Category Archives: Travel

Snake Mountain

Back in Vermont, Snake Mountain had to be one of my favorite hikes. It was close to Burlington, isn’t super long and had the most magnificent view at the top. The view had a little bit of everything, the valley, Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains on the other side of the lake. Pure bliss, relaxation and beauty.
The last time I hiked Snake Mountain back in 2007. These pictures are from two different hikes in 2006 and 2007.
The trail starts near this old schoolhouse. What better way to sneak onto this trail in the woods.
The view, is the best! I could sit up there ALL day!
What’s really unique about this hike is the top of the mountain. It’s a giant, cement slab.
In 1870, The Grand View Hotel was built at the top of the mountain. I mean who wouldn’t want to stay at a hotel with this view?! The hotel later burnt down but the foundation remains. The trail on the way up is actually the old stage coach road.
The foliage was starting during this hike.
We stayed up there so long, we caught the sunset on the way down! I’m pretty sure I have a picture of this road from everytime I’ve hiked the mountain.
Today I’m linking up with The Paper Mama for {Wordless Wednesday}, Let Birds Fly for {The Places You’ll Go, Travel Party} and Sarah Halstead.

Let Birds Fly

The Paper Mama


Green Mountain’s Hidden Treasures

Last time I went home to Vermont, my brother, sister-in-law, niece and I went for a ride thru the mountains. I always love it (even though my brother’s driving gets a little out of hand at times, but he does stop for pictures so I’ll give him credit. Love you.)
Every so often (depending on where you are) you will hit a back road with access to the Long Trail. You usually see a bunch of Subaru’s parked along side of the road first so you know you are near it. I can say that because I now drive one too!

Then if you are REALLY lucky, you will run into one of these. A fresh water spring coming right out of the mountain.
Yes, I tried the water.
Tasted fantastic, like water.
And it was very, very cold!
Happy Wednesday!

H3 Ranch

On Saturday, I talked Sy into taking me out to Fort Worth for dinner. Lure a man with steak and he’ll take you anywhere. We headed over to H3 Ranch in the Stockyards. Back in June, my parents were in town and my dad had made one request – he wanted a steak. H3 Ranch was recommended as a place to get a great steak that wasn’t incredibly expensive. They were absolutely right. My dad claimed it to be the best steak he’s ever had. Upon visit number two, we weren’t disappointed.

The atmosphere in a restaurant is a huge portion on how your visit goes, isn’t it? Think about it for a second. When I think steak, I automatically associate it with ranches, cowboys, beef and rustic charm. All things I love about Texas. Well H3 Ranch is located in the prime location, The Stockyards. Outside the restaurant you will find a brick street, a saloon, live music coming from the bars nearby, cowboys walking to and from with their tight jeans, cowboy hats and cowboy boots. There is a rodeo next door and Billy Bob’s is right down the way and twice a day there is a cattle drive right down the street. Now if that doesn’t hit country in the city like a nail on the head, I don’t know what will. H3 Ranch is also connected to the Stockyard Hotel. I would love to check this place out at some point as well.

Now, walking into H3 Ranch, take everything that you just saw outside, kick it up a notch and it’s what you have inside. The chairs are wooden with leather trim. You can watch them cook your steak and corn on the cob while you sit at your table. In the bar area, instead of a normal stool, you sit on a saddle. It’s fantastic.

(Above) The heads on one side of the wall.
(Below) The back half on the other.

There are a lot of steak houses that will charge you $40+ for a piece of steak without any sides. This isn’t one of them. For between $20-$30 you can have a steak of your choice (there are many options), a side salad and choice of potato and the steak is still just as good, if not better than those $40 steaks. In this economy, who can pay that anyway. All meals also come with a loaf of bread right out of the oven that is super tasty as well. Steak and carbs! Some of our favorite things!

I opted for the Moped Steak. This is what my dad got last time and he wasn’t kidding when he said it was good. It was delicious and melted in your mouth. The Moped Steak is a 12 oz. Sirloin Steak grilled with mop sauce. I also had a side salad and scalloped potatoes. We’re going to pretend these potatoes are good for you as they’re chopped and cooked with bacon.

Sy opted for what I had the first go around – Smoked Sirloin Steak. This steak is smoked and is oh so good. It’s so good that you want to just finish-eating-whatever-is-on-your-plate-even-though-your-full kind of good. His meal also came with a side salad, scalloped potatoes and ear of corn. I’m going to make a note here that if you do happen to have a chance to get the corn, PLEASE do so! It’s some of the best corn I’ve had and they cook it on the open flame right in front of you!

Disclaimer: H3 Ranch has no idea who we are except a couple patrons that enjoyed a couple steaks on Saturday night. I have not been paid or influenced to write this post.