We camped at Andy on the River Road. I looked into camping at the state park itself but as springtime in Texas goes, those campsites book up months in advance. While the private campground route was more expensive, it ultimately was worth it to 1) have the place basically to ourselves at the end of April, 2) the bathrooms were so nice as far as campground go. We’re talking hot showers here and those things definitely matter!

With any large family, there’s a plethora of nieces and nephews around. This time we had 3 infants with us on the campout. I know the thought of taking babies camping can be nerve-wracking but our experience has been that they do really well. Of course there was the occasional crying but otherwise our littles loved being outdoors and even slept really well in the tents both nights. What was a bigger surprise even was how the slightly older kids wanted to sleep in the hammocks overnight. They were some brave kids!

While our base camp was at Andy’s, we spent our days at the state park a few miles down the road. We discovered that Garner State Park is the best Texas state park we’ve ever visited in terms of attractions and facilities. It’s a large park with several hiking trails offering gorgeous vistas of the surrounding hill country. Their options for accommodations were also varied with the traditional campsites, screened shelters as well as climate controlled cabins for those who plan months in advance. A fun surprise was the mini golf course, food truck, candy shop and gift store offering a lot of great treats.

The main attraction however will always be those crisp, blue waters beckoning to the park visitors. We spent countless hours in the river, varying our location from the areas several feet in depth, to the shallower river bed area great for lounging. You’ll want to bring goggles while you’re at it because there are many fish to be found in the deeper parts among the rocks. And if you’re less interested in getting wet, the boat dock rents kayaks, SUPs and paddle boats.

One of the days we took the Bridges Trail up to Painted Rock overlook which richly rewards those who are willingly to hike up its steep trail. After pictures and a moment to catch our breath we hiked downhill, thankfully, to Crystal Cave. This is a small cave that’s fun to climb down into to see and feel its dark, cool depths.

Our final highlight of the trip was booking the Frio Bat Tour our last night. Just down the road from Concan is the second largest bat population in the world, who knew! It’s on private land but they open it up to the public most evenings for a guided tour outside the bat’s cave. After an interesting discussion with a bat expert at dusk, the bats will begin streaming out of the cave. And not just a few bats…several million! I’ve seen the bat tour in Austin but it’s nothing compared to what you’ll see here. First of all, there are more bats than you can ever imagine. Secondly, they fly right over you! Close enough that you can throw a baseball cap up in the air and knock an unfortunate bat from its flight path. Don’t ask me how I came to know that…The cave itself is located on top of a hill so enjoy taking in the scenery as you wait for the bats to begin their journey. It’s a beautiful sight that only improves as the bats fill the sky.

We felt we visited at the perfect time of year, temperatures to still be comfortable camping or hiking while still warm enough to swim in the Frio River. Not to mention everything is green and wildflowers are on full display. We can’t wait to go back next year and see even more!

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A couple of summers ago I poured myself into planning the ultimate adventure trip for myself and a few buds. We had the best time exploring this amazing country. The summer is considered the rainy season and while it rained here and there, it in no way stopped us from doing everything we hoped. Plus if you go in the off season you’ll find less crowds and better rates.

Below I share our trip but be forewarned, we gleamed every drop out of the country during our time there. This isn’t the itinerary if you want to just lay on a beach at some luxury resort with room service or want to stay in one location for the duration of your trip. If you too have the thrill seeking spirit within you, read on. You’re just my type.

Day 1: Fly in early to San Jose. We got tickets for less than $400 RT on Spirit. I know some aren’t crazy about flying this airline but it was just what I needed from an airline on this trip to move me safely from one location to another at a very low price.

Real men wear Speedos

But I digress. After picking up our rental car we were off for the Arenal area. The green, rolling hills around windy mountain roads left us breathless. We took our time getting to La Fortuna which was our base for the next day. We spent the rest of the day soaking our cares away at the Baldi Hot Springs. Located in the heart of the rain forest, this large resort boasts 25 pure water pools and three large water slides, ranging from 104 to 325 feet long. Those water slides are no joke. Be prepared to lose your swimsuit or at least your dignity on the way down…So worth it though! Slides like these are definitely not up to US safety regulations. We entered in the evening time which was perfect to take advantage of their delicious Central American buffet for dinner and then spent the rest of the time in the calming waters. Because we were there until closing time I believe we also avoided some of the crowds but I could have definitely used a couple of more hours there.

