Whether you're traveling abroad or just across the town, there is adventure wherever you look! Check out this blog for travel destinations, ideas and experiences abroad as well as hidden food spots and activities in your very own city!
When we initially started planning the trip to Waxahachie, we only planned to visit the Poston Gardens. What I didn’t know was that Waxahachie has a lot more to offer it’s visitors than just the tulip garden. We had initially planned just a few hours in Waxahachie, including the garden. However, we ended up staying until evening and exploring more of this adorable town.
The Tulip Garden that brought us there was a basically a big field in the middle of the town with rows and rows of tulips lined up. This non-profit tulip festival only lasts about 10 days and we were lucky to get there the day after they opened up. It was $15 per person to enter the garden and $2 per stem if you wanted to pick tulips. Although this was pricey compared to our last tulip garden we visited (read here), the proceeds for this garden goes for a good cause. Check out their website herefor more details and updated pricing. Although this season is over, save the date for next year!
Tour Downtown Waxahachie
We spent majority of the day touring this adorable little town. It was the perfect small town to explore, with so much art and beautiful flowers blooming all around. We got some coffee from Fresh Market Coffee, an old train station turned into a coffee shop. We sat outside in their patio section, which had swings and a great view of the red train. There are many other small coffee shops and cafes in this area as well.
Waxahachie Farmers Market
The Waxahachie farmers market is on Saturday mornings from 8 until 1pm. We missed out on the market this time since we were there on a Friday. I guess that is a good excuse to go back to Waxahachie again:) I think the farmers market is one of the best ways to interact with the locals in town. Check out their website here for more information.
Check out the murals and artwork
There were a couple of huge murals around the downtown area that we stopped by to take pictures in front of (see pictures below!) We also enjoyed other pieces of art around the town, such as the heart shaped pieces with Waxahachie pictures on them.
Visit the Ellis County Courthouse
The courthouse is definitely the center of attention in Waxahachie! It stands in the middle of downtown and is the prettiest court house I’ve seen in a town. It was very picturesque and you can walk around the whole building.
Getzendaner Park
We headed to the Getzendaner Park for a picnic lunch with pizza! The park is a good sized area with lots of greenery, plenty of benches for picnics, playground, a walking trail, courts and even a trail that goes into the woods. It is well kept and felt very homely. There were several areas to park and a gazebo and restroom on one end.
For more information on visiting Waxahachie, check out their main website here!
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One of my favorite parts about spring time is all the flowers blooming. After Tulip season from mid February into March, comes the bluebonnet season in mid March. Bluebonnets (lupines) come in several different species and color. The state flower of Texas is a collection of these 5-6 varieties of bluebonnets. Surprisingly, bluebonnets also come in white, red, pink, and purple. They inherited the second portion of their name due to the bonnet shaped flower pedals.
“The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England and the tulip to Holland.” – Jack Maguire (historian)
When do bluebonnets bloom?
As the state flower of Texas, bluebonnets usually make a statement appearance during spring time. Bluebonnets start to bloom in early March and peak in early to mid April, depending on the winter before it. The upcoming two weeks are the best times to enjoy these wildflowers!
Where can you find these wildflowers?
Bluebonnets are mainly found in rural areas in Central Texas and Texas Hill Country. If you have traveled on the highways from Houston to Austin/San Antonio/Dallas, you would have noticed the beauty of the bluebonnets all along the highway borders and hills. Now, please don’t get out of your cars on the highway after reading this! Here is a list of towns and locations that are great to enjoy the bluebonnets.
Brehnam
When we visited Brehnam in mid March, it was filled with fields of bluebonnets. We visited the Old Baylor Park on the outskirts of Brehnam. However, there are several parks closer to town that have bluebonnets, such as Hohlt Park and Toubin Park, located in downtown Brehnam. (Don’t forget to check out the Blue Bell Creamery while you’re there!)
Ennis
Ennis has several bluebonnet parks and trails and also hosts an annual Bluebonnet festival. The Veterans Memorial Park, the Bluebonnet Park, and the Meadow View Nature area are all great places to see fields of bluebonnets. You can enjoy bluebonnets on three trails; South, North, and East during all of April. The Ennis Bluebonnet Festival is held this year on April 16th-18th. For more details and a map of the trails, check out their website Ennis Bluebonnet Festival HERE. You can also check out their visitor center once you get there for more details.
