Book Review - Fodor's Travel - Bucket List USA

This book of 800 pages is stuffed full of inspiration and useful information plus colorful photographs, pull-out maps (like an Amtrak train map) and tons of helpful tidbits.

The first chapter is titled "Experience Bucket List USA" and you can find quick reference sections on Iconic Landmarks (besides the obvious ones like Golden Gate Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, there's also the Love sculpture in Philadelphia and the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Montgomery), National Parks (a listing of the most popular and iconic parks like the Grand Canyon, Acadia, and Yellowstone), Adventures (not for the faint of heart like Mountain Biking in the Moab desert), Historic Sites (only a handful are listed but they are worthwhile stops like Ellis Island the Ebenezer Baptist Church), Natural Attractions (Redwood trees, Mammoth Cave, and a few more worth seeing), Museums (the top museums in the US focusing on culture and key points in our history), Festivals (well-known festivals like Comic-Con and Burning Man but even ones you might try for the first time like Telluride Bluegrass Festival or Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Seasonal Travel (leaf-peeping for sure), Family-Friendly Travel (my kids would argue against Colonial Williamsburg but luckily Busch Gardens is nearby), Roadside Attractions (you can't road trip through Texas without a stop at the iconic Cadillac Ranch), Spectator Sports (yes, these are iconic but definitely bucket list as in the tickets are super expensive or impossible to get), State Booze (Kentucky Bourbon and moonshine), Best Souvenirs, Best Places to Spot Wildlife, Top Music Experiences, What to Watch/Read/Listen To, and for a good laugh Wacky State Laws.

Next chapter "Great Itineraries" offers lots of road trip suggestions from six days to three weeks with day by day stops: Six Days in Badlands and Black Hills, One Week in Maui and the Road to Hana, One Week and the Underground Railroad, and more.

Chapter Three starts us out in "New England" with a nice map and regional highlights. My favorite sidebar in every chapter is the "What to Eat and Drink". Each chapter also has information such as know before you go, planning your time, big events, what to do, visitor information and contacts. Then the chapter gets further divided out by state in alphabetical order.

Chapter Four highlights "The Mid-Atlantic". Each chapter also has call out pages with vivid photographs for the must-see places of the region such as the Pocono Mountains.

Chapter Five gives us "The Southeast". You will also find a "Bucket List Picks" checklist for every state which makes for easy planning.

Chapter Six showcases "The Great Plains". For each state there is a listing of what to see or do and places to stay with address, contact and website information. See my comment down below about verifying the info before your journey.

Chapter Seven is "The West Coast and the Pacific". You can also find useful "when to go" information for the call out museums and parks so you can avoid either the most crowded times or the park closures. Again, double check hours and operating dates.

Chapter Eight offers "The Southwest".

Chapter Nine focuses on "The Rockies"

Chapter Ten highlights "The Great Lakes"

Since this book is so massive and heavy, I suggest tearing out the sections you need from your own copy rather than lugging the entire book with you. You could easily staple the pages together to make a mini book. That way you will have maps and important information with you when you lose cell coverage.

Definitely a keeper. You may be able to find used copies at local book stores or library sales.

Since this book was published in 2021, be sure to verify information like locations and hours before heading out as many businesses and processes changed after Covid.

Title: Fodor's Bucket List USA: From the Epic to the Eccentric, 500+ Ultimate Experiences
Author: Fodor Travel Guides
ISBN: 978-1640974562
Pages: 800

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Book Review - Official Guide to the Smithsonian

This is a nice quick-reference guide to the Smithsonian museums in Washington DC and two in New York City. Each museum is listed with a general description of what it holds, location, hours, the subway stations to utilize, the website, and a few photographs highlighting the exhibits on display.

The book starts with an introduction to the Smithsonian followed by information on visiting Washington DC including transportation tips and getting around.

The Museums on or near the National Mall: National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of the American Indian, Freer Gallery of Art, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, National Museum of African Art, Arts and Industries Building, Hirshhorn Museum and Scultpture Garden, National Postal Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, and Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

The locations in the Washington DC metro area include the National Zoo, Anacostia Community Museum, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

And the two locations in New York City include Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum and George Gustav Heye Center.

While looking through this book, keep in mind it was published in 2021 so a lot of the hours and whether you need to reserve a visit time or not should be checked via the websites ahead of time.

Interesting guide but try to find it at your local library.

