Texas - Pitstops for Kids

Plan your next family trip to Houston

May 12, 2022 By Amy Hagstrom

Houston is a vibrant city with a lot to do and see. But, what you might not know is that Houston is a great place for family vacations.

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or looking for something to do since you just moved into your Apartment in Houstin, Houston, Texas has been taking the country by storm in recent years. It’s been ranked as one of the top cities in America and has been attracting tourists from all over the world.

Planning your next family trip to Houston? We’ve put together some of our favorite things to do when visiting this amazing city in Texas.

The Rodeo

The Houston rodeo is one of the most popular annual events in Texas. More than one million people attend this event every year.

Rodeo has been a part of Texan culture for more than a century now and it has become a tradition to go to this rodeo as soon as it starts even if you live outside Texas.

The rodeo typically happens in the Spring with some major country music stars also performing. If you don’t get a chance to see the rodeo, you can still experience live bull riding which happens in Houston and throughout Texas often.

Catch a Sporting Event

Houston has a variety of major sporting events that can provide you with unforgettable memories. One of these is the Houston Astros.

Houston is the perfect place for sports. With multiple professional sports teams and a lot of local and international events, it’s easy to find a game to watch while in Houston.

If you’re an NFL fan you can catch a Texans game, if you’re a baseball fan you can catch the Astros, and if you’re a basketball fan you can grab some tickets to the Rockets.

Kemah Boardwalk

Kemah Boardwalk is a good place for people who want to experience old-fashioned American family fun.

The Boardwalk has a popular water park with a roller coaster, live music, food and drinks. It’s also a great place for people to bring their families and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Even if you live in Houston permanently or temporarily, you won’t mind coming back to the Kemah Boardwalk again and again.

Fun Happens in Houston

Houston is one of the best places to visit in the United States. From museums to parks, there are plenty of things to do for everyone.

Houston is a great place for travelers because it has a diverse selection of activities and attractions that will appeal to all types of people. Whether you want an adventure or something relaxing, there is always something fun to do in Houston.

Grown-up getaway: What to do in Fredericksburg Texas in Hill Country

August 20, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Haven’t considered Texas Hill Country for your next Grown-Ups Getaway? I hadn’t either, until checking out this pastoral oasis in the heart of Texas. Warm almost year-round and with much, much more to offer than it’s small 10,000 population suggests, the quaint German-Texan town of Fredericksburg beckons. Couples will find ample B&Bs, guest houses, and boutique hotels, prime shopping and dining, and exceptional wine tasting. Here’s what to do in Fredericksburg Texas in Hill Country:

Acclimate to Fredericksburg with a stop at the visitor’s center one block of Main Street on E. Austin. From here, you can take a trolley tour of the historic buildings in town, including the famous Sunday Houses (which German immigrant farmers would use on the weekends when they came into town for church and trading) and the kirche (fortress and central meeting hall, still at the heart of Fredericksburg today). I recommend this tour as a good way to orient one selves and get an idea of where you’d like to return to during your stay.

Wine tasting along Main Street:

The Hill Country is home to 50+ wineries. These wineries lie predominantly along Highway 290 (more on that in a minute) but many have tasting rooms right on Main Street in Fredericksburg. They are only open until 4 or 5 pm, so get there in the afternoon after a light lunch, but these tasting rooms are a great way to sample the best the area has to offer either before or after wine tasting along 290. You can’t miss them: literally, there are tasting rooms about every third or fourth storefront along Main Street. Enjoy!

Wineries:

The Fredericksburg wine scene is emerging and with a vengeance. Pick up a Texas Hill Country wine map at the visitor’s center or look at texaswinetrail.com or wineroad290.com but focus on 2-3 wineries you want to see most on and just off Highway 290. It’s nice that the wine scene in the area is so concentrated. I recommend Four Point Wine at 10354 E. US Highway 290 first, as this winery combines the best of three wineries in Texas, with options for wine tastings daily and even wine and cheese and wine and chocolate pairings scheduled most days (reserve in advance via the website).

Next, check out additional offerings along 290 before diverting off the highway to lesser-known but rare-find Narrow Path Winery. Narrow Path has a brand-new ultra-modern tasting room overlooking pristine Hill Country scenery, with charcuterie plates and some of the best wine I tasted in the Hill Country. It’s worth the detour.

En route back to town, make a stop at Das Peach Haus to taste some additional local wines and check out the many artisanal jams, jellies and marinades on offer at Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods (on site). This historic fruit stand is now much more!

Shopping:

Fredericksburg is well-known as a shopping mecca. For a town of about 10,000, it has world-class boutique shopping, and even for the non-shoppers among us, you’ll want to carve out some time to stroll Main Street and the surrounding blocks. Why? Four words: Fairtrade and locally owned. You can’t really go wrong, but I especially recommend peeking into L.M. Easterling Boot Company if you’re considering custom-made cowboy boots (a process that takes several months and will set you back several grand) or just want to check out their off-the-shelf options for a fraction of that price. (Headquarters Hat on Main Street is also a fun choice for more economical boot shopping). Definitely make a stop at Raven + Lily too, where absolutely everything in the store is fairtrade. Owner Kirsten Dickerson sources her wares from marginalized communities of women worldwide, and every item for sale, from dresses to jewelry to leatherwoods, has a story. While there are several Raven + Lily locations nationwide and a robust online business, the owners live local and are likely in the shop.

Dip down a block to two to check out the antiques and eclectic mix of offerings off Main Street, then cross to Backchalk Home and Laundry for a delightful mix of home goods and furniture sourced from around the world by local owners.

If you didn’t take time to stop at their fruit stand, Fischer & Wieser has a tasting room on Main Street, too. This local jam and jelly business is so much more than that: it’s a truly local business that now incorporates a store with local jams, jellies, glazes and marinades. You definitely want to buy their blackberry chipotle marinade to take home. If you have time to reserve a cooking class, go to www.fwcookingschool.com.

