Tag Archives: Texas

Summer Fun—-Wild and Wacky Family Friendly Festivals

A couple of years ago I ran through a list of some of the tastiest summer food festivals I’d ever had the pleasure of attending. This year I’m going wild. Wild for wacky adventures waiting to be had at some of the nation’s most unique hometown festivals. If you are looking for summer fun that will keep you smiling well into the winter consider heading north, south, east and west to these family friendly festivals: CALIFORNIA The Horned Toad Derby in Coalinga, California draws hundreds of thousands of BBQ lovers to town during the second to the last weekend in … Continue reading →

Travel Tips: Instead of Europe Consider… Part 2

It’s no secret that traveling to Europe right now can cause a serious dent in your family’s budget. Which is why most Americans are staying close to home instead of crossing the pond to get their Euro fix. However, as I mentioned in my previous blog vacationing in the United States doesn’t mean you are limited to a trip filled with hot dogs, apple pie and baseball stadiums. If you know where to go you can experience European luxury without having to flash your passport or go bankrupt in the process. Take a look: TEXAS Why fly to Germany when … Continue reading →

CityPass Goes Southern

Regular readers of this blog know how much I adore the CityPass program. If your family is traveling to a major city and plans to visit as many attractions as possible the CityPass is the most economical way to go. And just in time for the busy summer travel season the CityPass is going southern. The discount attraction booklet, is launching the Houston CityPass on May 13th. It’s a monumental announcement given that it will be the first CityPass in Texas and the only CityPass in the Southwest. The Houston CityPass costs $34 for adults and $24 for ages 4-11 … Continue reading →

Signs Spring has Sprung in Texas

You can tell when Old Man Winter has released his grip on the Lone Star State when area highways become black… and blue. Bright blue bluebonnets are blossoming all over the great state of Texas right now signaling the arrival of spring and the thousands of visitors that make their way down south to soak up the spectacular sights the famous wildflowers create. For those of you unfamiliar with this annual rite of passage the bluebonnet is the state’s official flower and can be found throughout Texas. The native plant is often accompanied along Texas roads by an equally bright … Continue reading →

Play Ball!

A Good Friday storm dumped more than 15 inches of snow on Milwaukee (just south of us), yet residents there are remarkably undeterred. They whipped out their snow blowers and are anxiously waiting for the opening day of the regular baseball season, which takes place on Sunday. If you are a fan of the national pastime and can’t wait to crisscross the country to watch your favorite team try to earn a place in the World Series then you might be interested in knowing that several major hotels are making it easier for you to do so. Lodgings in most … Continue reading →

Even More Kid-Friendly Vacation Destinations with Meaning

All this week I have been focusing on the upcoming spring break vacation season (after all, Easter is just two months away). Typically, it’s a time when parents take advantage of their children’s break from classes and head off on a family adventure. But instead of making a beeline to mingle with oversized mice in California or Florida, perhaps this year you could consider taking a trip that offers more educational value. As I mentioned in my previous blogs, vacations are great opportunities to learn about new cultures and take part in hands-on history lessons, especially if you choose the … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits—Houston’s New Star-Studded Tourist Campaign and Good News for Frequent Flyers

Would you be more willing to vacation in Houston, Texas if Beyonce Knowles told you how wonderful the area was? How about if former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara recommended places to eat and shop? Would that encourage you to book a trip faster? Execs with the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau sure hope so. The group recently recruited some of Houston’s most famous residents for its new multi-million dollar ad campaign and they are hoping the celebrity slant pays off in Texas-sized proportions. Gone are the traditional touristy slogans (the bureau recently pulled the plug … Continue reading →

Holiday Light Displays Minus the Evergreens

Not every city in the nation hosts a traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony. In fact, some cities don’t light real evergreens at all. In place of multi-story Tannenbaums some city leaders have opted to string thousands of twinkling lights together to look like a forest of Christmas trees. While others simply use technology and a ton of wattage to add major sparkle to cold, black winter nights. If you live in the following cities consider taking a trip to view some of these unique holiday light displays: HOUSTON, TEXAS Once you’ve stuffed yourself with turkey and pumpkin pie you can … Continue reading →

Another Reason To Visit Waco, Texas

Waco, Texas is already home to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum and other noteworthy attractions such as a world-class zoo, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame & Museum and the Dr Pepper Museum, but city leaders are hoping the area’s newest addition will draw in even bigger crowds. Waco tourism officials want massive crowds to experience a new park that features mammoth artifacts—literally. The Waco Mammoth Site is home to the skeletal remains of the gigantic creatures that walked the region 70,000 years ago. The attraction is currently on track to become part of the National Park … Continue reading →

Family-Friendly Attractions in Dallas

You’ve visited Southfork and spent hours looking at the exhibits displayed at the Six Floor Museum—-so what else does Dallas, Texas have to offer you and your family. Take a look: Reunion Tower You can’t miss it and you’ll probably keep wondering what it is until you go inside. The 50-story Reunion Tower looms over downtown Dallas with a giant ball-shaped dome that houses an observation deck and a restaurant. If you want a bird’s-eye view of the city (and a pretty good meal) then head to the very top of the tower. The observation area is open from 10 … Continue reading →