Category: Travel and Vacations

No one makes ’em bigger–or better–than Texas! And that goes double for the Lone Star state’s delicious cuisine. When traveling through or camping in the large state, there are a number of Texas destinations you’ll want to stop by to sample everything it has to offer.

Such notable Texas destinations for great food range from the urban cities to the rural southeast part of the state.

Central Texas

Central Texas is the home of the “Texas Trinity”: ribs, sausage, and brisket. Ribs come in either full-size spare ribs (which come from pork) or big beef ribs. Texas sausage is usually made of beef, but sometimes you’ll find it made of pork.

The Texas Trinity formed way back in the 19th century when Czech and German immigrants made their way to the center of the state. Both Czech and German cultures are noted for their love of meat, so it’s only natural that their mingling would lead to new meat creations.

Specifically, the Texas Trinity is the result of the two cultures finding new ways to preserve and recycle leftover meat. Some immigrants smoked it inside enclosed brick smokers while others ground it up to produce new sausage.

East Texas

Hot links, an east Texas delicacy, came to be in 1897 in Pittsburg, TX. That year, butcher Charlie Hasselbach sought a way to efficiently recycle scrap pieces of meat such as cheeks and tongue. He ended up grinding them into a paste which he then molded into raw hot links.

The original hot links took a hit of water and binder as well as some spice to mask any “outdated” flavor. Today, Texas hot links are made with fresh meat and sold at a myriad of different restaurants, stands, and food trucks.

In addition to hot links, you’ll find a great deal of Cajun food in east Texas (specifically southeast Texas). That area of the state’s close proximity to Louisiana has caused it to adopt some of the Pelican state’s cuisine.

The most noteworthy Louisiana-Texas crossover food is crawfish. Crawfish is a staple at mud festivals and other popular Texas events.

The Gulf Area

Without a doubt, the most popular food found along the Gulf coast in Texas is oysters.

While not as popular as east or west coast oysters, a true Texan appreciates oysters from the Gulf. They’re best eaten in-season when they’re plumper and sweeter.

South Texas

Much like southeast Texas has adopted some of its neighbor Louisiana’s delicacies, Mexico has influenced its neighbor south Texas’s cuisine.

Mexican staples such as tacos, fajitas, and the like first became popular in the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio. Their popularity has since spread north to Austin and beyond, though, so you don’t need to learn how to make migas or any other ingredient to enjoy them!

Other Texas Destinations For Delicious Food

Texas is a huge state, and the number of amazing delicacies that it offers is endless. If you know of any other great Texas destinations for excellent cuisine, feel free to comment below or shoot me a line!

Road trips with your family are a great opportunity to bond and make memories on the way to a getaway.

They can also be stressful, heavy on the wallet, and potentially dangerous.

But you’re a great parent, so you want to ensure safe travels on your road trip.

I’ve put together 5 essential tips to ease your mind and enjoy your next big road trip with your loved ones.

1. Stock Your Emergency Road Kit

If you don’t have a basic emergency road kit, you need to get one.

You should have jumper cables, a small battery charger, spare tire, and a small plastic gas can. Make sure you have your bases covered.

You should also consider a small first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and aspirin. Being able to treat small cuts or deal with minor aches will keep your moving.

I also consider my travel mug as part of my emergency road kit. One less stop for coffee keeps my trips on schedule.

2. Visit Your Mechanic

Make sure your inspections are up to date to provide safe travels.

You’ll want your mechanic to check tire pressure, brake pads, and all of your fluids before you hit the road. Looking for a mechanic in a strange place can be costly and can disrupt your trip.

If you’re planning far enough ahead and don’t feel confident about your vehicle, this could be the perfect opportunity to lease a new or used car.

Plenty of vehicles made in the last ten years have all the safety options, charging ports, and storage options you need for a road trip. If you’re trying to decide whether to buy new or used, there’s a great breakdown of pros-and-cons here!

3. Start Hands-Free and Stick to It

I recommend keeping maps in your car since you never know when you’ll be in a low service area.

I wouldn’t recommend using them as your main navigation tool, though. Before you leave, set your smartphone or GPS to your destination and leave it alone. You need your hands on the wheel at all times.

If you have voice activation options, set them up in advance of your trip rather than figuring them out on the road. You can keep your music going and skip tracks without looking away from the highway.

4. Need Medication? Bring Extra

If members of your family need medication, pick up your prescriptions in advance.

Get a pill organizer to ensure you have what you need for each day of your trip. If you need to keep medications cool, try a lunchbox with an ice-pack for an efficient solution.