Bike riding:

The Hill Country of Texas offers miles and miles of quiet country roads ideal for cycling. Rent bikes with Hill Country Bicycle Works on 702 E Main Street and enjoy suggested routes through the pastoral terrain. This is called Hill Country for the reason; don’t expect not to work for your evening wine or beer. However, you’ll be rewarded with lovely live oaks, pastures of cattle (and maybe a donkey or two) and goats and sheep. Hill Country Bicycle Works offers road bikes, hybrids, and even electric bikes for rent out of Fredericksburg or Kerrville.

Wildseed Farms:

Often a must-do for anyone visiting Fredericksburg, Wildseed Farms not only offers photo ops with bluebonnets and poppies but affords the opportunity to buy wildflower seeds for your region (the gardening for dummies equivalent, in my opinion!). Also onsite are casual lunch options and plenty of shopping (boutique and garden variety) and wine tasting at on-site Wedding Oak Winery. Are there better wineries to visit on 290? Yes, but the location sure is convenient!

National Museum of the Pacific War:

You can’t visit Fredericksburg and not visit the National Museum of the Pacific War. www.pacificwarmuseum.org This impressive museum is at the quality to belong in a world-class city, and yet it thrives in Fredericksburg, home of celebrated admiral Nimitz (born in Fredericksburg). This sprawling museum floored me, truly. I would expect no less in Washington DC, truly. Plan to devote most of a day here, with breaks (your ticket, only $15 for general admission) is good for 48 hours for a reason). If you ask at the front desk, they’ll tell you what not to miss if you only have a few hours, but I suggest spending the morning, then returning after lunch for at least an additional hour. This museum not only honors the life of Admiral Nimitz and celebrates the service of George W. Bush (Texas native) but primarily pays tribute to the many, many men and women who sacrificed so much during WWII. What I love best: this museum doesn’t erase. It shows the experience of both Americans and Japanese during the conflict in the Pacific in multiple galleries and interactive displays. Don’t miss the Pacific Combat Zone (a block away) with houses the garage for WWII vehicles and a reconstructed battlefield. Those who love WWII planes and boats will be in heaven.

Where to eat in Fredericksburg:

Der Linderbaum: Start with traditional German food to get a feel for Fredericksburg. Come hungry, because this is German food at its finest, and plan to linger to enjoy live music and soak in the ambiance.

Milagros: The live music and inviting patio are at the stars at Milagro’s, which serves a rather eclectic mix of traditional Mexican favorites like fajitas and enchiladas and Fredericksburg staples like sausage and sourkrout. Even on weekdays, live music can be found; on the night we visited, the country music duo sang a mixture of traditional country songs (think Kenny Chesney and Johnny Cash) to Tom Petty numbers and 90’s alternative. It was a delightful mix.

Tubby’s Ice House: Stop at Tubby’s for lunch after making your way through the National Museum of the Pacific War (yes, this is a must-do). Trust me, you need their frosé (frozen rosé) if the weather is at all warm (which it will be). Pair it with one of Tubby’s street taco options or burgers.

La Bergerie: This artisanal market specializes in fine wine, cheese and charcuterie (make yourselves a picnic to go). The wine is hand-picked from fun and affordable local bottles to rare finds, and tall charcuterie is cured at La Bergerie with heritage Texan meats. www.labergerie.com

Where to go for after dinner nightlife:

Elk Store Winery and Distillery:

Do yourselves a favor and head here after dinner, located right on Main Street. Long a reputed wine bar and beer bar, Elk Store now boasts a distillery, too, with made-on-site gin, whiskey, moonshine, and vodka. The bar staff will walk you through a tasting, or you can’t go wrong with their menu of prohibition-era cocktails. I recommend the pecan pie moonshine (straight up or mixed). You’ll want to linger here an hour or more, either in the cozy interior with walls of wine bottles or out back, on the attached patio with fire pit.

Luckenbach:

Have you heard of Luckenbach, Texas? Made famous by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, who penned an idyllic ode to the burg, Back to the Basics of Love. Luckenbach was once a trading post back in 1849, where Comanche Indians traded commodities with American settlers. In 1970, the entire town was put to sale, and bought by a trio of Texans who ‘didn’t want their bar to close’. It’s second life began as a bar, dance hall, and watering hole for locals. Today, Luckenbach has live music 364 days a year from 1 pm until closing. It’s eight miles outside of Fredericksburg, five miles south of the intersection of Highway 290 and FM 1376. Their bar takes cash only, so come ready!

Where to stay: Herb Farm

Stay where you won’t miss your kids…because kids aren’t even allowed. Fredericksburg’s Herb Farm is indeed a working herb farm with an attached restaurant in a historic Fredericksburg homestead. The current owners (who also own the unique Hangar Hotel that abuts the Fredericksburg airport) have added fourteen quaint guest cabins and a 15,000 square foot spa facility. This is the place to stay on the edge of town for rest and relaxation…and not a kid in sight. Pets are not allowed in the cabins either, and while not part of your stay, 90% of guests opt for a spa treatment during their stay. The onsite restaurant has a full bar and delicious breakfast menu, though breakfast is not included. Between cottages, the herb farm beckons with meandering trails between the lavender and thyme. Yes, it’s as idealistic as it sounds.

If you can’t get a cottage at Herb Farm, numerous apartments for rent along Main Street offer historic yet comfortable lodging right in the center of the action, which means you can leave your car parked for days.

Disclosure: I was invited to Fredericksburg Texas for the purpose of review. All opinion remains my own.

