Category Archives: Travel

Roughing it on Lake Austin

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to meet up with a few friends (and some new friends) down on Lake Austin. It was a weekend of boating, camping and lots of fun!

Lake-Austin, Camping, Texas, Texas-Lakes, Boating

We stayed at Emma Long Metropolitan Park. First off, driving to the park is an adventure in itself. You’ll be driving along the top of the hills overlooking Lake Austin. Gorgeous, huge, huge homes, that you’ll later be gawking at from the lake! Be careful, the road is only two lanes and very windy.

Lake-Austin, Camping, Texas, Texas-Lakes, Boating

One site is between the white posts. To get a grasp of the length – it’s about double the lawn space to the road.

What a bargain! $10 goes a long way! It will get you a day pass for an entire car load into the park and it will also get you a camping site for an evening. This isn’t your typical camping site, they’re huge. We fit three tents and could’ve fit three more. There was a grill, campfire spot and shade from a huge tree all within walking distance to the restrooms / showers. The only catch is the restrooms are only open from about 8am to 9:30pm, otherwise you have to use the big blue port-o-potties we all love so much!

Lake-Austin, Camping, Texas, Texas-Lakes, Boating

Nothing says a great weekend like a ridiculous group selfie. If only cell phones had timers or we had longer arms!

The overall park was great! Sandy beaches, plenty of room, parking for your boats, lots of trees and places to grill. There’s also a camping area for RV’s, if tents are not for you! The area available is great!

 For more information and details on what Emma Long Metropolitan Park has to offer:
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
1706 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730
512-346-1831

DFW Bucket List: Horseback Riding at Benbrook Stables

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

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

When thinking of Texas, what comes to mind? Cowboys? Horses? Ranches? Those are on mine and I live here. It only makes sense that if you have only a short period here, those things should be integrated into the visit. This is Texas after all! Let’s get some interaction going! Why only watch when you can take part?! Let’s go horseback riding!

Visiting Dallas / Fort Worth shouldn’t all be “city living”. Quite frankly, it’s pretty easy to get out of all the hustle and bustle and retreat to the quiet tranquility of “country livin’” to get away from it all, even if it’s just for a little while.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

Just outside of Fort Worth, I found Benbrook Stables in Benbrook, Texas. It’s a short drive and I’ll be darned if it’s not a good excuse to get out of the metroplex. Heck, it took me only 30 minutes from my place in North Arlington. Once arrived, turn off your phones and forget about all the stresses. This is a place of retreat.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities

I recently had a couple friends visit from Vermont. This was high on their list of things to do and definitely left an impression. The main office provides some of that good ole Texas charm. A cowhide rug lines the floor, Texas art hangs on the walls showcasing chaps, cowboy boots and landscapes followed by an old saddle holding course.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

Outside – a hundred horses. No joke, our trail lead told us they currently have over 100 horses at the stables, which he knew all their names. It’s a small town.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

Once our trail ride began, we met the tranquility that we’ve longed. We started on our hour trail ride leaving the stables and entering the Benbrook Park. Through woods, over a creek until we finally reached the high point fit for a camera. We had a scenic view of Lake Benbrook and some perfect Texas sights – Bluebonnets. Bluebonnets lining an untouched meadow filled with wildflowers and cactus.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

There was only one disappointment – the ride just wasn’t long enough. I could’ve continued all day. I wish it continued all day! The horses were gentle and friendly. We took a few photos afterwards and checked out the rest of the stables. There’s even a great site for an event.

001

This is definitely something that I would put on a Texas Bucket List and be sure to check it off! It’ll leave you wanting to gallop around Texas fields all day and the arena nearby may spark some dreams of wanting to barrel race (at least it did for me). It’s such a reasonable distance as well as price. $40/hr for a trail ride – one of the most reasonable rates I’ve found.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

Benbrook Stables
10001 Benbrook Blvd, Benbrook, TX 76126
817-249-1001
Offers: Trail Rides, Lessons, Camps, Boarding and Rentals

DFW-Bucket-List

Keeping up with The Haneys

WW: Tolar, Texas

Small-Towns, Texas, Texas-Drives

Tolar, Texas is much like other small Texas towns – if you blink, you’ll pass right on through. In a recent passing, I stopped for just a couple minutes as the sun was starting to come down. Like my dad, the antique car caught my eye.

Hood County, Texas
Location: (by ZIP) 32.407909 N, -97.838613 W
Established: 1890
Population: 2,145

Named for Captain Alfred H.H. Tolar

Small-Towns, Texas, Texas-DrivesSmall-Towns, Texas, Texas-Drives

Small-Towns, Texas, Texas-Drives

Small-Towns, Texas, Texas-Drives

Today I’m linking up with Communal GlobalPhotography Essentials and Create With Joy for {Wordless Wednesday}.