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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Book Review - Lonely Planet Hong Kong Travel Guide

I've been planning out a trip to see the other Disneyland parks of the world. Of course, considering how expensive airfare to Asia can be, might be a several years down the road plan, but I've been checking books out for Shanghai and Hong Kong from the library. Lonely Planet is one of my favorite travel guide series and this book on Hong Kong was fantastic.

This book just came out in December so the information is pretty recent (keep in mind the publishing process takes time so always verify information before visiting especially with hours and prices).

There are several things I love about this guide. One, you will find little side bubbles filled with useful tips from experts or influencers who are very familiar with the area or topic. Second, I love the little food/coffee/bar tips that are shown along the bottom for every area. There are full colors maps plus walking trail guides.

Not to mention there are two pages dedicated to Hong Kong Disneyland.

On page 203 you will find the "Toolkit" with useful info on visiting. And on page 217 there's a "Storybook" which talks about the culture and history of Hong Kong.

This book is definitely a keeper, IMO.

Title: Lonely Planet Hong Kong
Author: Thomas O'Malley, Orlando Crowcroft, Angela Hui
ISBN: 978-1-83869-365-7

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Book Review - Insight Guides - Shanghai City Guide

Our family love Disney World and Disneyland and we have the desire to visit the other parks in China, so I picked up this Shanghai City Guide at the library. It's a bit old (I think there's a newer version out there on Amazon) but the general information is still valid. PLUS, this book comes with a FREE ebook that you can take with you!

I do want to warn you that there's only a paragraph's worth of information for Shanghai Disney Resort and the authors recommend other parks instead. So if you're planning a trip solely for Disney, you may be disappointed with this guide.

That being said, I do like how this book is laid out by area or neighborhood. They have some useful full-color maps. The app that is advertised inside the cover of the book is no longer available but the eBook is and I was able to download it without any issues.

The really useful information is found starting on page 255 in the back of the book - getting around, money, etc.

Title: Insight Guides City Guide Shanghai
Author: Insight Guides
ISBN: 978-178-671-845-7

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Review - Washington, DC - Cherry Blossom Festival

I had the privilege to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC this past Sunday. I lucked out in that it was right during peak bloom (meaning the flowers were the biggest they were going to be and then start falling off the trees). The festival itself lasts until April 13th this year. There seems to be a lot of events that happen especially on weekends.

One thing I learned from the National Park service (you can find helpful guides at the Welcome Tent which according to the website below, is open 10 AM – 5 PM, Mondays – Thursdays, and 10 AM – 6 PM, Fridays – Sundays.) is that there are many different Cherry Blossom species! So, even if you come later in the festival, there will be blooms. You can find maps, pins, and Junior Ranger activities at the National Park tents.

Is it Crowded? - I visited on a Sunday so I felt it was less crowded. What makes it feel crowded is that there is a walking trail all around the Tidal Basin and people stop and take photos. The areas furthest from the monument was less crowded. Really pretty picture spots were definitely more crowded. Inside the monuments was a bit hectic as people are trying to get their pictures with the statues.

Can I Bring a Stroller? - the "trail" ranges from well-paved to decent dirt to massive holes/cracks to huge tree root dirt, so I highly recommend a stroller that can handle the rough terrain. I brought a stroller and was fine. They do have wheelchair/stroller ramps up to all the monuments.

Can I Use a Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter? - there are areas that will be manageable for people with mobility areas but don't plan to walk through the trees as the paths are dirt, full of treet roots and holes, and not very easy to manage. The areas around the monuments are paved and there are ramps (right now, the elevators are not operating).

How do I get there? - If you drive into DC, do not drive around the Tidal Basin itself as the traffic is VERY BAD. The free parking is very limited. Better to park away from the area and walk. Walking is very easy and strollers/wheelchair friendly. Parking is free on weekends at the metro stations and using public transportation is only a few dollars. I did see several hop-on/hop-off buses going around the city and to this area which is a good option if you plan to go outside the Tidal Basin but it costs money. I personally just used a public parking garage (I was able to pay online for cheaper rate) and just walked over. There are metro trains directly from the nearby airport. Or you can uber/lyft.



Food Tips - Bring snacks with you as the lines for the onsite cafes/vendors were quite long and the prices were high. Normally I endorse foodtrucks, but for the ones crowding around the streets in this area, I have my doubts. First, almost none of them displayed their prices and some changed the prices on the fly in addition to obvious price gouging. The quality of the product was questionable (a frozen drink that was not frozen at all). Some only take cash. Better to walk down the street about 5 minutes to an honest business.

Restroom Tips - I saw several restrooms with long lines epecially those inside monuments. Look at the map. There almost always was another restroom just a short walk away with no line at all. Try to use the restrooms around this area because once you start walking in the direction of the capital buildings, there are very few public ones available.

