Author Archives: Diana

About Diana

Canadian-Vermonter, Texas transplant. Cowboy boot wearing, maple syrup connoisseur, music lovin', wine and micro-brew drinkin', two-steppin' traveler who loves finding all the hidden gems the world has to offer. Come join me on the ride!

Starting a New Year, Let’s Revisit Some of My Favorites

Hello Everyone!

It’s been a little while since you’ve heard from me. For the past year, I’ve been working on finishing up my MBA and have only a couple more months to go. (Hallelujah!) I think about Down Home Traveler often and have a ton to catch up on including trips to Kansas (I saw Toto), Chicago, Nashville, Maine and Vermont. Last year was exciting!

It’s always wonderful to plan trips at the beginning of the new year, both near and far. To provide a little bit on inspiration, I wanted to share some of my favorites and hopefully inspire and hear some about some of your upcoming trips!
Vermont, Hike, Winter, Snow, Forest, Snow Covered Trees, Richford Vermont, Green Mountains

Take a Hike: I have to be the only one having a backwards seasonal depression – I’m missing the white powdery snow. It’s a great time to get outside and enjoy what there is to offer. Take a hike or go skiing/snowboarding if you’re a little north of Texas or get on your bike or put your hiking boots (or rubber boots as of late).
[Note: If cold weather isn’t for you, I’ve got that covered too. Vermont is great for hiking, fishing, canoeing and an all around exploration of what we love best – the outdoors.
Texas – we went to Knobb Hill Mountain Bike Trails in Roanoke a couple weekends ago and it’s definitely worth the trip!}

Fredericksburg, Texas, VisitFredTX, Wine Trail, Hill Country, Fredericksburg To Do, Becker Vineyards

Fredericksburg, Texas. In Texas and needing a break? Plan a trip to Fredericksburg, Texas. Wine, distilleries, food, hiking, wonderful people and comfort in wonderful B&B’s and Inns all around town. This is truly a unique and affordable getaway for anyone.
Alternative: Dripping Springs, Texas. A short drive outside of Austin, Dripping Springs is flourishing with unique lodging locations, distilleries, wine and production of olive oil.

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While you’re in Fredericksburg, I HIGHLY recommend Lost Draw Cellars. Their wine is fantastic but this is more than wine tasting, it’s a piece of Fredericksburg history. If you’re lucky, Troy will be in and he is not only one of the three owners but he is the sixth generation Fredericksburg community member. His family helped to establish Fredericksburg and he believes in keeping the community close. Definitely a place to stop and we can’t wait to go back and visit.

Dancehall, Texas, Historic Places, Bar, Bluff-Dale, Small-Texas-Towns,

Is a day trip what you’re looking for? Maybe something out of the ordinary? Look no further than The Greenwood Dancehall and Saloon in Bluff Dale, Texas. If you blink, you may miss this town – so be ready. A little rustic and full of “country eclectic” decor.

Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival, Fort Worth Texas

Each spring, the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival comes to life. This is by far one of my favorite events and showcases the best of Fort Worth. Whether its BBQ, desserts, whiskey, wine, beer, breakfast, burgers or even food trucks, there will be something for you. Come with an empty stomach, stretchy pants or a loose belt because this will be one of the best food festivals you’ll get to enjoy in Texas!

Sugarhouse, Maple Syrup, Vermont Maple, Vermont, Northern Vermont Maple, Tradition

Maple Sugarhouses. If you’re in Vermont, it’s almost time to enjoy the sweet, sweet Maple gold! There is absolutely nothing like the smell of a sugarhouse and the taste of the freshest maple syrup. Take a drive, look for the steam coming from the sugarhouses and stop in for a visit. It’s the best time of year. [Note: Keep the annual Maple Syrup Festival on your calendars at the April.]

I can’t wait to hear what you have planned for 2018 adventures! What’s on your list?

Lunch Date at Perini’s Ranch

We spent a recent weekend in Abilene, Texas. One thing on my bucket list has been to check out the famous Perini Ranch and luckily for us, we were able to go Saturday for lunch.

The Perini Ranch is known as one of the best steakhouses in Texas. The Perini Family has cooked for Presidents, grandiose events, featured within multiple publications, honored by the James Beard Foundation as a American Classic (2014), host of the Buffalo Gap Food & Wine Summit maker of delicious food. Considering Robert Duvall wrote the forward in their cookbook, you know they’re a big deal! (He is one of my favorite actors.)
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The restaurant is set in an old barn with rustic charm. The chairs are well worn, the old kitchen chairs that you can sink into and feel relaxation wash over you. The kind that I want in my kitchen – the best chairs really. A fireplace sits in the middle of the small main portion of the restaurant. Antlers are hung not only as decoration but as a place for cowboys to hang their hats while they eat their meals. It’s rustic, western and everything a steakhouse in a small Texas town should be.

What did we eat, you ask?

Appetizer – Quail legs with roasted jalapeño.
There were more than two when this first arrived at our table. What can we say, we were hungry! Chicken fried battered with a grilled jalapeño, these two together are like peas in a pod.