Burnet
Known as the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas, Burnet holds a bluebonnet festival each year. Although it is a small town festival, bluebonnet season is a good time to check out this part of Texas. Click here for more information on the festival in Burnet. Besides the festival, there are several places in Burnet you can see the bluebonnets, such as the Inks Lake State Park. The Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park is a private area that requires reservation, but also houses lots of bluebonnets.
Fredericksburg (and surrounding towns)
Fredericksburg and the neighboring towns have many open fields that are filled with bluebonnets. If you visit some of the wineries, you will also see bluebonnets en route or on site. The Wildseed Farms is also a great place to check out if you enjoy wildflowers and theoutdoors. The Fredericksburg Bluebonnet Festival is a larger scaled festival, for which you will need tickets to attend. Click here to buy tickets or to get more information on the bluebonnet festives in Fredericksburg!
Marble Falls
There is a private property and house called the Bluebonnet House that sits on the side of Highway 281 coming from Burnet into Marble Falls. However, it is unsure if the flowers are there all season since the owner of the property has the right to mow the lawn. If you get to see the wildflowers in full bloom, it’s a very pretty site! Since this is right off the highway, use extra caution.
Austin
Austin and the rest of the towns in Texas Hill Country is blooming during spring time. A few parks to see bluebonnets near Austin are Brushy Creek Lake Park, Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, and the Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park on Slaughter Creek. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is also a great place to check out the bluebonnets and other wildflowers if you don’t mind paying $12 for entrance tickets. Check out more on Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center here!
(For all my Houston people who don’t want to go too far, an old friend told me they have a bluebonnet field near the Cornerstone Elementary School in Sugarland. Hope you can get there before it’s gone!)
Few Things to Keep in Mind:
1 Although picking a few bluebonnets is not illegal, it can get you in trouble in some instances. Destroying or damaging property that belongs to the government or private property is illegal, as well as picking wildflowers from state parks. It is best to avoid it all together by just viewing the bluebonnets and not picking or destroying them.
2 Keep in mind that some of these fields are private property and you do not have permission to be there. You can get fined for trespassing even though you don’t mean any harm.
3 Although pretty to see, bluebonnets are actually *toxic if ingested*, so have an eye on your little ones and four legged friends when you are out in the field. Keep this in mind if you are placing a baby down near the flowers for pictures.
Highways all along Hill Country and Central Texas are lined up with bluebonnets and other wildflowers. You are bound to see some while driving; but please drive safely! If you visit any of these places above and enjoyed them, comment below and let me know! Last but not least, keep in mind we are still in Corona season. That means keep your distance from others, mask up when inside or in crowded areas, and wash/sanitize hands often.
Check out our video below for our adventures in Brenham, tx!
Safe travels! ~Travelmania360
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Traveling often means staying overnights at various hotels, resorts, and other accommodations. Accommodation can be one of the most expensive part of your trip, depending on where you are traveling to, so why not make the most out of your stay? Check out the following things that you can ask your hotel if it’s not already in your room or listed on their site. Majority of the time, you’ll be able to get these services and items at no additional cost! (This list varies based on country and the star rating of the hotel, so I will base it on my experiences at a 4-5 star rated hotel. )
1 Toiletries All hotels should provide at least a small tube of toothpaste, toothbrush, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and a bar soap. If you don’t see any of these things in your room, give your receptionist a call!
2 Shuttle services Some hotels offer shuttle services to and from the airport for free (or at minimum charge). It’s always a good idea to check with the hotel prior to arriving at your destination about their shuttle services. If your hotel offers shuttle service, I would highly recommend you go with it instead of booking another ride or taxi.
*During our stay at a semi resort in Phuket, we used their shuttle services from the resort to the beach street every day. We took the resort card and number to call them, in case it got too late or if the shuttle didn’t arrive on time. *For our last night in Rome, we booked the airport shuttle service from the hotel for just $5 per person, which is significantly less than getting a taxi.
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3 Free Wifi In these times, complimentary wifi comes with most hotels so that you don’t have to use your own data plan. This can be useful when you’re traveling out of country and have limited data. I connect to the hotel wifi whenever I am traveling abroad to save data for the actual traveling portion.
4 Coffee & Tea Station Most hotels provide a coffee and tea station, which is available 24 hours. Besides coffee and tea, this is also a good place to go if you need some hot water, sugar or a cup! Some places will also offer bagged snacks and other goodies. Hot water can be used to cook packaged soup and quick meals.
5 Travel tours, packages & city maps Many hotels now have tons of pamphlets on major attractions in the city, maps for public transport routes and even tour packages. Most receptionists are locals and have been there for a long time. Find your receptionist when he/she is free to chat and not busy with other customers. This is a good time to get all the information and to even book a local tour if you’re interested!
