Traveling with the Jones — Sharing Travel Discoveries

Destination Discovery – Granbury, Texas

by Taysha Ham on August 14, 2013

On a recent road trip to Stephenville, TX, we stopped in a cute little town called Granbury. Although pulling into town it did not look different than any other Texas town, but it had more to offer than I expected.

As we drove into the city square the landscape began to change. The housing developments and apartment complexes that we had encountered through Texas so far slowly faded and big, beautiful Victorian era houses emerged.

The houses were two-stories high, with wrap around porches and balcony windows. They looked like life-sized doll houses, every girls dream. They lined the streets leading to the Granbury Square Plaza.

The Plaza is filled with everything from little shops, restaurants, the historic Granbury Opera House and Hood County Jail and Museum.

There was so much to see and we were running out of time, but we were able to make one loop around the square before we headed out of town.

I heard the town had a drive-in theater called Brazos, I have always wanted to go to a drive-in! We drove through Granbury on a Thursday and found out the theater was only open on the weekends. So I will have to catch it the next time I am in town. I did learn that Brazos shows a double feature for only $20 for each car load. We passed the theater on the edge of town.

Granbury offers a very unique glance into the past. It was a lovely town and definitely worth the stop.

Have you been through Granbury? What is your favorite thing about the town?

Taysha Ham hails from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

A student at New Mexico State University, Taysha is majoring in agricultural communications with a minor in journalism. This summer she is completing a social media internship for Venture Time Travel.

Why not check out these other posts by Taysha “;.

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4 Things to Love About Seven Falls

by Morgan Large on August 13, 2013

I recently visited Seven Falls in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

It was one of the highlights of my recent bus trip through the Midwest and West.

The 181-ft Seven Falls is a compilation of seven miniature waterfalls that merge into one.

Below you will find four things to love about Seven Falls and that might make you want to take a visit.

1. Location:

You head down a tight and windy path with a river alongside the road to Seven Falls.

You see mountains as high as you can see on either side of you.

This roadway is called “The Grandest Mile of Scenery“ in Colorado.

You would never think this natural wonder would be awaiting you.

2. Light show:

At night, a fabulous display of a color light show takes over the falls.

Colors change from hues of purple to a rainbow of vibrant colors.

While the show was going on, I was able to climb up the first flight of stairs and snap some gorgeous photos.

The view was awe-inspiring. I did not make it up any further because the see-through steps, height, and even longer travel up the mountain had me a little scared!

3. Native American culture:

This area is riddled with Native American culture and stories about the natives that used to live there.

Native Americans walk the grounds dressed in the costumes of their forefathers, and they even performed ritual dances of their people on the stage.

4. Uniqueness:

The view of the seven waterfalls merging into one is unique and beautiful.

There’s an elevator to view the falls from across the mountain for those who want the view without ALL of the steps, but there’s some steps at the top of the elevator location that offer an even-better view.

The river, shops, dining areas, and exhibits also line the bottom of the canyon near the falls.

This place is one of a kind, which is why it keeps attracting people.

What is your favorite waterfall? Have you visited Colorado Springs before? What did you like? Comment below.

Morgan Large loves to explore the world. She’s traveled across the United States and to 11 countries.

Originally from Ohio, Morgan currently lives in Arkansas with her Australian Shepherd, Oxley.

A graduate student at the University of Arkansas, Morgan’s studies are focused in agricultural communications. Her blog, RazorBuck: A Midwestern girl living in a Southern world highlights her adventures in photography, cooking and travel.

Learn more about Morgan’s travel adventures by checking out these posts”;

8 Views of New Zealand’s North Island
14 Fun Facts about St. Augustine, Florida
5 Things I Love About Wilmington, North Carolina

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5 Things You Must Have For Flights

by Taysha Ham on August 12, 2013

At some point all of us board a flight and realize we forgot something at home, and it is too late to turn back for it. We all know how expensive things can be at the airport.

Here are some things you do not want to forget!

5 Things You Must Have For Flights

1. Snacks– While you can’t take any liquids over 3 ounces, you can take solid foods. Packing your own snacks will help you save money at the airport as well as keep your tummy full during the flight. This can help your budget since many airlines charge big bucks for food during flights.

2. Headphones– Whether they are for your phone, your iPod or for the movie playing during the flight, bringing a set of headphones with you is always a good idea! I’d rather have a set of headphones with me and not need them, then want them and not have them.

3. Magazines/Books – Bring reading materials with you to the airport! It will be cheaper and make the flight go by much faster if you have something to entertain yourself with. Plus you will not have to worry about scavenging through the airport shops just for something you will enjoy reading.

4. iPod– During your flight or while waiting in the airport, time can seem to move incredibly slow. I have found if I have some source of music, something to listen to it helps time pass a little bit faster!

5. Jacket – It never fails, I always seem to get the window seat every time I forget to pack a jacket in my carry-on suitcase. By the time I get off the plane I am as frozen as a Popsicle. I have decided it is always nice to have a small jacket around, even if you do not use it to keep warm it can make a nice pillow also.

What is something you must have for flights?

Taysha Ham hails from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

A student at New Mexico State University, Taysha is majoring in agricultural communications with a minor in journalism.

This summer she is completing a social media internship for Venture Time Travel.

Why not check out these other posts by Taysha “;.

