Waterwall Park is an unexpectedly lovely park in the center of Houston’s business district. Have a picnic for lunch or cool off on a hot summer day.
Hyatt Regency Houston West
Of the many hotels I’ve stayed in, the Hyatt Regency Houston West hotel is one of the most beautiful. Highly recommend!
McKinney Falls
Visit McKinney Falls State Park in Austin, Texas for a short hike before cooling off in one of the swimming holes.
Vinaigrette
Ah, Texas, home of delicious barbecue and plentiful tacos. But what if you’re craving a salad? Try Vinaigrette for a quirky spin on lettuce.
Zilker Japanese Tea Garden in Austin, Texas
Nestled in the center of Austin, you will find a surprising oasis of tranquility. Discover the unique Japanese Tea Garden at Zilker Park.
Rainey Street in Austin, Texas
Rainey Street in downtown Austin, Texas features restaurants and bars with live music. If you love music or are just looking for a party, be sure to check it out.
Spray Parks in El Paso
If you’re in El Paso, Texas during the summertime and need a fun, Free way to cool off, check out these cool spray parks!
La Caracola
La Caracola is a popular, new restaurant and Cantina in El Paso, Texas. Come inside with me to meet the owner and discover why La Caracola’s food is so delicious.
Moving to El Paso, Texas
I recently moved to El Paso, Texas and am getting ready to do some exploring! Before I start, here are some of my frst impressions.
Munson Creek Falls
If you find yourself traveling along highway 101, near Tillamook, Oregon, you might like to pay a visit to Munson Creek Falls.
Cape Meares and Oceanside Tunnel Beach
Exploring along the Oregon Coast is always fun and often surprising. Join me for a day trip to Oceanside and Cape Meares on a sunny, winter day.
Oswald West and Hug Point
The Oregon Coast is more than just a beach. The dramatic cliffs, old-growth forests, and myriad shades of green are stunning. Add smiling Oregonians and their tail-wagging companions, and you know you’re going to have a great time!
The Witch’s Castle
Is it haunted? Is the graffiti unsightly? Visit the Witch’s Castle (or Stone House) in Portland, Oregon to see what the fuss is all about.
Shoshone Falls, Idaho
Shoshone Falls, near Twin Falls, Idaho, has been dubbed the “Niagara of the West.” Read all about our visit during the great Idaho road trip.
Pocatello, Idaho; This Unique City Merits a Visit!
Explore the wonders of Pocatello, Idaho. Modern blends with unique to produce some amazing results. If we decided to move to Idaho, This would be our top choice!
Horseback Adventure in Lava Hot Springs
My daughters and I had a great time touring the hills of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho on horseback. We are already talking about when we can take another trip!
Restaurant With a View; Elevation 486
Restaurant with a view. A review of Elevation 486 in Twin Falls, Idaho. Have lunch or dinner on a patio that overlooks the canyon.
Zipline Adventure, Lava Hot Springs
Our weekend in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho began with an exciting zipline adventure. It was our first time ziplining and so much fun!
Meeting the Unexpected
A chance encounter at a lake in Twin Falls, Idaho leads to a tour of an axe throwing gym and a heart-warming story about a charity that makes beds for kids.
Where’s the Idapotato??
An introduction to my 10-day road trip through southern Idaho with my daughters. It was an eye-opening excursion that certainly wasn’t what we expected!
Dougan Falls, Washington
The best swimming hole yet! Jumping from waterfalls, swimming, perching on rock ledges and relaxing on sandy shores… I loved it so much that I went back again the next day!
Falls Creek Falls, Washington
The hike to Falls Creek Falls is beautiful, but wait until you see the falls! They just about knocked my socks off!
Unique Waterfalls at Starvation Creek
Curiosity can lead you to discover all kinds of unexpected treasures. Check out Starvation Creek and three unique waterfalls.
McDowell Creek Park
Join me as I explore McDowell Creek Park in Linn County, Oregon. The lovely 1.8 mile lollipop loop features waterfalls, stone steps, and wooden bridges!
Little Mashel River Falls
Climbing on rocks and playing in the river are great ways to spend a hot afternoon. Check out Little Mashel River in Washington State!
When Plans Go Awry
How a day at the lake turned into a scenic drive; a behind-the-scenes look at finding fun where you least expect it.
Lost Lake, Oregon
A visit to Lost Lake is a great way to beat the summer heat. The record-breaking temperatures last weekend sent us seeking higher elevation and some cool water to play in.
Backwoods Waterfalls
Looking for a waterfall that’s off the beaten path? Sometimes you find them by accident and sometimes you have to hunt them down. Be prepared for anything when you visit a backwoods waterfall!
More Than Just Hotdogs
For many of us camping means hotdogs cooked over a campfire and bacon and eggs for breakfast. If you are staying multiple days that can get pretty old (except for the bacon!).
The Magic of Crater Lake
No photo can ever prepare you for the awe-inspiring beauty of this place. It literally took my breath away!
Campgrounds with Waterfalls
How would you like to have your very own waterfall when you camp? Not just any waterfall, but one that you could hike around and play in? Check out Umpqua National Forest’s campgrounds with waterfalls!
Watson Falls
Get a glimpse of my favorite waterfall hike so far. The journey is just as amazing as the destination!
Chilaquiles in the Rain
An overview or introduction to our epic 5-day camping trip in the Umpqua National Forest. Sometimes you just have to be “chilaquiles.”
Portland Japanese Garden
If you find yourself in the Pacific Northwest and are looking for something interesting to do; the quiet serenity of a Japanese Garden awaits you in Washington Park.
Portland Rose Garden
With over 3 million visitors a year, Washington Park and the famous International Rose Test Garden are absolute must-see destinations. Come inside and take a peek!
Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park in Oregon is home to 10 magnificent waterfalls, which can all be seen during one 7.5 mile hike. Read here about the 10 waterfall loop.
Sleeping Bags and Survival Food
A follow-up to Early Spring Camping Preparedness, this article reviews two new sleeping bags and the 4patriots 72-hour survival food kit.
T. Paul’s Urban Cafe
Part of exploring any town is sampling the local cuisine. In downtown Astoria, T. Paul’s Urban Cafe aligns perfectly with the town’s fresh, quirky vibe and serves some Amazing food!
Weird Sisters in Astoria
Step inside an enchanted forest where treasures can be found in every corner. Installation artist Sandra Carr has created a shopping experience like no other.
Finding a Campsite in the Pacific Northwest
People in the Pacific Northwest tend to plan ahead and if you are looking for a great place to camp…say next weekend, it could be a little challenging. Read here for some tips on choosing a good campsite.
Taking a Step Back in Time with Jan Johnson
Meet Jan Johnson, the owner of the Panama Hotel in Seattle, Washington. A long-time resident of Japantown and honored caretaker of this historic treasure; Jan plays an important role within her community.
Early Spring Camping Preparedness
Learn from some of my mishaps and be prepared when you go exploring. Adequate supplies can keep you safe and comfortable.
Tamolitch Blue Pool
Exploring the McKenzie River area: Join me for a beautiful two and a half mile hike to the Tamolitch Blue Pool.
Tumalo Falls, Oregon
Come explore Tumalo Falls with me. Early April in Bend is pretty chilly and I ended up hiking through the snow!
Mac’s Place, Silverton, Oregon
If you’re in Silverton and like reuben sandwiches; Mac’s Place must be on your list of destinations.
Tryon Creek State Park
For a beautiful, wooded hike near Portland grab your shoes, kids, dog, or bike and head on over to Tryon Creek.