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Top Attractions in Austin, Texas for Your Next Trip

April 20, 2026 by msminnie72, posted in Austin, Texas

Have you ever heard the saying, “Everything is bigger in Texas?” Well, after visiting this vibrant city, I think that saying might be true!

Today we’re exploring a place known for its incredible live music, booming technology scene, outdoor adventures, and relaxed, welcoming culture — Austin, Texas. Located about 80 miles north of San Antonio, Austin is a city that perfectly blends history, creativity, and modern innovation.

Austin is named after Stephen F. Austin, often called the “Father of Texas.” In the 1820s, he led American settlers to colonize the region when Texas was still part of Mexico, helping shape the future of the state. His legacy lives on today through both the city and University of Texas at Austin, which proudly carry his name.

From rich history to live music on every corner, Austin truly captures the spirit of Texas in a big way.

Road sign welcoming travelers to Texas, featuring the Texas flag, with a highway and empty landscape in the background.

Have you heard of Buc-ee’s? Its only one of the largest gas stations in the country. There are several of them starting in Texas. If you haven’t been, be aware that you can spend hours inside and get your Christmas shopping done.

The best place to stay in Austin, Texas

We absolutely love staying at the Austin East KOA — and for good reason!

First, the campsites aren’t stacked on top of each other like many campgrounds. You actually have room to breathe, relax, and enjoy your space. But the real surprise? Longhorns grazing at the back of the property. It’s such a unique Texas touch and makes the whole experience feel a little more authentic.

The campground is also fantastic for families. There’s a seasonal pool, a playground with a sandbox (which you almost never see anymore!), and outdoor games set up near the clubhouse where kids and families can hang out and have fun together. It really feels like a summer vacation spot where everyone can slow down and enjoy the outdoors.

We haven’t visited during the summer yet, so we can’t speak to the Texas heat and humidity, but it definitely looks like a dream place for families when the weather warms up.

A parking area featuring a black SUV and a gray truck beside a camper trailer, with a person setting up a table in the background. There are trees and a residential building visible in the setting. — Our site was spacious for 2 vehicles.

Silhouette of trees against a colorful sunset sky with RVs parked in a campsite. — The most spectacular sunsets!

A group of cattle in a grassy field, including a longhorn steer, a brown and white calf, and a larger brown bull resting nearby, with a fence in the foreground and trees in the background. — The longhorns at the back of the property.

Austin

The Father of Texas

If you know me, you know I have a bit of an obsession with cemeteries. I love walking through history and paying my respects to those who helped shape the past. So of course, while in Austin, I had to visit the Texas State Cemetery.

This peaceful and historic place serves as the final resting place for notable Texans who made significant contributions to the state’s history and culture. Walking through the grounds feels like stepping back in time, with beautiful monuments, quiet pathways, and stories waiting to be discovered around every corner.

The cemetery is quite large, so plan to spend some time here — whether you’re slowly driving through or taking a walk along the scenic grounds. It’s a serene, reflective stop that offers both history and beauty, and it’s well worth adding to your Austin itinerary.

Historical marker for the State Cemetery of Texas, detailing its purpose as a burial ground for honored individuals including governors and Confederate soldiers, with information on its founding and notable interments.

A historical plaque honoring Stephen F. Austin, detailing his contributions to Texas, including his role in bringing colonists and his appointment as Secretary of State. It includes information about his death and burial.

Statue of Stephen F. Austin, known as the 'Father of Texas,' atop a granite pedestal, surrounded by trees and blue sky.

Some of the oldest remains in the Texas State Cemetery belong to a mysterious sailor from the La Belle Shipwreck, part of a French expedition that took place between 1684 and 1687.

The ship sank off the coast near Matagorda Bay, and for centuries the identity of those aboard remained a mystery. In 1996, scientists excavated the wreck of La Belle and discovered skeletal remains believed to belong to one of the sailors. Despite modern DNA testing, his identity has never been confirmed, leaving him an unknown figure in Texas history.

In 2004, the sailor was laid to rest at the Texas State Cemetery, giving him a final resting place more than 300 years after the ship went down. It’s a powerful reminder that even unnamed individuals played a role in shaping the early history of Texas, and their stories continue to be honored today.

Historical marker detailing the burial site of a 19th-century sailor from the shipwreck of the Belle, with inscriptions about the sailor's life and the ship's journey.

The State Capitol

While you’re in Austin, a visit to the Texas State Capitol is an absolute must. Like many state capitols, it features a stunning dome — but this one has a Texas-sized twist. Built in 1888, the Capitol is actually taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., making it one of the most impressive state capitol buildings in the country.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the beautiful pink Texas granite used throughout the building, giving it a warm, unique look that really stands out in the Texas sun. Inside and out, the architecture and historic details make it a fascinating place to explore.

I really enjoyed spending time here, walking around the 22 acre grounds, with monuments and statues honoring important Texas figures and historical events. I was taking in the history, and admiring the stunning design. It’s a peaceful, educational, and beautiful stop in the heart of Austin — and I definitely recommend adding it to your visit.

Image of the Texas State Capitol building exterior with a dome.

A collage of historical monuments including a statue of a mounted soldier, a group of people viewing a bronze equestrian statue, and a vintage cannon in a park. — The ground are beautiful around the capitol and a great outdoor activity.

The experience here is part of the fun. You start by ordering your sides cafeteria-style, moving down the line as they hand you your selections. Then you make your way to the best part — the meat counter. This is where the magic happens. You tell them what you want, and they slice the brisket, ribs, or sausage right in front of you, fresh off the pit. The smell of slow-smoked meat fills the air and builds the anticipation for that first bite.

Lyndon B. Johnson Library

Admission is very reasonable at around $16 per person, and it’s easy to spend a couple of hours here exploring the exhibits and learning about the life and legacy of Lyndon B. Johnson. As you walk through the museum, you really begin to understand who he was, what he stood for, and how deeply he believed in serving the American people. He pushed through some of the most important civil rights legislation in U.S. history, launched the Great Society programs to reduce poverty and improve quality of life, and was widely known for his remarkable ability to get laws passed in Congress.