Grown-Up Getaway: Wine and dine in Lubbock Texas

August 17, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Last spring, we outlined the perfect Grown-Up Getaway to charming Fredericksburg, Texas, in the Hill Country. Now we’re back with one more–perhaps unexpected–Texas getaway: Lubbock. Everywhere I went in Fredericksburg, I was told by winemakers that their grapes came from this city in the West Plains. So naturally, I had to go see Lubbock for myself.

If you’ve driven through Lubbock, Texas before, you might assume this west Texas city of approximately 250,000 is primarily comprised of strip malls and suburbs. However, dig a little deeper into the heart of Lubbock, and you’ll find some true gems hiding in plain sight.

What to do on a Lubbock Texas getaway:

Lubbock is a college town, so most of its culture spans out from Texas Tech and the recently growing urban downtown core area.

Starting your days:

Starting with your morning cup of joe, head to J&B Coffee in the college district for great drip brew and breakfast sandwiches, or to Sugar Brown’s Coffee, where you can soak up great ambiance inside or outside.

Wine tasting:

This is big country, with an abundance of land. As winemaker Bobby Cox of Pheasant Ridge put it, if Texas wineries planted on half the land available, they’d grow more grapes than Europe’. As a result, tasting rooms in Lubbock’s High Plains AVA can be spread out, and often, vineyards are off-site. That said, here are the best options for your Texas wine tasting tours.

Kim McPherson of McPherson Cellars

Burklee Hill Vineyards: With an inviting tasting room located in the Historic Kress Building in downtown Lubbock, Burklee Hills tastings that can be enjoyed indoors or out. The owner has been growing grapes since 2002, and has been custom crushing since 2016. They make a particularly good dry Muscat, and have won awards for their Malbec.

McPherson Cellars: Back in town, McPherson Cellars is run by Kim McPherson, whose father, Doc McPherson is considered the ‘Father of Texas wine’. McPherson Cellars offered the best of anything I tasted in Lubbock, so it’s a must-do. Plus, the tasting room is easy to get to, and fun and funky. The outdoor patio is inviting with couches and sculpture art, and across the street, McPherson’s wife runs one of the best restaurants in town (see below). Not to be missed at McPherson: the dry rosé, Grenache, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese.

English Newsom Cellars: Located out-of-town on Woodrow Road, English Newsom Cellars is also the real deal: their huge facility is putting forth serious contenders for the best wine in Lubbock, in my opinion.

Pheasant Ridge: Out of town on Courtney Road, Pheasant Ridge is the oldest winery in the area, and the 7th oldest in Texas, bought in 1978. They grow seven varietals on-site, and while the tasting room isn’t fancy, there’s a nice canopied seating area out front, with views of their 30 acres of vines (more are off-site), and like CapRock and McPherson, especially, their staff in the tasting room know their stuff.

Are you more of a beer person? Brewery LBK is the area’s up-and-coming brewery, located downtown in the Pioneer Building!

Dining:

If you follow our plan for a Lubbock weekend, you’ll spend the bulk of your day at area wineries, so plan on light bites and charcuterie plates until dinner. I promise you’ll want to come to the following restaurants hungry.

The West Table Kitchen and Bar:

With a seasonally-changing menu and a young chef who has returned to his hometown after training in California and working across the US, the West Table on Broadway Street makes use of prime downtown space in what used to be the historic Lubbock Hotel. Now, it’s a fine dining venue with high ceilings, tile floors, and exposed beams, with an attached artisan wine event space and the afore-mentioned Brewery LBK in the same building. Make sure to try one of their craft cocktails; I loved their spin on a Whiskey Smash. Get the roasted poblano peppers if they’re offered as an appetizer.

Tip: Upstairs the Pioneer Pocket Hotel offers renovated suites with clean lines and contemporary touches. Stay here and you can go right downstairs for coffee in the mornings.

La Diosa Cellars:

Tucked away in downtown Lubbock across the street from McPherson Cellars, La Diosa is the success story of Sylvia McPherson, wife of winery owner Kim McPherson. She’s put her interior decorating background to work to create a warm, eclectic atmosphere, and her tapas-forward menu is the real deal. She’s tapped into her family’s Spanish and Mexican heritage to create a unique and truly beautiful menu. Start with the sangria, and don’t be afraid to be adventurous.

Cocina de La Sirena:

This gem for modern Latin American cuisine is located right off the highway, and looks quite unassuming behind an old motel-turned-artisan boutique strip. But step into the courtyard and you’ll find patio dining under twinkling lights and a cozy interior with a stellar bar. Come for happy hour and small plates, or settle in for dinner, but either way, the margaritas and homemade salsas outshine almost everything (and that’s saying something). The owner is truly passionate about local sourcing, and everything is fresh.

Funky Door Bistro & Wine Room:

Best known for its fondue (in West Texas? Yep!) this restaurant serves to showcase the best of Texas wine, plus varietals from around the world. They have over 650 labels, so plan to stay awhile!

Want more to do? Try to plan your trip for the First Friday Art Walk downtown, which features food trucks and multiple gallery openings, and learn more about Lubbock native Buddy Holly’s history at the Buddy Holly Center. In spring of 2020, a huge downtown development project, the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts & Sciences, will open across from the civic center, offering theater space and event space with the capacity to host Broadway productions and world-class musical guests.

The Alamo, San Antonio Texas

December 10, 2020 By Sharlene Earnshaw

During a time when many vacations are not possible, road trip-accessible locations offer the ability to safely social distance. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring San Antonio, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation.

Ever heard the phrase “Remember the Alamo,” and thought to yourself that it was simply a crazy thing Texans say? Couldn’t possibly have any meaning? Allow me to take a moment to clear that one up and give you a great reason to visit!

