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!

Cathedral Caverns State Park

After spending two months in Ocala on the horse show circuit, I headed back toward Texas with a detour to northeastern Alabama to visit The Unclaimed Baggage Store.  It was time to let my dog Annie stretch her legs, so after completing my secondhand shopping we ventured to Cathedral Caverns State Park.

The park, only 21 miles southwest of Scottsboro, features five hiking trails, RV and tent camping, cave tours, gem mining, and many educational programs.  Since I am infatuated by caves, the cavern tour was a big draw for me.

GO SPELUNKING!
unclaimed baggage store

The Unclaimed Baggage Store

The Unclaimed Baggage Store is likely just what you have guessed.  A store with unclaimed baggage from all the airlines in the United States.  As an avid traveler, when I first heard about the place over five years ago, I was highly intrigued. So much so, that I have always wanted to visit.

I planned on visiting about four years ago while I was roadtripping through the southeast United States.  After VANgo ended up with an electrical problem in Florida, my itinerary and life changed dramatically, and I didn’t make it to Scottsboro, Alabama, the location of the Unclaimed Baggage Store.  Instead, I returned to Texas and promptly bought a horse!

Now, four years later, I was again in Ocala, Florida, this time showing my horse.  And upon my return to Texas, I was bound and determined to visit the Unclaimed Baggage Store.  I drove out of my way to do so, which is particularly crazy for me since I truly dislike shopping. But in the end, satisfying my curiosity was worth it!

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
siesta key

Things to Do in Sarasota

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!
silver springs state park in ocala

Things to Do in Ocala

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!

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park…what a find!!  The park is only 13 miles south of Gainesville and 29 miles north of Ocala.  It was a perfect getaway for me and my dog Annie in between horse shows at the World Equestrian Center.

I typically don’t visit state parks because unlike National Forests, dogs have to be on a leash and there is an entrance fee.  At Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, the fee was only $4.  I couldn’t believe it!  I am so glad I visited this 22,000 acre wilderness over two days.

HAPPY HIKING!