One of the most unique and unforgettable parts of the LBJ Library is the ability to listen to real recorded phone conversations. It truly feels like being a fly on the wall in the Oval Office, hearing the conversations, decisions, and behind-the-scenes moments as they actually happened. LBJ secretly recorded many of his calls, and hearing his voice and interactions firsthand brings history to life in a way that very few presidential libraries can offer.

This is an incredibly engaging and immersive museum experience. Whether you agree or disagree with his presidency, the library offers a powerful and educational look into American history and leadership. It’s a place that makes you think, reflect, and better understand the challenges of leading a nation — and it’s definitely worth adding to your Austin itinerary.

An office space featuring red sofas, a wooden desk with documents, and framed photographs on the walls. — Do you see the Great Hall of Records? It truly is impressive to see the 4 story glass wall. Researchers come from around the world to do research here.

Special Finds

I’m not sure how many celebrities live in Austin, but this one was special to my husband and a unique find. Although this person no longer lives here, my husband wanted to find the house. This person was a famous cyclist and won the Tour De France seven times in a row only to be stripped of all of them after an investigation revealed his involvement in a systematic doping conspiracy. Any idea who this was?

A large two-story house with a tile roof, featuring decorative shutters and multiple balconies, surrounded by a manicured garden and an iron fence. — This was Lance Armstrong’s house at one time.

View of skyscrapers reflecting in a river with trees in the foreground under a clear blue sky. — This is Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. It is named in honor of First lady Johnson for her dedication for environmental beautification. Locals use it to kayak and hiking trails around it. It was quite a surprise to see a lake in downtown.

The best Barbeque!

When we told locals we were looking for authentic Texas barbecue, one name kept coming up — Terry Black’s Barbecue. And after visiting for both lunch and dinner, we can see why it’s so highly recommended.

Grabbing a table can be a bit of a challenge in the evening because the place gets packed. But honestly, that’s usually a good sign that the food is worth it.

What I really love about this place is that the meat is true pit-smoked barbecue, not something flavored from a bottle. You can taste the time, care, and tradition in every bite. We’ve visited more than once and haven’t had a bad experience yet.

So if you’re in Austin and craving real Texas barbecue, this is definitely a place you should check out. It’s smoky, flavorful, and a true Texas food experience you won’t forget.

A couple poses together in front of Terry Black's Barbecue sign at night, illuminated by string lights and yellow umbrellas. — I met up with an old high school friend. It was great to catch up.

So if you ever find yourself in the heart of Texas, be sure to check out these amazing spots in Austin — you won’t be disappointed.

If you’ve been to Austin, I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment and let me know where to find the best live music in the city, because Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World and there’s always something new to discover. Please like and hit the subscribe button to continue following us around the country.

Explore the Historic Landmarks of Fort Stockton, TX

March 23, 2026 by msminnie72, posted in Fort Stockton, Texas

A place where the tumbleweeds have the right of way and the wind is your constant travel companion. The kind of West Texas town that greets you with a giant roadrunner named Paisano Pete.

The unofficial town’s mascot and a great photo opp.

Historic Fort Stockton

The town of Fort Stockton grew around camp Stockton which was established in 1858. The fort itself was active from 1867 to 1886, guarding the vital waters of Comanche Springs and supporting mail routes, freight wagons, cattle drives, and emigrants heading west. The camp was named after Robert Field Stockton and was a place for protection for travelers between El Paso and San Antonio. Camanche Spring was a vital part of life in Fort Stockton as the 30 million gallon a day spring would water travelers and agriculture in the area.

The US army occupied the area until with 36 buildings and now only 4 original building stand.

The Best way to experience Fort Stockton

A self guided tour that allows visitors to experience Fort Stockton history. The tour begins at the visitor center at a old train depot that has been renovated. The tour is about 2-3 miles long with signs and descroptions along the way. After receiving our driving tour info, we walked around the center which housed these amazing large metal cutouts created by artist Brian Norwood depicting life in this area.

Next on our tour was the Historical First National Bank

After we were going to stop at the Gray Mule Saloon since it was in a old building but it didn’t open while we were there.

Next was the Annie Riggs Museum, which I spent quite a bit of time enjoying. The building itself was built in 1899 and Annie purchased the adobe building in 1904. She operated the place as a boarding house for travelers and cowboys and called it Riggs Hotel.

She had the first electric stove in Fort Stockton in 1922!

Pecos County Courthouse

The county was created in 1871.

Next is the old County jail that was built in 1883. The bottom floor was for the sheriffs office and residence. The second story was for inmates with 5 cells that could hold up to 35 people. The jail section functioned as a jail until 1973 while the residence lasted until the year 2000.

Now to the oldest house in Fort Stockton.

This house was believed to be built between 1855-1860.

As you can see, steps are being taken to preseve what is left of the old adobe house.

Next was the Comanche Springs Pool and Pavilion which is located inside the James Rooney Memorial Park. It has a channel of the Comache Spring water. The pool was built over the “big Chief” spring in 1938. Due to irrigation needs up river, the springs quit flowing and now only flow in the late winter months.

This is from the front looking through the gates.

It looks like it can get pretty wide during the wet seasons.

I was lucky enough to get to go inside the pool area and was given a mini tour and history lesson.

I believe this is originally where was the water would come in.

For more detailed information of the spring, visit https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/comanche-springs

St. Stephens Episcopal Church

This church was originally constructed in 1896 in Pecos, TX about 54 miles north of Fort Stockton. Services were continued until 1958 when the church scheduled for demolishion. The church was moved to Fort Stockton in the late 1950’s.

Then Historic Fort Stockton.

And we ended our tour at the old cementary.

Hilltop RV Park

We always stay at this RV park because it is so convenient. It is right off the 10 freeway and close to town in case we need to pick anything up. It is super windy up here.

You can see this flag on the hill for a couple miles on 10 freeway.

This park will also give you the most spectacular sunsets!

