Travel - California - Long Beach - Long Beach Navy Memorial

My family and I spent some time last week in Los Angeles and Long Beach enjoying amusements and interesting sights. While looking for The Queen Mary (queenmary.com) at the Long Beach port, we stumbled upon the Shoreline Aquatic Park tucked nicely behind the Aquarium of the Pacific. Kid-friendly with lots of things to see and a nice, well-maintained trail to explore.

There's a small, metered parking lot which hosted a food truck at the time of my visit.

A brief history of the port area.

USS Frank E. Evans and the Lost 74 - the ship collided with an Australian aircraft carrier (HMAS Melbourne) on June 3, 1969 in the South China Sea. 74 sailors were killed. Their names are dedicated on this plaque.

The massive anchor was from one of President T. Roosevelt's sixteen ships in his "Great White Fleet". The ships were sent around to demonstrate America's power as trading partners. The anchor was salvaged in 1908 by Al Larson

This flag mast was from the Long Beach Navy Hospital (c. 1942).

According to the plaque at the base, this signpost connected LBNSY (Long Beach Naval Shipyard) to NAVSTA (Naval Station) and was erected to commemorate the "Fighting Sullivan Brothers" who lost their lives aboard the USS Juneau CL-52. This ship was a light cruising ship that was torpedoed in the Soloman Islands in 1942. There were five Sullivan brothers on board that ship. Due to their loss, they enacted a "one-per-ship" rule for siblings! The connection to Long Beach was through one of the brothers who lived in the city.

This, my friends, is a Navysphere sculpture based on an Armillary Sphere (see the info plaque above) which was a model for navigation. Kids may think it's a giant jungle-gym to climb on so please be sure to discourage that tendancy. This sphere commemorates the History of the United States Navy in Long Beach and is dedicated to architect Paul Revere Williams who designed many of the Naval Station's buildings. It was donated on July 10, 2004.

A compass.

Inside this bench is a time capsule that was buried on May 1998.

The bathrooms (on the left side of this photo) are close to the aquarium building and were pleasantly clean. There was also a basketball court and vending machines.

If you have time, there is more to explore along the water and a walk up to Lion's Lighthouse or Lion's Lighthouse for Sight. Although the 65-foot lighthouse is not open to the public (it was built in 2000 as a decorative advertisement piece for the Lion's Club and was never used as an official lighthouse), the views on the hill are nice.

Hours: The park might be open 24 hours but the gate to the small parking lot is only open during daylight hours. During the day the park is safe. I wouldn't recommend visiting after hours.

Address: 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

More information on the memorial's history can be found at USS Frank E Evans Association

More information on the park can be found at Shoreline Aquatic Park

More information on Lions Lighthouse

Book Review - Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks by Brendan Sainsbury and Jade Bremner

This is an excellent, full-color guide to the 3 National Parks - Banff and Jasper in Canada and Glacier in Montana. The book is color-coded with tabs - Plan Your Trip, On the Road, Understand, and Survival Guide.

The Plan Your Trip section contains useful information such as colorful maps, Top 20 to see and do, Need to Know, Month-by-Month things to do, Sample Itineraries, Activities, Family Travel and Travel with Pets.

On the Road digs deeper into each park - Banff National Park and Sights Around the Park (such as Canmore or Kananaskis Country), Jasper National Park, Glacier National Park and Around the Park (West and East Glacier, St Mary and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation). There's a section on Waterton Lakes National Park.

Understand section highlights the parks today, the history of the parks, geology, wildlife, and conservation.

Survival Guide at the end offers general travel information - health and safety, suggested clothes to pack, transportation and getting around, and more.

What sets this guide apart are the really useful hiking maps detailing the routes for almost every trail.

Title: Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks: Detailed Itineraries | Travel Like a Local | Insider Tips | Covers Banff, Jasper, Glacier, Waterton Lakes, and more (National Parks Guide)
Author: Brendan Sainsbury and Jade Bremner
ISBN: 9781838696757
Pages: 272

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Event - #Travel #Texas - #Salado - Lighted Christmas Parade and Christmas Stroll - December 4-14, 2025

Salado, Texas - Lighted Christmas Parade and Christmas Stroll
December 4 - 14, 2025
Salado's Main Street
The Christmas Parade runs the night of December 4th starting on Royal Street and Main Street and ends at Salado Civiv Center (671 North Main St). Bring chairs or blankets to sit and watch the lights pass by. Check the website for a map of the route and where to park (for free). Then stay for the Christmas Stroll on the weekends December 5-7 and 12-14 consisting of entertainment, visits with Santa, and holiday shopping.

