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

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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

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