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

Travel Texas - Fox4's North Texas Bucket List Bingo

Fox4 (One of Dallas Fortworth's local news network) has created a really fun way to explore popular locations and experiences in North Texas with their printable (or downloadable) North Texas Bucket List Bingo card.

In the mornings, when I watch the newscast, the hosts talk about which activities they haven't done yet. For people who actually live in Texas, it might be a lot. We all know about cowboy boots, but contrary to popular belief, we don't all own one much less have tried them on. And, for some odd reason, a lot of people think we own and ride horses.

Go ahead and download this list and see how many experiences you've tried or would like to one day.

Link to the bingo card: https://www.fox4news.com/news/north-texas-bucket-list-bingo

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 - Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks by Brendan Sainsbury and Jade Bremner

This is an excellent, full-color guide to the 3 National Parks - Banff and Jasper in Canada and Glacier in Montana. The book is color-coded with tabs - Plan Your Trip, On the Road, Understand, and Survival Guide.

The Plan Your Trip section contains useful information such as colorful maps, Top 20 to see and do, Need to Know, Month-by-Month things to do, Sample Itineraries, Activities, Family Travel and Travel with Pets.

On the Road digs deeper into each park - Banff National Park and Sights Around the Park (such as Canmore or Kananaskis Country), Jasper National Park, Glacier National Park and Around the Park (West and East Glacier, St Mary and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation). There's a section on Waterton Lakes National Park.

Understand section highlights the parks today, the history of the parks, geology, wildlife, and conservation.

Survival Guide at the end offers general travel information - health and safety, suggested clothes to pack, transportation and getting around, and more.

What sets this guide apart are the really useful hiking maps detailing the routes for almost every trail.

Title: Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks: Detailed Itineraries | Travel Like a Local | Insider Tips | Covers Banff, Jasper, Glacier, Waterton Lakes, and more (National Parks Guide)
Author: Brendan Sainsbury and Jade Bremner
ISBN: 9781838696757
Pages: 272

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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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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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Book Review - Moon Guide - Idaho by James Patrick Kelly

The first section of this book, "Discover Idaho" is full color and shows highlights as well as info on planning your trip, Idaho's Best Road Trips, Wine Country Weekend, Rest and Relaxation, High-Country Adventures, and the Quest for the Perfect Powder. The middle chunk of the book is divided into areas starting with Boise, Southwest Idaho (Owyhee Mountains and Canyonlands), Magic Valley (Twin Falls, North and South Snake River), Southeast Idaho (American Falls, Teton Basin), Sun Valley and the Sawtooths, North-Central Idaho, The Panhandle (The Silvery Valley, Priest Lake). Then the back of the book has useful Essentials (Travel tips, transportation and getting around, Health and Safety) and resources.

This book was published in early 2016 so double-check all your plans before you head out as times, prices and operations might have changed.

Title: Moon Guide - Idaho
Author: James Patrick Kelly
ISBN: 9781631210150
Pages: 449

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Book Review - Lonely Planet - Georgia and the Carolinas

This guide is stuffed full of useful maps, information and where to go. I also love how colorful this guide is starting with the colored tabs on the book edge. Starting with the red section or "Plan Your Trip" - a colorful map, Top 20 things to do or see, Need to Know including getting around, a useful "If You Like" guide by suggestions for Culture, Food, Craft Beer, History, and more. Month by Month festivals guide. Several suggested itineraries. Outdoor Activities. Eat and Drink like a Local (this is really useful if you are like me and looking for those local delicacies). Travel with Children. The next chunk of the book is divided into regions featuring places to visit, food stops, City Walk maps, off the beaten track callouts, accommodations, and more.

This guide was published in 2019, so be sure to verify your plans before heading out in case of any changes in hours or operations.

