Book Review - Go Lightly : How To Travel Without Hurting The Planet by Nina Karnikowski

When I first ordered this book, I thought it was about packing light. Well, there was a chapter called "Pack Lightly" which was useful.

This book is about traveling while minimizing your impact on the planet. Even if you don't strictly follow sustainable travel practices, this book points out some really easy things we can all do without any big effort or cost.

What I really liked about this book were the "Conscious Travel Hero" interviews with experts. Many of them offer tips on lightly travelling and their favorite locations. Reading from actual people is enjoyable.

We all know that flying is toxic for the environment, but check the "Fly smarter" section of the "Move Lightly" chapter which offers a few practical tips. Have time to explore or are going to train-friendly countries, travel via a train and live the Swedish concept of "train bragging" or "tagskryt". Further in the chapter are useful tips on travelling by train including staying safe.

Some other chapters include "Eat Lightly", "Stay Lightly", and "Wild Lightly" (about wildlife).

I liked the "Shop Carefully" page because I also like to search out actual local crafts (and not items just purchased online from China).

The very end of the book features a nice Packing List with things we don't normally consider but should.

Overall, it's a good read. Try to find it at your local library or through inter-library loan.

Title: Go Lightly: How To Travel Without Hurting The Planet
Author: Nina Karnikowski
ISBN: 978-1399613569
Pages: 139

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Book Review - Disney World at 50: The Stories of How Walt's Kingdom Became Magic in Orlando by Orlando Sentinel

If you're a Disney fan, you definitely will want to get this book. It details the history of how Disney World in Florida came to being with historical photographs as told from the perspective of the Orlando Sentinel news outlet.

Chapter names include "The Big Mystery in Florida" (or the worst-kept secret in entertainment history), "Building the Magic Kingdom", "Meet the People of the Theme Park", "Disney World: Today and Tomorrow".

The photographs throughout this book will feel really nostalgic. Grand Prix Raceway? Submarine Voyage? Polynesian Luau?

For me, as a Disney fan, I really enjoyed reading through this book. It will have a permanent place on my coffee table for guests right next to my Figment popcorn bucket and my Orange Bird sipper cup.

If you're not a collector, try to find a copy in your local library or through inter-loan from your library.

Title: Disney World at 50: The Stories of How Walt's Kingdom Became Magic in Orlando
Author: Orlando Sentinel
ISBN: 978-1629379821
Pages: 176

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Book Review - Action Park by Andy Mulvihill

As an amusement park buff, I completely flipped out when I found this book about the history of the infamous Action Park in Vernon, New Jersey, written by the park's former owner, Gene Mulvihill.

Action Park was not only the most innovative amusement parks and a lot of rides were ahead of their time (like a bungee jump) but due to lack of strict guidelines was considered one of the most dangerous. Despite years of injuries and drownings, it was a group of trespassers that caused the park's ultimate downfall with a lawsuit in the millions and lenders defaulting.

There were mentions of other amusement parks throughout including Disney and Six Flags which made for a good history of amusement parks in the United States.

Action Park, known as "Vernon Valley" then "Vernon Valley Summer Park" had a humble start as part of a ski hill in 1976. The first ride installed was an alpine slide build on the hill. A lot of the rides built were somehow directed off the hill. In 1978 they built a go-kart track with overpowered karts that encouraged destructive bumper-car type behavior. Offering alcohol in the park also led to a lot of craziness. Toward the end, Gene brought over a German beer maker and established a biergarten in addition to Oktoberfest (which was held a few days before Gene passed away in 2012).

Also two water slides were added in 1978 and in 1979 the park was officially named "Action Park". Eventually there were three main areas of the park - Waterworld, Motorworld and Alpine Center. Gene built some cabins but never installed proper sewage or water facilities.

Reading some of the stories around the Tidal Wave Pool which faced two deaths really made me wonder how more people didn't drown as the pool could hold almost a thousand people, was as deep as 15 feet, held cloudy almost no-visibility water, and random entry points. Luckily they hired really good lifeguards.

After Action Park filed bankruptcy and closed in 1997, it was purchased by Praedium Recovery Fund then sold the next year to Intrawest who renamed it "Mountain Creek Waterpark". All the previous rides were either removed or modified to be less risky. Unfortunately, mismanagement and decreasing attendance numbers forced the comapny to sell at a loss. In 2014, Gene Mulvihill and investor friends re-purchased the park. For a brief period they renamed it "Action Park" but given the reputation and the town's resentment toward it, they named it back to "Mountain Creek Waterpark".