Address: (throughout town)
Hours: Parade: 12/4/25 at 6:00pm CST - 8:00pm CST; Christmas Stroll: Friday and Saturday 10:00am CST - 8:00pm CST; Sunday 12:00pm CST - 6:00pm CST
Fees: (varies by activity)
For more information - https://business.salado.com/calendar/Details/2025-salado-lighted-christmas-parade-1479226 and https://business.salado.com/calendar/Details/65th-annual-salado-christmas-stroll-1457103

Book Review - Frommer's EasyGuide to Toronto, Niagara and the Wine Country by Caroline Aksich

Great travel guide that mostly focuses on Toronto with a few side trips (Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Stratford, and Waterloo). The book starts off with "Best of" lists - "Best Authentic Experiences", "Best Restaurants", "Best Hotels", "Best Museums", "Best Free Things To Do", "Best Active Adventures", and the very interesting "Most Overrated Experiences", then "Best Festivals", "Best for Families", and "Best Neighborhoods".

Then you can find Suggested Toronto Itineraries and Neighborhoods in 1 Day, 2 Days, 3 Days, and 4 Days. Followed by "The Best of Toronto for Foodies" and more detailed info for "Best for Families" with highlights like the Ontario Science Centre and Centre Island.

This book has very detailed City-Street Maps which I appreciate.

Keep in mind that this book was published in 2019, so be sure to double-check operating hours and prices since Covid might have altered a lot of business's operations.

Title: Frommer's EasyGuide to Toronto, Niagara and the Wine Country
Author: Caroline Aksich
ISBN: 9781628874464
Pages: 288

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Event - #Travel #Texas - #Boerne - Dickens on Main - November 28-29, 2025

Boerne, Texas - Dickens on Main
November 28-29, 2025
Boerne's Main Street
Get the holiday season started with some festivities starting Friday noon through the end of Saturday. Find ice carving and a Christmas market in the North Pole Village area. Watch the tree lighting ceremony at 6pm in the Gazebo. There will be dance shows and storytime at the Dickens Village. The South Pole village will feature kid-friendly train rides and face painting in addition to a adult's cigar bar. Smell that? Funnel cakes and popcorn for sale there too. More kid activities can be found in the Tiny Tim Village such as inflatables, crafts, and a visit with Santa.

Address: Main Street
Hours: Friday and Saturday 12pm CST - 9pm CST (activities at various times throughout)
Fees: (varies by activity)
For more information - https://holidaysinboerne.com/dickens-on-main

Book Review - Fodor's Travel Guide to Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada

I'm planning a trip next year to Canada and have been trying to narrow down the provinces I want to visit so you'll see a few book reviews of the different areas. Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada are definitely at the top of my list for the history and ease-of-access. This travel guide is full-color with some really inspirational photographs, detailed maps and city maps, and suggested itineraries.

After the introduction and the "Travel Smart" sections, the book is broken out by area - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. And these sections are further broken down into cities with "planning your time" highlights, things to do or see, places to eat, places to stay and more.

I especially like the experience suggestions in the beginning of the book - "What to Eat and Drink in Atlantic Canada", "What to Buy in Atlantic Canada", "Best Outdoor Adventures in Atlantic Canada", and "Best Historic Sites in Atlantic Canada".

The "Travel Smart" section lists out useful information - the Currency, Driving, Electricity, Time Zones, What to Pack and Wear, Getting There and then Getting Around. And even a "Helpful French Phrases" section you could tear out and take with you.

Even though this book was published in 2025, always double-check operating times and prices before heading out.

Title: Fodor's Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada: with New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland (Full-color Travel Guide)
Author: Fodor's Travel Guides
ISBN: 9781640977853
Pages: 352

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Event - #Travel #Texas - #Marble Falls - Christmas in Marble Falls (44 Nights of Events) - November 21, 2025 - January 03, 2026

Marble Falls, Texas - Christmas in Marble Falls (44 Nights of Events)
November 21, 2025 - January 03, 2026
Marble Falls
Marble Falls really gets into the Holiday Spirit with tons and tons of activities over 44 days. The season starts with a Light Up Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Main Street. Families will love free pictures with Santa every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during Walkway Santa Land at Lakeside Park in conjunction with Walkway of Lights ($2 per person). Everyone will enjoy the Winter Ice Rink ($12 advanced tickets or $15 at door). All those who love the color PINK (like my daughter) must head to the Merry and Pink Christmas Markets in downtown on November 21st. Not only will shops decorate within the pink theme but there will be raffles with prizes and some snacks. The next day, November 22nd, from 10am CST to 2pm CST there will be a Merry Makers event at the town's Visitor Center. The following Friday and Saturday will be the Jingle Jubilee at Johnson Park. The Public Library is hosting Santa Story Time on December 1st and 4th at 10:30am CST. On December 5th, your family can eat with Santa if you register in advanced. This is only a small helping of the activities and events available. Check the calendar and website for more details such as days, times and costs.