Day 2: This was our day to hike around the base of the iconic Arenal Volcano, kayak on Lake Arenal and explore the small town of La Fortuna. First things first, the hiking! The national park offers easy and lovely hiking trails around the base of the volcano. There aren’t any easily accessed trails up to the crater for safety reasons. From where we were we saw beautiful plants and flowers not native to the United States and strange creatures such as Great Curassows and Coatis.

We found a guy renting kayaks alongside the road beside Lake Arenal. Getting out on the water was the perfect way to continue our adventurous activities while also seeing the volcano from a different angle.

Lastly after a busy day we treated ourselves in town at La Fortuna to a big dinner.

Day 3: More driving in the morning but it was worth it to experience the spender of the Cloud Forest. Sure they offer zip lining off just about every hill in Costa Rica but for us, we wanted to do it right by zip lining in Monteverde. As with all areas of the Costa Rican countryside, the drive is gorgeous and we wanted to pull over for pictures often. If I had been driving it would have been even more frequent…. And heads up, the SUV we rented was very handy to traverse some of the steep, dirt roads leading to Monteverde.

Before heading off on zip lines, we did a self-guided hanging bridges tour through the jungle. This was a great way to check out the beauty of the area before our adrenaline rush. After that easy hike, it’s time for zip lining!! Selvatura was a great host providing several zip lines from platform to platform as we raced through the clouds and thick jungle. The highlight was definitely the last zip line, spanning almost a full mile in length way up high in the clouds. An added bonus was that we were able to go in pairs.

After a glorious day of zip lining it was back in the car again onto the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. This is a very different place than what you’ll find in the other parts of Costa Rica. Here it feels that you’ve traveled all the way to Jamaica given the accents, Bob Marley merchandise on display and the general love of the beach. We choose Manzanillo for its remoteness, Caribbean island lifestyle and black sand beaches. Though quite a long drive from Monteverde, it was worth the drive almost to Panama it for us.

Day 4: We woke up in fantasy it seemed though in actuality it was really just one of the Congo Bongo an open air lodges. This was definitely the coolest place we stayed at while in Costa Rica. Being all open, it was one beautiful harmony from the jungle to your bed. You can hear monkeys in the trees and we spotted a sloth slowly making its way from tree top to tree top right by our lodgings. Plus the beach is just a short walk.

Manzillo is a short drive which is where we found restaurants, a market, were able to scope out the locals enjoying what closely resembled the island lifestyle and the biggest drawthe black sand beaches. I stumbled upon Hershel’s surf shop after lunch and was so glad I did! This Puerto Viejo native was a surfing master and offered great surfing instructions for our entire group. We enjoyed a few hours making our best attempts at surfing in the Caribbean, some better than others, and then relaxed on the black sand beaches. This was such a fun experience for everyone in our group. Later that evening it was relaxing in the lodge and making an authentic Central American meal.

Day 5: Oh man, the trip just kept getting better and better if that was even possible. We headed out early for the Exploration Center in Siquirres for our final adventurewhite water rafting on the River Pacuare. I feel that there is white water rafting and then there is white water rafting…The vastly superior experience is found in Costa River on the Pacuare River. This river offers 18 miles of rapids through the jungle and gorges flanked by steep green walls. It was seriously so beautiful and also challenging in a good way. Both John and I fell out at one point when we went over a particularly bumpy rapid. And then there was one point where we were encouraged to jump out and float as we traveled through the gorge. There are few vistas as gorgeous as this one! We were definitely sad to see it end but it was a beautiful cap to our thrill packed trip.

That afternoon we drove back to San Jose and had the most delightful dinner at Mirador Ram Luna Restaurant overlooking the city of San Jose. You’d be hard pressed to find a better view of the city than what you’ll find here. And the food was also delicious! After dinner we caught our red eyed flight back to the states.

What a fantastic and jam packed trip it was. The national slogan of Costa Rica is Pura Vida and it’s for a good reason. Here everything is just more pure and beautiful. It’s the perfect destination for anyone looking for an adventure unspoiled by modernity. Have you been to Costa Rica? I’d love to hear about it!

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There’s so much to do and see in the Pacific Northwest it can be tough narrowing the choices. Ultimately we choose Oregon because 1) Neither of us had ever been, 2) Flights on Spirit were practically free ($100 RT), and 3) It looked freaking amazing! Oregon is one of the beautiful states in the union for sure but it doesn’t get a ton of hype which is fine by us who are in the know. Leave those trails and campgrounds unspoiled for those willingly to seek their companionship.

