Celebrating an Old-Fashioned Christmas at Historic Washington State Park in Arkansas

If you are looking for a unique experience this Christmas, visit Historic Washington State Park in Washington, Arkansas.

Step back in time with the 30th annual Christmas and Candlelight on December 10^th, 2016.

Beginning at dusk, hundreds of luminaries are lit to line the walkways between the buildings.

Enjoy musical performances through the park and tours of historic homes decorated with time period Christmas decor. 

Williams' Tavern Restaurant will be serving a Christmas buffet, including turkey and dressing.

Top your visit off with a horse-drawn surrey ride through the streets of this charming village.

 Historic Washington State Park is located on U.S. Highway 278 nine miles north of Hope, Arkansas.

 Tickets: $10 for adults, $6 for children 6 to 12, free for kids under 6.


Happy Travels! 

The Old Mill (North Little Rock) Arkansas

Nestled in the middle a neighborhood in North Little Rock is T.R. Pugh Memorial Park.

It is a small beautifully landscaped area and home to Pugh's Old Mill.

The Mill was built in 1933 and is an authentic reproduction of an old water-powered grist mill.

It is best known for its appearance in the opening scene of the 1939 film Gone With the Wind.

The concrete bridges were built Senor Dionico Rodriguez to look like stumps and entangled wood branches.

The park is open every day from sunrise until sunset.

It is free to get into the park.

The address is:

3800 Lakeshore Dr.
Lakshore Dr. and Fairway Ave.
North Little Rock, AR 72116

Happy Travels! 

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Cossatot Falls in Cossatot River State Park

Located in Wickes, Arkansas, Cossatot River State Park is a true gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This park is known for its beautiful scenery, including rugged terrain, clear water, and stunning waterfalls. One of the most impressive features of the park is Cossatot Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls that are a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

Cossatot Falls is located on the Cossatot River, which flows through the park. The falls consist of a series of drops and pools, which create a breathtaking sight that is sure to impress visitors. The water is crystal clear and the rocks and boulders that surround the falls are beautifully textured, making for a truly stunning natural environment.

To explore Cossatot Falls, visitors can take a hike along the River Corridor Trail. This trail runs along the river, providing hikers with stunning views of the falls, as well as the surrounding landscape. The trail is rated as moderate to difficult, so it is important to be prepared with proper hiking gear and plenty of water.

Another way to experience the beauty of Cossatot Falls is to take a float trip down the river. This is a popular activity in the park, and there are several outfitters that offer rentals and guided tours. Floating down the river provides a unique perspective of the falls and allows visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

For those who want to stay overnight in the park, there are several options for camping. The park has several campgrounds, including tent sites, RV sites, and even a group campsite for larger groups. There are also several cabins available for rent, providing a comfortable and convenient option for those who want to stay in the park but prefer more amenities than traditional camping.

Cossatot Falls in Cossatot River State Park is a must-see destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. With its stunning natural beauty, hiking and biking trails, and opportunities for water sports, this park has something to offer for everyone. 

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri

The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Hindu Temple) Houston, Texas

 The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a beautiful Hindu temple located in Stafford, Texas ( The Houston area). Who knew such an amazing place existed in Texas! :)

 The Mandir is open daily to the public from 9 am - 8:30 pm. Tours are available or you can just walk around on your own.

 Photography is only allowed on the grounds. No photos can be taken inside the buildings.

 The architecture is beautiful!

 The beautifully landscaped grounds are so relaxing to walk around.

Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the Mandir. Rooms are provided on each side of the stairs for you to leave your shoes. It is also required that your shoulders and legs be covered. If you are wearing a tank top or shorts, no worries, they will provide something at the door for you to cover up with.

Walking around the grounds and touring the Mandir was an amazing experience! Everyone was so friendly and informative. This is definitely a must visit place in Texas!


Happy Travels! 

3 Natural Springs in North & Central Florida

Juniper Springs Recreation Area

Juniper Springs is a subtropical paradise located in the middle of the Ocala National Forest. The water temperature of the crystal clear water is 72 degrees year round.

We decided to stop by Juniper Springs on our way back home from a cruise out of Tallahassee. I wish we would have allowed more time to explore the area! It is one of those places that doesn’t feel quiet real. It is so pretty!

Address :

26701 FL-40

Silver Springs, FL 34488

Fanning Springs State Park

Fanning Springs State Park is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, or watching manatees. 

We drove past this places and decided to go back and check it out. I am so glad we did!

We drove past this places and decided to go back and check it out. I am so glad we did!

There were a couple of manatees swimming around with the people. This is the first time for me to see manatees so close. It was a little too cool of a day for me to get in the water, but the couple swimming said that the temperature of the water was comfortable. I will definitely go back when the weather is warmer!

*Remember that it is against the law to harass manatees. Look, but don’t touch!

Address:

18020 N.W. HWY 19
Fanning Springs, FL 32693

Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs is a popular place for snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and spotting manatees.

 A long boardwalk allows for a quite stroll through Cyprus trees.

It is common to see deer throughout the park, many times walking right up to you.

I have been to Manatee Springs twice and have yet to see a manatee!  It is a very interesting place though. It seems a little bit like “Jurassic Park” to me… maybe because the first visit was right after a rain storm. It was cloudy and foggy.

The second time was early morning and there were hundreds of buzzards flying around our heads!

Address:

11650 NW 115 Street

Chiefland, FL 32626

Happy Travels! 

Old Colorado Inn (Review) Stuart, Florida

I was on a on a long road trip from Arkansas to Key West with my mother, daughter, and her friend where we drove drown the gulf coast and back up the east coast. We were on the tail end of our two week trip when we pulled up at the Old Colorado Inn.

Upon arriving we were greeted by the owner, Steven, who met us with glasses of fresh limeade for us all. It was by far the best limeade I have ever tasted!

After checking into our suite, Steven insisted on helping us unload our luggage and carry it to our room. I was kind of hesitant because the jeep was a total disaster from practically living in it for the past two weeks, but he only hesitated for a second before he pulled the luggage out for us.

Despite being attacked by junk and bags of luggage as soon as the hatch was opened, he just smiled and made us feel welcome!

We stayed in the Key West Suite. The path and entryway that led to our door was simply beautiful! Along the path, you are surrounded by flowers and a little gate that opens up to the path.

That evening, freshly baked cookies were placed on our kitchen counter. In the morning, fresh bagels, muffins and orange juice were delivered to our door.  Talk about service!

A shot walk thought a neighborhood filed with beautifully landscaped cottages will get you to many small specialty stores, restaurants, and the river walk.

It is a short drive to the beaches on Hutchinson Island.

Overall our experience was one to remember! We truly felt like family members while staying at Old Colorado Inn and were treated with nothing but the best service! I would HIGHLY recommend this hotel!

Happy Travels! ~ Sherri