So if you ever find yourself in Fort Stockton, TX, take a look around the town and maybe talk with the locals and learn something new. Please hit the like and subscribe button to learn more about our amazing country.

Discover Tucson: Your Guide to Warm Winter Getaways

February 20, 2026April 21, 2026 by msminnie72, posted in Arizona, Tucson

Where do these “snow birds” go after the holidays to warm up? Where the Saguaro are abundant and the sunsets are breathtaking. I’m talking Tucson, AZ, but it could be anywhere in southern AZ. We like to stay in the Sonoran Desert at Desert Trails RV Park. This is a 40 plus community park with planned activities if your interested, or you can hike or bike from the park with over 120 miles of trails. The best part is that it is a quiet park with no noise pollution from planes, trains or freeways. It also has no light pollution, so you can survey the stars to your heart’s content. The park has 225 full hook-up sites and you truly can meet the friendliest people. The park started as a waterpark in the 1970’s and was converted to an RV park in 2007.

This photo is taken at the top of the hill overseeing the park. This is the best place to watch the sunsets as well.

The park is great for bird watchers as well. The park attracts well over 50 varieties of birds.

While in Tucson

Tucson is a large city with so much to do. From hiking, biking, wine tasting or just site seeing, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

We love to visit National Parks and there is a big one right in Tucson: Saguaro National Park. This park is the home to the nations largest cacti: the Saguaro. There are 2 sections, east and west of Tucson. There’s a quite a few hiking trails to see the park.

What’s the difference between a barrel and a saguaro? The barrel has fishhooks spikes.

The East side of Saguaro National Park

With most places, I like to begin at the visitor center to get the lay of the land. I’ve found that the rangers have a wealth of information and offer useful maps of the park as well. The visitor center also offers restrooms and a giftshop. If you have about 15 minutes, I would highly recommend the short film, “Voices of the Desert,” and walking around the small museum. This is also the beginning of the 8 mile Cactus Forest Loop Drive.

This was from our first year here, when we had our dog Jessie. We sure miss him on our adventures!

Inside the museum, you learn a lot about the different species of cactus.

This saguaro is only about 30 years old at roughly 5 feet.

I’m pretty sure this is the only way I am going to see a Javalina. We have been looking out for one for 4 years and have not spotted one in the wild yet.

This is as close as I want to get to a mountain lion.

Still waiting to see a black bear in the wild.

The is Javelina Rocks overlook along the Loop Drive. We climbed to the top to enjoyed the view.

The West side

Along the Bajada Loop Drive I did a short hike Signal Hill Trail because it was the best place to see petroglyphs and the view of the desert meeting the city.

So if you’re a hiker, the East side is better. I would say if you’re short on time, the west side is for you. If you’re a southwestern lover of a cactus, either park will work for you. If you’re interested in seeing the desert come to life with blooms, May is probably the best time to see that, but beware of the heat at that time of year.

History Lesson of Missions of Tucson

Everyone knows about the California mission trail, right? NO? Is that just taught in California 4th grade classes? Probably. But did you know that Arizona has missions also? I did not either. So here is the thing, from 1682-1821, the Spanish established more than two dozen missions and presidios in Southern Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico. These were built BEFORE the California missions that were established between 1761-1823. When we were visiting, we were not able to go inside due to renovations going on but if you’re in the area, check out their website to organize a visit.https://sanxaviermission.org/

This is San Xavier in Tucson, Arizona’s oldest European structure, completed in 1797. The is still a functioning mission with church services every Saturday at 10 AM and noon as well as 5:15 on Sunday evenings. They have a school for children k-3rd grades with plans to extend up to 8th grade.

Behind the mission, you can take a short little hike around a hill and get a great view from the top of the hill.

Old Tucson

If you are interested in stepping back in time and interacting with the times of the past, Old Tucson is the place to visit. Its a historic 1939 movie studio and western- themed park. The park was built in 1939 for the 1940 film Arizona. It has been a movie studio for over 500 production including some famous one including Rio Bravo with John Wayne, Tombstone with Kurt Russel as well as the TV show, Little House on the Prairie with Michael Landon. It has gone through some challenging times over recent years. There was a major fire that destroyed 40% of the studio lot on April 24, 1995 destroying sound stages as well as memorabilia. The park was shut down in 2020 like everything else due to the COVID pandemic. The park reopened in October 2022 and has been slowly trying to get traction as a tourist destination. When we visited last year, we saw stunts shows and shootouts. Andrew even got to participate in a show. Tickets are a bit steep at $40 per person, but where else can you get such entertainment?

See the pretty blonde in the middle? That would be Andrew.

The Turquoise Trail

This was our introduction to Tucson, AZ. We first stopped at the visitor center in downtown and got a map of the city, restaurant suggestions, and a recommendation for a walking trail. We were told about the Turquoise Trail that is a 2.5 mile walking loop around the city. It is marked with a bright turquoise line on the sidewalk. You can download the trail on your phone to get more information for a small fee. It highlights several historical sites that start with the historical Presidio Museum. The museum is a recreated Spanish fort built in 1775. The highlight was the pit house for me because I read about them, but you have to see one to understand it; it is different.

Along our trail we ventured to the Historic Tucson courthouse that was built in 1929. It has remained an active courthouse. It has seen many prominent cases as well as been visited by Hollywood.

The turquoise dome is a prominent feature and one of the most recognized structures in the region including the official Pima County Logo.

The courthouse made headlines in 1934 when the Dillinger Gang was captured in Tucson. Actor Clark Gable was found quilty in this courthouse in 1954 for negligence and crashing his car into another. In 1991 Johnny Depp pleaded guilty to speeding in the courtroom.

We found an authentic Mexican restaurant along our turquoise route at about the half way point called El Minuto Cafe. This has become a favorite restaurant of ours.

University of Arizona

If you have been following us for a bit, you know that we always find ourselves on college campuses. This time we came to the University of Arizona because my husband was a huge fan of Lute Olson and wanted to see where the legend coached.

We saw this little guy trying to make a delivery on campus.

