Category Archives: Travel

Choo-Choo! All Aboard the Miniature Railroad!

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

There’s so many activities and events in Fort Worth, sometimes we almost miss the ones that right in front of us (and the most fun)! The Forest Park Miniature Railroad is a delight for all and brings us to a place of imagination, relaxation and most importantly – fun! I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I was to take part!

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

This railway began in 1959 and cost $0.35 cents for a ride.

All aboard!
Departing every twenty-five minutes, you can hop on-board at two different stops.  One, right outside the Fort Worth Zoo and the other within the Trinity Park. The great thing about the Forest Park Miniature Railroad is that it’s an adventure that exposes you to all the great opportunities in this area.

First, we took off from the Fort Worth Zoo location (off University Drive) and headed towards the Trinity Park. Our first look is the view of downtown Fort Worth over the Trinity River. How can anyone not love this view?

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

Next, we head to the park. The Trinity Park is extremely large and there’s so much to do! We saw family photos being taken, picnics, people playing basketball, walking, jogging, biking, etc.. There’s an endless amount of activities that get you to enjoy the outdoors and the weather and driving thru as a spectator on the train reminds us all how much fun this park can be!

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

Next up, the Trinity Pillar Project. Turning the pillars into a work of art. Each pillar is different and creates a spectacle of color as the train passes under the Lancaster Bridge. Located right next to the duck pond, the art bring this area to life!

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

Shortly thereafter, we reached the halfway point on the trip. I’m a little disappointed that we can’t just do this all day because it’s so much fun!

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

Halfway thru our ride, we stop at the Trinity Park depot. Here we pick up new passengers and let some off who may have joined the ride originally at this depot. Perhaps, you’ll even want to get off and have a little picnic of your own? At this stop, we were lucky enough to move into the very last row and move our view backwards! Best seat on the train (unless you have really long legs then it may be a little tight).

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor ActivitiesChoo-Choo!! And we’re off! The train moves a little faster from this point of view!
Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor ActivitiesBridges, untouched land, over the Trinity River and through the Trinity Park, the train has a way of making you forget that you’re in the middle of a city. It feels like an outdoor paradise where you just let go of all inhibitions and can just relax and bask in the moment.

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

The ride also reminded me of all the other small events and locations that make Fort Worth such a great place. Maybe the food truck park that we eyed across the Trinity? The zoo nearby to see some of the animals? Perhaps even just going for a walk along the river. The moments with friends and family are endless.

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

For More Information:
Forest Park Miniature Railroad / 1700 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76101.
Admission: Adults $4 / Children $3.50
Ride Length: Around 40-45 minutes.

The Details – Good Guys Car Show 2014

Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car Detail

My parents recently came to visit and my dad had a mission – to attend the Good Guys Car Show at Texas Motor Speedway. Mission accomplished! We set out for a few hours perusing the sales and checking out the shined up cars at the show.

It was pretty fun walking around with my dad. He’d tell me about certain vehicles and check out the details. The details are definitely pretty interesting and unique. You never quite know what someone will be inspired by and how they will incorporate it into their vehicle. This post is completely dedicated to exactly that – the details!

Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car Detail Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car Detail Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car Detail

Some truck beds went into some intricate leather and woodwork…
Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car Detail Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car Detail Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car DetailOthers got religious – ‘The Pope Mobile’…
Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car Detail Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car DetailYou never know what you’ll see in a Rat Rod…
Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car Detail Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car DetailEngines…
Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car DetailSharp and Shiny Grills…
Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car DetailFinally, my favorite. Check out the details! The coolest door opener and manual window handle ever.
Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car Detail Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car Detail Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car DetailCome back next week for a look at a few of my favorite vehicles! Do you have a favorite car show or vehicle?
Good Guys, Car Show, Antique, Car DetailToday I’m linking up with Photography Essentials and Create With Joy for {Wordless Wednesday}.

ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this blog post, however I did receive discounted admission in exchange for this post. As always, all opinions are my own.

Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake ChamplainIn the heart of Burlington situated on Lake Champlain lies the ECHO, the lake aquarium and science center. ECHO is a prime destination for visitors looking for an interactive way to learn more about the Lake Champlain Basin. Whether you have children, a family, are a teacher, love the outdoors and environment or are simply visiting the area this is a place where you will receive a view on what makes Lake Champlain so important. There’s something for everyone!

On a recent trip back to Vermont, I took my mom, sister-in-law and two nieces to ECHO for a day of exploration!

Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake Champlain

Animals
ECHO holds over 70 species of live fish, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. They can be viewed and some you can even touch! The exhibits are really interesting and they’re all unique.
Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake ChamplainFrog World offers 15 different frogs from six continents. Some are pretty cute and others are so “ugly” they’re super cute as my sister-in-law liked to say. It was also great to show to my niece how well they blend into their surroundings to protect themselves and have her try to find them. There was also a frog photo booth where you can blend yourself into a frog. I think my mom and little Jo had a great time playing around with that!
Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake ChamplainThe aquariums have to be my favorite part. Coming in all shapes and forms they encompass every aspect of the lake. Whether it be the a deep dive to see what species survive down under or a graceful visit at the surface, life is blooming.
Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake Champlain Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake ChamplainThere were some pretty large fish in some of these tanks and Jo ate them right up! (Not really, they’re still there.) She loved them!

Hands-On Approach
One of the things that I loved most about ECHO was how they really took a hands on approach with children. Not only is the visual interaction obviously there, the physical interaction is well in place and assists on leaving a lasting impression. In addition to their traveling exhibits we found these two which were great (even for the big kids).

Touch a starfish!
After seeing these creatures in aquariums, wouldn’t you (or your children) like to touch one? They have that opportunity here – stepping stools included.

Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake ChamplainLearn about the basin! The basin, waterways and shores all have an integral part of what is being put into that lake. The 20 foot long tabletop provides a hands on approach including boats, buildings, animals and a waterfall on approach on how susceptible the waterways are in our ecosystem. Step stools and bibs also included to stay dry.

Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake Champlain Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake Champlain

Education & Awareness
Obviously, there’s a huge focus on education and awareness. Throughout the center there’s gentle reminders on how big the ripple can be from one small choice.
Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake Champlain

History is prevalent throughout the exhibit whether it be on the landscape, history of the Burlington Waterfront or even going as far back as a look at the people who have lived here for over the last 11,000 years. A history lesson on Lake Champlain wouldn’t be complete without a view on Champ, the lake monster!

It’s a great reminder to help protect and take care of the things that we love, including the environment which is often times overlooked.

Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake ChamplainThe View
One of the best things about ECHO isn’t inside, but outside. During the course of the day, we were inside learning about Lake Champlain, the animals, the ecosystem and history. The best part is looking out the window or stepping outside to the patio and seeing it for yourself. Although we went on a very rainy day, the view wasn’t diminished. This is one of my favorite parts of Burlington and something that I loved dearly while attending school in the city. It really puts into perspective that we need to take care of the environment to preserve what we love.

Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake Champlain
Have you ever been to ECHO? What did or would you and your family love about this experience?

For More Information:
ECHO / One College Street, Burlington, VT 05401 / (877) 324-6386
Admission: Be sure to review the admission information pricing information as well as discounts and an admission coupon.