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6 Shaving Kit & Shoe Shining Kit Traveling on day three and forgot your shaving kit at home? Before you set out to the nearest convenience store to buy one, ask your receptionist if they have disposable sets. Ran out of shaving cream? Use conditioner from your room!
7 Plastic & Laundry bags Need a few extra bags while packing up and getting ready to head home? If there isn’t any in the closets or near the iron stand, you can always ask up front! Hotels always want to promote themselves; so the more bags you have with their logo on it, the better for them!
8 Goody packets for kids Some hotels provide goody packets and activities to keep children busy during the stay. Check with the receptionist! While you are at it, find out the most popular places to take your kids in the city!
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9 Beach towels, pool access and more Beach towels are usually available to check out at a station if there is a beach nearby OR if there is a common pool. I don’t recommend shared crowded pools, but if you need a beach towel for a day trip or a trip to the beach, you can check it out from the hotel! If your hotel does have a pool and you need to cool down after a long day, go for it! Just confirm the timings because some of them close early!
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0 Gym Are you having more of a sedentary vacation? Maybe the weather was not very friendly for outdoor activities? Stay fit by using the free gym in the hotel once you get back from your day!
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1Spa/Massage and Sauna Center Some luxury hotels have a spa/massage center for free or an additional charge. Although prices may be high based on how luxurious the hotel is, you could get a special discount for staying at the hotel. While I was in North India, we made good use of the free sauna room and booked a massage for the evening!
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2 Bikes and other gears If you are staying at sea side hotels (mainly out of country) in small towns, they may have a bike or two available for tourists. Some houses near the beach will also have many beach items like kites, goggles, snorkeling gear and more. During our stay in San Pedro island in Belize, they had several bikes we could take out for the day and had snorkeling gear if we wanted to use it at the beach.
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3 Information This is my favorite thing to get from my hotel receptionist. If I am in a new city and want to know the best places nearby to eat, I ask my receptionist. Need information on public transportation? I ask the receptionist. Need recommendation on places to visit? I ask the receptionist. We have never gone wrong with this. (I don’t solely rely on this; I also have my list of places to visit, eat at and transportation. But the more information I can get, the better!)
* It’s true that the receptionist may be a little partial when it comes to giving out advice and may suggest a restaurant that gives the hotel a small commission. But it is also true that hotels usually won’t recommend any restaurants that aren’t good- because they want to keep their customers happy. (See below for a hotel hack relating to this.)
Check out one of my favorite posts in the site; must have items for those who love to travel!
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Weekend getaways are the perfect way to step back, relax your mind and body, and get back to work feeling refreshed! Even if you can’t get two weeks off to travel across the world every year, you can still take a Friday off and do a whole lot over a weekend. Need ideas for places to visit and activities to do with family? Here is a list of cities in Texas with activities that might interest you to a small weekend getaway!
I’ll be adding to this list often, so check out the updates by following me on Instagram @ travelmania360!
Austin
As the capitol of Texas, Austin has a lot to offer to someone who needs a mini vacay. It’s filled with many hole in the wall food spots and activities to do left and right. Whether you go with your spouse, a group of friends or family, this is a place that everyone can enjoy.
1. Visit the Capitol!
The Capitol is a place you must visit at least once if you’re a Texan! Even though I have been a couple of times, my my first time entering the building was over this summer. It is free to enter, with a brief scanning at the entrance. It’s huge inside and there is so much to read and learn.
Address: 1100 Congress Ave Parking: On the streets; don’t forget to bring some quarters!
Would we visit again?
Yes! We did not get to go around and see everything or go to the upper floors because we were on a time crunch. We also did not get to walk down the front where all the statues are located. I would definitely love to go back and take my time and see everything at a slower pace.
2. Zilker Botanical Garden
I’ve been to the Zilker Garden a couple of times and I love it. There is so much to do and see within the garden alone that you have to plan to be there for several hours. They have beautiful rose gardens, koi fish ponds, small waterfalls, open areas for children to play, trails, and more.
Tip: In the summer, it can get quite hot. Ditch the cute sandals and dress and pull those walking shoes out. You will thank me later.
Many times over! It’s a great place to relax, walk around or have a picnic! And did you notice the ticket price?
3. Dinosaur Park
We went to the dinosaur park with my little nephews. But I think my husband enjoyed it more than they did. They had a trail set up outdoors, with different dinosaurs along the way. They also had a printed sheet of different clues and questions that help you to find dinosaur artifacts along the way.