5. Power Up

Does your family use lots of electronic devices on a road trip?

To make sure you can focus on safe travels and keep your eyes on the road, charge your devices the night before.

Depending on the length of your trip, consider portable chargers, extra cables, or even a power strip. The last thing you want to be doing is digging around for a cable when you’re on the highway.

Safe Travels

Family road trips are some of the most fun memories I have of my childhood.

They’re also some of the best memories I have with my kids. Planning ahead can ensure that you can keep your mind on your trip and have the best time.

Looking for your next family vacation destination? Consider renting a Smoky Mountain cabin to enjoy fresh mountain air, some peace and quiet and incredible views year-round.

The Great Smoky Mountains range is on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Vacationers have been going there to get away from the bustle of the big cities and to enjoy the colorful nature.

The best way to stay in the Smoky Mountains is to rent a cabin, and they’re much more affordable and cozier than hotels.

So keep reading to discover why staying in a mountain cabin in the Smokies will take your family getaway to the next level.

You’ll Have Plenty of Space for Rest and Relaxation

Mountain cabins are cozy, functional and spacious enough to accommodate all of your needs. They come fully equipped with everything you need for a nice, relaxing holiday.

Many cabins even come with hot tubs, rocking chairs and rec rooms, so you and your family can have some fun, but also rest when you need it.

Cabins offer a sense of privacy that you won’t find in hotels. You have the entire lodge to yourselves and you won’t need to share anything with anyone else.

You’ll Enjoy Quality Family Time

Renting a Smoky Mountain cabin with your family means spending quality time together.

You can do tons of activities such as hiking, bird watching, soaking up the sun and playing outdoor games.

At night, you can watch the starlit sky outside or light up the fireplace and tell funny stories inside.

You’ll Wake Up to Breathtaking Views

Imagine waking up to a view so majestic, you’ll want to keep it in your memory forever.

Well, you can! Staying in cabins in the Smokies can give you incredible views of the vast mountain range and unparalleled sunrise and sunset.

Listen to the birds singing, watch the breeze make the leaves tremble and breathe in crisp mountain air as you sip your morning tea or coffee.

Consider coming here in early October to mid-November to witness the fall foliage that’s unlike any other.

You’ll Save Money

Renting a mountain cabin in the Smokies is a true money-saver. It’s a lot cheaper than staying in a hotel. And well-equipped cabins have almost all the amenities offered by hotels.

Being cozy and comfortable while staying in cheap cabins is not only possible but also good for your budget. And you can use the money you save to prolong your stay or take a short trip to nearby places.

Many cabin rental companies offer money-saving deals and specials. You can get an extra night free of charge or win admission passes to attractions in the area.

Final Thoughts on Renting a Smoky Mountain Cabin

Staying in a quiet, cozy cabin in the Smoky Mountains for your family vacation will give you all the rest and relaxation you need.

Share this article with your friends and family and contact me if you have any questions or comments. I’d love to hear from you!

Does the idea of a road trip sound great in theory, but make you groan when you consider all the details? You’re not alone.

Family road trips often sound like an amazing opportunity for quality time and bonding. But the tenth cry of “she hit me” and repetition of the Wiggles soundtrack can quickly drive you crazy.

Luckily, we’ve got all the info you need to make your family road trip a success. Read on for some smart travel tips that’ll help you actually enjoy your next adventure.

Making the Most of Family Roadtrips

A road trip is a great way to travel as a family. You have the freedom to go wherever you want and can easily pull the car over for food and bathroom breaks. You’ll also get to explore parts of the country that you would miss if you were flying to your destination.

But it’s not all fun and games, and a road trip can quickly turn into a nightmare if you don’t prepare correctly. Here are some smart travel tips to get you started:

1. Do Your Research

The best thing you can do to make your trip go smoothly? Research. Get online and find where other parents drove, where they stayed, and the activities they recommend.

Speak to other parents and get suggestions for experiences or itineraries. Keep in mind the ages of your kids (and theirs) so you can ensure you’re getting the best advice for your situation.

2. Travel With Other Parents

What’s better than a road trip? A road trip with other parents and kids. The more people you travel with, the less likely you’ll hear “I’m bored” from your kids.

You’ll also be making decisions as a team, and can enjoy a well-earned glass of wine at the end of the day.

3. Drive Safe

Before you leave, it’s a good idea to get the car checked out. Whether you have a teeny Toyota or a handicap van, take it in for a service and check that everything is working as it should.