Even once you know Oregon is the place for you, there is so much to see and do. By no means is this a comprehensive itinerary (sorry if the title was a bit misleading), merely scratching the itch for those wanting to see and do all that they can with a week’s vacation.

Day One: Fly into PDX, pick up rental car, drop bags off AirBNB, and head to where the action is. All that travel can really work up an appetite so we started our evening by exploring the Richmond area of Portland. Here you’ll find cute shops, tantalizing restaurants and charming homes. We settled on grabbing our dinner from the food truck yard off Division. This was a great place to hangout while also being able to select from a dozen or so food choices.

Next we headed to St. John’s Bridge for photos of its arches and the Columbia River. Portland has a gorgeous waterfront that runs right through the city. And the St. John’s Bridge that spans across it is a beautiful tribute to a more classical past. I know I’m not the only one who feels that they don’t make bridges like they used to.

Before we headed back to our lodgings we wanted to get ice cream cones from Salt and Straw. How good is this place? Let me put it this way, when we swung by at 10:00 pm there was still a very long line wrapped around the block. Was it worth it? Absolutely! I take my ice cream very seriously so I don’t say this lightly….but this could have been the best ice cream of my life. Here you’ll find such flavors as Honey Lavender, Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache (a personal favorite) and Pear and Blue Cheese. It was the sweet ending to the first day of our trip.

Day Two: We headed out early to explore the Columbia Gorge area. Our first stop was at the obligatory Multnomah Falls. At over 600 feet high, Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon. They also have a fun gift shop and restaurant near the parking lot where we passed a few minutes. One great feature of this stretch of road is that you can see several waterfalls just a short walk from your car. We decided on the fly to follow a path to the neighboring Wahkeena Falls because, really, when have you seen enough waterfalls.

By this point we were ready to pack in some serious hiking so we headed to the Eagle Creek to Punchbowl Falls trail. Note: there is a $5 fee for parking in either of the two lots and if you’re short on time, drive to the second parking lot. The Eagle Creek Trail is a moderate, 3.4 mile loop through the woods that overlooks the canyon and heavily wooded valley. There are a couple of steep spots where you’ll want to exercise caution while passing through. It’s a very fun hike that offers a big payoff in the end when you’ve arrived at the Punchbowl Falls. Here you’ll find multiple falls and the cool waters of the Eagle Creek. We had a blast wading into the water but for those who plan ahead and don’t mind a little cold, it’s a gorgeous swimming spot.

After our hike we had worked up quite the appetite and thirst! Having no firm plans besides heading east, we pulled over at Cascade Locks for a late lunch at the Thunder Brewing Island Co. This is a perfect spot to dine alfresco while overlooking the Columbia River. It was a gorgeous view!

With the remaining hours of daylight we headed up into the mountains for camping at the Lost Lake Resort. Oregon has so much to offer not the least of which is their beautiful Mt. Hood. While there are many activities surrounding the mountain, we choose to enjoy it’s splendor from this lovely campground. We really enjoyed relaxing here with on the docks with our books in hand, hiking around the lake and renting a row boat the next day. I wrote a more in-depth post about this resort here.

Day Three: After a campfire breakfast and spending some time exploring the campground and getting out on the water, we were off again for our next adventure. But first our need for sustenance led us into Hood River for lunch. Solstice Pizza came highly recommended and boy, were we glad to have had lunch there. Our pizza blue cheese, caramelized onions and pear pizza really hit the spot.

Now for the biggest challenge yet: hiking Munra Point. This hike is no joke, and a bit precarious in spots, but the views at the top are astounding. The trail isn’t very clearly marked so it helps if you download the trail map ahead of time. As you ascend the trail can vary from paved sidewalk, to easy trails through the forest to scrambling with a rope as you climb a wall. We were so worn out by the end of it and covered with dirt as portions of the trail are quite dusty. We stopped for Jamba Juice once we were back in Portland and after placing my order, I used the restroom to clean up a bit. I was not prepared for the sight back in the mirror! I’m sure the Jamba Juice staff were silently wondering what hole I had crawled out of. But would I do it again for the most amazing views of the Columbia River including clear into Washington? Heck yes!

Day Four: Being back in Portland we spent half of the day exploring the city further. After a hearty breakfast we headed downtown to check out the wildly popular Powell’s Book Store. This lovely place occupies a whole city block and lays claim to be the largest independent bookstore in the world. Be still my bibliophilic beating heart! Seriously our hour there was nowhere near enough.