There is a playground and a shaded area with tables for an outdoor picnic. This was a good resting spot for us while the kids played. They also had two big sandboxes, filled with sand, “dinosaur artifacts” and brushes. We spent a good deal of time here and I think my husband did most of the digging to find the artifacts.
Click herefor their website. Time: 10AM-4PM Tickets: Adults: $9, Children: $8, Under 2: Free
Would we go again?
Possibly! It was very educational and informative. The area was smaller than we had expected, but the kids still had a lot of fun. If we had the chance to bring any of our other nephews or nieces, then we wouldn’t mind going again. They also had a big toy/souvenir store when you enter, which the kids loved, of course.
Tip: Bring a hat, sunglasses, sun tan lotion, and water. Even though there are trees and shades, there are more open areas.
3. Kayaking in Lake Austin
The first thing we did in the morning was go kayaking. It’s best to go early in the morning or late into the afternoon so it’s not too hot. We rented a two seater kayak and it was great. (I left my life jacket on the whole time because I don’t know how to swim.) Besides kayaking, they also have many other water sports to choose from.
Would we do this again?
Yes! This picture is from a few years ago. It’s definitely time for a trip back! The prices were pretty decent for the time allotted. By the end of it, you’re tired and ready for some good food!
Click here to check out a few of our favorite food/drink spots in Austin!
San Antonio
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
This African Safari-Texas Style Ranch is a great place to see wildlife in their (almost) natural habitat. The animals were wonderful to see; most of them very active. When you enter, you get one bag of food for free and can buy more at the entrance or shops inside if you like. We just took the one bag and that was plenty (for one kid). We used it for the safari and the petting zoo, and still had more left.
There is an area designated for giraffes where you can walk to the gate and watch them. Make sure you go the extra few miles and check out the recently added section of the ranch. The petting zoo is also something not to miss while you are there. There are two buildings in the compound, with food, drinks, desserts, restrooms, and gift/souvenir shops!
Address: 26515 Natural Bridge Cavern Pricing: $24.50 (adults), $22 (seniors), $15.50 (aged 3-11), Free (under 3) The last entrance to safari is at 6pm and the entire ranch closes an hour and a half after this time. Click here for their official website!
Would we go again?
Probably not to this safari again since we have seen everything there already. But was it a great experience? Yes, I liked the fact that the animals have so much space to wander around and are not caged up or limited in any way. My only concern is for the few who come near the cars and people for the food, which is not natural. It would be better if we were not allowed to feed the animals for the safari portion of it. But then it wouldn’t be as much fun for the kids. I guess we have to loose somewhere.
Riverwalk
The Riverwalk in San Antonio doesn’t need an introduction. I’ve been there so many times and each time, did something different. There are many restaurants, bars & breweries, museums, tons of stores, a theater, and more. Depending on what time of the day you go, it has a different feel to it.
Would we go again?
Yes, it’s a lovely place to walk around and hang out. However, it’s not a great place if you have toddlers, as there are no barriers between the pathway and the water.
The Brackenridge Park is a beautiful area to walk around and enjoy. The Japanese Tea Garden located inside the park has a variety of plants, several koi-filled ponds and small stone bridges. Even though we went during the winter, it was still very beautiful. Can’t wait to go back during the spring to see all the Japanese cherry blossoms!
Would we go again?
Yes, of course! I would love to go see the cherry blossoms during the spring time. That is my favorite part of the Japanese tea gardens!
The Alamo
The Alamo is a big part of Texas History. As a Texan, it’s a place you should visit at least once. The line to get in might be longer than expected, but it’s worth it. It has so much history behind all the things inside, so be sure to read up a little on Texas history before you go!
More things to do in San Antonio: Natural Bridge Caverns SeaWorld (I have been; although I have mixed feelings about this) Government Canyon State Natural Area Aquatica San Antonio Theme Park Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
New Braunsfel
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
Check out the full review for this awesome family-owned,Snake Farm Zoo that we visited in New Braunsfel!
More things to do in New Braunsfel: Explore the Landa Park Tube along the Comal River Walk around the Gruene Historic District Go horseback riding near Canyon Lake Check out the local winery
Houston
As someone who lived in Houston for ten years, this list will possibly be the longest and most detailed. Houston is so big, because “Houston” also contains all the smaller cities that surround it. Even if you’re on the upper end in Conroe, or the lower end in Alvin, you’re still considered to be in Houston! Here are a few locations in the Houston region that I have been to several times and never get tired of.