So whether you have a day, a week, or several months, Tucson has a lot to offer for everyone. There is so much history in this town and a lot of murals around town to see. I highly recommend a visit and each year we come back with the “snow birds” to stay for a bit. I hope you enjoyed our journey to Tucson, AZ. Please hit the like and subscribe button to travel around the country with us.

A Journey Through Ohio: Discovering Hidden Gems and Local History

May 27, 2025June 4, 2025 by msminnie72, posted in Ohio

Thanks for joining us, and welcome to Ohio as we explore the area for a couple of weeks. We are a husband-and-wife team that travels the country in our Keystone Cougar 2100 RKS, and we love to explore new places. If you like to learn new things, this is the blog for you. Today we learn about Lewis and Clark, Annie Oakley, and The Treaty of Greenville. We last left off at the Keystone Cougar Rally in Shipshewana, Indiana. After the rally, we headed to Ohio and stayed at a Harvest Host called The Cedar Coffee in New Paris, Ohio. This isn’t like other coffee houses that you see around the country. This is better because it is a small company in a small town. While walking to the coffee shop, we walked along this beautiful stream.

While here, we had some drinks and snacks while waiting for some friends. We didn’t want to get coffee in the middle of the day. The drinks were just what we needed while waiting for our friends.

We caught up with some college friends that we hadn’t seen in 25 years. It was so good to catch up with them.

After a day, we headed to another Harvest Host called Today’s Harvest in New Paris, Ohio. We parked in their parking lot and enjoyed the farm life around us. The next day we traveled through the town of Greenville, Ohio and stopped at the Garst Museum. I love these little stops so Andrew can work, and I can learn new things. The Garst Museum is the National Annie Oakley Center. I was very excited to learn about this woman I had heard about but didn’t really know a lot about.

On November 16, 1977, this house was added to the National Registry of Historic Places.

There is so much history in this building that I spent a good couple of hours here. I felt like I was walking back in time absorbing as much information as I could. I love to learn history this way much more than reading it in a book.

Greenville, Ohio

Greenville is a city in Darke county and was incorporated in 1832. Greene Ville was the largest stockade fort ever built in North America and was named by Anthony Wayne. It was the scene of the most significant American Indian treaty ever negotiated. Darke county was name after William Darke who commanded a battalion of St. Clair’s Army. He was described as being “frank and fearless in disposition.” Drake county has 188 graves of War of 1812 veterans.

Cross Roads of Destiny

The Treaty of Greene Ville of 1795 opened the door to the settlement of the Midwest . The Treaty ended forty years of conflict over the upper Ohio Valley. The post was abandoned in 1797 and none of the original structures survived. In 1805-1808, a Shawnee chief Tecumseh who was against western expansion and his brother build a village near the ruins. https://www.garstmuseum.org/exhibits

On August 3, 1795, the **Treaty of Greenville**, formally titled “A treaty of peace between the United States of America, and the tribes of Indians,” was signed, ending the Northwest Indian War and establishing a boundary line between Native American lands and territory for United States settlement.

The power hitters of the western expansion.

Lewis and Clark

You know, the two explorers of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

In 1795, Meriwether Lewis joined the US Army but not very much time had passed before Lewis was charged with” conduct unbecoming of an officer” based on charges by Lieutenant Joseph Elliot. Based on the transcripts of the court martial, Lt. Elliot claimed that Lewis was intoxicated and challenged him to a duel. Lewis defended himself successfully and was acquitted with honor. He was then transferred to William Clark’s unit probably because of the court martial and his superior marksmanship in the army.

Well, Willliam Clark was stationed in Greene Ville in 1794 and in 1795 Merriweather Lewis was sent there to witness the Treaty. While the two men were in Greene Ville, they became life long friends.

On April 1, 1801, Lewis was appointed as Secretary to the President by Thomas Jefferson. In 1803, Jefferson had commissioned the Corps of Discovery to explore a path west to the Pacific Ocean and to expand the territory. Jefferson chose US Army captain Lewis, and Lewis chose Clark as his partner after Jefferson purchase land from France for $15 million. So, on May 14, 1804, with a crew of 33 volunteers, Clark left by canoe at Camp Dubois, Illinois and followed the Missouri river to meet up with Lewis in St. Charles, Missouri. The expedition lasted 2 years.

Annie Oakley

She was born as Phoebe Anne Mosey.

Annie was not a very tall girl, just about 5 feet tall, which I can relate to.

Does the name sound familiar? It did for me, but the only thing I knew, was that she was good with a gun. Annie was born August 13, 1860 in Darke County, Ohio. When Annie was 6, her father died leaving the family of 8 in extreme poverty. The children were sent to families to live and work who could pay them. When she was 7 she tried her father’s muzzle-loading rifle with her brother’s help. She seems to have been born with special shooting skills. At 8, she was sent to the Edingtons, supervisors of the Darke County Infirmary, where she was treated well. Later she was sent to another family that didn’t treat her well, where she was abused, overworked and rarely paid. She called the family “wolves” and eventually ran away back to her mother only to learn her stepfather had also died. She returned to the Edingtons and considered that she had a happy childhood.

Annie met her husband Frank Butler when she went to the city to visit her sister when she was 15. She then won a shooting contest against him and a year later, in 1876 they married and never had any children.

Frank adopted a dog and named him Dave. They did shows with him and she would shoot an apple off the top of Dave’s head. When the War started, both Frank and Annie were touring to raise money for the Red Cross. He became known as Red Cross Dave because he could sniff out money in handkerchiefs.

In 1885 the pair joined Buffalo Wild Bill and traveled around Europe performing for royalty.

While bird hunting in New Jersey, Frank felt a jolt and when he looked at his shotgun, he could see that a hunter had fired a high powered rifle in his direction. The bullet blasted a hole through his gunstock. He kept the stock and used it in lectures regarding gun safety.

In 1887 Charles Lancaster crafted a shotgun specified for Annie with her shoulder and arm dimensions. From then on, she specified that all of her rifles and shotguns be constructed with the same dimensions.