Title: Official Guide to the Smithsonian
Author: Smithsonian Institute
ISBN: 978-1588346827
Pages: 240

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Book Review - The Swimming Holes of Texas by Julie Wernersbach and Carolyn Tracy

This is one of those kinds of books that you didn't know you needed until you find it. I think most Texans or visitors head to the well-known swimming spots like tubing the Brazos River or enjoying water toys on Lake Travis. But, this book offers some really good alternatives and the pictures are trip-inspiring. I really like the "Top Five Lists" pull-out guide at the very end - "Best Spots for Accessibility", "Top Five Free Spots", "Top Five Spots for Kids", "Tip Five Dog-Friendly Spots", "Top Five for Camping", "Top Five Worth the Drive", "Top Five Off the Beaten Path", and "Top Five Places We Must Protect".

This book is organized by general location - North, East, Central, Austin and the Surrounding Area, South, and West. Each section has a nice dark-mode map with places labeled. Each swimming hole listed includes full address and website, hours, fees, park rules, camping availability, a descriptive about section, swimming information, amenities (like restrooms), and pro tips.

This book is a definite keeper if you live or visit Texas often and need a place to cool off or even an idea for a day trip. The photographs will definitely inspire you to take an upcoming trip during the heat of summer or during Spring Break.

Title: The Swimming Holes of Texas
Author: Julie Wernersbach and Carolyn Tracy
ISBN: 978-1477321522
Pages: 256

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Event - #Travel #Texas - #Frisco - Texas Pinball Festival - March 20-22, 2026

Frisco, Texas - Texas Pinball Festival
March 20-22, 2026
Frisco Convention Center
If you love pinball or playing pinball, this is the festival for you! There will be over 440 games. Meet pinball creators and artists. Purchase merch. Feeling competitive, join one of the many tournaments (including one for kids). There will be entertainment and swaps. They will also have food trucks available.
For collectors, there are also special awards for machines you can enter: Best Antique, Best 60’s, Best 70’s EM, Best 77- 85 Solid State (SS), Best 86 – 91 Solid State (SS), Best 91-2010 (DMD Era), Best Modern, Best Original, Best Restoration, Best Custom Pinball, Best Custom or Innovative Arcade Video Game, Best Classic Arcade Video Game, Best Newcomer, and Grand Champion.
Some extra fun includes visits to the nearby National Videogame Museum and trivia sessions.
If you pre-register, you can get a collectible name badge.

Address: 7600 John Q. Hammons Dr., Frisco, TX 75034
Hours: Friday 4:00pm-1:00am; Saturday 9:00am-11:30pm; Sunday 9:00am-2:00pm CST
Fees: Day passes start at $30 for adults or $20 for kids; Weekend pases are available for $105-$115

For more information, click here: https://texaspinball.com/

Book Review - Heart and Darkness: Scary Adventures and the Evolution of Disney’s Dark Rides by Shawn Patrick Farrell

I found this book by accident while searching for Disney-related guides. I didn't expect much looking at the cover but it turned out to be a real treasure. The author not only dives into the history of dark rides but also details almost every single dark ride that ever existed at all the Disney parks. And I really enjoyed learning how the Imagineers handled different situations and the "secrets" of how they made these rides so popular.

The chapters are broken out in logical order starting with the history and making of dark rides in the first few chapters. Chapter 4 describes the World's Fair where Disney showcased Carousel of Progress (and an early version of People Mover) as well as Pirates and Haunted Mansion. Chapter five, humorously titled "Go East, Old Man", is an exploration of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Chapter six delves into Disneyland Tokyo and Disney Sea. Chapter seven visits Disneyland Paris. Chapter eight goes to Hong Kong Disneyland and chapter nine goes to Shanghai Disneyland. Chapter ten visits other amusement parks like Universal Studios and Knott's Berry Farm and their stand out dark rides. Chapter eleven discusses some abandoned dark ride ideas or concepts and the end of the chapter talks about the future of dark rides and some upcoming rides.

Keep in mind this book was published in 2017 which means a few of the rides are now retired and some of the rides listed in the future section are up and running today.

I like that each chapter that lists rides puts them in ascending order by date so we can see the evolution. A lot of the early rides are still operating.

This is a great book for not only Disney lovers but Amusement Park enthusiasts as well.

Title: Heart and Darkness: Scary Adventures and the Evolution of Disney’s Dark Rides
Author: Shawn Patrick Farrell
ISBN: 978-1683900962
Pages: 237

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Event - #Travel #Texas - #Denison - Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl and Stroll - March 14, 2026

Denison, Texas - Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl and Stroll
March 14, 2026
Downtown Denison
Denison is hosting it's fourth annual St Patrick's Day Pub Crawl throughout downtown (and the rest of the town as well). Wear your green and get ready to enjoy the local vendor's foods and drinks. Check the website for participating locations and parking information. Some shops will offer family-friendly crafts or activities. There will be live music throughout plus shopping opportunities.