Hermann Park
They are always changing up things in Hermann Park and it never gets old. I love that every time I go there, I feel like I see something new. One of my favorite parts of Hermann park is the Japanese Garden, which has beautiful cherry blossoms! Also inside Hermann Park is the Miller outdoor theater, which hosts tickets and free shows from time to time.
Hermann Park Hours: 6AM-1130PM Japanese Garden Hours: 9AM- 6PM Free parking and free entry!
Houston Zoo
Right down the street from Hermann Park is the Houston Zoo! You can literally walk to the entrance of the zoo after walking around Hermann Park. They also have many events and programs you can attend. You can also volunteer at the zoo if you like!
Adults: $18 Children 2-11: $14 Under 2: FREE Seniors: $11.50 *If you visit a booth at Fiesta Mart, you can purchase the tickets for a few dollars less! *Free Admission: First Tuesday of each month from Sept-May (starting at noon) Hours: 9AM-7PM Daily, except Saturday closes at 5PM Click here for their official website.
Discovery Green
Discovery Green, although not as big as Hermann Park, is a great place to hang out. It’s about 4 blocks big and consist of a big open grass area, a small lake, jogging trails, several food spots and some play areas for kids. They host events there every week and most of them are free. I have been there on a Saturday when they had kayaking in the lake for a small fee. During the Christmas season, they have many events and lights shows.
Hours: 6AM-11PM Click here to check out their weekly events and more!
Rice Village
My cousin during her photo shoot in the Rice Village area!
Another reason I used to go to Rice Village was to take pictures! The Rice Village and surrounding areas are filled with scenic streets and natural beauty.
Houston Downtown Aquarium
If you live in Houston, you must go to the Aquarium at least once. We took the Houston City Pass when our friends came into town and the Downtown Aquarium was a part of it. We went on a rainy day, right after the rain had stopped. There was no one else at the whole aquarium besides us! We went outside to the rides and got to go on most of the rides at no extra cost! There were no lines and all the workers were still there. We just happened to luck out, but I’m sure this place is packed otherwise.
Address: 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 Hours: 10AM-8:30PM on weekdays, 10PM on weekend Free days?
Tip: Take the Houston City Pass. When two of our friends came into town, we took the Houston City Pass and explored all the places we haven’t been to.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Museum of Natural Science is a great place for both kids and adults. Firstly, it is located in a great area; right next to the Hermann Park and the recently built McGovern Centennial Park. Secondly, it has something for everyone, from kids to adults and has many exhibitions within one building. They are also constantly making changes and adding new exhibits each time I visit.
Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030 General admission into the museum: Adults; $25, Child/students/seniors: $16 Timings: 9AM-5PM Click here for more details. Free Admission* : The permanent exhibits are free on Thursdays from 2-5pm!
The Cockrell Butterfly Center is a great section with so many different types of plants and insects. This section has a beautifully enclosed rain forest themed green house, with a big waterfall in the center. The Brown Hall of Entomology is a new section of the Butterfly Center, which I have yet to visit. Admission (not included in general ad.) Adults; $12, Child/Seniors/Students; $10
The Burke Baker Planetarium at the Natural Museum of Science is yet another great exhibit, which offers several shows throughout the day. A few of their shows include Starry Night Express, Unseen Universe, Black Holes, Expedition Reef and more.
Admission (not included in general ad.): Adult: $9, Child/Student/Senior: $8.
Mecom Rockwell Colonnade
A block away from the Natural Museum of Science is a hidden gem, the Mecom Rockwall Colonnade. I love taking people there for photo shoots because its never crowded and has great photo ops. Since it is surrounded by streets, it doesn’t have a parking lot. You can park at Hermann Park or the Centennial Park and walk over.
Address: 1100-1102 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
Children’s Museum of Houston
Believe it or not, I have been to the children’s museum several times and I love it. I’ve been there with my nephew and I have also been there for a party of a friend’s child. They have many exhibits that cater to all age groups and interests. I have seen several arts and crafts activity set ups, chemistry lab set ups, play houses with dolls, play stores with carts, check outs, and food items, set ups of ambulances and firetrucks and many more. If you have young children, it is definitely worth getting a season pass.
Address: 1500 Binz St. Houston, TX Hours: 10AM – 6/8PM. Closed on Mondays. Admission Fee: 1+ yr : $12, Seniors 65+: $11 Free Admission *: Thursdays 5-8pm Click here for more information!