In 1926 Annie and Frank came back to Greenville, Ohio to live quietly, writing to family and friends. They passed away 17 days apart with Annie passing first. They are buried together in the Brock cemetery near Greenville Ohio.

We ended our day in Bradford, Ohio at a Harvest Host.

Ansonia, Ohio where we stopped for dinner at the Whistle Stop. The food was delicious and the service was great.

These were potato skins. They were perfect!

While driving around at night, we got to see a sight that I’m not used to seeing. They glow at night and they blink. Do you know, what I’m talking about? Did you say Fire flies?

I hoped you learned something with us in Ohio. Please hit the subscribe and like button to stay in touch. Stay tuned for more as we get connected in Indiana.

A Historical Adventure in Crawford and Wabash College

May 24, 2025June 2, 2025 by msminnie72, posted in Indiana

Welcome back and welcome to Indiana! Thanks for joining us, as we explore the area for a couple of weeks. We are a husband-and-wife team that travels the country in our Keystone Cougar 2100 RKS, and we love to explore new places. This blog highlights the Crawford, Indiana area and we were introduced to a native noisy creature.

As we were traveling along our way to Crawford, we found the Nestle Bunny at the Nestle Plant.

We found our way to Crawford KOA for two nights. We did learn about a new creature called a Cicada.

These little creatures make sooooo much noise. Oh my goodness!

Lane Place

While we were in town, we visited Lane Place in Crawford, Indiana. The beautiful house belongs to the Montgomery County Historical Society. The house started with a 3 room cabin in 1830 and in 1845 the front part of the house was built in 1845 when Henry Smith and Joanna Elston Lane were married. The house went through many renovations over the years

The reconstructed Speed Cabin is also on the Lane grounds.

The house next door is being renovated by the local chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.

Wabash College

While driving around this beautiful town, we stumbled upon another college.

This college was founded in 1832 and is a private men’s college. The campus is 65 beautifully wooded acres.

Stay tuned as we head to Illinoise and fly back to California. Please like and hit the subscribe button.

Exploring KOA Campgrounds: Weathering the Journey to Indiana

May 5, 2025May 5, 2025 by msminnie72, posted in Illinois

After meeting with the Clydesdales, we ended up at the St. Louis /Granite City KOA in IL for a few nights on our way to Indiana hoping to avoid some of the weather. We stayed in site A4, and A5.

This is a nice little campground.

After a long day, it was nice to put our feet into the pool to cool off.

Andrew is goofing around on the bounce pillow.

A nicer park for when it’s not hot outside since the other is all metal.

Well due to in climate weather, we decided to go east instead of north to try to avoid the nasty weather that was forecasted.

Home of the University of Louisville Athletics

We ended up going 4.5 hours out of the way staying at Louisville South KOA Holiday. We have stayed here a couple of times and stayed in sites 225 and 284. Then we headed to Indiana

The next morning, we headed to the RV Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkart In. which is a Harvest Host as well.

Stay tuned as we head to Amish area in Indiana and we tour the Keystone Cougar factory.

Guide to Monument Valley’s Unique Rock Formations

March 14, 2025March 17, 2025 by msminnie72, posted in Arizona, Utah

Welcome to Monument Valley, one of the most beautiful places in the world! Thank you for joining us as we show our oldest daughter the valley.

Autumn had never been to Monument Valley, so of course we had to take her there. It is Andrew and my favorite place. This was my 4th time here in the last few years.

Before we begin our journey into the valley, some things to know about. There are 3 differnt kinds of rock formations.

A mesa, which is the biggest. I remember this because it looks like a table, and the Spanish word for table is mesa. It is wide and stable.
A Butte, a rock formation that has eroded from a mesa which makes it smaller.
A spire, which is the final form of erosion from a butte. It is tall, narrow and free standing.

You can’t go to Monument Valley and not do the 17-mile loop, but don’t plan to do it in your RV. You’re driving on dirt and sometimes it is very soft. In fact, busses, RVs, and motorcycles are not even allowed! Plan for a couple of hours to do the drive and enjoy the sights. There is an $8.00 fee, and they will give you a map as well.

Both of these buttes look like mittens which suggests spiritual beings watching over the valley.

Doesn’t this look like an elephant? You can’t see it? Use your imagination with the big hump.

This is supposed to look like a catholic nun facing her two pupils. The middle one looks like it is leaning back and will fall one day.

The next stop was the John Ford point, which is named after Hollywood director John Ford who made John Wayne famous.

Sometimes you can pay to have your picture taken with a horse out on the point.

We took a break at the John Ford point and enjoyed some fry bread. It was so big that we couldn’t finish it. We had garlic and butter on it, and it was so rich, but so good. We had never had it before, have you? Here they also have Navajo vendors set up, so you can buy products from them.

The hub symbolizes the hub of a wagon wheel. The Navajo see this as a fireplace in the center of a Hogan. Keep reading to find out what a Hogan is.

This spire monument is a good example of what erosion does to a butte. This is one of my favorite because you can see the totem poles.

I was excited for this because I had recently learned what code talkers were.

Code talkers in a nutshell were military members who used their knowledge of Native American languages to send secret messages during the war. They were vital to helping the US because nobody could translate what was being said.

For more information on Code Talkers visit

https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/american-indian-code-talkers

This is the north window, where you can see the northern view of the valley.

Sometimes Navajo vendors are here, and you can buy Navajo products.

Hiking in Monument Valley

There is only 1 hike that you can do in the valley. It is 3.8 miles and you hike around a butte. I recommend in the warmer months to start early and take plenty of water. There is not much shade and only 1 bathroom half-way through the hike.

This was an April outing for us and you can see, we had jackets/ sweatshirts on.

When we stayed here this past summer, it was the 4th of July and we got to experience a free 4th of July show that can compete with any 4th of July show. It was so cool to hear the blast off the canyon walls, it was so loud! Have you ever been here for the 4th of July?

This is definitely a 4th of July, we won’t forget!

What is a Hogan?