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Main Course
Today Show Award Winning Ranch Burger – 1/2 lb. grilled patty with cheddar cheese, grilled mushrooms, grilled onions and green chiles.

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Grilled Ranch Roast Sandwich – Slices of roasted prime rib topped with melted cheddar cheese, grilled mushrooms, grilled onions and green chiles on toasted sourdough bread.

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We also split a side of Zucchini Perini. Tasty – let me tell ya. Slices of zucchini baked in a meat sauce and topped with parmesan cheese. I’m wondering why I don’t make this at home with my dinner.

Dessert – Bread pudding of course! Warm bread pudding with Jack Daniels Whiskey sauce. Makes the belly happy! It’s delicious!

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If you’re ever in West Texas, head over the Perini’s. Come with a full belly, be prepared for a photo opp with a giant armadillo and relax and enjoy!

Other Date Ideas In Abilene

While we were in Abilene, we got to check out a couple breweries. It is of course, one of our favorite things to do! Here are some places we recommend.

Pappy Sloakam – A dive brewery if there ever was one. The brewery location is simple and not overdone, a place where anyone can come hang out inside or outside, plenty of games and comfortable to catch up with friends (or make new ones). The beer is phenomenal! It’s so good – so good, full of flavor and life (and their names are pretty clever – you’ll get a laugh)! We’ll be back for more.

Sockdolager Brewing – We’re still trying to figure out how to pronounce the name on this one. The atmosphere is awesome and the vertical flights are extra appealing (go ahead, get a flight, try them all!). There’s a room for the kids which helps to make this a location for all. The beer selection could be improved but still a fun place to check out.

TapHouse Tavern – Need a night out but looking for more than just a brewery and food trucks? Indoor/Outdoor seating. Great bar seating and a well rounded selection of microbrews and the typical bar liquor selections. We went just for drinks but hear the food is great!

What is your favorite place in Abilene? 

Hello Friends!

Ah! It’s been a little while since I’ve posted. Wow. One thing is for sure, I’ve thought about this place every day. Life gets busy, hectic even. The plan is to be back here a little more regularly with an update or perhaps an inspiration. Let’s catch up…

Last fall, I began my Masters of Business degree. This is the main reason for the break in posts. I love learning, I think I always have. Maybe it’s influenced in my absolute love and fondness for discovering new places, new adventures and new places on this world we live on. Getting back into the rhythm of school does take some adjustments but it will be worth it in the end. I’m really excited!

Traveling? Adventures? Well, if you know me, you know I can only sit for so long without getting up and having a little fun. So, what have we been up to? There’s so much to share, here’s a glimpse.

We ran a 5k (and I decided I need new shoes).

We had such a great time at the @rahrbrewing Oktoberfest 5k yesterday! Fall is here! @Oktoberfest #seefortworth #rahr

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Of course we attended TX vs. OU weekend at the Cotton Bowl! 

Another great weekend in the books! #txou #cottonbowl #hookem #redriverrivalry

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Came to terms that The Pioneer Woman makes the BEST chocolate pie. It’s so simple and delicious, you’ll want to forget that you made it for your family, hide in a closet and eat the whole thing yourself. Just kidding. Kind of. Here’s the link for the recipe.

I found the bagpipers in Fort Worth during their annual Christmas bar crawl! Spencer didn’t believe me when I said I heard bagpipes. Ho! Ho! Ho!

When bagpipers show up to the bar… #fortworth #tistheseason #bagpipers

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A girls weekend to Choctaw Casino in Oklahoma for Spencer’s Grandmother’s 90th Birthday.

As always, enjoying the local watering holes and live music as well as finding some new ones. (More to come on this.)

We explored our backyard (aka Fort Worth) and came across this gem!

Yesterday, we decided we would explore parts of Fort Worth that we had not yet seen. As soon as we drove by this home, I was intrigued. Then, I saw a historical marker and knew we had to stop. Rock Island is one of the oldest parts of Fort Worth, known for the proximity to the railroad and the Rock Island Railroad Company. This is the Garvey-Viehl house. Built in the early 1880’s, it sits high on a hill overlooking the Trinity and the Coyote drive-in, not far from the historic Stockyards. Mr. Garvey was a grocery dealer who had a store on Main Street near the courthouse. His wife, was granddaughter of Baldwin Samuel who the street is named after. Imagine it’s grandeur years ago in all of its glory. (Yes, those are lions next to the front steps.) Now on the verge of being condemned and Fort Worth loses a little bit of its history. This would be the best little B&B or home if restored. What’s gem. Sadly, we never knew this part of town existed and it was the top find of our day. Now, I’m only intrigued further with a dream of restoring this home. #exploreyourcity #seefortworth #historicalmarker #thisoldhouse #ipulledoverforthis #garveyveihlhouse

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And most recently, we went to Houston for an engagement party and had the chance to swing by NASA! 

Captain Kirk’d our morning. #houston #nasa #nerds #space #rocketships @spencerdavis10

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And so much more!

Stay tuned! I have more to share including a little something for one lucky reader!