For information, https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/maps.htm

For More Information, https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/

For LIVE web cam views, https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/bloom-watch/

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Salado - Wildflower Art Show Weekend - March 29-30, 2025

Salado, Texas - Wildflower Art Show Weekend
March 29-30, 2025
Salado Civic Center
Celebrate Spring at Salado's annual Wildflower Arts and Crafts Festival outside at the Civic Center. Explore family-friendly activities, browse craft vendor booths, enjoy food truck vendors, and more.
Address: 601 N. Main Street, Salado, TX 76571
Hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Fees: FREE
For more information - https://www.salado.com/

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Frisco - Texas Pinpall Festival - March 21-23, 2025

Frisco, Texas - Texas Pinball Festival
March 21-23, 2025
Embassay Suites Hotel and Convention Center
Bring your kids or your inner child to play pinball games, video games, and other games. Check out collectibles and other merchandise from a variety of vendors. Get a weekend pass to enjoy all three days of fun.
Also, per the website, Saturday, March 22, 2025 starting at 6:00am, the DFW Pinball and Arcade Club will be putting on an outdoor flea market and swap meet featuring coin operated collectibles, project machines and more! Admission is free to all guests.
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
Fees: Friday $50 adults/$25 kids; Saturday $60 adults/$35 kids; Sunday $30 adults/$20 kids; Weekend passes $110 at door; kids under 5 FREE
For more information - https://texaspinball.com/tpf/

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Lewisville - St. Paddy's Texas Style - March 15, 2025

Lewisville, Texas - St. Paddy's Texas Style
March 15, 2025
Wayne Ferguson Plaza
Get your Irish on at this super-fun St Patrick's Day festival. Kids will enjoy bounce houses and mini trains. There will be Luche Libre Wrestling! Food and drink vendors. Irish dancing and music.
Address: 150 W. Church St., Lewisville, Texas
Hours: 1:00pm - 8:00pm
Fees: Admission is FREE; some activities cost money
For more information - https://www.cityoflewisville.com/city-hall/city-departments/community-relations-tourism/special-events-festivals/st-paddy-s-texas-style

Event - #Travel #Texas - Calliham - Birding Festival at Choke Canyon State Park - March 8, 2025

Calliham, Texas - Birding Festival at Choke Canyon State Park
March 8, 2025
Choke Canyon State Park
Tucked away about half-way between San Antonio and Corpus Christi is Choke Canyon State Park which promises outdoor family fun. The birding festival features a Live Bird Show plus lots of wildlife viewing walks. There will also be guest speakers, kid friendly activities, and native plant for sale.
Address: 358 Recreation Rd. 8, Calliham, TX 78007
Hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Fees: $5 entry fee for ages 13 and up
For more information: https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/choke-canyon/birding-festival

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Spring Branch - Star Party at Guadalupe River State Park - March 8, 2025

Spring Branch, Texas - Star Party
March 8, 2025
Guadalupe River State Park
Located north of San Antonio, this natural wonder will be alive at night with the help of the San Antonio Astronomical Association with telescopes and binoculars to view the night sky (assuming no clouds). This event will be held in the large overflow parking lot (just up the road from the big river parking lot). Look for the big blue "Stargazing Tonight" sign on the park road just across from this parking lot.
Address: 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Hours: 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Fees: Entry fee $7 for ages 13 and up
For More Info - https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/guadalupe-river/star-party-with-the-san-antonio-astronomical-association

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Beaumont - Mardi Gras Southeast Texas - February 28 - March 2, 2025

Beaumont, Texas - Mardi Gras Southeast Texas
February 28 - March 2, 2025
Dogget Ford Park
Come out to Southeast Texas for some Mardi Gras fun! There will be a TON of Mardi Gras (also known as Fat Tuesday) parades throughout the weekend including a fun Golf Cart/ATV one on Friday and a kid-sized one on Sunday. Enjoy food vendors and artisans. There will be a Kid Kingdom with bounce houses and a foam factory. Friday night's music concert features Kody West, Kolby Cooper, and Southall. Saturday night's concert features DJ John L, C and C Music Factory, and FloRida. Sunday night's concert features Ignacio Legacy, Lunada, and La Tropa Estrella. Your concert ticket includes entry to the festival grounds.
Address: 5115 I-10, Beaumont, TX 77705
Hours: See website
Fees: Festival Only $10; Concert and Festival $20-$45; Parking Free
For more information: https://mardigrastx.com/

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Navasota - Texas Birthday Bash - March 1, 2025

Navasota, Texas - Texas Birthday Bash
March 1, 2025
August Horst Memorial Park
Enjoy country or Tejano music? Come out to the Texas Birthday Bash to enjoy music, food vendors, craft vendors, and more. Kids will enjoy activities and fun at the Kid Zone. Made-in-Texas crafts and foods. On the Main Stage, country guest stars include Clay Walker, Randall King, Braxton Keith, Dylan Wheeler, and Julie Roberts. Siggno, Grupo Zenzio, and Amanda Solis (Selena Tribute) will entertain on the Tejano Stage. A side stage features many other talented musical guests.
Address: 100 Airport Road, Navasota, TX 77868
Hours: Opens at noon
Fees: $35 online or $45 at gate
For more information: https://www.texasbirthdaybash.com/