A hogan is a traditional ceremonious dwelling that is considered sacred for the Navajo. As you drive around the area, look on the land for these sacred sites. I think each family has one on their property.

I don’t know how many people can be in a Hogan at once, but if it’s a ceremonial location, I would imagine the whole family would go in.

The best place to stay

Everytime we have visited Monument Valley, we have always stayed at Gouldings. They have something for everyone. They have lodging accommodations, as well as an RV campground that you can tent camp at also. https://gouldings.com/.

This little guy scared Andrew as he hooked up our 5th wheel. I think he is so cute!

Many of the sites have these beautiful flowers.

The view of Monument Valley from the campground.

If you’re interested in taking a short little hike in the park, there is a gem within the park.

The hike to get there is short but sweet! And there are sooooo many picture opportunities!

Dinner at the lodge

We had soup with fry bread, a taco salad in fry bread as well as a steak. All entrees were very good and the views during dinner were really good. So have no fear, you will be fed while you’re here. There is something for everyone!

Hiking at the campground

There is a nice little hike within the campground that will take you into the canyon to see a little surprise of an arch bridge. You really can’t go on top of the arch, but you can definitely go underneath it and beside it. Each time, we have hiked back into the canyon and enjoyed this little gem.

Is that better? It is very cool to walk to a natural bridge!

Thanks for traveling to Monument Valley with us. If you like what you see, please hit the subscribe button and continue to travel with us.

Top Attractions in Las Vegas: A Family Guide

February 25, 2025February 25, 2025 by msminnie72, posted in California, Las Vegas, Nevada

Hello there, thank you for joining us on our travels. The last we left off, we packed up our house and I was getting on a train to go pick up our daughter in the bay area. I spent the night with her and we caught the train and traveled to Bakersfield where Andrew was picking us up.

Bakersfield, California

We got groceries and stayed the night at the Orange Grove RV Park and Resort. click the link to read about our stay.

This time we stopped at Orange Grove RV Park and Resort in Bakersfield off of highway 58 over the Tehachapi’s.

Las Vegas

We surprised our daughter with a couple nights in Las Vegas and oh boy what a few nights it was. After we landed at Oasis RV park, we hit the pool because it was so hot, and it takes a while to cool the RV down. If you’re looking for a resort in the summer, this is definitely where everyone goes. They have an 18 hole putting green, as well as 2 pools, a kids and adult pool. They have an onsite cafe/bar as well. After we cooled down in the pool, we cleaned up and we hit the town. For more information, visit https://www.oasislasvegasrvresort.com/

Blue Man Group

Our first stop was going to the MGM hotel and saw the show of Blue Man group. The show was fun and entertaining and was about 90 minutes long. I have always wanted to see this group since we saw them on America’s Got Talent several years ago. We loved the show, and they get the audience involved in the show as well. They come up into the audience and interact with them. It is a fun show, and I think Autumn had a good time.

Other Shows in Vegas we have enjoyed

It’s so cool how they manipulate the lights

The Jabbawockeez was a great show that I took my daughter Topanga to the year before. Since she is a dancer, this was a perfect show for her to go see. They are a hip-hop dance crew that have high energy and very fun to watch. Tickets were a bit pricey but so is everything else in Vegas. The show definitely put a smile on her face.

Freemont Street

We spent the night enjoying Freemont Street. This is absolutely our favorite place to go in Vegas. Here is a tip: Circus Circus has free parking and we Ubered over to Freemont Street and back. We spent several hours over there enjoying the live music of two different bands.

While visiting Freemont Street, I would highly recommend doing the ziplining. My daughter Topanga and I did the superman zipline across the length of Freemont Street and it was exhilarating. I was a bit nervous, but I’m so glad I did this! You do need a reservation so plan in advance. Plan to pay for the experience!

We even spent a little time checking out the casinos in Freemont Street. We didn’t win anything, but fun was had by all.

Circus Circus

So since we were parking at Circus Circus, we thought we would spend a little time here. When our kids were much younger, we spent time here to keep the kids entertained with the Adventuredome and the circus acts.

We even stopped and watched a show in the Midway. Boy was it weird to go back after all these years. It is a great place to entertain the kids. For more information https://www.circuscircus.com/the-adventuredome/tickets-information/

Hoover Dam

We spent 2 full days in Las Vegas and I think Autumn had a fabulous time. Stayed tuned as we take our daughter to adventure in Utah next.

We had a surprise!

January 3, 2025January 3, 2025 by msminnie72, posted in California, Nevada, Texas

We last left off leaving Iowa and crossed into Missouri. It was so beautiful to watch the farmland pass us by. We stopped at a Boondockers Welcome in Stewartsville, Missouri and met Ken and Robin. These are 2 of the nicest people we have ever met. We spent a couple of hours sitting on their back patio enjoying warm cider and conversation.

We spent the day driving through Kansas and stopping in Oklahoma.

We then landed in Foss, Oklahoma at the Elk City/ Clinton KOA Journey. Since we were driving all day, we didn’t get any pictures but here is the link. https://koa.com/campgrounds/elk-city/?msockid=35ab8978bb7c64d21df99c7eba876532

The next day we crossed into Texas and stayed at a Harvest Host in Canyon Texas called Bar Z Winery. Although it was very windy, this was quite a gem. While Andrew worked, I went inside and enjoyed some wine tasting. I spent a couple of hours visiting with the owner and staff and walked out with a bottle of wine.

We next traveled about an hour to Vega Texas. If you haven’t been to Vega Texas, it is a quaint little town. We intended to stay at a Harvest Host for a couple days which was a museum. They had a lot to see, and the host was happy to answer any questions.

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We walked around town and learned of the history of the area.

We also read reviews about the best bakery in town. And they were not kidding about the homemade goodies. The bakery is called Mama Jo’s and is owned by Joann Glenn Harwell. Let me tell you, we bought a small peach cobbler pie, and it was so good. So, if you’re in the area, stop in for a sweet and drink, you won’t regret it.