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Mexican dictator, Santa Anna and his army held the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas under siege for more than a week. On March 6 1836, Santa Anna ordered about 1800 of his troops to attack the Alamo, which was defended by less than 200 men. Because of this loss at the Alamo, Texans came together and won their independence against Mexico a month later under the leadership of Sam Houston.

Today, the Alamo is Texas’ most famous shrine. It is a shock of history standing tall amongst the modern buildings in downtown San Antonio. But it is a beloved site and one that takes you right back into history. Learn all about the Alamo’s heroes, including Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, and Sam Houston. Hear from the survivors of the battle. And see actual artifacts from the week-long siege.

The complex, owned by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) since 1906, offers free admission to the 4.2 acre complex which includes the Shrine, the Long Barrack Museum filled with artifacts from the battle, and a gift shop where you can grab your very own Davy Crockett coonskin hat.

Tip: To prepare kids before their visit, the Alamo website offers some great fun, like a History Hunt and games, for kids to enhance their experience.

Many times, you can find re-enactments occurring on the plaza outside the Alamo. It’s fun to show the kids how much work goes into shooting a rifle during that time period. If the history is too much for you, there is always a Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum right across the street!

And as a great addition to your visit to the Alamo, take in the IMAX’s Alamo The Price of Freedom: it’s a great movie telling the story of the Alamo on the big screen. My kids loved it! Want to read more Alamo tips? Read an additional Alamo post at RWeThereYetMom!

Closest interstate: Interstate 37/TX, Hwy 281

Cost of admission: Free

Dining: None. The Alamo is located in downtown San Antonio, where many dining options exist!

Where to stay:

San Antonio offers a wide variety of hotel accommodations, all of which must adhere to safety and cleanliness COVID response standards. Hotels in San Antonio which we recommend include La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk and The Westin Riverwalk, but as a general guideline, look for a downtown hotel that offers courtyard space and outdoor pools, so you can best enjoy the Texas weather and social distance safely.

Driving directions:

The Alamo is located at 300 Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, Texas. From U.S. 281/Interstate 37 southbound, exit at Houston Street, turn right, and proceed three blocks to Avenue E, turn left and continue to the intersection of Houston and Alamo Plaza. From Interstate 37 northbound, exit at Commerce Street, turn left on Commerce and proceed ten blocks to Alamo Plaza, turn right and continue on one and one half blocks. Parking is available at several pay lots in the vicinity of the Alamo.

Photos courtesy of RWeThereYetMom.com.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we are partnering with Hotels.com to bring you this post on San Antonio and The Alamo.

What to do in Lubbock Texas with kids

September 27, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

We highly recommend the dining and winery scene in Lubbock Texas for couples and friends on a Grown-Up Getaway, but what if you have the kids in tow? There’s a lot to do in Lubbock with the kids, from learning about ranching history to learning about the musical legacy of one of Lubbock’s most famous teens, Buddy Holly. Here’s what not to miss, plus where to eat with kids in this fun college town in West Texas.

National Ranching Heritage Center:

This center, which was built in public-private cooperation with Texas Tech University and the Ranching Heritage Association, is free to the public, with a 19-acre historical park outdoors and several galleries indoors. You’ll want to dedicate most of your visit to the outdoor section (which closes at 4 pm daily). I loved that it encourages families to walk and explore, guiding you on a chronological tour of Texas ranching homes and structures from the late 1700s to the 1950s.

You’ll want a few hours to tour the houses, which you can peek into and view, and the windmills, stables, outbuildings and locomotives that tell Texas’ ranching history. It’s all well-persevered and well done, and indoors, you can find a few more modest exhibits (an exhibit on cowboy boots was my favorite) and a few temporary visits (I was lucky enough to be there when the Lonesome Dove exhibit was on loan, with artifacts and directing notes from the celebrated mini-series).

All this said, there is danger of getting a one-sided history of Texas ranching, as the signage and displays in the 19-acre historical park details white settler and rancher history while giving far less attention to the Comanche history that’s tied to it. We were lucky enough to tour the grounds with someone knowledgeable in all Texas history, and I do feel that visitors are denied some knowledge of that violent time period from the perspective of the Native American.

Buddy Holly Center:

While not huge, the Buddy Holly Center, located near downtown Lubbock, provides a good overview of the tragically short life of singer and songwriter Buddy Holly with a main gallery with useful timelines of popular music and artifacts, a short film (helpful if your kids don’t know who Buddy Holly was upon arrival here) and an adjacent living history exhibit, the house of Holly’s friend and band member Jerry Allison, recreated to the period. The only thing I think the center was lacking: some of Holly’s better-known music playing as you toured. It’s $8 admission, $5 for kids, and if you’re interested in paying your respects, Holly is buried in the cemetery nearby (as a Buddy Holly Center attendant for directions).

Note: In spring of 2020, a huge downtown development project, the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts & Sciences, will open across from the civic center, offering theater space and event space with the capacity to host Broadway productions and world-class musical guests.

Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue:

Both a lunch hot spot and an attraction in its own right, Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue is THE place to go for lunch. It will be packed, but the line goes quickly. Order at the counter (combo plates start around $9, or you can order sandwiches starting at $8). They’re best known for their amazing beef brisket, but you can also sample sausage, ribs, pulled pork, and chipped beef. For me, the sides are just as important, and at Evie Mae’s, you can choose from cheesy grits, green beans, pinto beans, potato salad, and more. Definitely get the cornbread, and utilize the free toppings bar with jalapenos, onions, pickles and the like. And I saved the best for last: in the center of the restaurant, an iced galvanized bucket keeps FREE beer cool. Yes, free.

The owners of Evie Mae’s have been at their current location since 2016, and orginally got into barbeque simply because they wanted to weld a smoker…then needed to learn how to use it. They use only prime Angus beef, and all items are gluten-free, except for the white bread and buns. My only disappointment: they use styrofoam cups and plates. Here’s hoping they make a switch soon.