Address: N/A
Hours: See Website
Fees: No fees to stroll

For more information, click here: https://discoverdenison.com/event/st-patricks-day-pub-crawl-shamrock-stroll-2/

Book Review - The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places in the USA

I am always seeking suggestions for my next or future trips and while I was wandering the bookstore, I came upon this book full of amazing photographs of locations around the US. The book is broken out into major geographical areas - the Northeast, the Great Lakes, the Plains, the Southeast, the Southwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific Coast.

Although there are metropolitan cities showcased in here, such as Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, Austin, the pictures and text highlight little lesser-known places or must-see suggestions to check out while you are in town. Many of the places in this book are well-known tourist stops, I found many interesting places to visit as well.

My friends call this a great coffee table book. I think it's a great inspirational guide.

Title: The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places in the USA
Author: Rough Guides
ISBN: 978-1789196917
Pages: 232

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Event - #Travel #Texas - #Kerrville - Classic Music Festival - March 7, 2026

Kerrville, Texas - Classic Music Festival
March 7, 2026
First Presbyterian Chruch
Wonderful choral performance sponsored by Hill Country Vocal Arts Society by a forty-member chorus.
While you're in Kerrville, there are many other events taking place on this Saturday.
The Museum of Western Art is featuring Illustrator A.R. Mitchell's exhibit, The King of Western Pulp, through April 18th. Entry fee is $7.00 for adults or $5.00 for children. Address is 1550 Bandera Highway Kerrville, TX 78028. Their hours are 10:00am through 4:00pm CST Tuesday through Saturday.
Arcadia Live is presenting "Prohibition to Present: Our Centennial Celebration" from 6:00pm to 9:00pm CST. Tickets are pricey but this is a fund-raising event.

Address: 800 Jefferson St., Kerrville, TX 78028
Hours: 4:00pm CST
Fees: Donations accepted

For more information, check out: https://hillcountrychorale.org/

Book Review - Fodor's InFocus - Turks and Caicos Islands

I've started to plan to take a cruise next winter so I picked up a couple of books from the library and this little guide caught my attention. Turks and Caicos Islands are absolutely gorgeous and a few cruises make stops there.

Turks and Caicos are actually a series of islands. From the left, there is the West Caicos, Providenciales (the main tourist hub, also called Provo), North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos, and South Caicos. Followed by Grand Turk Island. Then there are the smaller islands like Salt Cay which are challenging to get to but very beautiful.

The main airport is Providenciales International Airport (PLS) in Provo. From Provo, you can utilize InterCaribbean or Caicos Express Airways island-hop flights to visit the other islands, utilize the local ferries such as Caribbean Cruisin (but the schedules may not be regular or may depend on the weather), or (at a much higher cost) hire a tour company to transport you. The authors repeatedly say the adventure is worth it because the sandy beaches on these smaller islands are amazing.

The first chapter of this book has many highlights - "17 Ultimate Experiences", "Best Beaches", "Best Outdoor Activities", "Top Hotels for Families" and more.

The next chapter, "Travel Smart" offers tips on getting to the islands and then getting around; using money (US Dollars) and credit cards; Events throughout the year; suggested itineraries.

The next four chapters break down the islands themselves including detailed city maps and points of interest. Hotels and restaurants are listed and reviewed for each island as well as activities ranging from diving and snorkeling to paddleboarding or kayaking and more.

Grand Turk is where the cruise ship terminal is stationed and the book offers things to do nearby and excursions you could sign up for.

So, even though this book is about half an inch thick, it is packed full of useful information if you are planning an upcoming trip.

Title: Fodor's InFocus Turks and Caicos Islands
Author: Fodor Travel Guides
ISBN: 978-1640975606
Pages: 208

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Trip Report - Texas - San Antonio - Six Flags Fiesta Texas - Mardi Gras Festival

This was the first time I'd attended the Mardi Gras Festival at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and was really impressed by the offerings.

When you head toward the entrance, you will be greeted by a giant sign.

And you will find decorations throughout the park.

There are creole and cajun style treats throughout the park - look for these colorful displays. Look for the beignets (ben-yays) or the French-style donuts covered with powdered sugar. Also, if you purchased the dining package add-on for your ticket, some of the booths offer items that work with that program (look for the "M").