It was shortly after our town walk; we got a phone call from home. Our grandbaby was on the way, and we needed to hurry home. So, after trying to look at airlines flight (which were crazy expensive), we looked at train schedules (which would take too long). We decided to hit the road leaving at 3:30 in the afternoon and drive as far as we could in one day. Six hours and 300 miles later we stopped in New Mexico at Grants KOA Journey. https://www.bing.com/alink/link?url=https%3a%2f%2fkoa.com%2fcampgrounds%2fgrants%2f&source=serp-local&h=LnxyQy7RyjPySFkOqrKWUViF3rDFPJEjKzis990afr8%3d&p=lw_gbt&ig=8C4F9298CD2D4DE8B921F8A067287B89&ypid=YN873x7161397907331662059

Cadillac Ranch

If you’re travelling along Interstate 40, a must do and fun thing to do is Cadillac Ranch outside Amarillo Texas If we had more time, we definitely would have stopped. We were here for the first time in 2015, and we had our kids with us. We didn’t have a can of spray paint but found some on sight.

We got up super early in the morning and we were in constant contact with our son. The baby hadn’t arrived yet and we still had time to get there. We saw the sunrise over the plains of New Mexico and what a beautiful sight it was.

We traveled 831 miles in just over 15 hours. We pulled our 5th wheel into the hospital parking lot and got to see our son at 11:00. Due to visiting hours we couldn’t go up and see our sweet granddaughter till the next morning.

We then traveled to their house and stayed nearby with our 5th wheel in the event that they needed help, which they didn’t but it gave us an excuse to visit a few more times.

While staying in the area, we stayed at Oasis West RV Park in Santa Nella, it used to be a KOA but it is no longer. I wouldn’t recommend staying here unless you have to or just passing through.

If you like what you read, please hit the subscribe button and be notified when a new blog is published. Stayed tuned as we celebrate birthdays.

All Things Lincoln

August 30, 2024February 18, 2025 by msminnie72, posted in Illinois, Indiana, Springfield

Our last day in Ohio was at a Boondockers Welcome. We came in during a rain storm but we had an absolutely wonderful stay.

I try to capture each state sign but it is not always there, I only get this from the GPS. We stopped at a rest stop in Green Forks, Indiana and spotted this really cool seal on the floor. It was a very clean stop.

We only stayed in Indiana one night. We stayed at the Crawfordsville KOA Journey https://koa.com/campgrounds/crawfordsville/. It was raining when we came in but we got out between storms to take some pictures.

It was a nice big park even with all the puddles.

Our site was nice but we didn’t even unhook in the rain.

A nice play area for the kids when the weather is nice.

A big dog run for your fur babies of all sizes.

They even had these small camping cabins if you are traveling and don’t have a tent or an RV. Neat way to “get out there” and significantly cheaper than a hotel.

I thought this was left out from Halloween, but I think they keep this up all year long. It was kind of funny and made me laugh.

Illinois

We headed to Springfield, Illinois and stayed at Double J Campground. This was a perfect location to see everything in the area.

This wagon is along historic Route 66 and it is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest covered wagon in the world. A statue of Abe Lincoln reading a law book sits in the huge wooden wagon, which stands 24 feet tall. Its a 5-10 min. stop and a great place to let the kids out to stretch their legs.

Double J Campground

This was a very big campground that had something for everyone. They have RV sites and tent sites.

So it was good to know where to go in the event of a Tornado.

The restroom was very clean and updated/

A great big playground for the kids to play.

We had ladder ball and a big chest set in the grass.

Inside the covered area high stakes ping-pong ensued. I won’t say who won, but the winner is NOT in this picture!

The campsite itself was nice and big with a picnic table and fire pit for those that like to smell like smoke. Don’t get me wrong, I love campfires but I don’t like smelling like one.

If your planning to visit Springfield, Ill. or just want to enjoy a vacation in the campground, this is definitely the place to stay. For just $62 a day we thought this was a great gem. If your interested in Lincoln stay with us as we explore all things Lincoln.

Lincoln Home National Historical Site

Our first day into Springfield, we went to the Lincoln Home National Historical Site. We started off with a self guided tour through the park walking in Lincoln’s steps. We got a sense of who his neighbors were and what life was like in 1860’s. We went back the next day to get a tour of the Lincoln home. Be advised that school groups fill up the tours during the school year.

The house sits on the corner of 8th and Jackson Street. The original house that you see from the front was built as a one and a half story house with 5 rooms in 1839. In 1844 the young Lincoln family moved in. In 1846 the first remodeling of the home occurred. The Lincolns added a bedroom and a pantry to the back of the home, and the kitchen was removed from the back of the house and shifted over several feet to its present location. Between 1849 and 1850 another remodel happened, stoves were installed in the parlor rooms, the brick retaining wall in front of the home was constructed, and the front walk was bricked over, replacing the wooden sidewalk. As the family grew another renovation was done between 1855 and 1856 the front of the home was raised from one-and-a-half stories to two full stories. The bedroom was moved to the upstairs portion of the home, allowing for the creation of the rear parlor. Wood folding doors were added to the parlor at this time and the front parlor windows were permanently closed. The rest of the home was raised to two full stories allowing for the present 12 room nearly 3,000 sq. ft. home. The Lincolns lived in this house until they left for the White House in 1861 and never returned due to the memories that they had created here.

The Lincoln’s entertained their guest in the parlor, it is considered the most formal room of the house. This is the same room that Lincoln was formally notified of his presidential nomination.

The living room where the family spent time together and the children played.

The dining room was much smaller than I expected. I don’t know how they did it.

Mary spent many hours managing the household and raising children. Mary oversaw the activities that made this a well-run and inviting home. First impression is that the kitchen was small and I don’t know how she cooked for 5 in such a small space.

Lincoln’s bed was very simple like the man himself.

His tiny little desk that he wrote many a documents from. I don’t know how he sat at this.

Mary Todd Lincoln’s room. Her dresser she brought with her from her childhood home.

The Lincoln boys bedroom where Tad and Willie shared a room.