Cast Iron Grill:

For breakfast, go to the Lubbock joint all the locals love: Cast Iron Grill. This lively breakfast spot is casual, quick, and filling, run by a woman who takes her Christian faith seriously (you’ll note all the religious sayings on the walls right away). If you’re not religious, however, as I’m not, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the Cast Iron’s Grill’s famous pies at lunch or their huge breakfast platters in the morning. Expect basic coffee, friendly waitstaff (all wearing cowboy boots) and a loud, fun atmosphere.

What to do in Texas Hill Country with kids

April 18, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Spring and fall are perfect times of year to visit the quaint town of Fredericksburg, tucked away in the scenic Hill Country of Texas. The weather is warm but mild, making this an economical spring break getaway for families within driving distance or those wanting to escape colder weather in the north (who want to stay in the States for break). If you aren’t familiar with Fredericksburg, this tourist town of less than 10,000 attracts millions of visitors per year, who enjoy their German-Texan heritage, historic buildings and museums, excellent shopping and fun dining scene.

What to do in Texas Hill Country with kids:

Start at the Fredericksburg visitor center located just one block from Main Street on E. Austin. Here, you can start with a trolley tour to orient yourselves to the town. The tour highlights area history, including the unique town square, which the German settlers utilized for everything from celebration (think Octoberfest!) to protection from the Comanche tribes in the area. Kids will find the trolley tour fun (it’s about 45 minutes long, but you can hop off as desired), but mostly, this is a good chance for Mom and Dad to get a feel for the downtown area to decide what to come back to later.

Next, explore the National Museum of the Pacific War. Wondering why there’s a sprawling, world-class museum dedicated to WWII’s Pacific theater in the heart of little Fredericksburg, Texas? It’s thanks to one of their own, Admiral Charles Nimitz. When the town expressed interest in creating a museum in his honor, he only agreed if they highlighted all the men who served under him and the women who sacrificed on the home front, instead of only focusing on his career. The result: a massive, beautiful museum that does an excellent job of telling the story of both the American experience in the Pacific as well as the Japanese perspective. There’s a fairly small gallery focusing on Nimitz, with the rest of the main museum offering gallery after gallery that walks visitors through the WWII Pacific theater chronologically. You get a feel for the early conflict, then experience the bombing of Pearl Harbor in a very tasteful and dramatic gallery. More rooms follow, highlighting the years of battles in the Pacific.

Note: Look for the kiosks with audible oral history. The museum has curated thousands of first-hand narratives from veterans of the Pacific theater, some of which are on offer in the galleries. Take a moment to listen to their stories in their own voices.

There are also outdoor spaces and galleries with WWII planes and vehicles, and even submarines and torpedos. It’s very impressive all they have on display here. Be sure to save time to see the Japanese Garden of Peace outside and the Pacific Combat Zone (one block away). This space is where they do reenactments and even when not in use, the battlefield is fascinating the behold. There’s a hangar with multiple vehicles as well.

Tip: This museum takes a lot of time and takes a lot out of you. Your tickets (which are only $15 for adults, by the way) are good for 48 hours. I suggest breaking up this museum into two visits, with at least a lunch break in-between, if not a whole day.

Next, check out the Pioneer Museum Complex on the edge of downtown. This outdoor museum is much more manageable and takes you through the general experience of the German immigrants who settled Fredericksburg. A short video tells the story of their hardships upon arrival to the New World, then families can tour through multiple buildings, including a farmstead, barn, blacksmith shop, and even a schoolhouse. Docents and museum workers are on-hand to answer questions, and a self-guided map leads you through.

Outside of Fredericksburg, do not miss Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farmstead in Lyndon B Johnson State Park. This large state park has a lot going on, including wild bison herds and Texas Longhorns, and the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park (a national park site) where families can tour Johnson’s Texas White House. But kids will be most interested in the Sauer-Beckman farmstead, and that’s where you should start.

This living history site is nothing short of amazing. Docents and state and national park rangers work the farmstead daily (8 am to 4:30 pm), and when I say ‘work’, I mean work. Dressed in period costume, they keep a working, productive farm, including milking cows, tending to sheep and chickens, making bread and butter, canning vegetables, butchering and curing meats, sewing and weaving…all of it. They live without electricity or running water all day long, and in every room in every building, kids can observe their work and ask questions. I learned how to utilize the gallons of milk produced by their cow every day without the aid of refrigeration…it involves turning milk to cream to butter to curds and whey to cottage cheese to hard cheese, basically!

There are gardens and pastures to check out, and kids can observe the natural wind energy produced by the windmill. If you’re at all interested in knowing how to ‘live off the grid’, talk to these guys! Everyone was fascinated.

Afterward, drive the short distance to the national park side of the park to see Lyndon B. Johnson’s ranch, which includes a guided house tour and the chance to check out their airstrip and airport hangar. Older kids may be interested in this, but if you have young kids, I recommend spending more time at the living history park or enjoying the beautiful park grounds, which include a river, picnic areas and even a swimming pool (open seasonally).

With the rest of your time in Fredericksburg, explore the fun shopping and dining downtown. It’s a casual town and there are plenty of places to eat outdoors or enjoy play spaces (especially in the main square). If you have a babysitter at the ready, carve out some time to enjoy the wine scene in Fredericksburg, or the emerging distillery scene (see my post on Fredericksburg for grown-ups).