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
The Waterwall Park is a great place to hang out with friends or family, take pictures, have a picnic or just to people watch. It is conveniently located nearby the Galleria mall. The highlight is the 64-foot tall semicircular water fountain over looking a large grass-covered area. On the other end is the 64 story high William’s Tower, with its breathtaking architecture. Address: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston Click here for more information before making your visit!
And if you’re in the area, I highly recommend trying out Kenny & Ziggy’s. Full review coming soon!
If you live in one of these places, then check out the Dallas-Fort Worth area for more activities and fun! Click here for my review on the Dallas Aquarium and stayed tuned for more activities in the Dallas area!
There are so many more weekend trips I would love to do in the near future. I would love to explore cities nearby like Brennam, Waco or El Paso. Also coming soon are activities from smaller towns like Lufkin and Nacogdoches. Stay Tuned!
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On our way from San Antonio to Dallas, we decided to make a stop in New Braunsfel and check out the Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo. After a long morning, we wanted to do something relaxing. But once we got there, our energy picked up and we spent a good amount of time there. Needless to say, we enjoyed this family-owned snake farm slash zoo and here is why!
When you enter, you purchase the tickets and head over to the right for the first exhibition of snakes. You can also purchase food to feed the animals there if you like. There was a great number of snakes in the indoor cages, varying in color and size. There was also several other reptiles, such as turtles and crocodiles. Some of the snakes were very active and interesting to watch. Others were curled up in their comfort zone and resting. After completing one side of the inside exhibition, we decided to go outside to see the bigger animals.
Information:
Address: 5640 IH 35 S. New Braunfels, TX 78132 Phone: 830.608.9270 Hours: 10AM-6PM/7PM Daily For more information on admission fee, interactive showtimes etc, visit their website here.
When we got outside, there were a variety of animals, from birds to jaguars. Our favorite were the lions, who were very energetic and loud. On one side, there were zebras, ostriches and warthogs, to name a few. They also had a peacock and several chickens and chicks walking around. We were not supposed to pick them up we found out later (oops)!
Petting Zoo
The petting zoo is my favorite part of any farm or zoo because I get to interact with the animals. This one had goats, pigs, sheep and even a llama! The goats were walking around, getting fed by those who had food for them. One goat (pictured below) kept coming to me and chewing on my jean’s crease! The mama pig (bottom picture) was laying in the shade with no care in the world. The llama was sitting in the middle of it all, as if he was watching over the other animals. I could spent hours just in the petting zoo… I loved it!
Interactive shows & feedings
Another thing we loved about the zoo was the feedings and interactive shows they had. We watched the feeding for the lions and it was unlike any of the other ones I have seen. The staff went into great depth about the animal lifestyles, habits and behavior. They even stayed back to answer any questions we had and we did not feel rushed at all. We can see the caretakers truly enjoy what they do and it’s not just another show for them. We also got a chance to see the interactive show with the snakes, which was also very interesting.
Would we visit AWSFZoo again?
Possibly! If we get a chance to take my nieces and nephews, we would definitely visit the farm zoo again! The ticket prices were reasonable and worth it for all the time we spent there. They are planning to expand several more acres and may have new residents in the future. Initially we were a little iffy on going because of the heat, but most of the outdoors were covered and provided plenty of shade! There is also a snow cone truck outside, which definitely helped to cool us down. Also, when you purchase your initial ticket, you get one FREE admission ticket and it is valid for 3 months… So why not go again?
Over the weekend, we went to the Dallas World Aquarium with my siblings and nephews and we all loved it. The outside doesn’t look like a typical aquarium because of its location downtown, but starting at the entrance, you will get a sneak peek of what is to come inside. Even as we walked towards the ticket line, we were able to see several animals and greenery, as if we were walking through a jungle.
Information:
Location: 1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202 Hours: 9AM-5PM The admission fee are as follows: Adult: $20.95. Child(2 thru 12): $14.95, Child (under 2): free. Senior – $16.95 (65+) www.dwazoo.com
One of our favorite animals to see were the penguins. They have a feeding and talk shows for penguins, sloths and other animals every half hour or so. Although we missed the feeding for the penguins, we were able to enjoy seeing them swim and waddle around. The flamingos were another hit. We loved their beautiful bright colors and interaction among each other. We also enjoyed the manatee swimming around in circles and the sawfish resting on the glass above us. The huge sunbathing crocodiles and the sloths hanging out in the trees also kept us watching for long time!
