Family Travel: Where To Go In Dallas

If all you know about Dallas, Texas is what you got from watching the money-hungry bad-tempered Ewings on TV then you are in for a real treat once you get there. Instead of seeing J.R. walking the streets downtown you’ll be pleasantly surprised to view some of the nation’s most famous tourist attractions. But, before I touch on those treasures, I suppose I should inform you that there is a place just outside of the city (about 20 miles north of Dallas) that pays homage to the TV villain and his oil rich family members. Southfork, the sprawling ranch house … Continue reading

Marriage Laws – Oklahoma & Texas

We’ve been exploring the marriage laws of the 50 states in the United States. We started in New England and worked our way down the Atlantic coast before heading west. Today, we’re heading into the great state of Texas and just to the north of Texas, the state of Oklahoma. If you read this blog regularly, you may have seen the posts covering the marriage law waiting for Governor Perry to sign that will more than double marriage license fees in Texas unless a couple takes a state-sanctioned pre-marital education course. Texas As with all states, it’s important that you … Continue reading

Wayne’s IN Holly’s OUT

If you live in or around Winterset, Iowa you are likely hunkering down for an onslaught of visitors this weekend. Most are making the trip to honor a man residents in Winterset knew as Marion Morrison—the rest of the world knew him simply as the Duke. That’s right; American icon John Wayne called Winterset home and this year the community is going all out to celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday. According to event organizers, thousands (some from as far away as Norway and Denmark) are expected to pour into town for the festivities (many make the trip … Continue reading

Houston’s Must-See Museums

My friend and former colleague recently accepted a job at the number news station in Houston, Texas. At her going away party I asked her what she was most looking forward to doing when she got to her new home. “Visit the museums,” she replied excitedly. Visit the museums? What was she thinking? I bit my tongue and smiled. It was either smile or… grab her shoulders, shake her, and demand to know why, after six long years living in the frozen tundra of northeast Wisconsin, would she not be dying to explore the nearest park, pool, or pond? I’m … Continue reading

Sheryl Crow’s Looking For A Cowboy

I have always enjoyed listening to Sheryl Crow’s music; however, I will admit that I didn’t start following her personal life until she started dating Lance Armstrong. (It’s no secret that I think the seven-time Tour de France champ is hot.) Like millions of other Crow and Armstrong fans, I was caught off guard when the father of three divorced his wife and hooked up with Crow. But, I suppose, such is life in the fast lane. A couple of years went by and the new couple got engaged and publicly flaunted their relationship on various TV shows (mainly ones … Continue reading

Family-Friendly Spring Break Destinations

Sure, we just returned from a wonderful Hawaiian holiday, but as you know from my previous blog, that hasn’t stopped us from diving head first into new travel material in search of the ultimate family-friendly spring break destination. Here are a few more spots we are considering: Washington, D.C. Springtime in the nation’s capital–mild temperatures, cherry trees, and loads of hands on learning opportunities for kids (and parents)–what could be better, right? Okay, there’s no guarantee that the weather will be picture-perfect, but it’s hard to resist the chance to take in the sight of more than 3,750 cherry trees … Continue reading

Visiting Bay Landing – Texas

When planning your next family vacation, you might consider a summer trip to Bay Landing in Texas. While there, you will discover many wonderful things to experience such as “Thousand Trails”. This area was founded in 1969 and today, is considered one of the most successful and largest private camping clubs in the United States. The people who run Thousand Trails are dedicated to making every person’s time safe, clean, affordable, and filled with fun. While many people love camping, some prefer less rustic settings. At this particular location, the parks have campsites with running water and electrical hookups. In … Continue reading

Taking a Trip to Galveston

Galveston, Texas is a wonderful place for a family vacation or couples who enjoy the beach, shopping, visiting historical homes, and other fascinating activities. We took a trip to Galveston a few years back and found it to be a charming city with great people. One of our first stops was to Moody Gardens, which includes a 10-story Rainforest Pyramid, complete with a tropical environment. One of the main features of the rainforest is the largest collection of bats in the southwest. In addition, Moody Gardens had an IMAX 3D, which provided an experience that seemed so realistic. Then, we … Continue reading

FRIED COKE… At The State Fair Of Texas

State fairs—for most families they are one of the highlights of summer. But in the great state of Texas, the annual event doesn’t get underway until fall (it’s open now until October 22nd). And like they do with everything in Texas, residents make a BIG deal of this historic event… and with good reason. The 24-day event takes place at Fair Park (located about two miles east of downtown Dallas), a 277-acre entertainment and recreation complex owned by the city. The park is the year-round home of the Music Hall, Cotton Bowl and eight museums. It is also a National … Continue reading

Houston on a Shoestring

Who doesn’t spend too much when traveling? With hotel stays, eating out, and the cost of gas alone, a simple vacation can cost a fortune. Add in the entertainment fees, and you’ve just blown your kid’s college tuition! It doesn’t have to be that way. Believe it or not, all cities have free entertainment options available for families– you just have to know where to look. If you live in or will be traveling to Houston, you are in luck. The Greater Houston area offers a wide variety of free entertainment options. [h]Great Southwest Equestrian Center[/h] 2501 S. Mason Road … Continue reading