Where to eat in Fredericksburg with kids:

Fredericksburg boasts plenty of casual dining options, most of which have live music at night, which is a plus when you’re trying to entertain squirmy kids. We most enjoyed the following:

Clear River Pecan: this is a go-to place for ice cream or a coffee drink as a pick-me-up in the afternoons

Burger Burger: Great for a good burger, obviously, with a nice patio overlooking Main Street

Tubby’s Ice House: this local joint is just across from the Pacific museum, making it a perfect lunch spot. Their street foods include tacos and burgers and kids can get homemade popsicles while grown-ups enjoy frosé (frozen rosé). Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

La Bergerie: make yourselves a picnic with the charcuterie on offer at this artisanal market (Mom and Dad, grab a bottle of wine to go with it). All the meats here are Texan and cured on site.

Fredericksburg Pie Company: a must-do, especially during the spring peach season!

West End Pizza: This classic pizza joint has lovely outdoor seating and homemade, wood-fired pizzas. Best of all, their salads are very good, so you can eat fairly healthy if you want to.

Where to stay:

Stay at Fredericksburg Inn and Suites right off Main Street. You can walk to everything, and the suites include a separate living space with doors, making it easy to put kids down for the night before Mom and Dad turn in. I loved the big pool area with grass and outdoor BBQ pits. There’s ample seating outside, perfect for winding down the day with a glass of wine (wine bottles are available for purchase right at the front desk). The included breakfast is decent (your average continental breakfast offerings of waffles, eggs and bacon, yogurt, toast and muffins and cereals).

Disclosure: I experienced Fredericksburg at the invitation of the tourism board, for the purpose of review. All opinion remains my own.

A stay at The Woodlands Resort, Texas

May 27, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Unless you live in south Texas or follow PGA golf, you probably haven’t heard of The Woodlands Resort. Tucked away in the planned community of Woodlands, Texas, about 25 minutes from Houston, this conference and leisure property has undergone a multi-million dollar remodel, and it shows; guests will be immersed in an upgraded experience from check-in to check-out. Ready to get to know (or become reacquainted with) this revitalized property?

The Woodlands Resort’s renovation included extensive upgrades to guest rooms and conference facilities, but the true ‘wow’ factor lies in its leisure spaces. Families will notice the two championship golf courses immediately, but head behind the first of several guest buildings, and an entire ‘oasis’ of pool and water complexes await. Dubbed the Forest Oasis, this area includes multiple free-form pools, water slides, zero-entry and water fountain play areas, and a brand new 1000+ foot lazy river, complete with rolling current. During peak season, poolside activities are run by the resort daily, and at all times, kids can participate in a fun underwater scavenger hunt (ask for a list of items to find at the cafe).

But the outdoor recreation by no means ends there. The Woodlands Resort also sports 21 tennis courts, a fitness center (with additional exercise pools), a spa, and miles of bike and hiking trails throughout the property. (Bikes are complimentary, and yes, kids’ sizes are available…an oversight at many resorts). Thanks to strict building and planting bylaws in the Woodlands community, the entire property is lush with trees providing greenery and shade, and interlaced with pleasant walkways with patios, seating areas, and outdoor fire pits.

Dining at The Woodlands is somewhat limited for families on a budget, but there are ways around this. A shuttle can take families from The Woodlands Resort to popular shopping areas nearby, such as Market Street with outdoor walkways, cinemas, shops and casual dining, and a full grocery story is in easy walking distance, directly adjacent to the resort. On site, the Dining Room offers a very nice buffet breakfast at standard prices (during my visit, it was approximately $15 for adults), the Cool Water Cafe and the Royal Mile Grille offer casual lunch, and Robard’s Steakhouse impresses with an upscale dinner. Parents will want to splurge on at least one nice night out here; I recommend starting out with the Woodlands’ take on the Manhattan, prepared with incredibly smooth smoked whiskey.

Older kids can grab appetizers and play a game of billiards in the Bistro (which shifts to 21 and older at 9 pm), or families can grab a casual dinner at the pool area (in peak season). While babysitting or children’s club services are not available on site (and how we wish they were!), the concierge desk can absolutely help parents find recommended local babysitting services.

A note about the Woodlands Resort’s large conference facilities: family leisure travelers will hardly notice them. With conference facilities across the main lake and water feature from the guest rooms and leisure side of the property, this section of the resort didn’t impact our stay at all.

Rooms are spacious, located in buildings 3000, 4000, and 5000. The 3000 building faces one golf course and peaceful water features, and 4000 and 5000 encircle the Forest Oasis water park area. Families with kids who plan to spend the majority of their time in this area should book at ground-level room in 5000, where balconies open up right onto the pool. In-room amenities include single-cup coffee makers, free wifi, Bath and Bodyworks bathroom amenities, and mini-fridges. Double queen bed rooms have baths and showers, and king rooms have walk-in showers only.

While The Woodlands Resort is not what I’d consider a ‘destination resort’ for most families, when you get here, you’ll certainly feel as though you’ve arrived.

What do I mean by this? Everything about the Woodlands is so lovely, once on-site, families won’t have much reason to leave. With golf courses, bike and hiking trails, tennis courts, upscale restaurants, and an outdoor water play and pool complex you’ll be hard-pressed to top, families are well-taken care of. However, as the greater Houston region is not already a family vacation magnet, the question becomes, when will families come, and more specifically, for what type of vacation? I mulled this question over throughout my stay, wanting to connect this beautiful property with a logical vacation plan for families. After three near-perfect days at Woodlands Resort, I came up with the following ‘excuses’ to book a trip:

Houston home base:

As the fourth largest city in the US, Houston has plenty of visitors. Whether you’re coming to the city for business or a family vacation, why not skip expensive overnight parking fees and the noise or stress of the city and spread out in a more peaceful setting? This isn’t the first time I’ve recommended booking a leisure-focused resort outside a major destination, and it won’t be the last: the downtime this strategy affords families during a busy travel schedule is simply so beneficial. After spending a full day in Houston’s extensive museum district or before cheering on a Houston team, for instance, families staying at The Woodlands can be floating along the lazy river, riding bikes along tree-lined paths, and spending full mornings on green golf courses. I’m relaxing just thinking about it.

