Event - #Travel #Texas - Surfside - Texas Navy Day Commemoration - September 19, 2026

Surfside, Texas - Texas Navy Day Commemoration
September 19, 2026
Surfside City Hall

Texian Navy Day was established in 1835 on the third Saturday of September. There were three Texas navies originally. The first was established in 1835 and patrolled the Gulf of Mexico until 1838. The second was transferred when Texas became part of the United States. The third is an arm of Texas's civil defense.

This commemoration will honor the Navy with a speaker and some light refreshments. If you're already in the area or plan to be in the area, try to stop by to show your support of our great Navy. Otherwise, since it's only an hour long presentation, it may not be worth a long drive.

While you're in Surfside, check out the beach. There are special beach-friendly wheelchairs/mobi chair rentals you can reserve through City Hall (check the second url down below for details).

If you come a day earlier or stay until Monday, there's a nice, small museum to check out: Surfside Historical Museum, 1304 Monument Surfside Beach, Monday-Friday 9am-4pm

You can also find water sport equipment rentals. Or just beachcomb for seashells. If you enjoy birding, download the birding guide: https://www.visitsurfsidebeachtx.org/upload/page/0068/docs/birdingbrochure.pdf
Enjoy history? Check out what remains of Fort Velasco which, in 1832, saw the first battle for Texas' war for independence from Mexico. You can find historical markers.

Address: 1304 Monument Dr, Surfside, Texas
Hours: 2:00pm CST - 3:00pm CST
Fees: FREE

For more information, click here: https://www.surfsidetx.org/
Visitors can check out https://www.visitsurfsidebeachtx.org/
For more information on Texian Navy Day, click here: https://drtinfo.org/Members/Members/Events/Event_display.aspx?EventKey=TEXNAV26

Book Review - DK Eyewitness Travel - Off The Tourist Trail

This massive (and heavy) book is absolutely loaded with suggested places to visit that rival famous and very touristy locations and even popular festivals. Full-color photos will inspire you. Most of the suggestions come with Practical Information boxes with "Getting There and Around", "When to Go", and a useful website for more information. I like the This vs That format of each location and even offers a little side bar about why you should skip the more famous site.

My favorite part of the book are the chapters titled "Less-Explored" such as "Less-Explored New York" and "Less-Explored San Francisco" located toward the end. They offer unique and interesting experiences without dealing with the long lines or high prices. "Less-Explored New York", for example, has suggestions for Off-Broadway Theater and Performances, international foods to try, Hidden Parks, Music Venues, and suggestions on where to stay and where to eat.

Also at the end of every section are these great "44 More" sights to explore with pages full of great suggestions.

The section "Ancient and Historical Sights" highlights plenty of interesting alternatives such as Pyramids of Meroe in Sudan versus the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt followed by 4 more pyramids to check out. Avebury versus Stonehenge followed by 6 more prehistoric sites. Pula Arena in Croatia versus Rome's Colosseum. This is followed by 6 more amphitheaters to visit.

The "Festivals and Parties" section has suggestions all over the world including Salvador Carinval versus Rio Carnival. Both are in Brazil but the Salvador version offers more participation and is actually the biggest street party in the world. This is followed by 4 more Carnival parties to attend. If you enjoy music, check out the Montreal Jazz Festival versus the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland - it's much closer and much more manageable.

"Great Journeys" section includes chapters "Less-Travelled China" and "Less-Travelled India" in addition to famous treks such as Coastal Route 15 in Mexico versus Route 66 in USA or a Pilgrimage to Rome vs Camino de Santiago in Spain.

"Architectural Marvels" section includes lots of famous structures including Haghia Sophia in Istanbul versus Basilica San Marco in Venice. Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles versus Sydney Opera House in Australia (and it's much closer for us). Notre-Dame d'Amiens in France versus Notre-Dame de Paris.

The next section, "Natural Wonders" has several good American options - Devil's Tower in Wyoming and Bryce Canyon in Utah, but then the authors choose Iceland over Yellowstone.