Before you leave, check the tires. You may also want to check the back seat to ensure all windows and doors have the child safety locks activated and there are no choking hazards back there.

4. Take Entertainment

There are now more ways to entertain your kids than ever before. But even the most prepared parent can still hear whining on a long drive.

The answer? Pack more options than you think you’ll need.

However you feel about screen time, most parents allow at least an hour or two on road trips. Here are some other great options:

• Reading
• Family podcasts
• Games like “I Spy”
• Audiobooks
• Talking
• Looking up information about the area
• Listening to songs
• Writing in journals

5. Take Frequent Breaks

If you’re close to your destination, it can be tempting to keep driving, even when the whole family is tired. Instead, avoid setting a strict schedule and play it by ear.

That means regularly taking breaks for snacks and the bathroom. Encourage the kids to run around (set up a quick game of tag or race around the car), and try to stretch your legs yourself.

Smart Travel is Sane Travel

A family road trip doesn’t need to be stressful. By following the above smart travel tips, you can enjoy spending time together as a family and see the sights without losing your sanity.

What are your top road trip tips? Leave a comment below and let us know! Then, check us out for more tips on thrifty living and more!

Are you looking for a way to get your kids off the couch and outside?

Hiking is an amazing outdoor experience. Not only is it a great form of exercise, but it provides fresh air and allows for a little one-on-one time with Mother Nature.

Hiking with kids is an excellent family activity. With a little preparation and research, you can plan a fun-filled day your kids will love.

Read on to find out how.

Pack Wisley

What you bring when hiking with kids is almost as important as where you decide to hike.

There are some essential items that you won’t want to find yourself without.

Food and Water

It’s always important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re hiking in warm weather. Bringing enough water for everyone, and maybe even some extra bottles, will prevent dehydration side effects including dizziness, weakness, and dry mouth.

Snacks are also important when hiking with kids. Bring non-perishable and easy to eat foods like pretzels, granola bars, and trail mix. You can even pack a small picnic lunch with sandwiches, as long as it’s not too difficult to carry and keep cold.

Bug Spray

This is an essential item when hiking in wooded areas. You may encounter any number of insects on your adventure from ants to flies, ticks, and mosquitos.

A quality bug spray will help keep you and your children protected from unwanted bites and irritations.

Proper Clothing

The appropriate clothing for your hike will be determined by the location, expected weather, and time of year.

Since you’re more likely to hike in warmer, more pleasant weather when hiking with kids, you’ll need thin, cool clothing. Lightweight material is best for both shirts and pants. To avoid sunburn, bug bites and cuts from sticks and rocks, long-sleeved apparel is recommended.

The proper hiking shoes will also make the trip easier for both you and your children. Do a little research about the terrain you’ll be hiking on and what boots are best for the job.

Pick a Fun Path

Choosing the right path will make the difference between a pleasurable hike and a miserable one.

Dependent on your child’s age and ability, choose a route that will be mildly challenging, but mostly enjoyable. Paths with a lot of beautiful scenery or a gorgeous view at the end will keep kids interested and moving!

If you and your children are just beginning to explore the world of hiking, choose a place with clearly defined pathways and marked trails.

Know the Wildlife

Anytime you’re embarking on an outdoor adventure with kids, it’s important to know your surroundings well. Be aware of what type of wildlife you may encounter.

Some areas are densely populated with deer and other relatively harmless animals such as raccoon, squirrels, chipmunks, and various bird species. These animals might be fun for you and your children to observe.

But you must also be on alert and prepared if you encounter more menacing wildlife such as bear, bobcat, or mountain lions.

Bring the Right Hiking Gear

Aside from the necessary items listed above, some additional, trail specific items may serve you well when hiking with kids.

A compass will help you navigate if you and your family get off track. Be sure to bring binoculars so your children can observe wildlife, flowers, and spectacular views.

If you think you or your child might need help scaling steeper inclines, these trekking pole reviews will help you choose the right hiking poles and walking sticks for your trip.

Be Patient When Hiking With Kids

As wonderful as a day of family hiking can be, it’s important to remember that kids can get tired and cranky after a long day of activity.

It’s important to remain patient and encourage your children to take breaks when needed. Try motivating each other with words of encouragement. Show your child on the map how close you are to your destination.

If you give your children jobs such as “compass reader” or “animal look out” it will help keep their mind occupied and their focus off the length of the trip.

Looking for other fun activities to do with your children, like making ice cream? Are you a coupon-clipper working on a budget? Visit our site for some great ideas.

If you have other, affordable and fun tips for families with children, leave a comment below.