Because our breakfast just wasn’t large enough it was off to Voodoo Doughnut for us! There’s a heated battle between Voodoo Donuts and Blue Star to be the best in the city. I can’t comment on Blue Star’s flavor but Voodoo’s product and their funky bakery were divine!

With just a couple more hours left in the city we took advantage of Bike Town, Nike’s sponsored bike share program. We loved how hassle free and affordable the program was. We cruised up and down the waterfront, really taking in the views and gorgeous weather.

Speaking of the weather, apparently it rains a lot in Portland which is why it’s so green. However by visiting in August we really lucked out in having perfect weather. The only time we saw rain one the morning of our last day when we were right on the coast and it cleared up as we drove inland.

But it was goodbye to Portland for a few more days as we headed south to the Opal Creek Wilderness in the Willamette National Forest for camping. If I had to choose just one part of our trip that was our absolute favorite, this would be it. And on our next trip back to Oregon we’re definitely headed to the Opal Creek Wilderness to spend more time. Everywhere you look you’ll see trees several hundred years old but it’s believed that some are more than a 1,000 years old.

How about that campsite? Out of this world setting! Camping at the Shady Cove Campground is first come, first serve which meant when we rolled in later in the day all the campsites were gone. But it ended up being for the best because had we gotten a campsite we wouldn’t have driven back into the forest to camp along tributary of the Santiam River. Here they have the more secluded, primitive campsites. As you’ll see from the pictures we literally camped next to this gorgeous, clear stream running through the forest. We fell asleep at night to the sounds of a babbling brook in our ears. During the daylight hours we set up our hammocks along the stream and read. It was amazing!

Day Five: The next morning after more of that relaxing by the stream, we pulled ourselves away for lunch in Mill City at the Mountain Edge Cafe. It’s super interesting to see how lumbering is still very present in parts of Oregon. Go figure when you spend time in a town named, “Mill City”!

After our hearty lunch we headed back to the Opal Creek Wilderness to explore the Three Pools. You’d be hard pressed to find a swimming hole better than this one in the lower 48. Aside from the water being, shall we say, brisk, it was a stunning and refreshing shade of emerald green. We spent hours jumping from the cliffs, swimming upstream through the various pools and relaxing on our backs as the current pulled us through the forest lined banks. It was the stuff of dreams. There is so much that this forest offers in terms of hikes and enticing waters. We cannot wait to visit again.

It wouldn’t be the ultimate Oregon road trip unless it involved the coast which is where we headed next. It was a late by the time we rolled into our campsite at the Cape Lookout State Park. Thankfully we had the tent set up process down pat as we set it up in the dark. Even with our packed schedule there was still time left in our day for a stroll along the beach under the starry night sky and to sit around a campfire left unattended on the beach. That’s one thing that really blew me away about Oregon, the brightness of the stars there. Sleep was definitely welcomed as we fell asleep to the nearby sound of waves crashing.

Day Six: I wrote all about that next day here, but it bears repeating the highlights. We started our day up the coast by making a stop at Jacobsen Salt Co. which was right on our route to Tillamook. Jacobsen Salt Co. is recognized nationally as offering some of the purest sea salt available due to their laborious process of harvesting and purifying the salt that a longer duration than most other sea salts you can buy. The coolest aspect of course is that it’s all harvested right there from Netarts Bay. We enjoyed seeing their small operations and purchasing some items from their gift shop.

While in Tillamook we knew we had to stop by the famous creamery that bears its name. It’s a great stop off to learn more about their company story, operations and sample their products. We had a delightful lunch in their restaurant, completed the free self-guided tour and then finished with our obligatory ice cream cones. It’s was loads of fun but I will say at least the day we went, it was quite crowded.

We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening at Oswald West State Park. Sunny days on the coast I hear can be rare so we weren’t about to lose a second of that glorious sunshine. The park offers great hiking through its coastal rainforest before ending at Cape Falcon. It’s was a beautiful meander through the massive western red cedar, western hemlock, and Sitka spruce trees that form the rainforest. As dusk fell we took a short cut to the beach below and lucked out to be invited to take over someone’s bonfire as they were leaving. Pacific Northwest. Beach. Bonfire. The stuff of which youthful, adventurous hearts are made.

We warmed ourselves by finishing our day with delicious clam chowder from The Pelican Brewing Company in Cannon Beach. This definitely hit the spot before retiring to our cozy bed and breakfast for the evening. After a few days of camping, that soft bed and warm bath never looked so good!