Click Here for Printable Calendar
Address: (throughout town)
Hours: (varies by activity)
Fees: (varies by activity)
For more information - https://visitmarblefalls.org/christmas-season/

Book Review - Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: Traveler's Guide to Batuu by Cole Horton

I have visited Galaxu's Edge (aka Batuu) at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios park many, many times since they first opened but this book has added so much more depth that I can't wait to go back and re-experience it with my newfound knowledge. Star Wars fans might already be aware of all the intricate details mentioned in this book but I only have general knowledge from watching the movies. I absolutely love how much research the author, Cole Horton, has done and made it simple for anyone to follow.

There are full-color photographs of things to see and characters (interactive or otherwise). If you ever step into the droid-making shop, you can now appreciate all the intricate details of the props and decorations. Not to mention the humor sprinkled in here.

Keep in mind, some of the foods or drinks might no longer be available as this was published back in 2020. There's a really neat map of the star wars galaxy to see where Batuu is located. For Star Wars fan, this book is a definite keeper.

Title: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: Traveler's Guide to Batuu
Author: Cole Horton
ISBN: 9780760366745
Pages: 144

This article may contain photos and links that take you to third-party Affiliate sites. If you purchase any item on those sites may contribute a small monetary amount back to our website without any cost to you.

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Midland - Home for the Holidays Gift Market - November 14-16th, 2025

Midland, Texas - Home for the Holidays Gift Market
November 14-16th, 2025
Bush Convention Center
In addition to hundreds of merchants selling all kinds of goods, handmade crafts, and more, there will be a Santa Photo Booth, as well as Food and Drink vendors. Lots of holiday-themed fun and gifts. A fun all-day shopping event.
Address: 105 N Main St, Midland, TX 79701
Hours: Friday 12:00pm - 5:00pm CST, Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm CST, Sunday 11:00am - 4:00pm CST
Fees: General Admission $6.00; First Call Shopping (Friday 9am-12pm) $10.00; Children under 12 are FREE
For more information - https://homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com/midland-hfth

Book Review - National Geographic Field Guide to Birds: Texas by Jonathan Alderfer

If you read my last review, you'll know I've gotten into Birding. I've taken my birding "checklist" with me to several travel spots and spotted a few birds. Not too time-consuming and it doesn't cost any money except whatever is spent on the trip already (like park entrance fees or parking fees or gas).

Well since I started birding outside of my home area, I needed a more robust book than simple backyard birds. I wanted to learn about birds that I see migrating to some southerly locations and those unusual birds and ducks that visit lakes and ponds. So I picked up this National Geographic field guide. It's the perfect size to fit in your travel bag or you can easily rip out the colored list on pages 262-265 (which I did) and just checked birds off as I saw them.

This book isn't about attracting birds to your yard, but rather observing them in their natural habitat. The maps are color-coded for seasonality. There is a great identification guide in the beginning explaining the various parts and colorings. Information on behaviours and habitats as well as any useful field notes. Great little guide for those interested in trying out birding or who are seeking additional checklists.

You can also find other states in this series if you plan to travel outside Texas.

Title: National Geographic Field Guide to Birds: Texas
Author: Jonathan Alderfer
ISBN: 9780792241874
Pages: 272

This article may contain photos and links that take you to third-party Affiliate sites. If you purchase any item on those sites may contribute a small monetary amount back to our website without any cost to you.

Event - #Travel #Texas - #San Antonio - Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival - November 8, 2025

San Antonio, Texas - Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival
November 8, 2025
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Wonderful annual festival featuring Native American art and culture. The festival will kick off with a Native American spiritual blessing and followed by a ceremonial drum circle. In addition to art demonstrations there will also be performances and hands-on crafts. Lots of fun for all ages.

