Category: explore

‘Tis’ the Season in San Antonio

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Okay, I’ll admit it, I’m slightly obsessed with Christmas and all it encompasses. I love the beautifully decorated trees, the sparking lights, the perfectly wrapped gifts, the nostalgia of Christmas as a kid, heck I even like the corny Christmas shirts! I’m just in love with the whole Christmas season and I want to experience it in every way possible!

When I saw everyone posting on the IGs about the San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas lights I knew we had to check it out for ourselves, and it was definitely worth it.

Now we’re not new to SA by any means; Six Flags, Seaworld, Market Square, The Alamo, The Riverwalk, Beerfest, birthdays, bachelorette parties, the list of San Antonio adventures goes on and on. We’ve been to SA so many times I’ve lost count, but this was the first time we’ve seen the city sparkle and shine with the Christmas spirit and it did not disappoint.

We’re pretty touristy when we visit San Antonio and we started this little overnight adventure at Market Square. For those of you that have never been, Market Square is a great place to shop, eat, watch street performers, and experience something new.

During the wonderful Christmas season Market Square was decorated with poinsettias, lights, and a giant Christmas tree. We had a great afternoon shopping and people watching.

After Market Square we took our cliche touristy selves down to the Riverwalk to see the lights. Once again, San Antonio did not disappoint with their Christmas flare. From the trees to the river,the whole area was dripping with lights. No matter how many pictures I attempted, I just couldn’t capture the beauty of the Riverwalk Christmas Lights. It’s something y’all will just have to experience yourself!

Another successful adventure for Messy Bun and The Bearded One ❤️🎄

Christmas in Gruene

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Last weekend we were fortunate enough to get away from it all and bask in the Christmas spirit of Gruene, TX. Not only is Gruene our favorite little getaway, but there’s always so much to see and do. We were able to enjoyed the Christmas festivities including:

  • watch the Pony Express ride into town
  • shop at the Ole Gruene Christmas Trade Market
  • hear Christmas carols for a local choir
  • and my favorite, witness Kris Kringle light up the town

Gruene already holds a special place in my heart, and when you combine that love with the spirit of Christmas, it became a magical vacation.

I would definitely recommend Gruene to anyone who hasn’t been. Even if you can’t make it for a special holiday event, this special little town is chock full of love and adventure.

Check out some of our favorites when you plan you visit!

  • Check in to Gruene River Inn for fabulous service, rustic decor, jacuzzi tubs, and unbeatable river views
  • Dance at Gruene Hall (this is mandatory)
  • Grab a pizza and listen to some music at Infernos Pizza
  • Have a Batman and Robin at Mozies while you snack on their amazing garlic fries
  • Shop shop shop!
  • Sample some wine at the Grapevine (try the blackberry)
  • Shop at the Gruene Olive and sample their innovative oil and vinegar blends
  • Share apps or have dinner at The Gruene River Grill
  • And finish the night enjoying free music at the outdoor venue Oma’s Secret Garden (recently renovated)

I hope you fall in love with Gruene just like me and my Bearded One ❤️

Gruene River Inn Views

Wine at he Grapevine

Gruene Hall

Kris Kringle Lighting the Town

Oma’s

Road Trip: New Mexico-Arizona-California

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Well ladies and gentlemen, we’ve covered quite some ground in the last 24 hours. We’ve seen the white sands in New Mexico, the organ pipe cacti in Arizona and we will arrive on the pacific coast of California this evening. We have been pleasantly overwhelmed by the beauty of nature on this trip and we’ve used every opportunity to stop and explore. An hour detour here, 30 minutes there, every extra minutes and mile was well worth it.

White Sands National Monument

We knew a little ahead of time we wanted to see the white sands in New Mexico and we couldn’t have picked a better day. When we arrived it was about 68 degrees and the views were stunning. While we explore all these places we always take the time to learn a little about the history. The white sands aren’t technically sand, they are white gypsum and they’ve been around for over 8,000 years. There are over 275 square miles of white gypsum dunes and a large portion of them are enjoyed by visitors from all over. I visited here as a child but I really didn’t remember much of it. As an adult, it’s completely mesmerizing and I’m still impressed by the park overall.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Our next stop was Tucson Arizona. We didn’t really do much in Tucson, except eat some bomb-ass pizza at a little place called Dry River Pizza and Beer. After that we spent the evening researching things to do in AZ. The Bearded One found Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and was determined to see these cacti. It was slightly out of the way but well worth it. The desert terrain is nothing like we’d imagined it would be. It’s full of unique vegetation, most of which we’ve never really seen before.

We’ve already seen quite a lot and can’t wait to explore California next. We will be in San Diego for the next few days and then up the coast from there!