Christmas Time in NYC

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas in NYC.  Well, to be fair, any day in New York City when the Christmas lights shine bright is an amazing time to visit the Big Apple.  I never tire of New York.  It is my favorite city in the world.  As a result, I try to visit New York City every few years.  Fortunately, my friend Tina is usually game.

This December in New York City we kept some traditions and added in some new.  There is never a shortage of things to do in NYC.  As always, we went to some dinners and shows, strolled through Central Park, admired the Christmas lights, and popped into a few museums. 

But we also added visiting the library, some other parks, and some famous breakfast and lunch places into our itinerary too.  We even tried staying in a different part of Manhattan, but by the time we organized this trip, affordable hotels in convenient locations were limited at best.

‘TIS THE SEASON

Things to Do in Mena

For our third annual girls hiking trip, we visited Mena in the Northwest corner of Arkansas.  We normally have a group of 5 or 6, but schedules weren’t aligning, so Carol and I just drove from Dallas to Mena in hopes to soak in some fall colors.  The short four-hour drive took us on highways and backroads, and we arrived just before dark.

I was in the area briefly thirteen years ago during my year-long road trip following scenic byways, and I’ve wanted to return for some leaf peeping.  Unfortunately, this early November weekend didn’t bless us with vibrant reds and oranges, but we still saw some autumn colors and enjoyed ourselves around town.

History of Mena

Mena, the county seat of Polk County, Arkansas was founded as a railroad town in the 19th Century.  It is situated amid the mountains of Ouachita National Forest.  Mena has a checkered past.  It was once called the sundown town for its unacceptable treatment of African Americans.  It was also in the news a lot for its role in a drug-smuggling operation and the Iran-Contra Scandal.

Today, while it has a diversified economy of agriculture and manufacturing, it has become a tourist destination due to its numerous recreational opportunities available in the surrounding national forest and state parks.

EXPLORE!

An Art Lovers Guide to New York

New York is a diverse city, offering something for every tourist. Since the Roaring Twenties, in particular, the city has been one of the epicenters of American culture and, as such, has produced countless pieces of art, whether it be in the form of music, theatre, or literature. 

If you’re looking to immerse yourself within American culture, New York will have you covered. Here are some of the places to go if you are a lover of art and happen to be visiting, “The City That Never Sleeps.”

ADMIRE THE ART!

Wyoming Road Trip

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!

Small Towns in Wyoming

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!

Hiking Lakes Trail

Well, I left Wyoming with a bang!  I couldn’t be happier with my final hike of the summer.  Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is a hidden gem! I can’t believe I overlooked this place when I lived only 3 hours away in Denver.  The Lakes Trail is fantastic.

Towns Near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

The biggest city closest to Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is Laramie, Wyoming, approximately 45 miles east.  Fort Collins, Colorado is about 1.5 hours southeast and Denver 3 hours.  As a result, day trips are good options, though camping along with mountain cabins dot WY-130.

Additionally, two very small towns flank both side of the forest, Saratoga to the west and Centennial to the east.  Centennial is equipped with a small general store and a restaurant.  Saratoga is much bigger.  It has a gas station, some restaurants, hot springs, a museum, a grocery store, and a nice dog park. 

HAPPY HIKING!
view on pole creek trail

Hiking Pole Creek Trail

Pole Creek Trail is located in the Bridger Wilderness near Pinedale, Wyoming.  It is the main starting point for popular backpacking loops in the wilderness.  As a result, there is a huge parking area, pit toilets, and a basic campground at the trailhead.

After two days of consistent rain, I wondered if hiking the Pole Creek Trail to Elklund Lake was worth it with the collection of people in the trailhead.  It might have been the most people I had seen preparing to hike during the entire month I have spent in Wyoming. That said, it is not like a Colorado 14er or any other popular hikes near Denver when you can’t even find a parking space after 7am.

Additionally, I got a later start than usual and I hiked on the weekend…two things I avoid to enjoy the solitude of nature. Anyway, most people in the parking area were loaded down with heavy packs and were definitely prepping for a backpacking trip.  Donning just a day pack for a long day hike to Elklund Lake, I was able to stay ahead of the traffic.

HAPPY HIKING!

Things to Do in Jackson Hole

Did you ever wonder what the difference is between Jackson and Jackson Hole?  Well, Jackson is the city and Jackson Hole refers to the entire valley.  Regardless of if you are staying in town or at Teton Village there are many things to do in Jackson Hole.

EXPLORE!
beartooth highway

Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive

The Beartooth Highway was completed in 1936 and is one of the most scenic drives in America.  It connects Red Lodge, Montana to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park while climbing to 10,947. 

The Beartooth Highway travels from lodge pole pine forest to alpine tundra as it winds through some of the most rugged areas in the lower 48 states.

With 20 peaks over 12,000 feet in the surrounding Beartooth Mountains, Beartooth Highway features spectacular views, hundreds of alpine lakes, magnificent wildflowers, and a plethora of wildlife.

TAKE A ROAD TRIP!
lost lake

Hike to Lost Lake

The hike to Lost Lake is located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest very close to Red Lodge, Montana.  The paved trailhead with pit toilet, marked on AllTrails, is no longer the starting point.  The flood from a year ago has washed out the bridge, and it is difficult to cross the creek that feels more like a river at this location.  As a result, the once 10-mile hike is now 13 miles.

HAPPY HIKING!