“Yanaguana” is a word the Native Americans used to describe the San Antonio River.
Address: 210 W. Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm CST
Fees: FREE admission and FREE parking
For more information - https://briscoemuseum.org/etn/yanaguana-indian-arts-festival/

Travel - Maryland - Bowie - Six Flags America

Nestled in the small town of Bowie, Maryland (population currently under 60k) is Six Flags America, a park with a fifty-one year history. My family was fortunate enough to be able to visit this park twice - one in 2021 after reopening due to Covid, and yesterday.

Opened July 15, 1974 as a drive-through animal safari called The Wildlife Preserve (funded by Texas tycoon Ross Perot), which shuttered for a few years in the late ninteen seventies. In 1980 it re-opened as Wild World with this drive-through safari as well as a few amusement rides plus some water slides and play areas. In 1983 it expanded to include additional amusement rides and a large wave pool (which saw a very sad tragedy that summer). Soon thereafter the safari portion was removed and the park focused mainly on water features.

In 1985 the owners added back amusement park rides to make the park profitable in cooler months. The opportunity arose to purchase Paragon Park's wooden rollercoaster, Giant Coaster, which had been operating since 1917 and renamed it "The Wild One" which is still functioning at Six Flags America (although I personally thought it looked its age).

In the early 1990's with maintenance costs becoming too high, the park was sold to Tierco Group Inc who renamed the park "Adventure World" in 1994. Many improvements were made to the park including adding new rides including Intamin's free-fall drop-tower ride now called Voodoo Drop. Tierco Group Inc (renamed Premier Parks) acquired the Six Flags amusement park chain in 1998 and renamed "Adventure World" to "Six Flags America" in 1999. They also added Looney Tunes and DC characters to assist with a push in marketing and theming. In 2000, Superman: Ride of Steel opened (and its the most popular ride in the park). In 2001, the water park area was renamed "Six Flags Hurricane Harbor" and renovated.

In 2014, the park re-themed an area with Mardi Gras in addition to a new coaster, Ragin' Cajun.

In 2016, a twenty-four story ride named Wonder Woman: Lasso of Truth was added and its the tallest ride in the park.

For the 2019 season, the previous Apocalypse ride was rebranded Firebird and converted into a floorless coaster.

Sadly, when Six Flags and Cedar Fair corporations merged just last year, everyone knew the new entity would probably start closing some of its forty-plus parks. Although Six Flags America had just invested a large amount into a new water coaster and re-theming an area into SteamTown (a fun steam punk theme), the corporation announced in May of this year, just before the start of summer season, that they would be closing Six Flags America. Hurricane Harbor (which is inside the park) closed September 6th while Six Flags America will close November 2nd.

Our visit coincided with kid-friendly albeit scaled-down Boo Fest which consisted of a trick-or-treat trail, some stage and street entertainment shows, a very short parade with costumed entertainers handing out beaded necklaces. They were not running Fright Fest and the park closed at 6pm. My youngest child thought the trick-or-treat trail inside the dark, black-lit repurposed haunted house was too scary. The halloween stage show had creepy-looking costumes and the pumpkin decorating cost $5.00. There were Boo Fest special food items for sale at the nearby counter services.

November 1st and 2nds are the last days the park will be open, 11am CST to 7:00pm CST on Saturday and until 6:00pm CST on Sunday. Pretty sure the last day will be the busiest. The stores are already clearancing out all their merchandise so there might not be anything left at that point.

For more information: sixflags.com/america

Book Review - Backyard Birds of Texas: How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds by Bill Fenimore

I installed a bird feeder in front of my home office window and have been watching the birds (and squirrels) which ignited my interest in having a checklist to track which birds have visited my home. So I got this book from the local library. What I like about it is that it's full-color and has maps of when the bird species will visit my area (like year-round or winter). The colorful photographs makes it so easy to identify the birds.

Then I took my interest in bird watching a step further and bought the book to take with me on my jaunts throughout Texas. Well, I actually just ripped out pages 92-95 to take with me. Many of the birds I can see in my hometown, but some I only found when I traveled further south (like San Antonio) or to an area with lake or river. I was able to cross almost all the birds off. And it was pretty fun.

I tried to find checklists online but many of them were not as colorful or easy to identify. This book was helpful in that manner.

Also, for my own viewing pleasure, this book also offers advice on how to attract birds to your window with the type of foods certain species enjoy and the types of homes they will utilize. On page 68 there is a handy pull-out chart which lists the bird species and the types of foods they will eat. I'm still working on that and hopefully will have pictures to share soon!

Title: Backyard Birds of Texas: How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds
Author: Bill and Estrella Fenimore
ISBN: 9781423603511
Pages: 95

This article may contain photos and links that take you to third-party Affiliate sites. If you purchase any item on those sites may contribute a small monetary amount back to our website without any cost to you.