Day Seven: Still with me as we enjoyed our last day of this epic Oregon road trip? As the grand finale we enjoyed a rich breakfast from the comfort of the bed and breakfast while the weather rained gray and chilly outside. Considering it was the only rain we saw our whole trip I didn’t mind it! And as we drove inland the weather turned bright and sunny. With just an afternoon left in Oregon we headed back to Portland and explored Forest Park. I highly recommend the lovely trail up to the Pittock Mansion. Though with more than 80 miles of trails right in the city, you can’t go wrong! Visitors are permitted inside the mansion with the purchase of a ticket. We preferred to pass the time relaxing on the lawn and admiring the views of Portland from the vantage point.

And there you have it, our week in Oregon. Really we barely scratched the surface for all the gems this part of the state offers. There’s so much I can’t wait to see for our future trips. Have you experienced the magic of Oregon? If so I’d love to hear about your favorites.

The post The Ultimate Oregon Road Trip for Those Who Want to Do It All! appeared first on The Explorer's Edit.

We started out our day by breaking down camp at Cape Lookout State Park. This is a fantastic campsite for anyone wanting to camp near the beach. Though I will say there’s not a lot of greenery around the camping sites so you’ll have a clear view of your neighbors. What it lacks in trees, it makes up for its proximity to the ocean (a 60 second walk from our campsite). Did I mention they also have private, hot showers? What a welcome relief after a few days roughing it!

But I digress. We started our drive by making a stop at Jacobsen Salt Co. which was right on our route to Tillamook. Jacobsen Salt Co. is recognized nationally as offering some of the purest sea salt available due to their laborious process of harvesting and purifying the salt that a longer duration than most other sea salts you can buy. The coolest aspect of course is that it’s all harvested right there from Netarts Bay. I had seen their products before and was delighted to stop by their operations for their little tour and taste testing. We picked up some great items from their gift shop before admiring the bay before heading off again.

After more than one stop to photograph the beautiful views we made it to Tillamook. You might be familiar with this name from the dairy company started in Tillamook, Oregon. If you’re in the area it’s a great stop off to learn more about their company story, operations and sample their products. We had a delightful lunch in their restaurant, completed the free self-guided tour and then finished with our obligatory ice cream cones. It’s was loads of fun but I will say at least the day we went, it was quite crowded.

We were off again now headed to Arch Cape. We checked into our charming bed and breakfast before heading out again to enjoy the scenery. Sunny days on the coast I hear can be rare so we weren’t about to lose a second of this glorious sunshine. Which was a wise choice given that the next day it was gray and drizzly.

We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening at Oswald West State Park. The park offers great hiking through its coastal rainforest before ending at Cape Falcon. It’s was a beautiful meander through the massive western red cedar, western hemlock, and Sitka spruce trees that form the rainforest. As dusk fell we took a short cut to the beach below and lucked out to be invited to take over someone’s bonfire as they were leaving. Pacific Northwest. Beach. Bonfire. The stuff of which youthful, adventurous hearts are made.

We warmed ourselves by finishing our day with delicious clam chowder from The Pelican Brewing Company in Cannon Beach. This definitely hit the spot before retiring to our cozy bed and breakfast for the evening.

Thank you so much Oregon for this perfect day. You didn’t disappoint!

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Here are some suggestions to make the most of your time there.

1. Book a reservation in advance or arrive earlier in the day. I was told on the phone that I wouldn’t be able to a make a reservation for a campsite staying only one night so I would just snag one when we arrived. Due to a full day of exploring we didn’t roll into the resort until 6:00 PM and were very lucky to have gotten a campsite for a Monday evening at the end of August. Like seriously there were only two left by the time we got there. This place is popular and for good reason!
2. This a very family-friendly resort. For those camping with kids, Lost Lake Resort makes it slightly less stressful by providing a general store for forgotten supplies, swimming, boat rentals, showers, easy hiking, etc. However if you prefer to avoid kids while in the wildness, you probably want to skip this one.
3. There are many lodging choices available. Besides the traditional campsites, they also offer RV sites, yurts, cabins and rooms in their lodge. But I got the impression they fill up fast so be sure to make reservations early.
4. Plan to get out on the water! The resort rents a number of different types of watercraft to meet all of your nautical desires. I mean seriously, there are few things in this world more relaxing to me than being out on the water with my eyes closed, as the waves and wind lap against the side of the boat. Extra relaxing points if the other person in the boat volunteers to do all the rowing. Thanks honey!
5. The boat dock is another great place to relax and pass time with a gorgeous view. We spent some time there in the evening reading after everyone returned to their campsites and loved the tranquility and view.
6. It gets chilly at night at the resort so pack accordingly. I’m not sure if it’s due to the higher elevation, or we just had a cold snap that evening, but our sleeping bags were not sufficient. I actually ended up sleeping in the car about 3:00 am because I was too cold to fall back asleep in our tent.
7. The best views of the mountain are found from the “Viewpoint”, go figure, or in other words across the lake from the general store. Here are the great shots of the lake and Mt. Hood together making it the “Most photographed lake in Oregon”. Note: Not sure how that title is awarded…