Title: Lonely Planet Georgia and the Carolinas 2 (Travel Guide)
Authors: Trisha Ping, Amy C Balfour, Jade Bremner, Ashley Harrell, MaSovaida Morgan, Kevin Raub, Regis St Louis, Greg Ward
ISBN: 978-1787017368
Pages: 384

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Book Review - Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide by Kiernan P Schmitt

Whenever I visit a city again, especially after the third or fourth time, I always look for something new to do or see and this book is a perfect guide for exploring the city of Boston with a new perspective. I love that each item or location has detailed information or history. The pictures are great. The book is divided into areas (Central Boston, Cambridge, Brookline/Fenway/Back Bay, West, and East) with nice maps which makes focusing on one area so much easier especially if you need to rely on public transportation. In addition to some quirky things (Elephant Ashes?) there are some legitimate museums in here (Nantucket Lightship/LV-112 Museum). Almost all the sights are easy to get to or only require a small amount of walking. And, although this book was published in 2024, be sure to verify times before heading out.

Title: Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide
Author: Kiernan P Schmitt
ISBN: 978-2361957179
Pages: 288

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Event - #Travel #Texas - #Fredericksburg - 80th Anniversary Hiroshima and Nagasaki Commemoration - August 9, 2025

Fredricksburg, Texas - 80th Anniversary Hiroshima and Nagasaki Commemoration
August 9, 2025
National Museum of the Pacific War
The National Museum of the Pacific War is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. There will be a moment of silence and an exhibit about bombings (atomic) and to honor those who lost their lives.
While you're visiting, check out The Manhattan Project at Nimitzplatz at 340 E. Main St (Free) to learn about the Atomic Bomb and about the people who made it.
Address: 311 E. Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX
Hours: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm CST
Fees: FREE
For more information - https://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/event/hiroshima-nagasaki-commemoration

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Brownwood - Family Day - August 2, 2025

Brownwood, Texas - Family Day
August 2, 2025
Lehnis Railroad Museum and Visitor Center
Family Day is celebrated at the museum the First Saturday of every month with discounted entry fees. Train lovers will enjoy the exhibits in the museum including running model trains. Mini Train rides will be available depending on weather. Burn off energy with the fun play area for kids.
Combine your visit with a Wildflower Walk at the Lake Brownwood State Park from 9:30am to 12:30am.
Address: 700 E Adams St, Brownwood, TX
Hours: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm CST
Fees: $2.00 entry for ages over 4; train rides $2.00 per person
For more information - https://www.brownwoodtexas.gov/228/Lehnis-Railroad-Museum

Event - #Travel #Texas - #San Antonio - National Day of the Cowboy Aloha Vaqueros - July 26, 2025

San Antonio, Texas - National Day of the Cowboy Aloha Vaqueros
July 26, 2025
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Free admission to the museum in addition to a day of activities focused on cowboys including the paniolos (island cowboys) of Hawaii. Kids can ride stick ponies and race around barrels or play games like horseshoe toss. Arts and crafts such as making your own cowboy hat or spur. There will story time, poetry reading, and food trucks ($).
Address: 210 W. Market St, San Antonio, TX
Hours: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm CST
Fees: FREE
For more information - https://briscoemuseum.org/etn/national-day-of-the-cowboy-aloha-vaqueros/

Event - #Travel #Texas - #Bryan - Wish Upon a Butterfly Fundraiser - July 19, 2025

Bryan, Texas - Wish Upon a Butterfly Fundraiser
July 19, 2025
Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History
The Brazor Valley Museum of Natural History will release Monarch butterflies into the skies as well as offer crafts and a "wish keepsake" for guests. Each ticket includes admission to the museum which features butterfly displays, live music, refreshments, and other activities. Also, children who come in a butterfly or caterpillar costume will receive a surprise gift!
Address: 3232 Briarcrest Dr, Bryan, TX
Hours: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm CST
Fees: (see website)
For more information - https://www.brazosvalleymuseum.org/wish-upon-a-butterfly

Book Review - The Best Places for Everything by Peter Greenberg

While I was browsing through the Travel section at my local library, I wandered further up the aisle and I found this large volume of inspiration by well-known travel author and television travel show host, Peter Greenberg. The book is a bit outdated (published in 2012) but many of the places are still operating. Always be sure to check ahead of visiting for operating hours, fees, entry restrictions/timed tickets, etc.