The Six Flags app lists the locations and times for live entertainment if you don't find the signs. The Big Easy Band was playing jazz hits near a nice sitting area where you can find adult beverages and some time to sit and enjoy. Right across this area was the kid's craft stations where they were making masks and coloring pages. There was also a family-friendly show featuring singing and acrobatics on the Texas Stage (near the center of the park). Looney Toons characters were roaming outside their photo studio wearing Mardi Gras colored accessories if you or your kids enjoy meet-and-greets.

Also, the staff at different rides and at the entrance booths were handing out beaded necklaces.

Lots of photo props throughout the park.

The highlight of the festival is the Mardi Gras Parade which runs through most of the park with guest interaction, music, and lots of fun. Good for the whole family.

Maardi Gras Festival February 7 – March 15

Six Flags Fiesta Texas, 17000 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257

Park is open weekends and daily through during Spring Break (March 9-15th plus March 19th-22nd)

For more information, click here: https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas/events/mardi-gras
You can also find a park map here: https://qr1.be/ZYX2

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Oglesby - Rattlesnake Roundup - February 21-22, 2026

Oglesby, Texas - Rattlesnake Roundup
February 21-22, 2026
Oglesby Community Center
Looking for something different that benefits the entire community? How about learning about rattlesnakes? Enjoy a car show. Purchase some crafts or food items. Wander around Oglesby and enjoy the local businesses. At 11am on Saturday, watch the North Star Cloggers and Brazos Valley Cloggers do a thirty minute show. From 12pm to 5pm on Saturday, catch Colin Dexter's show. From 12pm to 5pm on Sunday, catch Ed Leonard's musical show.
Join a coloring contest or take part in a Cornhole Tournament (entry fee required)

Address: 118 Main St., Oglesby, Texas
Hours: Snake shows are at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm CST on Saturday and 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm on Sunday.
Fees:

For more information, check out: https://oglesbyrattlesnakeroundup.wordpress.com/

Trip Report - Texas - San Antonio - Sea World San Antonio - Mardi Gras

For a short time, Sea World San Antonio is celebrating Mardi Gras (a carnival theme which was made famous in New Orleans) with colorful theming, fun characters roaming the areas with beads to give away, musical and animal shows and some Cajun-style foods for purchase.

After getting through security then the ticket scanning stalls, you will come upon the park map and the fountain area. If you come too early, you may miss the fun guys on stilts but not to worry as you can circle back later and catch a picture with them - which is what I ended up doing since I arrived a little after park opening and they hadn't come out yet.

Head past the service buildings and you may find Shamu the killer whale waiting on the righthand path to take a picture with you and your family. If the line is long, be patient because it will get longer throughout the day and Shamu tends to disappear as it gets hotter or later in the day. Don't be intimidated by the park's photographer, you can take your own pictures as well.

If you're really lucky and you arrive early in the day, you may get to see Star, a bald eagle, just behind all the fountains.

As we headed toward the roller coasters, we ran into the colorful King and Queen.

When you head further into the park (and a bit later in the day since they weren't open in the morning), there's a nice Queen's Concoctions truck serving Mardi Gras-themed adult beverages.

Throughout the kid's areas we met several costumed characters wandering around. A few of them were handing out beaded necklaces. One fellow had a little bead-throwing game for kids to win a necklace.

There's special musical shows throughout the day. Use the Sea World app to find the times and locations. You can enjoy the Bexas Brass brand and The Krewe's Beats and Beads Jamboree. There's also a nice Cajun Critters show at the Biergarten Stage.

There was a small offering of Cajun or Creole foods and adult beverages. Definitely not as grand as their food festival which makes sense since this event only runs about a month long.

And finally, I took a peak at the new roller coaster coming soon - Barracuda Strike.

The party only lasts until February 16, 2026. Also, Sea World operating hours are on the "shorter" schedule - 10:30am - 5:00pm CST on weekends plus President's Day.

Sea World San Antonio, 10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251

For more information, click here: https://seaworld.com/san-antonio/events

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Fredericksburg - Balloon and Wine Festival - February 14, 2026

Fredericksburg, Texas - Balloon and Wine Festival
February 14, 2026
Grapetown Vineyard and Farm
Something a little different for Valentines this year can be had out at the vineyard including Safari Wine Tours, a ride up in a tethered hot-air balloon (extra ticket required) or even a night-time glow ride, grape stomping, tasty food and wine sampling for purchase. It's family-friendly fun if you want to bring the little ones. The vineyard also offers camping passes if you'd like to stay the weekend (see website for pricing/availability).
Please note that the hot air balloon rides are dependent upon the weather and wind conditions.