It's really interesting to read Andy Mulvihill's experiences as he grew up (and his family) in the park and had first-hand accounts of its evolution. Definitely a must-read.

Important note - this book contains adult language and themes.

Title: Action Park: Fast Times, Wild Rides, and the Untold Story of America's Most Dangerous Amusement Park
Author: Andy Mulvihill
ISBN: 978-0525506294
Pages: 352

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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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Book Review - Moon Boston: Neighborhood Walks, Historic Highlights, Beloved Local Spots by Cameron Sperance

I really like this Moon guide for Boston as it's a little different than other travel guides as it focuses on neighborhoods. And for each neighborhood, they have full-color maps with walkable tours with suggestions, food options, shopping, and more. There are day trip suggestions as well as longer trip ideas. There's a nice Revolutionary Timeline for those interested in the history within the city. You can also find info on public transportation, how to get around, and travel tips.

Title: Moon Boston: Neighborhood Walks, Historic Highlights, Beloved Local Spots (Travel Guide)
Author: Cameron Sperance
ISBN: 978-1640498624
Pages: 490

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Book Review - Fodor's Travel - The Complete Guide to African Safaris

Flying to South Africa and heading to the other countries to enjoy animals in nature is on my bucket list (and many of the readers here). This guide is an EXCELLENT resource and a definite keeper. The first few sections contain an overview of the "Big 5" animals (Buffalo, Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhino) and where to find them. There's also a section on Planning Your Safari such as getting to Africa and how to get around, working with tour operators, planning timeline, vocabulary, and more. The rest of the book is broken out by country - Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, Botswana, Namibia, and Victoria Falls. In the back are really, really good maps.

What I also love about this book is each expert gives you pro/con for every location which is so useful. What really shocked me about planning a safari was how expensive it can be when you add up the flights, transportation, camp fees, park fees, food, and more. Also, many camps do not accept children under 16 and some do not accept young children. There were a handful that welcomed young children and had activities specially for them.

Title: The Complete Guide to African Safaris
Author: Fodor's Travel
ISBN: 978-1-64097-507-1
Pages: 528

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Book Review - 100 Places Every Woman Should Go by Stephanie Elizondo Griest

So when I found this book, I assumed it would have been full of suggestions for places that a woman can safely visit and useful suggestions on safe travel. Although there is a small section in the beginning about travelling safely and some (rather outdated) suggestions. This book is really a listing of sights that are associated with famous women or female characters. For example, one chapter is "Madonna Sightings Around the World". Another chapter focuses on the witches of Salem, Massachusettes.

This book was published in 2007 so many sights may no longer be available to visit or might have altered hours. Be sure to look up the location before you head out on your journey. Many places have been closed to visitors during Covid and some places are not safe for a woman to visit alone.

Try to find a copy in your local library if you can.

Title: 100 Places Every Woman Should Go
Author: Stephanie Elizondo Griest
ISBN: 978-193236147-6
Pages:331

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Event - #Travel #Texas - #The Colony - The Colony Summer Kickoff - May 31, 2025

The Colony, Texas - The Colony Summer Kickoff
May 31, 2025
City Hall Annex
The Colony is throwing a party to kickoff summer with family-friendly activities such as crafts, summer reading signups, treats and more. Visit city services such as the Police, Fire Fighters, Animal Services, and Library services.
Address: 6804 Main Street, The Colony, TX 75056
Hours: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm CST
Fees: FREE
For more information - https://www.visitthecolonytx.com

Book Review - 100 Things to do in Texas before you Die by E.R.Bills

Texas is a huge state (it takes hours to get from one area to another). This book would have been better if there had been a map to illustrate how far apart the sights are from each other. This book was published in 2018 so be sure to verify operating hours and whether the location is still open to visitors (as a lot of businesses were negatively affected by Covid).

This book is separated into useful chapters - Amusements and Entertainment, Parks and Recreation, History and Culture, Food and Drink, Road Trips and Photo Ops.

Try to find a copy in your local library if you can.