So basically this book is a guide to some of the "best" locations for different categories (like Best Beer) based on Peter Greenberg's extensive travel experiences. Listings include both domestic spots and international spots. Also, there are suggestions for finding deals and callouts for interesting related things to do/try.

Here are a few categories you can find in this book: Outdoor Adventures (including Bird-Watching, Fall Foliage, Zip-lining, Whitewater Rafting, etc), Great Foods and Drinks of the World (Chocolate!), Educational Travel (Digging for Fossils, Literary Travel, etc), Shopping (like Specialty Shopping and Street Markets), and so much more.

Title: The Best Places for Everything: The Ultimate Insider's Guide to the Greatest Experiences Around the World
Author: Peter Greenberg
ISBN: 978-1-60961-829-2

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Event - #Travel #Texas - #Fredericksburg - Iwo Jima - 80 Years Later - February 21-23, 2025

Fredericksburg, Texas - Iwo Jima - 80 Years Later
February 21-23, 2025
The National Museum of the Pacific War
The museum is hosting three days of World War II activities and information to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. Friday will feature an opening ceremony and activities in the ballroom and the day ends with a screening of the movie "Sands of Iwo Jima". Saturday's guest speaker session with Richard B. Frank, Keil Gentry, Steve McCloud, and Jonathan Parshall requires pre-registration due to a limited number of seats in the theatre. The evening will close with a concert and photography viewing. Sunday features a battle reenactment at the Pacfic Combat Zone. Walk-ups are allowed first come, first serve if there's availability. Then a book signing and closing ceremony. If you are a history buff, this sounds like a great opportunity to learn more about Iwo Jima.
If you can't make it out to Fredericksburg, register for a livestream link - https://mailchi.mp/nimitzfoundation.org/80th-anniversary-of-wwii-schedule
Address: 340 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Hours:
Fees: FREE
For more information: https://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/iwo

Book Review - DK Eyewtiness Travel - Family Guide to Washington, DC

I took my family to Washington DC back in 2021 when Covid still had many locations shut down, many places had limited hours, museums had timed entries (some still do!), or, sadly, some favorite locations shut down completely. This year I am looking to return to the area and, especially, to visit the new pandas at the zoo. So, I picked up this guide book at the library to see what has been updated (and what is no longer available).

What makes this book different are all the colorful maps and floor plans for most of the locations featured as well as restroom locations (very helpful!) and ways to let your kids blow off steam (because we all know how hard it can be for them to endure too much time in museums without any play time).

If you've never been to DC (District of Columbia) before, be forewarned that parking is very challenging during weekdays and the rush hour traffic is a nightmare. Try to avoid those times if possible. Luckily, a lot of the museums are within walking distance of each other. Be sure to plan ahead in case any of them require reservations/timed entry tickets.

Title: DK Family Guide Washington, DC
Author: DK Travel
ISBN: 978-1-4654-6817-8

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Review - Texas - Tyler - Things to Do Around Town

Tyler, Texas is about an hour and half away from Dallas (three hours from Houston and four hours from Austin) which makes it a great location for a day trip.

If you take Interstate 20, keep an eye out for the exit to Tyler. It's listed with Lindale and is not directly off the highway. You have to drive south for a bit before you start seeing signs pointing you to the city.

Tyler is a relatively small city but Saturday afternoons feel rather crowded as you drive around the busier areas (such as the mall). The major tourist spots are located in the northern area of the city - The Caldwell Zoo, The Discovery Science Place Museum, and the Tyler Rose Garden.

 

The first stop on your tour should be the painted Wings mural located in downtown, specifically at 110 S Broadway Ave which is just a few blocks North from the The Discovery Science Place. Step on up on the sidewalk and take photos with the different styles and sized wings (they even have a pair for the kiddos).