How I’d spend a Woodlands Resort stay as a Houston home base:

Drive into the city after 9 am, and return before 4 pm, to avoid traffic
Visit Houston museums and public parks
Spend late afternoons in Forest Oasis

Travel tip: with extensive conference space, The Woodlands Resort sees more than its share of business travelers. But take my word on this: while on the property for work, you’ll be seeing activities your kids would love at every turn. Bring them in for the weekend following a conference or meeting.

Golf vacation:

With two championship courses, Panther Trail and Oaks, families who golf together will be content at The Woodlands for days. Both courses welcome children on the links (afternoon tee times are the most kid-friendly), rent clubs, even child sizes, and offer lessons. The practice green is lit at night for additional play time, and the driving range has extended hours as well. When not golfing, kids will want to be in the Forest Oasis ‘waterscape’.

How I’d spend a Woodlands Resort stay during a golf vacation:

Let the kids play in Forest Oasis during the morning, or take a golf lesson
Play 18 holes starting right after lunch
Relax with a family game of pool in the Bistro before dinner
Take the resort shuttle to Market Street for a movie

Parents’ or adults getaway:

I’ve already warned you that if you don’t bring the kids, you’ll immediately miss them with so many family-focused offerings, but should you be able to tear yourself away, parents will do well on the tennis courts (book a lesson!), bike paths, and enjoy the Woodlands Resort spa in addition to the golf courses. With 194 miles of trail, you could easily spend a whole morning or afternoon cycling. Add a shopping trip to Market Street for some leisurely shopping at storefronts from Tiffany’s to Charming Charlie, or a music performance at the nearby Pavillon, and you may not miss the little ones.

How I’d spend a Woodlands Resort stay during a getaway without the kids:

Sleep in!
Eat a leisurely breakfast at the Dining Room buffet before a spa treatment
Spend time by the spa and fitness area pools
Take the shuttle to Market Street for some shopping or window shopping
Enjoy an easy five mile cycle or walk around the golf courses
Book a late dinner at Robard’s Steakhouse, followed by after-dinner drinks at a fire pit outside the bar

Houston staycation:

Houston residents should absolutely be taking advantage of the Woodlands Resort’s proximity. Because all you need for play, rest, and relaxation are at your fingertips, it makes for the perfect staycation hotel. Definitely book a stay in the off-season to avoid heat and crowds at the Forest Oasis, and to snag lower room rates. Only resort guests can use Forest Oasis, so book at least a one-night stay, then plan to linger the next day.

How I’d spend a Woodlands Resort staycation:

Arrive after work and school on an off-season Friday night
Grab appetizers for dinner at the Bistro
Play in the pools or golf the next day, lingering after check-out to have lunch at the Cool Water Cafe

Room rates:

During off-season, room rates are more than comfortable at $159 to $199 (poolside walk-out), and rates only rise about $100 during peak season. Five can fit into a room with a rollaway, or additional space (and a second bathroom) can be secured via adjoining rooms. There are a limited number of suites and junior suites, but the best value for families still lies in the single or double room options.

Directions:

From Bush Intercontinental Airport, it’s an easy 25 minute drive (without traffic) on I-45 or the Hardy Toll Road to Woodlands Parkway at Exit 76B. Turn left onto Grogan’s Mill Road, then turn right at the first light at North Millbend Drive. The resort entrance is on the left.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced The Woodlands Resort as a hosted guest, for the purpose of review. Without this opportunity to preview the resort, I would not be able to write a comprehensive review.

Exploring Dallas History with Kids

March 30, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Dallas isn’t just cowboys, the Cowboys, and Texas BBQ. As one of the oldest cities in the state, Dallas is steeped in local history. Best of all for parents, most exhibits in and around Dallas honoring the region’s history are free or low-cost for all.

See Founders Plaza: Located downtown in a unassuming park area, Founders Plaza showcases a replica of Dallas founder John Neely Bryan’s original settler’s cabin. Kids can see a map of the county circa the 1800s here, and in Pioneer Plaza, families can view a monument of bronze steer, representing the many animals driven along the Shawnee Trail during the 1850s.

Spend an entire day at Dallas Heritage Village: Located in Old City Park, this 19th-century Texas ‘town’ an historic Main Street surrounded by almost 40 beautifully restored buildings, dating from 1840 to 1910. Families can walk through Heritage Village on their own using self-guided tours, stopping to take in living history presentations by costumed staff. We love the doctor’s office (always interesting to see how injuries and illness used to be treated!), the train depot, and of course, the schoolhouse. Kids can go inside buildings, talk with re-enactors, and even dress up. A petting zoo is included in the ‘local’ farm just outside the town proper, and the general store encourages play, allowing kids to try the cash register (watch out…you’ll need to do calculations in your head instead of on a phone!). Purchases come in brown paper tied with string, and candies and soda pop for sale are all the old-fashioned favorites. While in the village, be sure to stop in at the old Millermore Mansion for a tour. Kids will see how ‘the other half’ lived a century ago.

Learn about Kennedy at Dealey Plaza: For some of us, only one generation stands between us and the event of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. To kids, it’s ancient history, which is one reason to take school-aged kids through this national historic landmark district. Located at the site of the assassination, Dealey Plaza and the rest of this district is home to several sites, including the Texas School Book Depository, Sixth Floor Museum (located within the depository building), and Pillars of Unity. The Sixth Floor Museum tells the story of Kennedy with the most details, but is still appropriate for most kids. There is a fee for the museum, but the district itself, including the park, is free to tour; pick up a self-guided map.