Lost Lake is a treasure in the Oregon forest that allows you to comfortably delve into the Mount Hood area. We can’t wait to go back to Oregon and spend more time in the area.

The post Tips for the Perfectly Picturesque Lost Lake Resort appeared first on The Explorer's Edit.

Camping
We weren’t able to camp in the state park itself because of our plans were last minute but fortunately there are a few private campgrounds in the area. As it would be, we’re actually glad we stayed elsewhere because it was also beautiful and adding another element to our experience. We camped at the Sulphur Springs Campground right along the Colorado River. How often can you camp right along a river?? Along the road in and out of the campgrounds, as in miles from the actual campsites, we saw a massive rattlesnake crossing the road. As interesting as it was to see one of those in the wild, I was thankful to be viewing the snake from the safety of our vehicles.

The State Park
After breaking camp that next morning we headed to the state park for the day, eager to soak up all that it had to offer. First on our list is always to find the nearest swimming hole.

Spicewood Springs
These springs were stunning and great way to cool off on a warm Texas day. What I loved most about these springs was the several clear pools were spread out one after another. It was so fun to explore each of these along the picturesque trail that ran along the pools. And getting to the springs themselves involves a short, shaded hike that is also very pleasant.

Gorman Falls
When visiting the Colorado Bend State Park one simply does not miss the Gorman Falls. At 60′ in height, these falls are the tallest in the state and offer such lush splendor to the park visitors. It really is the strangest thing to come across such a magnificent waterfall in an otherwise somewhat arid landscape. The 2ish mile hike RT to the falls is a delight in itself which all kinds of Hill country flora and critters running wild. We saw deer and armadillos while on our hike. Be aware though that while the hike to the falls from the parking lot is mostly level, there are some descents right before the falls that require a bit of agility. For those short on time, once a day the park offers a shorter version of the hike from a restricted access entry point.

The park also offers mountain biking, caving, fishing, remote hiking and kayak rental which we will definitely check out next time when we have more time to spend at the Colorado Bend State Park.

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Some of the highlights and tips from our trip that made it so fun:

Canoeing the Buffalo National River.
I had spent a lot of time researching different outfitters for our canoeing expedition, but once in town, we were directed down the road to the conveniently located Riverview Motel. Note: After using a spare room to change into our bathing suits, I cannot in good conscious recommend its lodgings. However, they were great as a canoe and kayak outfitting group. Very quickly we were on the middle portion of the river, starting at Pruitt Landing. Due to the low rainfall, the upper portion was closed. Word on the street is that the upper portion of the river is the most scenic but I’d find it hard to beat the views we had in the middle. Right away I was blown away by the cool mountain air, majestic bluffs rising out of the flowing, clear waters. I just kept saying, “This is my happy place.” Our float in total lasted all afternoon long but we could have definitely kept going. Along the way we jumped out of trees into the river with a rope swing (major peer pressure at play there), took on way too much water and bruises when we failed to navigate some of the currents correctly, spotted fishes darting in the water and even a bald eagle resting on a tree above.

Hiking
It was so hard narrowing down the choices to just a couple that our time allotted. Arkansas is beautiful y’all with some gorgeous hikes. Our “big” hike was the Whitaker Point Trail. You see the view and just have to go.

Finding it is a bit tricky. Definitely follow the instruction exactly listed at the bottom of the link. When you turn on the dirt road be aware it is steep. We passed a van chained to a truck trying to help it move along. Once you come to the parking lot, the trail is on the left side of the road, although the trailhead is not clearly marked. Along the trail you’ll pass little streams, gorgeous wildflowers, crags and giant rocks you just gotta climb, and incredible views of nothing but trees. Once you get to the famous outcropping you’ll want to savor the moment and scenery.

