A close-up of a giraffe reaching over a wooden fence while chewing a crisp piece of lettuce. The photograph captures the giraffe's long muzzle, expressive eyes, and patterned face as it enjoys a snack, with a softly blurred background drawing attention to the animal's unique features.

Visiting the Dallas Zoo

Located just outside of downtown Dallas, the Dallas Zoo makes a great destination for anyone looking to discover all kinds of animals. The zoo is home to 106 acres of land, full of over 2,000 animals and over 400 different species. Whether you’re looking to learn more about endangered animals or just stop and see some cute creatures, the Dallas Zoo is the place for you!

History of the Dallas Zoo

Established in 1888, the Dallas Zoo is full of history. The zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas. At its creation, the Dallas City Council began the zoo with just two deer and two mountain lions, for which they paid $60! These animals were placed in City Park on display, and the Dallas City Council slowly added more animals to the zoo’s collection. 

In 1910, the zoo was relocated to Fair Park, and then was moved to its current home in Marsalis Park in 1912. By the 1960s, the zoo had grown to display over 500 different species of animals! As time moved on, more effort was placed on saving endangered species, and the Dallas Zoo became accredited in 1985. 

Conservation Efforts

The Dallas Zoo has committed to conservation efforts to help protect endangered animals. They partner with conservation organizations around the world to make this possible.

One conservation program the zoo runs is Protecting the Twelve. This program is dedicated to twelve specific conservation priorities in Asia, Africa, and even in the United States. Protecting the Twelve partners with organizations globally to assist in allowing animals and ecosystems to keep growing and to avoid extinction.

Another program the Dallas Zoo participates in is Gorillas on the Line. The zoo encourages people, schools, and communities to recycle old cell phones and small electronics at the Dallas Zoo. Interestingly, cell phones and other electronics contain coltan, which is extremely high in regions where gorillas live. Because coltan is in such high demand, the zoo participates in this program so that there can be less mining in their regions, as mining leads to deforestation, habitat loss, and an increased poaching risk. 

If you are looking to get involved in conservation efforts, you can participate in their Take Action Projects! There are many opportunities at the zoo, from restoring waterways cluttered with litter to assisting in helping provide food sources for pollinators. There is a chance for everyone to help all creatures live a better life.

Keep reading to find out how you can get spotted at the Dallas Zoo!

Experience the Call of the Wild!
path through the gardens

Spring at the Dallas Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum is one of the most incredible sites you can see while visiting Dallas. Located on the shores of White Rock Lake, you can explore 66 acres of magnificent grounds with an incredible backdrop of the Dallas skyline. Whether you visit during peak bloom or during the off-season, you are sure to find beauty in every last corner of the Dallas Arboretum.

History of the Dallas Arboretum

Not only will you be stepping into gardens of phenomenal beauty, but the history of the Dallas Arboretum is also extensive. Although it is young compared to other botanical institutions in the nation, its history is rich. The Dallas Arboretum was born from civic leaders and philanthropists who believed that Dallas deserved a place where the community could flourish in tandem with nature. So, in 1974, the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Society adopted bylaws, elected officers, and incorporated as a nonprofit.

The Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Society then raised funds to purchase the historic DeGolyer estate, as well as the adjacent property. In 1982, the City of Dallas signed a contract with the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Society, which created the arboretum and botanical garden on the grounds of these properties. The Dallas Arboretum officially opened to the public for the first time in 1984.

Since the roots of the arboretum come from civic leaders and philanthropists, the mission of the Dallas Arboretum remains similar to the mission at its founding. The arboretum supports equal opportunity and accessibility for all and promotes a safe and engaging experience that is welcoming to all. The garden hopes to inspire curiosity, foster connection, and create experiences that follow all who visit long after they leave the beautiful grounds of the Dallas Arboretum.

When to Visit the Dallas Arboretum

While you can visit all year round, the best times to visit the Dallas Arboretum are the spring and the fall. In the spring, you can catch the Dallas Blooms festival, which features over 500,000 blooming bulbs including 350,000+ tulips. In the fall, you can experience Autumn at the Arboretum, where there are 90,000+ pumpkins, gourds, and squash on display. That being said, the grounds are kept lovely all year round, so if you can’t make it during those times, don’t worry! Find out more about what the Dallas Arboretum has to offer below.

STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES!
goodman legrand musem

Things to Do in Tyler

Located just ninety-nine miles southeast of Dallas, Tyler is one of the biggest cities in East Texas. This lively city was named after President John Tyler, to thank him for admitting the state of Texas to the United States. While many know Tyler as the “Rose Capital of America,” it is much more than roses and thorns. This charming city is full of many opportunities for exploration, from a sprawling state park, historical sites full of incredible stories, and some delicious Texas BBQ. And if you get really lucky, you might even be in town during Tyler’s famous Rose Festival, an annual event rich in tradition and history.

EXPLORE!
tuna nachos at Dockside Grill

Places to Eat in Venice

During our three week visit to Venice, Florida, we enjoyed the local dining scene ranging from elevated waterfront seafood at the jetties to the charming, pink-hued comfort of “old Florida” bistros tucked along Miami Avenue.

Whether you are sipping a craft brew from a self-serve beer wall or sharing a decadent homemade muffin at a sidewalk café, every meal reflects the city’s unique blend of sophisticated Mediterranean architecture and relaxed coastal hospitality.

Below is a list of restaurants in Venice we tried, with favorites being Made In Italy, Food + Beer, Oak and Stone, and Blue Island Bistro.

TAKE A TASTE!
river in Sleeping Turtles Preserve

Hikes in Venice

I recently visited Venice for three weeks of horse shows at Fox Lea Farms, and on my time off I like to escape to nature while hiking with my dog Annie.  Venice affords nature seekers a variety of places to hike including preserves, reserves, state parks and beaches.  Below are five places I hiked in Venice.

HAPPY HIKING!
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.

Continue reading “Things to Do in Brenham, Texas” →
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!