Win a Southwest Airlines Gift Card During Our Reader Celebration Promotion

We are giving away a series of Reader Celebration prizes during the rest of August.

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Travel Advice from Ohio Valley Residents

by Morgan Large on August 9, 2013

Photo by Ehziki

It is often times referred to as the “Rust Belt” of America but to me the Ohio Valley is home.

Nestled in Appalachian foothills of the once booming steel industry and where coal mining still thrives today is the Ohio Valley.

The upper Ohio Valley where I grew up is along either side of the Ohio River into Ohio and West Virginia with Pennsylvania not being too far away either often being referred to as the tri-state area.

I could not see it being a top priority on anyone’s summer vacation plans, but if you ever happen to be in town I decided to interview some local residents on what to see and do in the area.

Some cities that are in the area you might be familiar with are St. Clairsville, OH, Wheeling, WV and Pittsburgh, PA.

I asked current and past residents of all ages and backgrounds what they would suggest visitors experience to get a feel for what the Ohio Valley is about and what it has to offer. I was more than surprised at everyone’s responses.

Some of the places and suggestions I had almost forgotten about. It reminded me of the culture and some of the great things the Ohio Valley does really have to offer so below are travel tips from Ohio Valley residents.

My interviewees included current Ohio Valley residents Patty Halloran, Zakk Jones and Karen Large and past residents Victoria Balvin and Brittany Williams.

What are some attractions for visitors to stop and see while in the area?

1. National Road Bikeway, a scenic 7.7 mile walking and biking trail that travels through an old train tunnel and bridge.

2. Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino and Racetrack is located on an island in the middle of the Ohio River with live greyhound racing and other casino attractions

3. Oglebay and the Festival of Lights is located in Wheeling, WV. Oglebay is a resort and conference center with numerous summer attractions like golf, stables and swimming. In the winter, Oglebay has skiing and the drive thru Festival of Lights, which attracts people from all over to see the displays every year.

4. Barnesville Pumpkin Festival is held on the last full weekend in September in Barnesville, Ohio and celebrates anything and everything pumpkin.

Photo by Bwsmith84

5. Barkcamp State Park located near Belmont, Ohio attracts anyone who enjoys the outdoors with fishing, hiking, swimming, horseback riding and more.

6. Jamboree in the Hills since 1977 and every year since on the third weekend in July Morristown, Ohio turns into a country music festival. This now four day party has attracted famous country musicians from the Charlie Daniels Band to Miranda Lambert.

7. PNC Park and Heinz Field in Pittsburgh are home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers. You cannot pass up a game in the Steel City.

Photo by Chris Hagerman

8. Kennywood, Sandcastle, and Idlewild provide fun for the whole family near Pittsburgh with an amusement, water and children’s parks in the area.

What are some iconic places for people to eat?

Photo by Adam Stone

1. Primanti Brothers in Pittsburgh has been recognized nationally and on television for their iconic sandwiches complete with fries and slaw.

2. Mehlman’s Cafeteria in St. Clairsville, Ohio offers that hometown feel when you walk in with amazing food and prices. Everyone in the area flocks to Mehlman’s especially after church on Sundays.

3. Coleman’s Fish Market features the best and freshest fish sandwiches in downtown Wheeling and has been a staple of the community since 1914.

4. Home Pizza located in St. Clairsville is a hometown favorite with homemade sauce, dough and freshly grated cheese. People from across the United States often come back for a nostalgic piece or tray of pizza.

5. Drover’s Inn Restaurant and Tavern located on the historic Drover’s Trail in Wellsburg, WV seats visitors in rooms of an old farmhouse built in 1848. Menu items include their famous wings among other samplings. The quaint atmosphere, food and location make this a perfect place to visit.

Any travel advice for visitors?

1. Drive around and enjoy the scenery of the hills, mountains, rich agriculture and historic buildings the area has to offer.

2. Have four wheel drive if visiting in the winter. It tends to snow a lot and can get icy.

What makes the Ohio Valley special?

From all of the responses I received I came down to a few conclusions.

The Ohio Valley makes people feel like they are truly home and that the American hometown feeling really resonates here.

The Ohio Valley loves its sports especially a high school football Friday night or football Sunday in Pittsburgh.

For the most part, the residents are nice and the cost of living is decent in the small town atmosphere.

If you ever happen to be in town, make a stop and see what the Ohio Valley really has to offer.

Are you from the Ohio Valley? What recommendation would you give to visitors? Please share in the Leave A Comment section below.

Morgan Large loves to explore the world. She’s traveled across the United States and to 11 countries.

Native of the Ohio Valley and born in Wheeling, WV, Morgan currently lives in Arkansas with her Australian Shepherd, Oxley.

Check out more of Morgan’s posts ….

5 Things I Love About Wilmington, North Carolina
Destination Discovery: Yellowstone National Park
Weekend Wandering: America’s Heartland with a Presidential Twist
4 Reasons Why Should You Travel While You Are Young

Win a Southwest Airlines Gift Card During Our Reader Celebration Promotion

We are giving away a series of Reader Celebration prizes during the rest of August.

For chances to win a $50 Southwest Gift card, all you have to do is to post your response to the question for this post or this question in comments below:

What is your next dream travel destination?

Each comment on this blog earns you 3 entries, and you can comment once a day through August 15th, giving yourself multiple chances to win.