Our “easy” hike was to the Three Falls area. This was a refreshing hike after being outside all day. Note: It’s also a windy dirt road to the trailhead for a couple of miles once you get off the main highway. From the start of the trail you’ll walk about .20 miles to the falls. We spent a little way here climbing up to the top, dipping our feet in the cool mountain water and taking in the beauty that is God’s creations.

Mystic Caverns
Once we were ready for a cool off, Mystic Caverns was the perfect respite. We toured both caverns which I highly recommend if you have the time because they’re so different from each other. The guides are friendly and offer an interesting history of the caverns peppered with cheesy jokes. After we toured the smaller cave our guide turned off all the lights for us and it was as dark of a room as I’ve ever been in. And you had better believe I printed off the $1 off coupon in advance.

Lodging
I booked this 4 bedroom place on Airbnb and could not recommend it more. I should have taken pictures myself cabin but suffices to say it was an authentic log cabin that was so cozy after a busy day in the outdoors. There were a lot of choices on Airbnb or on the Buffalo Outdoor Center website.

Food
You can’t canoe on an empty stomach which led us to a carb laden breakfast in downtown Jasper at the Blue Mountain Bakery and Café. It was a perfectly adequate meal but our experience the next day at the Ozark Café was well…something to write home about. I would definitely recommend the Ozark Café over Blue Mountain if you pick just one. Also, the Ozark Café offers live entertainment in the evening.

We also prepared a lot of meals ourselves in the cabin which was super relaxing. I would strongly recommend stocking up on groceries before you cross into the Ozark National Forest. It’s remote with few options.

This is a destination that I hope to return to over and over again to get my mountain on, along with other parts of Arkansas. It was perfect for a long weekend getaway! Let me know if you’ve been to the Buffalo National River area too.

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Located near the Louisiana border, Caddo Lake is one of our state’s greatest treasures. As a matter of fact, it’s the only natural lake in Texas. Despite that coolness factor, and the sheer size of Lake Caddo (the largest lake in the South at 26,810-acres!!), the real draw its natural beauty. When I’m there I feel that I’m deep in some Southern bayou surround by nothing but water and trees dripping in Spanish Moss. Plus the worry in the back of my mind that an alligator will sidle up to my boat adds a fun element of fear. Note: I’ve never had an alligator come up to me while at Lake Caddo.

If you’re looking for a fabulous day trip of antiquing and flea market finds, paired with the natural beauty of Caddo Lake, read on for the full details.

Shopping at Canton
You can wonder all day around the Canton grounds and never get bored. The North side of the market is housed in actual structures and barns instead of the sections on the other side of the highway that more closely resemble Depression era shanties. The former is where you’ll find more of your antiques and packaged products whereas the latter is more what you’d expect to at a neighborhood garage sale. However, definitely do not miss Dog Town nearer the flea market area if you are at all a fan of pooches. The area consists of acres and acres of dog breeders with their puppies for sale. If you’re not in the market for a dog at the moment, it’s a great time just petting the cuties.

Canoeing on Lake Caddo
When visiting Lake Caddo getting on the water is a must and there’s no easier way then renting a canoe either from Johnson’s Ranch or the State Park. As an added bonus, the state park also borrows out fishing poles if you’d like to try your hand at some fishing while you’re there.

Hiking around the lake
Lake Caddo State Park offers a couple of great hiking trails through the piney woods. Both are just under a mile.

Lake Tours
Both times that I’ve been to Lake Caddo we’ve done a night time Go-Devil Tour with Billy Carter from Johnson’s Ranch. This is a must-do! Billy’s spent his entire life on Lake Caddo and he knows it like the back of his hand. He’ll regal you with stories of the lake’s history as you speed through the dark. The nighttime tour combines the beauty of the lake at night against a starry backdrop. I can’t even begin to describe the beauty of floating through the forests on water and looking up at the cathedral of tree tops against the star studded night sky.

Ever the adventurous lot, we’ve always asked Billy to take us where the alligators hangout for sightings. Usually the alligators red eyes will drop down beneath the water if we get too close but its great fun searching for them.

He caught that bull frog right out of the water with his bare hands.

Food
While at Canton, we opted for BBQ at Bakers Ribs rather than eating on the grounds but there were plenty of delicious smelling options. If you dine at Bakers Ribs, be sure to grab some of their delicious hand pies while you’re there.