Mrs. Lincoln had 1 hired girl to help out around the house. Notice the walls do not have wall paper on them. And the floorboard were original to the house.

To plan your visit to the Lincoln Home or watch videos, visit https://www.nps.gov/liho/explore-the-park.htm

Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site

We traveled the 22 miles out of town to explore the reconstructed New Salem village where Lincoln lived and worked as a young man from 1831-1837. Lincoln came to New Salem by flatboat.

The village features twenty -three historically furnished buildings.

I was amazed that the fire places were made from wood and not rock. I would have thought this would have been a fire hazard.

This is the home of Isaac and Elizabeth Gulihur. They lived in this cabin after getting married in 1831.

This is the Johnston residence. Robert made and repaired spinning wheels, wagon wheels, and did a lot of cabinetry.

This is the First Berry-Lincoln store. James and Rowan Herndon arrived in the spring of 1831, built a store and opened it that fall. In the summer of 1832, James sold his interest in the store to William Berry. Rowan was not happy working with Berry and later sold his interest in the store to Lincoln. When a larger and better stocked store became available across the street, they moved their business there in Jan. 1833 on a promissory note which meant no money was exchanged because Lincoln and Berry and no money.

New Salem was a wonderful way to walk in Lincoln shoes. We took lunch with us and had a nice picnic before wondering around the grounds. If you like history, this will not disappoint at all .

The Lincoln Museum

Oh my goodness, let me just say that this is the best museum that I have ever been into. The cost of admission was a mere $15 and worth every penny. When you first enter, you see the Lincoln cabin on the left and the white house on the right with the Lincoln family in the middle.

Our first stop, curtesy of the museum docent was the holographic show “Ghosts of the Museum” and the special effects theatres will entertain, educate and mesmerize you with ghostly images, live actors and high action. It was amazing. You couldn’t tell what was holographic vs what was real. I couldn’t tell if it was a real person or a holograph. We then proceeded through Lincoln’s cabin.

The attention to detail, was amazing. There were forest noises as well as the dog snoring here sleeping at Lincoln’s feet.

We then proceeded to the slave market exhibit.

This exhibit depicts Lincoln during his time in New Salem while working in the store that you read about above. All of the figures looked so real!

The Lincoln’s were very lax with raising their children. They loved their children so much that they pretty much got away with anything. This next scene is a day that Mr. Lincoln took his boys to work with him and they are very rambunctious. When you enter this room, you can hear the boys yelling, screaming and laughing.

Lincoln’s law partner William Herndon said that Lincoln “worshipped his children and what they worshipped; he loved what they loved and hated what they hated.”
Notice the ink on the wall!

The third oldest child was William Wallace Lincoln. The young Lincoln child died while living in the Whitehouse from typhoid fever. This next picture shows the Lincolns leaving a party downstairs as young William lays in his bed.

You can feel the turmoil that the parents were feeling. A happy occasion downstairs, and a somber room upstairs.

The cabinet room that the Emancipation Proclamation was first shown to his cabinet.

The war room was an amazing depiction of the war room during the civil war. An interactive map shows where the war lines were, how they moved, and dates and amounts of casualties during any one battle. I wish I would have gotten a picture but was so enthralled with the whole 10 min. display. It truly is a teachers dream and wished this was made available to teachers. It brings the whole thing to life.

John Wilkes Booth sneaking into the Lincoln viewing box.

The depiction of Ford’s theatre with the Lincoln’s box seats

This picture was taken April 24, 1864, in New York City. Only 1 picture exists of this great president after he was assassinated. Mrs. Lincoln thought is was highly disrespectful to Lincoln’s memory. Secretary of State Edwin Stanton ordered all the plates and negatives to be confiscated and destroyed. Many years later after Mr. Stanton had passed, his son found the single picture and mailed it to Lincoln’s old secretary of state John Nicolay in 1887. It remained hidden until 1952 when it was found in the Illinois State Historical Library manuscript collection.

This somber room makes you feel as if you are viewing Mr. Lincoln during his funeral. The room is dark and quiet with somber music quietly playing. Nobody is speaking in this room. It is very eerie.

If you only have time for 1 main Lincoln things, the Museum is a MUST! You can spend several hours there with so much to read. Another must see is the Lincoln Tomb

As you have read in past blogs, I love cemeteries. I love seeing how old they are and to pay respects to those that have passed young and from what diseased plagued the area of the time.

With that said, I was not prepared for this presidential tomb. This tomb sits up on a hill in the Oak Ridge Cemetery. The Lincoln Tomb was formally dedicated on October 15, 1874. The obelisk is 117 feet high, with a full length statue of Lincoln at the center. On the corners are Infantry and Cavalry statues . It is really a sight to see.

After his funeral and burial services, his coffin was placed in a receiving vault for seven months.

The burial site sits in the middle of the building. As you walk along the corridor that is marked with statues and quotes , you will find yourself in the middle burial room. President Lincoln is approximal 30 inches behind and 7 inches below the seven ton block of marble.

Across the walkway is the resting place for the rest of the family with the exception of Robert Todd Lincoln who is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Side note, we did find the first recorded burial plot in the cemetery. Believe it or not, the deceased passed from teething, of all things.

In today’s world it would be unheard of to have a colored section. There are slaves, Lincoln’s boot maker and friend, a conductor in the underground railroad are all buried in this section.

Sites around town

This building was built in 1840-41. Lincoln moved into it in 1843 with his law partner, Stephen T. Logan. The partnership dissolved in 1843 and he took William H. Herndon as his junior partner. They moved to another location in 1855 and their partnership disintegrated with Lincoln’s death. The Lincoln law firm occupied several different locations in the area, but this is the only site that still stands.

This building built in 1852 is currently a law office and holds so much history. This is where Lincoln left for the White House. In 1868 it was closed to train passenger when a new station opened up. In 1968 a fire destroyed a freight wing and was remodeled in 2012-13.

Stayed tuned for more in Springfield and so much more. Please hit the subscribe button if you like what you’re reading!!!