The "Beaches" section has some gorgeous pictures. Turtle Bay in Watamu, Kenya, Sabratha in Libya, Manzanillo Beach in Costa Rica, and more.

"Sports and Activities" section has some adventurous options. Skiing in Kicking Horse versus Whistler in Canada. Hiking Mount Stanley in Uganda versus Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Diving in Australia's Christmas Island versus The Great Barrier Reef.

"Art and Culture" section includes some interesting options such as Wine-Tasting in Mendoza in Argentina versus Napa Valley. Rock Art of Drakensburg in South Africa versus The Cave Paintings of Lascaux in France. Lyonnaise Cuisine versus Parisian Cuisine. New York's Independent Galleries versus MoMa also in New York.

And finally, "Cities" section featues a lot of "Less-Explored" chapters in addition to a nifty Geographical Index.

Overall, this is a great book to get inspired for some new places to visit and new experiences to try. The price of the book is pretty reasonable. I leave my copy on the coffee table so guests can also feel inspired by the beautiful full color photographs.

Title: Off the Tourist Trail: 1,000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives
Author: DK Publishing
ISBN: 978-0756653996
Pages: 336

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Book Review - Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Adventures from the World's Leading Travel Authority

When planning a vacation, if you lean towards activities that are more physical or challenging such as running marathons or rock climbing in the desert, this is the book for you.

For me and my family, I focused on activities that young children could enjoy which wasn't many. Here are the chapters that could fall into the family-friendly category or could be re-worked a bit to become family-friendly: Going to Extremes (a few choices such as the Dead Sea, Greenland, Vatican City), Best Four-Legged Adventures (Reindeer Sledding, Dog Mushing (check on age range requirements), Wagon Train Adventure), Boy's (and Girl's) Own Adventures, Get Your Thrills Indoors (Chakazoolu Indoor Theme Park or Indoor Skiing and Snowboarding), Intrepid Treasure-Hunting Trips (Gold Panning in British Columbia, Canada), Best Undiscovered US Parks, and a chapter dedicated to Family-Friendly Adventures (options like beaches in Bali, Indonesia or Ranching in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Are you a strong swimmer and enjoy water activities, check out these chapters: Best Spots to Catch a Big Wave, Wildest Swims in the World, Epic Sea-Kayak Paddles, Sail or Bust, Get on Board, Truly Wild Waterways, Best Rafting Rivers, Sweetest Snorkel Spots, and more.

Enjoy rock climbing, these might appearl to you: Mountain Quests, Most Spectacular Rock Climbs, Rock Stars: World's Best Bouldering, Best Beginners' Climbs, and more.

Prefer running or extreme hiking? How about Gotta Be In It to Win It: Best Races, Downhill Dashes, Mind-Blowing Marathons, Best Treks with Killer Views, Best ultra Runs, World's Highest Treks, Longest Treks, and more.

Like animals plus adventure (no petting zoos in here), try these: Scariest Animal Encounters, Most Excellent Equine Escapades, Best Birding in Highlands and Islands, Essential African Adventures, and more.

This book was published in 2013 so double-check all the locations to be sure they are still open to tourists and the information is correct.

For a family of young children or for really lazy people who prefer relaxing, this wasn't a very useful guide but there were a few suggestions. If you enjoy daring activities, you'll get plenty of inspiration.

Title: Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Adventures from the World's Leading Travel Authority
Author: Lonely Planet Authors
ISBN: 978-1743217191
Pages: 352

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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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Book Review - Moon - Dominican Republic by Lebawit Lily Girma

The Dominican Republic is on my travel bucket list for (hopefully) next year so I ordered this book to start planning. What I love most about this book is how authentic the author's experiences come through for each of the areas she has visited. We can get a good understanding of the foods, hotels, travels and experiences for each place. Lots of first-hand advice and descriptions. Also, advice for women travelling alone.