Step inside a cathedral: Teach kids about history and architecture at the same time while touring the Cathedral Shrine of Our Lady Guadalupe. This gothic building stands out in Dallas, as one of the last examples of high Victorian gothic design. Admission is free, and tours are self-guided when the cathedral is not in session for worship (this is a working church with congregation).

See a very old cemetery: Not many kids have walked the grounds of a pre-Civil War cemetery. Instead of creepy or disturbing, cemeteries can be good historical tools, if parents present them as such. The Freedman’s Cemetery Memorial, located downtown, pays homage to former freed slaves, buried in what was called a ‘freedman’s town’. Parents can teach kids the ground they stand on was once a community, and explain how this memorial honors the people who did not get the recognition they deserved during their lifetime. Admission is free.

Where do you go in Dallas to learn about history?

Photo credit

Four pit stop-worthy children museum holiday exhibits

December 17, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

‘Tis the season to travel, and while braving those interstates, you and your family will need places to stop along the way. What better opportunity to visit one of these four children museum holiday events at children’s museums across the country! Each are sure to get your family in a festive mood during the holiday travel season!

If traveling on I-75:

Stop at the Cincinnati Museum Center (the history museum location off Public Landing) and see the Duke Energy holiday trains! A beloved holiday tradition in Cincinnati, the exhibit is open to the public with ticket purchase. There’s also a 1/3 scale locomotive rumored to have been built by Santa himself.

Admission: Museum costs are $8.50 for adults, $6.50 for children; on the site linked above, get free vouchers for the trains.

Open: Nov. 7th-Jan 4th, 10 am to 5 pm Mon-Fri, 10 am to 8 pm on Saturdays, 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays.

Directions: Located at 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati OH. From I-75 south, head toward downtown Cincinnati. Take the right side exit, Exit 2A, Western Avenue. Merge onto Western going south (do not turn); Museum Center entrance is on the right at the third traffic light.

If traveling on I-95:

Take a break at the Connecticut River Museum to check out their holiday train display. This museum recently withstood a fire, and needs all the support they can get from the local community and those passing through! While you’re there, learn more about the Connecticut River and its history.

Admission: $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for children

Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (Tues-Sun)

Directions: Located at 67 Main Street, Essex, CT. From Interstate 95, take Exit 69 (CT Route 9 North). Take CT Route 9 North to Exit 3 (Essex) and follow signs to Connecticut River Museum and Essex Historic Waterfront. Steamboat Dock is located at the foot of Main Street on the Connecticut River.

If traveling on I-10:

Learn about holidays from around the world at the Children’s Museum of Houston. The Seasons of Sharing exhibit tours kids around the world with holiday traditions, meals, celebrations, and gifts. Tour a block-long neighborhood of holiday houses, each with a different celebration inside. And if you’re traveling on a Thursday, you’re in luck: Thursday nights are free!

Admission: $9.00 adults and children over one year

Hours: 10 am to 6 pm (Tues-Sat) Noon to 6 pm (Sun)

Directions: Located at 1500 Binz, Houston, TX. From I-10, take 610 South, then 288 North. Exit on Binz (take a left). Museum is seven blocks on the left.

If traveling on I-65:

Have breakfast with Santa at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, a holiday event that opens November 30th and goes through December 14th. Eat with Santa, then create your own slide bag to ride down the museum’s ‘yule slide’. Combine breakfast with a day at the museum!

Note: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has a Kidscore of 100. Learn more about Kidscore.

Admission: $19.50 for adults, $14.50 for children

Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (Tues-Sun)

Directions: Located at 3000 N. Meridian, Indianapolis, IN. From I-65 South, head into Indianapolis.
Exit at the 21st Street exit. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left on 21st Street. Follow 21st Street east to Illinois Street. Turn left on Illinois and continue north to 30th and Illinois Streets.

Photo credit

The Dr. Pepper Museum

March 2, 2012 By Sharlene Earnshaw

The following pit stop has been submitted by guest reviewer and blogger Rebecca of RWeThereYetMom.com. Reach Rebecca @RWeThereYetMom on Twitter.

Texans are very proud of their Dr. Pepper. It’s a legendary soda, created in a small Texas town called Waco. Open to the public, one can learn all about its famous history at the Dr Pepper Museum.

Dr Pepper was created in 1885 in Morrison’s Old Country Store in Waco, Texas by a pharmacist, and no, his name was not Dr. Pepper. It was Charles Alderton and he made it out of 23 unique flavors. What are they? The museum never tells, as it is supposed to be a secret. However, my little friend Google shared with me that some of the 23 flavors are vanilla, black licorice, carrot, rum, and yes, pepper. Most people think that it has prune juice in it…nope, not a drop!

And why was it named Dr Pepper? They are a lot of rumors out there that involve young love of a girl with the last name of Pepper, but none have been proven. As the museum says, “we don’t know the true origin of the name; Mr. Morrison came up with it and it stuck.”

This great little museum is proud to have one of the world’s largest collections of soda pop memorabilia, including the original drugstore countertop where Mr. Alderton created Dr Pepper, the history of the bottling plant, and actually shows the deep well where the water was brought up to make the original Dr. Pepper. Adults and children alike can easily spend a fun hour here, and the best part? Getting a taste of the “original” Dr. Pepper in the downstairs Soda Shop!

Closest interstate: Interstate 35, in Waco, Texas.

Cost of admission: Adults are $8.00, students and children are $4.00.

hours: Mon-Sat (10 am – 4:15 pm), Sun (12 pm – 4:15 pm)

Dining: None.

Driving directions: Take I-35 into Waco and exit 4th and 5th Streets exit. Turn west on 4th street. Go to Mary Ave. Turn left on Mary. The museum is on the corner of 5th & Mary.

Photos are courtesy of RWeThereYetMom.com.