Definitely! If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area or in town for a weekend, then definitely make a visit to the Dallas World Aquarium. We went on a Sunday, so the wait for the ticket line was short and the crowd inside was not bad at all. Would we go visit again? Possibly! The pricing may be a tad bit high, but it’s still a great half day activity for kids and families! This time, we spent about 3 hours and may have rushed through a little. If we have 4-5 hours free and have kids with us, we would probably go again!
Side note; I loved the fact the whole aquarium was wheelchair accessible and had ramps. As a therapist, this is one thing I take notice of and I was glad to see several people enjoying the exhibits in their wheelchairs. Definitely a plus point in my books!
~Travelmania360 ~ Follow me on Instagram at travelmania360
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When you think of a road trip for an adventure, Oklahoma is not the first state that would come to mind. But surprisingly, there are a lot of things to do in Oklahoma. Since it’s not a far drive from Dallas, we take trips there more often now. More surprisingly, there are more than 10 people who live there (including my sister and bro-in-law.) Here are a list of the things we have done in OK and plan on doing in the near future.
The National Wildlife Refuge System in Oklahoma includes many parks and places like Deep Fork, Salt Plains, Wichita Mountains, Ozark Plateau, Little River, Washita National Wildlife Refuge and more! There are many things to do in these locations such as fishing, hunting, wildlife photography, bird watching, hiking, walking or biking trails, paddling and more!
Broken Bow Cabins
We went to Broken Bow, OK for my husband’s 30th birthday bash with a few friends and spent the weekend at the cabins. The cabin was wonderful and had everything you could possibly use in your own house. The kitchen had mostly every appliance, utensils and gadgets we needed to cook. The living space was very tidy and rooms were spacious enough for couples. The extra outdoor games and the campfire area outside were a great final touch! We spent the weekend hiking the trails of Beavers Bend State Park and enjoying the cold waters of the Mountain Fork River. From evening until after midnight, we sat around and enjoyed the campfire and the company!
There were only a few things we needed to bring for the cabin trip, including food. We packed so much food and went all out on all the meals with steak, ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and more! Besides the food, we did have a few other things, which I highly recommend you take for a cabin trip (or any long road trips).
This is important to have in your car because in most areas with forests, cabins and lakes, there is limited to no internet connection or range to reach out for any help in the case your car battery dies. Having this jump starter allows you to jump start the car yourself with the battery pack instead of having to wait on someone else and use their car. The USB port for charging smaller items and the strong LED flashlight features on this starter also comes in handy for road trips like this.
Most cabins have a grill, but not a grill tool set, so we had to bring our own. I found this highly recommended Stainless steel set one on Amazon. However, the one we used for the weekend was a cheaper set from Walmart, similar to this,Walmart 17pc Grilling Tool Set that also includes everything you will need for the grill. The skewers worked great for smores…yum:)
Ice chests are a must for cabin trips because you need to bring all your food to the cabins (and take home the left overs). Walmart has this 75 qt Wheeled Ice Chest which would have been great for our trip. We could have fit everything into one ice chest and rolled it instead of carrying several smaller ones. You can always pick up some ice (at a gas station further from the cabin rentals) or Amazon offers this best selling ice packs for smaller ice chests.
For any outdoorsy trip, it’s important to have a flashlight in your car or in the tool/safety kit with you. This LED one is great because it can be used secondarily as a tool to break your car glass in the case of an emergency. It’s water resistant and has 5 adjustable modes.
We took our air fryer with us to the cabins because we weren’t sure if they had one there. It came in handy for hot dogs, fries, chicken and more while the grill was being occupied with other things. It’s very convenient because we didn’t have to keep an eye on it. Just put the food in there and forget about it until it beeps. Overall, it’s a safe, efficient and quick way to get food warmed up or cooked. I’m definitely glad that we took it with us as we were a group of six.
What else?
Besides these must have items above, you also need charcoal, lighter fluid, bug spray, sunscreen, etc. You can get these from the local Walmart there or check out my Must Have post. You also need to bring your own booze. Even though there are plenty of liquor stores nearby, you’ll save a good amount if you purchase them prior to your trip.
Tip: The shops closer to the cabins are twice as expensive as the ones that are further away. Plan ahead and buy all the things you need before heading out to the cabins.
Now the main question:
How do you book a cabin and plan your trip?