Title: 100 Things to do in Texas before you Die
Author: E. R. Bills
ISBN: 978-1-68106-183-2
Pages:178

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Event - #Travel #Texas - #Bandera - Memorial Day Stompede Parade and Market Days - May 23-25, 2025

Bandera, Texas - Memorial Day Stompede Parade and Market Days
May 23-25, 2025
Bandera County Courthouse
No, it's not a typo. Bandera is hosting a STOMPede and parade ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Come out early to get a chuckwagon breakast. Kids will enjoy a cowboy themed playground. Watch the Saturday parade. Then browse all the craft, drink and food vendors. Stay late for the Pro Rodeo (see website for ticket information).
Address: 500 Main St, Bandera, TX
Hours: See Website; Rodeo gates open at 5:30pm CST Friday-Sunday; Saturday parade 11am - 12pm CST; Market Days Saturday 9am - 5pm CST or Sunday 10am - 4pm CST
Fees: Rodeo Tickets can be purchased online.
For more information - https://www.banderacowboycapital.com/events/2025/memorial-day-parade
For more information on Rodeo - https://www.banderaprorodeo.org/

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Hillsboro - ChurroFest - May 17, 2025

Hillsboro, Texas - ChurroFest
May 17, 2025
Hillsboro Downtown District
Head southwest of DFW for a day of family fun. Adults will enjoy the Margarita Walk (purchase a drinking glass and then taste a variety of margaritas). Kids will like the bounce houses, activities, lawn games and more. There will be 12 chorro vendors competing for the 2025 Best Churro Trophy. Throughout the day different bands will entertain guests.
Address: Hillsboro Downtown District
Hours: 10:30am - 10:00pm CST
Fees: Different activities, foods, or drinks have fees (see website)
For more information - https://hillsborochamber.org/churrofest-returns-in-hillsboro-on-saturday-may-17th-and-heres-the-details/

Book Review - 100 Things to do in Dallas Fort Worth before you Die by Tui Snider

Since I live in DFW, I thought this would be a fun book to purchase to get ideas of new things to visit around town. Since this book was published back in 2018, a lot of information is outdated but some of the big sights are still viable. Always check locations before you head out as hours have changed and some places might have been hit hard by Covid. It would have been nice if this book had included a map because Dallas Fort Worth is a large area and locations are very spread out. Keep in mind highways are jam-packed during rush hours in the morning and evening. Weekends are usually decent except during big events (like the State Fair).

Try to find a copy in your local library if you can.

Title: 100 Things to do in Dallas Fort Worth before you Die
Author: Tui Snider
ISBN: 978-1-68106-170-2
Pages:142

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Review - Texas - Dallas - Dallas Zoo Fall Updates

This past weekend my family re-visited the Dallas Zoo to check out the latest updates after their re-opening (following months of Covid closure)

The Dallas Zoo is still requiring time-specific reservations via their website even if you have a Dallas Zoo membership. If you have a reciprocal membership from another zoo, you will need to reach out to the staff to see how to make your reservations as there is no obvious method on their website. Phone number 469.554.7501 or email Info@DallasZoo.com. Be sure to add your parking.

One thing I noticed about this visit was the number of guests was a lot higher than last time; perhaps because it was a warm sunny day. We arrived at opening time 9am and when we left at 11am, the parking lot was already full and staff was directing cars to park on the grassy portion of the hillside.

You are still required to wear a mask (and I highly suggest you keep it on during your entire visit).

The gift shop now allows (a limited number) guests inside although there are several kiosks on the outside (and near the exit).

The carousel and the giraffe feedings were now open ($5 per person). The monorail train that goes around the zoo is closed with no plans to reopen any time soon.

The Herpetarium (Repitle House) was open to guests and a very helpful guide was inside answering questions. Social distancing or other safety measures were not practiced inside this building.

The Cheetah Encounter in ZooNorth has been changed to "Animals in Action" which features other animals and a keeper. Cheetahs have been moved to a nearby enclosure. Other animal presentations can be seen at the Wild Encounters Stage near the monorail area.

The Serengeti Grill offers outdoor seating and the lion viewing areas during our visit were closed off to guests. Kona Ice truck is only available during the week (Monday through Friday). Sweet Treats and Dippin' Dots snack booths are open Saturdays and Sundays.

The newborn lion cubs weren't out for visiting yet. Hopefully next time we go!

Review - Texas - Dallas - Dallas Zoo Reopening

This past weekend I visited the re-opened Dallas Zoo and I want to share my experience with you.