If you want a truly authentic, alligator for an appetizer experience on Lake Caddo, River Bend Café is top notch. It’s everything you’d expect from a true Southern dining establishment—fried alligator and catfish, hush puppies…you know, good stuff.

This past trip we tried Pietros which offers great pizza and other Italian food. Its art gallery like atmosphere in the heart of Downtown Marshall was a great place to fill up and relax after a busy day.

Lake Caddo and Canton are a delightful day trip from the hustle and bustle of DFW (or anywhere else you’re coming from). I’d love to hear your experiences there in the comments below.

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As soon as we arrived we signed up for a historic walking tour of Salem. I would highly recommend a historic tour as part of your Salem experience as it will cover many interesting facets of Salem’s history. Our tour also included an emphasis on the witch trials. The Salem witch trials were such a tragic event in our nation’s history, though while fascinating, by the end of our tour John and I both felt we had enough information to last a lifetime. However if you’re a person who just can’t get enough of the Salem Witch Trials, there are additional museums in town to meet your needs such as the Salem Witch Museum.

We covered quite a bit of ground on the tour as we explored the city stopping to see haunted buildings, graceful churches and of course sites from the witch trials. We concluded at The Burying Point, the oldest cemetery in Salem and where a memorial to the victims of the witch trials can be found. The cemetery receives a lot of visitors and features some fascinating, old headstones.

Many come to Salem for its witch trials history or if you’re me, the Hocus Pocus sights, but while there I was surprised to learn of Salem’s rich maritime history. Founded in 1626, it was the sixth city in the United States. During its height from the time of the American Revolution to the War of 1812, many ships sailed the world over from its harbor. It’s a beautiful stroll along the water front. Once you’re away from the main drag of Essex Street, which these days is very touristy, you’ll discover charming homes in the New England style.

While exploring the city and water facing Derby Street we came upon the Friendship, a replica ship from time bygone. The ship is open to the public for free self-guided tours. We loved boarding this beautiful boat and feeling the pull of the sea that so many sailors from days gone by must have felt.

As much as we loved the charming streets and architecture of old Salem, like any true fan I wasn’t leaving before I saw the Hocus Pocus filming sights in Salem. I remember being mesmerized by the film when it came out in 1993. In fact, one of my greatest Halloween moments was when two friends and I dressed as the Sanderson Sisters for Halloween. It goes without saying we won that year’s costume contest.

But back to the locations themselves. We had a lot of fun going around to each of the sights within Salem. I really wonder how the home owner’s at Max’s house feel with the random strangers who on taking photos in front of their home day and night?… Allison’s home is actually the Ropes Mansion, a historic home from the 1700s with beautiful gardens for strolling.

For added convenience, I’ve created an illustrated walking map with addresses. You can also download the free PDF walking map to the Hocus Pocus sights here.The entire walk starting at Allison’s House and ending at Thackery Village is just under 2.5 miles. A car also works if you don’t feel like walking the entire way! Go ahead and snap those selfies for your fellow Hocus Pocus fans to droll over.

We loved our time in Massachusetts and Salem was the perfect way to end our trip. To see our other trips with Boston as our home base, check out these posts about Cape Codand Ipswich.

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For our day trip we set off from Boston and about an hour and a half later we were pulling into Falmouth. We were both really interested in exploring as much of the Cape as we could on a bike. I just didn’t know at the time that it would be a single bike. Mr. Benac convinced me to rent a tandem bike from Corner Bicycle. I was a little nervous having never rode a tandem bike before but it really wasn’t hard, just slightly less nimble than your normal 2 wheel cycle. Its 4 miles each way along the Shining Sea Bikeway to Woods Hole from where we started in Falmouth. With a name like that you know it’s gotta be good! Most of the trip was nothing but beautiful blue seas beneath the clear skies. We didn’t have a plan for the day besides to see where our bike took us which was a fun change from my usual style. With this relaxed plan we stumbled upon the Woods Hole Science Aquarium, a free aquarium and science center. It was entertaining to see the tanks of sea life including seals and handle some of smaller creatures.

All those fish work up an appetite for seafood! For lunch we had some of maybe the best clam chowder of our lives at Captain Kidd Restaurant, nestled right on the waterfront. The rest of our time in Woods Hole we biked through town and neighborhoods, seeing where the roads took us.

With a few hours left in our day at Cape Cod we decided to spend the rest of it exploring Falmouth, walking down main street and stopping at the local bookstores, chocolate emporium and gift shops. Thank you Cape Cod for such a dreamy day. Can’t wait to come back and explore you more!

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