Address: 8142 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Hours: 12:00pm - 7:00pm CST
Fees: Parking Pass ($23.59 online only), Adult General Entry ($29.22), Kid General Entry ($15.71); Right now there's a special limited-time Buy 1 Get 1 FREE offer. Check the site for availability and prices.

For more information: https://thebestoftexas.org/fredericksburg-balloon-and-wine-festival/

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Palestine - Mardi Gras Parade (February 7, 2026)

Palestine, Texas - Mardi Gras Parade
February 7, 2026
The parade will head down Avenue A from near the Anderson County Courthouse.
Unfortunately, a lot of the Mardi Gras events around Texas have been cancelled due to the bad weather storm we had last week and many businesses and sponsors trying to get back to normal. Right now, Palestine is still holding their annual Mardi Gras parade through town.
Also, if you arrive early in the day, there's a popup Vendor Fair with lots of crafts and food items for sale in downtown from 9am to 3pm. Address for fair: 201 W Oak Street, Downtown Palestine, TX

Address: 500 N Church Street Palestine, TX 75801
Hours: 5:30pm - 7:30pm CST
Fees: None
Click here for more info: https://www.visitpalestine.com/events/2026/mardi-gras-parade

Book Review - Atlas Obscura Wild Life by Cara Giaimo and Joshua Foer

If you've read the other Atlas Obscura books (Atlas Obscura, Gastro Obscura, etc) you will enjoy this book as well. It is packed full of interesting animals, insects, flowers, trees and other natural features and organisms. The photographs throughout this book are amazing. You will also find tons of well-researched information, tidbits, history and more. Even for creatures I'd normally skip over (like snakes), I actually found the information presented really interesting.

The book is divided into environments - Forests and Rainforests, Grasslands and Tundras, Mountains, Deserts, Shallows and Deeps, Cities, and Islands.

Not only is each natural creature or feature revealed in depth but the book highlights people who work in those fields. For example, under the Snow Leopards in the Mountains chapter is the highlight of A Snow Leopard Conservationist.

As a traveler, I zoomed in on the useful "how to see..." section listed for each topic (almost hidden in the lengthy text but in bold font). Many of them we'd probably never get to see especially those in war-torn places or really remote sites. But it's still nice to have the info.

This is a massive book full of really interesting information. Definitely a keeper.

Title: Atlas Obscura: Wild Life: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Living Wonders
Author: Cara Giaimo and Joshua Foer
ISBN: 978-1523514410
Pages: 464

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Book Review - You Are Here: Around the World in 92 Minutes by Chris Hadfield

If you are a fan of satellite what-is-this type photographs, you will love this book. Astronaut Chris Hadfield put together this book based on photographs he had taken from space. Chris has a good sense of humor and the book is well written. I really enjoyed the introduction he wrote.

The book is divided out by location - Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America, and South America. The end of the book has a handy photo location map.

Many of the photos are thought-provoking such as the border between Mexico and the US or different times of day in Manhattan (9:23am vs 3:45am). Some photos feature interesting landscapes or natural damage (such as the San Andres Fault). You will see punctuation marks. Photos that look like constellations in the sky. Different views of ice or snow in cold climates.

Overall this is a great book to leave on the coffee table for all to enjoy.

Title: You Are Here: Around the World in 92 Minutes: Photographs from the International Space Station
Author: Chris Hadfield
ISBN: 978-0316379649
Pages: 208

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Book Review - DK Eyewitness - Nashville Like a Local

I enjoy getting tips from locals on where to go, what to eat, and what to avoid. This book provides that but, let's be honest, I could have gotten the same information from a quick search on the internet. What makes this book valuable are the wonderfully illustrated maps. Of course, if you're handy with Google Maps you could easily drop pins on places you want to try. If you like paper maps, you could easily print Google Map views off with a little bit of work. Otherwise, I enjoyed the authors' sense of humor throughout and learning about some new spots to try.

The book is divided into the following chapters - Eat, Drink, Shop, Arts and Culture, Nightlife, and Outdoors. There is a handy directory at the end.

Try to find this book in your local library and make a list of places you want to try to visit in Nashville.

Title: Nashville Like a Local (Local Travel Guide)
Author: DK Eyewitness authors including locals Bailey Freeman and Kristen Shoates
ISBN: 978-0241686829
Pages: 192

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