   
First, you will need to pre-purchase (or pre-reserve if you are a member) your tickets and parking online. When I visited on Sunday at 9am, they were sold out. Parking attendants will direct you where to park. Only handicapped-allowed cars or President Circle members may park near the entrance. You can print or show your phone to the attendant at the entrance gate.

Although the zoo is only allowing 25% capacity at this time, it is still a lot of people/families. Masks were only required for the restrooms.

After you enter, there is a giant map for you to take a picture of with your cellphone. Or you can use the zoo app. No paper maps will be distributed at this time.

There is also a board listing the feeding/zoo keeper times if you wanted to see/hear their show. All zookeepers wore masks.

           
All the buildings (gift shop, restaurant) and activities (carousel, monorail, Children's Zoo) are closed. They did have carts outside the gift shop selling items and I did see a snack cart near the Savannah selling items. All water fountains were closed so be sure to bring your own water. Picnic areas were open if you choose to bring your own food. Restrooms were open throughout.

       
Like the Arboretum, you will be following a marked one-way path through the zoo starting past the flamingos and then towards the right. There are safety reminder signs throughout the park as well.


This trail will lead you past several monkeys, tigers, otters, past the dinosaurs (even though most of those are now gone and the train ride is closed) and finally to the cheetah. If you arrive on time you can enjoy the cheetah encounter. They have marked the ground where you/your family can stand to watch.

If you've never been to this zoo and you plan to go in the next 3 months, bring a hat and lots of water. Despite all the trees, it gets hot. I also recommend clip-on stroller fans.


The baby hippo was swimming in the lagoon with its mom. The building is closed but the glass viewing area and the overlook were both open.


The baby giraffe (just born early May) was also out wandering the enclosure.

Some of the animals have been re-arranged such as the cheetahs who are now in the baboon's enclosure.

   
The viewing area for the gorillas has changed a little bit due to the small space - you will need to line up before you can enter to view and wait your turn. They are only allowing a limited amount of people in the viewing area. You can also view the gorilla habitat from the wooden deck just past this cave (the building is closed).

Overall, our visit took about 2 hours and we were able to see most of the animals and several zoo keeper talks.

Review - Texas - Dallas - Dallas Arboretum Reopening - Memorial Day Weekend

This Saturday I was able to visit the soft reopening of the Dallas Arboretum for members (it officially opens June 1st for the public) and I was pleasantly surprised at how well-organized and well-planned the entire visit went from start to finish which I will share here.

First, you will need to go to the Dallas Arboretum.org website to purchase your ticket by selecting which day/time you want to attend. They are limiting the number of guests entering at each time. Once you pick a time, you will get up to 4 hours to visit the gardens which is more than enough time. Print your tickets and bring them to the entrance.

There were no specific instructions on parking and no parking lot attendants, so we just found an empty spot in the large/main lot. This parking is closest to the entrance.

Per current Dallas requirements, anyone two and older in your party will be required to wear a mask to enter.

At the entrance, they will check your tickets to be sure you have arrived at your time or later. They will not allow early entry. Then you will be given a wristband to wear for the duration of your visit. Keep in mind, most of the side gardens and the Children's Garden are currently closed. You will be given a map which shows you the one-way trail around the park. It is a mile-long trail but there are plenty of benches and shady spots.

None of the water bottle refill stations are available. Bring your own water. None of the food services are open either. Many visitors (including me) brought our own snacks/food. Only two restrooms are open (with an attendant to limit the number of entrants) - just past the entrance to the right and the other is near the white house before you loop back around the trail.

  

As soon as you enter the park, you will see a violinist statue (with music piped in) and a volunteer. From here, you will head right and start your journey. Along the way, there are several musical instrument or musician statues (with music piped in) for photo-ops. The summer flowers are blooming as well. The path is wide enough for safely passing. The trail is marked well with arrows and signs so you can follow and for the most part is well-accessible.

  
     

Also, the gift shop is currently closed. I assume all events and celebrations (like weddings) are also cancelled until further notice.

As summer approaches, it will get hotter and without water refilling available it is advisable to bring extra bottles. Some parts of the trail are shady but a lot of it is in full sun. It was rather enjoyable not enduring large crowds (especially in the Women's Garden).

 &nbp;  &nbp;  &nbp;