Book Review - The Unofficial Dollywood Cookbook by Erin K Browne

This isn't a travel guide or a travel book, but a cookbook full of recipes for Dollywood-style foods, snacks, and drinks. There are over 100 easy to follow recipes. Plus there are fun anecdotes, a bit of history, and information of the Dollywood amusement park and the other entertainment venues (Splash Country, Dream More Resort and Spa, and the Stampede show). You will find a section for Cooking and Baking tips in addition to Helpful Tools. In the Appendix, you will find Dollywood maps and Standard US/Metric Measurement Conversions.

Here are some interesting facts: As of 2023 (when this book was published), Dollywood produces 212,250 loaves of cinnamon bread in an average season! And 614,000 pounds of popcorn! For those who love powdery crispy funnel cakes, they make 87,000!

Chapters include "Smoky Mountain Snacks", "Lunch in the Foothills", "Dinner with Dolly", "Southern Sides", "Lovin' from the Oven", "Country Candy and Ice Cream", and "Back Porch Sips"

Title: The Unofficial Dollywood Cookbook
Author: Erin K. Browne
ISBN: 978-1-5072-1996-4
Pages: 239

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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/