Broken Bow makes that party easy and has all their cabin rentals and information online. The one we booked was from this website and there are many similar sites that are also directly linked to them. There may be other ways to book, but when places like this have direct websites, I prefer not to book through a third party. To plan your activities, look into the state parks nearby such as Beaver Bend State Park or Hochatown State Park. We stopped at the Forest Heritage Center, which is a museum and information center! Though we didn’t explore the museum, they were able to give us plenty of information on activities to do in the area. They had a variety of water sports, such as kayaking and land activities like horse back riding. If you want something a little different, there are several wine shops, wineries and breweries nearby. There are even many activities for children, such as petting zoo, go karting and ziplining!
Would we do it again?
For sure! It was a great experience and we had wished we stayed an extra night there! We’re already looking into planning our next cabin trip, with our family this time!
Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma (one of the larger reservoirs in the US) east of the Red River, which divides the OK and TX borders. Technically, part of these bodies of water is also located in Texas. But for the sake of not cutting OK’s only possible blog post short, I’ll let them have it. Although there are many things to do in Lake Texoma, camping and fishing are probably the favorite and most common of the activities.
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City; OKC has several interesting places to visit including the Oklahoma State Capitol and the Centennial Land Run Monument. The OKC National Memorial & Museum is a must visit if your in town and want to learn some OKC history. I wasn’t aware of the details of the 1995 bombing until we visited the site. Although it’s an emotional site, it’s wonderful to see all the victims still being remembered and honored.
Addresses: Oklahoma State Capitol: 2300 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC Centennial Land Run Monument: 200 Centennial Ave, OKC Memorial & Museum: 620 N Harvey Ave, OKC
Centennial Land Run Monument
Arcadia, OK
Another fun place to visit nearby OKC is the Pops 66 Soda Ranch. It is located right off of highway 66, in the town of Arcadia, Northeast of OKC. This place has a wide variety of coca colas ranging from root beer to bacon soda! If you’re going in a group like we did, I recommend each person getting a different flavor. This way, you can get a taste several soda flavors without it being too overwhelming. The flavors vary in strength, so even if you like bacon, you might not enjoy bacon soda or vice versa. It also has a small restaurant inside as well as some photo op outside with the huge soda bottle (not pictured).
Address: 660 W. Highway 66, Arcadia, OK. If you’re interested in knowing more, check out their website here!
Scissortail Park
For the evening, we headed to Scissortail park in the middle of OKC and had a great time. There was so much going on; people walking/jogging, kids playing in the park area and events going on. We started off with pedal boating during the sunset, which offered a great view. The prices were reasonable; about $12 per boat for 45 minutes. Although the wait was about 20 minutes, it was worth it. It was a relaxing yet fun activity, great for young adults or families. Then we walked around the park and attempted some of the activities there for kids:) We waited until dark to walk across the bridge to see the scissor-tailed figure up close.
Myriad Botanical Gardens
We got a chance to check out the Myraid Botanical Garden this time around and it was great. Even though there weren’t as many flowers in October, there was still a lot to see. We spent so much time just standing and watching the big pond filled with Koi fish and little ducklings.
Would we go again? Yes, I would love to go back during the spring time when it’s not as cold and when the flowers will be blooming. Is it kid friendly? Most of it is safe, however you do have to keep an eye on them when you are close to the water area. There isn’t a barrier between the pathway and the water, which can be a problem with toddlers.
The Devon Tower ( also known as Devon Energy Center, pictured on the left) is the tallest building in Oklahoma at 50 stories high. It stands tall over the Botanical Garden and downtown OKC. It also served as a great background for my pictures 😉
Where to eat in OKC?
Here are a few of our favorites in Oklahoma City and neighboring cities!
Empire Slice House is hands down one of the best pizza places I’ve been to. The place was packed and had a New York feel to it, which was great. We were able to split the pie into two types of pizza; so we chose the notorious P.I.G and the Evil Empire. Both were great and we were stuffed after just two slices each. Their pizzas are huge and one pizza fed the four of us.
Would we go back? For sure. It’s only the best pizza in town. The prices were also very reasonable considering how big the slices were. The service was also on point. Address: 1804 NW 16th, Oklahoma City
The Garage Burgers and Beer, OKC
My sister and bro in law took me to The Garage to try out their burgers. And boy, were they amazing! They have about 3 locations just within the OKC area and after having their burgers, you can see why. They even have gluten free bun options and a vegan burger that’s just as good! I mean, come on! Definitely a must try and re-visit kind of place!
Stay tuned for the following places that are on our list for upcoming things to do in Oklahoma!Follow me on Instagram @travelmania360 for new posts! <<COMING SOON>> Kitchen No. 324 Oklahoma City Zoo Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park Tiger Safari Turner Falls Park & Cabins (holding off on this secondary to the recent incidents that happened here)
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