Category Archives: Travel

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.

LostDrawCellars_0374

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?

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!

Sometimes We Need To Take A Moment

This past weekend, we headed to Austin to celebrate a wedding of a couple friends, to say “safe travels” and “see you soon” to another friend moving to Tennessee and all the while saying hello to lots of people who we haven’t seen in a little bit. It was an exciting weekend. Something that didn’t happen was a lot of picture taking which is unfamiliar territory to me but there’s a lesson that dawned on me along the way…

Sometimes we need to take a moment. 

It’s great to have all of these moments captured using photographs, videos and other social media aspects but I think it’s even more important to put it all down and savor it. As much as I wanted to share with everyone how absolutely beautiful the venue was at the wedding, the group dinner and delicious food we ate in Austin or the fun we were having on 6th Street after the wedding – it’s one of those times that I just needed a moment with no strings attached.

With that being said, I have one photo to share which has turned out to be one of my favorite photos taken of Spencer and I.

Barr Mansion, Austin, Texas, Wedding Venue

As for festivities and places which we enjoyed in Austin this weekend, here is out list.

Wedding Venue: Barr Mansion Ranch
Absolutely beautiful with an old, Southern mansion, white-stringed lights throughout the property and a beautiful glass faced building in the back.
Dinner: Matt’s El Rancho
Tex-Mex at it’s finest. The salsa is delicious and spicy. Sit outside to enjoy the fresh evening air and Austin culture.
Breakfast: The Kolache Factory
After Wedding Festivities: Buckshots on 6th Street.
Order a Mass Attack in honor of our friends. It’s on the menu list!

Have you put your camera down lately to enjoy the moment in the moment?