 

You'll notice a lot of artwork around town. There's an Art Museum at the Junior College on 1300 S Mahon Ave. If you have a little bit of time, stop by during their business hours Tuesday-Saturday (10a-5p) or Sunday (1p-5p). $5 for guests over 13 years old; $3 for seniors; free for children or city employees.

The Discovery Science Place is at 308 N Broadway Ave. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday (10a-5pm), Saturday (10a-5pm) and Sunday (1pm-5pm). Please note from 9/12/22-9/30/22 they will be closed for maintenance. Admission is $10 for guests 13+; $8.00 for children 2-12; and free for those under 2. This is a fun hands-on museum. For more info, check out https://www.discoveryscienceplace.org/.

Also nearby is the infamous Tyler Rose Garden Center and Rose Museum located at 420 Rose Park Dr. Admission is free during their regular garden hours - Monday-Friday (8a-5p), Saturday (9a-5p) and Sunday (1p-5p). Roses are in bloom from mid-April through mid-October depending on the weather conditions. A little bit of additional info in listed on the CityOfTyler.org website. This is a small but family-friendly garden. The inside building hosts a variety of vendors. The very best time to visit is during the annual Texas Rose Festival in October. There will be all kinds of decorations and pagentry. Get more info here: https://www.texasrosefestival.com/

If you have time, drive around downtown and check out the Brickstreet District (you can't really miss the area since there are big signs and bricked streets turning off the main concrete roads). These buildings were erected between 1890 and 1940. Some will have plaques on their front porches. For specific details, check out the website, HistoricTyler.org. This site offers a colorful map of the historic landmarks or Click Here to download/print it yourself. Too bad the map doesn't include dates.

The University of Texas college system has a campus here in the southeastern area of town. They have a well-known baseball team so try to catch one of their games if you can.

My next review will be of the Caldwell Zoo located in the northwestern corner of Tyler.

Review - Texas - McKinney - Heard Muesum

Dinosaurs Live, the animatronics dinosaurs outdoor walking trail, has re-opened at the Heard Museum located in McKinney, Texas within short driving distance of Dallas. The exhibit will end February 15, 2021.

 

The Science Museum located on the main level (2nd floor) inside the visitor center is available year-round as is the children's Pioneer Village western-themed playground and the Animals of the World exhibits just past that area.

 

 

In front of the museum you can explore some natural plants and photo-op statues (be careful as some can get hot in full sun).

 

 

 

On the lower level you will find restrooms, party/conference rooms and a few animal exhibits, such as this turtle.

Normal hours are 9-5pm CST Tuesday through Saturday and 1-5pm CST Sundays; closed Mondays. You can purchase tickets in advanced online.

 

The trail has been expanded this year to allow for social-distancing. You can also find photo-op statues along the way. There's even one dinosaur that spits water (you will see the large puddle).

 

 

 

Occasionally you can find deer hiding in the trees.

Travel Texas - Events - #Temple - Homespun History Day - September 7, 2019

Temple, Texas - Homespun History Day
September 7, 2019
Hours: 11am - 2pm
Cost: FREE
Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum, Temple, Texas

If you're in the area, stop by the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum during their annual Homespun History Day to re-live the simpler days when everything was made by hand. Watch demonstrations and re-enactors craft artwork including metal working and weaving.

For more information templerrhm.org

Travel Texas - Events - #Fredericksburg - Pacific Combat Living History Re-enactment - Aug 31- Sept 1, 2019

Fredericksburg, Texas - Pacific Combat Living History Re-enactment
Aug 31- Sept 1, 2019
National Museum of the Pacific War Pacific Combat Zone, Fredericksburg, Texas

Re-live the Pacific Combat Zone of World War II with re-enactments set on a Pacific island with US Marine actors, weapons demonstrations and simulations, and tanks. Lots of photo-ops. Sounds cool if you enjoy being immersed in history.

For more information www.pacificwarmuseum.org/