The book is divided out by areas starting with the capital: Santa Domingo, Punta Cana and the Southeast Coast, The Samana Peninsula, Puerto Plata and the North Coast, Santiago and the Cibao Valley, and Barahona and the Southwest. Each of those region chapters is further broken down by city and then sights, foods, accommodations, transportations, and more. Then there's a chapter dedicated to the country's tumultous but fascinating background. A chapter for Travel Essentials (Transportation, Money, Tips, Food, Hotels, Health and Safety, Services, etc). Then a nice Spanish phrasebook that you can rip out and take with you.

Top 10 Experiences introduction is followed by a useful "Planning Your Trip" section with information on passports, transportation, etc. Followed by suggested itineraries in "The Best of the Dominican Republic". Most of us are looking for the "Best Beaches" page listed by area. "Romancing the DR" will interest couples or honeymooners. There's a page listing out top Diving and Snorkeling spots. The culture in Dominican Republic places a lot of emphasis on music and you'll find a call-out section dedicated to enjoying that as well as sprinkled throughout the book. For those so inclined, there's a page about Social Impact Tourism.

Lots of good info and full-color maps. Definitely a keeper guide to add to the collection.

Title: Moon Dominican Republic (Travel Guide)
Author: Lebawit Lily Girma
ISBN: 978-1640490468
Pages: 400

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Book Review - Fodor's Travel Guide - Essential Costa Rica

Costa Rica has become a popular tourist destination and is definitely on my bucket list. A lot of airlines fly directly to the city of San Jose which is in the center of the country or Liberia which is in the northwest. Cruise lines are also making Costa Rica a stop on their itinerary. This guide is massive and very thorough with lots of colorful pictures and maps.

"Experience Costa Rica" is the first chapter and lists out most of the "must do" reasons to visit Costa Rica - Top 18 experiences, Best Beaches, Best Ecolodges, What to Eat and Drink, Eccotourism, Outdoor Adventures, Weddings or Honeymoons, The People, and Families. Followed by a "Travel Smart" section listing out how to get here and get around, the main language is Spanish and there's a handy guide of useful phrases, What to Pack (expect rainy weather), Tours and Calendars. The rest of the book is divided out into areas starting with San Jose, The Central Valley, Northern Lowlands, GuanaCaste, The Nicoya Peninsula, Central Pacific Coast, South Pacific, and The Caribbean Coast.

Each section lists contains a map, detailed information on the national park within it, food and accomodation suggestions, "planning your time" info, nightlife and shopping. I really appreciate the safety callouts for some of the more adventurous activities (like ziplines). The table of contents lists out all the maps with page numbers if you want to pull those out to pack in your luggage (like I do since I don't trust Wifi internationally). Excellent guide published in 2025.

Title: Fodor's Travel Guide - Essential Costa Rica
Author: Fodor's Travel Guide
ISBN: 9781640976924
Pages: 528

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Book Review - Moon Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket by Ray Bartlett

If you are planning a trip to the Massachusetts coast, this book is a great guide. Lots of trip planning tips including how to get around the towns (especially during high peak season when there is very limited or almost non-existent parking). Local public transporation is always recommended. Where to park, where to eat, where to stay in addition to full-color maps. "Best of" suggestions with number of days to visit. Tips for the beaches. Food suggestions. Very good guide.

Title: Moon Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket (Travel Guide)
Author: Ray Bartlett
ISBN: 978-1640492097
Pages: 272

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Event - #Travel #Texas - #Port Arthur - First Day Hike - January 1, 2025

Port Arthur, Texas - First Day Hike
January 1, 2025
Sea Rim State Park
Celebrate the New Year with a jump start on your new years resolutions by hiking on the beach. For those brave souls, don a wetsuite and jump in for a polar plunge. At the end of the hike, taste a new years (and good luck) snack of traditional cabbage, cornbread, and black-eyed peas. The hike is about a mile long on uneven ground but mobility devices and scooters are welcome.
Address: 19335 S. Gulfway Drive, Port Arthur
Hours: 6am-10pm
Fees: $4 for adults entry fee
For more info: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/sea-rim