Event - #Travel #Texas - #NewBraunfels - Santa's Ranch - November 1, 2025 - January 4, 2026

New Braunfels, Texas - Santa's Ranch
November 1, 2025 - January 4, 2025
Santa's Ranch
Families have been coming to Santa's Ranch to view the holiday light displays for over 20 years and I can't wait to return. There's just something magical about holiday light displays. It connects all types of people and cultures. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, the lights are wonderful.

The lights are set up so that you stay in your car and drive slowly along to take pictures. In addition to the 3 million lights, they also have a concession stand (menu with prices are available at park entry). They have three sets of restrooms - at the beginning, at the concession stand, and at the end. Also, it's rain or shine.
Address: 9561 I-35 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hours: 6:00pm CST - 10:00pm CST (Sun-Thurs); 6:00pm CST - 11:00pm CST (Fri-Sat)
Fees: Single Pass – $37+tax per vehicle or Season Pass – $74+tax per vehicle
For more information - https://santasranch.com/

Travel - Oklahoma - Oklahoma City - Six Flags Frontier City - Fright Fest and Boo Fest

Since there were only a few days left for Fright Fest, our family decided to endure the loooong 3 hour drive from our home in Dallas to visit Frontier City just outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We drove up Interstate 35 which has a lot of construction going on - even through the night - so beware of closed lanes and slow trucks.

One note is that the park doesn't have clear signage on where guests should enter along the road. After you exit I-35 you will go along E Hefner Rd. Pass N. Coltrane Rd which is actually one of the the parking lot exits. the actual entrance is just past the park to an entry sign. Parking is either $30 for standard or $40 for premium, but the parking lot is really small so there is no need to upgrade to the higher priced parking unless you have the need.

During the day from 1pm to 4pm CST (but they closed up most activities before 3:30pm) children can participate in Boo Fest throughout the Happy Trails children's area. Start at the first stop on the left and ask for a treat bag. Then go stop-to-stop for fun Halloween-themed crafts, games or more candy. One note is none of the candy contains chocolate and many of the candies were really sticky (like airheads). I recommend bringing your own bag because the bags are not easy to carry and they are also too small to hold any of your crafts, OR, one of the craft stations has large white paper bags to decorate you can use (but they are hard to carry around too).

One craft station features pumpking decorating with paint markers. You grab a pumpking and head up the stairs (or walk a few feet over to the ramp up) to tables that have TONS of paint markers to use.

Throughout the area are decorated pumpkins that small kids can climb inside or face-cut-out photo props.

At the end of the Happy Trails area (right next to the restrooms) is a fun Little Monster Maze. Note, there are only 2 days left for Boo Fest - October 25th and 26th.

Fright Fest starts around 6:00pm CST and ends at 10:00pm CST Friday through Sunday. The last day for Fright Fest this year is November 1st. Fright Fest is included in the price of your entrance but the Haunted Attractions are not. You can buy a combo ticket (entry + Haunted Attractions) or an add-on Haunted Attractions pass online or at the gate. There are five haunted mazes, several scare zones and some Halloween-Themed shows. Like other parks, the scare zones are easy to find with the fog machines blowing out clouds of fog and black lighting.

One thing that was different at Frontier City's Fright Fest than other parks I've attended recently was the Fright Fest Parade (which isn't advertised online and I only found out when they started blocking the street). You will see several themed cars (like above) and most of the entertainers who are working the festival. Just a note, many of the entertainers target young kids and those who look scared. There are loud noises (chainsaws and metal scraping the cement) and some screaming. I'd keep younger kids away from the main street just in case.

Although there are not a lot of food options throughout the park (and note, Wild Bill's Chicken is currently closed) they did offer some Fright Fest specialty items for sale (or as part of your add-on Dining Pass).

The Pumpkin Patch snack was delicious (I mean, it's fried donut balls, of course it would be delicious). Bring patience as the food locations are understaffed. The Fort is the main dining hall with options plus drink refill area and a central restroom location. Avoid the back room with broken-down and non-working arcade machines.

The Fort also hosted a magic show (at 4pm CST and 5:30pm) and then freak shows afterwards. There are also some live entertainment shows across the way (near the spinning rides) but they are short so get there early to not miss the fun.

Overall, it was a good visit for a small park with enough to keep older and younger kids entertained and fed.

Address: 11501 N-I35 Service Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73131
For more info: https://www.sixflags.com/frontiercity