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!

Travel Tips

Traveling has been something that I’ve wanted to do since I can remember. I was always curious as to what the world had to offer. So much to see, learn, so much history experience and be a part of. It provides a key to the world, to expand your horizons and perhaps even give you a new perspective on life.

As with most things, traveling is not exactly free. There is always some kind of cost involved, even if it is just gas money. With summer coming up, it’s prime time for family vacations. Gas prices are not as low as they once were, tickets into theme parks are ridiculously expensive and taking a vacation can get pretty expensive pretty fast… it doesn’t have to be that way.

Today, there are a lot of ways to save a buck here and there that are often overlooked and sometimes thinking outside of the box can save a bundle and provide experiences that will last a lifetime.

  • AAA – Already have a membership? They also provide free maps, free travel books, discounts on travel, entertainment, dining. 
  • Town Websites – often they will have coupons or discounts on local retailers, hotels, admission to events.
  • Look for alternatives. Instead of going to a major theme park, pick a location and make a road trip. Find stops along the way that are not the “norm” that may provide better memories than hitting up the “tourist traps”. If I know I’m going to be in a certain area and have time to check out something new, one of the first website I go to is Roadside America. Most of these pit spots are free if not incredibly cheap! You will find some pretty odd ones in there.

Dublin Dr. Pepper Festival

Each year the town of Dublin, Texas turns into Dr. Pepper, Texas (legally) for one week in June. Dublin, is the home of the oldest Dr. Pepper bottling plant – beginning in 1891. The Dr. Pepper in Dublin isn’t your ordinary Dr. Pepper. Before I came to Texas, I thought there was only one Dr. Pepper. To be honest, I wasn’t that crazy about it. The Dr. Pepper in Dublin is made with Imperial Sugar Cane and man oh man is it ever DELICIOUS! I’ve become spoiled, it’s the only Dr. Pepper I will drink.

The Dr. Pepper Birthday Celebration is something to experience and is bigger than I initially thought. Located in the heart of the Hill Country, the drive to Dublin is beautiful in itself.The only problem is that it takes place in June… in Texas… it’s HOT! (Bring water and sunscreen.)

I attended this festival in 2009 and there is something for everyone in the family. Take part in the 10-2-4K Run, check out the vendors, crafts, live music, family friendly games and activities and of course – CAKE! Be sure to check out the exhibits – I got some great George Boutwell prints a couple years ago and LOVE them! Make sure you get some for yourself.

George Boutwell, “Hye” Print

More importantly, check out the bottling plant. This is a must (even though there will be a line). Go in and see the souvenir museum and tour the bottling plant to see how it all goes down. At the end of the tour, swing by the gift shop. Treat yourself to a float and you won’t want to leave without grabbing a case or two (or four) of the Dr. Pepper with Imperial Sugar! I would fill the back of a pick-up if I could.

If you are ever in the Hill Country, swing on over to Dublin. This weekend they are celebrating their 120th Birthday! There is something for everyone.
Have you had a chance to attend the Dublin Dr. Pepper Festival?

Traildust Steak House, Arlington, TX

Steak – a prerequisite for my parents visit.
Destination – Traildust Steak House, Arlington, Texas.

This was a first for me as well.

I learned a few things that should be taken note of: :
1. If you wear a tie, they will cut it off and hang it on the wall. This is one of their namesakes. One area is dedicated for celebrities.
2. Bring socks. Why? There is a slide in the middle of the restaurant, where kids and kids at heart can slide down. Note: I didn’t have sock 🙁
3. Bring dancing shoes. There is a live band that plays country tunes until 9:30pm. Not only do you get great food, you get great entertainment.
4. Bring an appetite.

If you enjoy a good steak, this is a place you should definitely check out.
If you have a family, this is a great family restaurant where every member of the family can be entertained and fed for a reasonable price. Actually, when we were there the majority was large groups of families.

Traildust has quite a few steak cut options. The four of us loved our steaks and even had so much food we brought home leftovers. It was delicious!