-
Wichita Mountains: Oklahoma’s Best Kept Secret
Wow… who knew that Oklahoma has mountains? Last weekend, desperate for a trip away from the big city, we started searching for places within a few hours drive from Dallas. That’s when it hit me. I had heard about the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge a few years ago – that it was a good place to hike. And it was only 3 hours from home. Knowing very little about this part of Oklahoma, we decided only a couple hours before leaving the house that we would give it a try. It is Oklahoma, so my expectations for these “mountains” was pretty low. Oklahoma is the land of fields and…
-
Epic Colorado National Park Road Trip
Colorado is home to four of the most unique national parks in the United States. Follow this Colorado National Park road trip guide to see some of the most spectacular spots in the whole state. You’ll see snow-capped mountains, 700 foot sand dunes, ancient ruins, and steep dramatic canyons. This guide will navigate you through Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. In that order. So let’s get started! Map of Colorado’s National Parks Here’s an interactive map of this Colorado National Park Road Trip. You’ll find that the four epic national parks and the routes…
-
Best State Parks in North Texas for an Outdoor Getaway
North Texas has been my home for the past seven years. However, it wasn’t until recently that I began to have a desire to explore and share my close-to-home adventures. As a lover of the outdoors, I have compiled a list of my favorite state parks in North Texas that are easily accessible from the Dallas/Fort Worth area and provide ample opportunities for adventure. Maybe we can thank the Coronavirus Pandemic for giving many of us perspective and realizing that you don’t have to fly half-way across the world to experience adventure and beauty. I know for me, it took a pandemic to realize that I can find beauty in…
-
Cleburne State Park: A Texas Hidden Gem
Cleburne State Park has easily put itself in my top three favorite state parks in North Texas. And it’s a park that is not talked about often. In fact, I have driven past it many times but never considered stopping. In an attempt to discover more of the beautiful places around me, I have made it my quest to visit as many of the Texas State Parks as possible. Starting with those closest to my home in North Texas. That is how we ended up at Cleburne State Park, the most underrated state park. Read Next: Best State Parks in North Texas for an Outdoor Getaway Unsure what to expect,…
-
Eisenhower State Park: Exploring the Texas – Oklahoma Border
When I first moved to North Texas, I thought this part of the state was nothing but flat and plain. As a girl who grew up on the edge of the Texas Hill Country, I missed the varied landscapes and hills. But did you know that you can find hills along with rugged and steep rock cliffs right here in North Texas? Well, you can, at Eisenhower State Park on the shoreline of Lake Texoma. These rocky cliffs make for the perfect outdoor adventure not more than an hour from our home in Dallas. How to Get to Eisenhower State Park Eisenhower State Park is located only an hour north…
-
Get Outdoors at Lake Mineral Wells
Often I find myself searching for an adventure outside of my home state. But recently, I’ve been seeking beautiful places right here in North Texas. And I think I’ve found one at Lake Mineral Wells State Park! This state park is so gorgeous and so conveniently located close to Dallas/Fort Worth. Not to mention, there are so many adventurous outdoor activities at Lake Mineral Wells. So if you’re looking for an amazing outdoor getaway close to the Metroplex then consider this one! How to Get to Lake Mineral Wells Lake Mineral Wells State Park is located about 40 minutes west of Fort Worth. To get there from Fort Worth, take…
-
Guadalupe Mountains – The Top of Texas
Despite having grown up in Texas, only a day’s drive away (8 hours), both Randy and I had never visited Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It wasn’t until last month that I decided that it was not OK that there was a national park in my home state that I had NEVER been to. Can you believe that my family has driven past this park several times but never stopped? So, we planned a long weekend trip out to West Texas. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in the entire state of Texas. Obviously, our visit to Guadalupe Mountains would not be complete without conquering…
-
Visiting El Yunque After Hurricane Maria
What’s visiting a tropical island without spending time in a tropical rain forest? El Yunque National Forest is a must-see when visiting the island of Puerto Rico. At only an hour’s drive from the capital city of San Juan, El Yunque is the perfect day trip when visiting Puerto Rico. Due to damage from Hurricane Maria, the national forest was shut down in 2017 and has been slowly re-opening portions of the forest to the public. During our visit in January 2020, most of the park was open – keep reading for more information on what areas of the park were open and which ones are still under restoration. What…
-
Virgin Islands National Park – The Best of Saint John in Two Days
Virgin Islands National Park is located on the island of Saint John, which is the smallest of three main islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s been a week since we left Saint John and I don’t think I’ve gone a day without dreaming about going back one day. Because of time constraints, my husband and I were only able to spend two nights on the island but in those couple days, Saint John has completely stolen our hearts. It’d be a lie if I told you that I haven’t considered checking job postings in St. John. Surely they need a speech therapist on the island. If you are even…
-
One Day in Badlands National Park
My first visit to Badlands National Park was about 13 years ago during a family road trip to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore. We didn’t spend more than a couple hours in the park and frankly I don’t remember being too impressed. But then again, I was only 13 years old. Then last week my husband approached me (aka begged me) about taking a last minute trip to South Dakota. I was anything but thrilled. I wanted to visit somewhere new. New to me at least. And South Dakota is one of those “visit only once” states, right? Reluctantly, I conceded and we booked our tickets. Sometimes marriage means…
