in Historic Blakeley State Park on the way to visit some horse friends in Gulfport, Mississippi. 

Historic Blakeley State Park

Historic Blakeley State Park, located in Spanish Fort, Alabama encompasses more the 2,000 acres and affords visitors many things to do.  Along with RV camping, primitive camping, improved tent camping and cabin rentals, the park features 30 miles of trails, boat cruises, a Civil War Battlefield, the Townsite of Blakeley, and remnants of American Indian habitation.

EXPLORE!