Podcasts about Visitor center

669. Part 2. We continue Women's History Month by concluding our conversation with Marcelle Bienvenu. Whe is an author working on the history of Creole cooking. Marcelle Bienvenu's highly anticipated new release of her timeless classic, Who's Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make A Roux? is a treasure trove of over two hundred recipes, revised with a Foreword by Emeril Lagasse and sumptuous color photography capturing the essence of every season. Marcelle is a cookbook author and food writer who has been preparing Cajun and Creole dishes since the 1960s. She has written on Creole/Cajun Cooking for The Times Picayune, Time-Life Books, and has been featured in Garden & Gun, Food & Wine, Saveur, Southern Living, Redbook, The New York Times, Louisiana Life, and Acadiana Profile. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today! This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Meghan F. McDonald.'NOLA: An Interactive Street Performing Experience.'     Before embarking on my street performing tour of the U.S., one aspect I said I would investigate on the road was how influencial setting is for creating music.     Admittedly, this question was buried under piles of other questions that surfaced during my earlier stops, D.C., Nashville, Asheville and Atlanta. But that changed once I arrived in New Orleans.     Music and culture ' especially along Royal Street ' ooze from NOLA's pores, pumping through its streets as if the heart of all music can be found somewhere within the veins of the French Quarter. It is New Orleans, after all, that mothered music greats ranging from Louis Armstrong and Fats Domino to Lil Wayne. And that variety is not accidental ' it's part of NOLA's appeal.     On one street you may walk into an impromptu jazz ensemble performance, complete with an upright bass, saxophone player and a singer throwing out some hot scats. Five blocks down, you could stumble upon a high-energy brass group filled with trumpets, trombones and a tuba. Not to mention the multiple solo acts scattered throughout NOLA's streets at all hours of the day and night.     One factor that makes NOLA an ideal street performing city is the layout. The Quarter's tight streets, filled with sheltered sidewalks due to the vast amounts of layered decks, create a rich acoustic experience for buskers. The sound stays contained from having a ceiling of sorts, which then bounces off the parallel building in full circle. This week in Louisiana history. March 13, 1815. Gen. Andrew Jackson declares the end of martial law in New Orleans at the end of War of 1812. This week in New Orleans history. The City Park property was famous as a dueling ground long before it was a park ' more Affaires d'honneur were fought in New Orleans than in any other American city. They resulted from serious affronts, petty insults, or deliberate confrontations for the sole purpose of displaying fencing skills. Weapons of choice included swords, sabers, pistols, rifles, even bare hands. During the 1800s a series of duels were fought between fencing masters ' the most famous, Spaniard Pepe Llula was known as a duelist who met any man with any weapon. Times-Democrat on March 13, 1892, reported, "Between 1834 and 1844 scarcely a day passed without duels being fought at the Oaks'. Dueling had been outlawed two years before under the death penalty (if a death resulted) but it was seldom enforced.  This week in Louisiana. Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge 480 Richland Place Monroe, LA 71203 Open daily from sunrise to sunset Website: fws.gov/refuge/black-bayou-lake Email: blackbayoulake@fws.gov Phone: (318) 387‑1114 March is one of the best months to visit Black Bayou Lake, with mild temperatures, active wildlife, and early spring blooms along the trails and boardwalks: Boardwalk Trail: A scenic walk over the cypress‑studded lake, ideal for birdwatching and photography. Visitor Center & Nature Exhibits: Located in a restored plantation house with hands‑on displays. Wildlife Viewing: Frequent sightings of herons, egrets, turtles, and alligators in their natural habitat. Postcards from Louisiana. Sporty's Brass Band. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

Step into the technicolor world of PEZ! We tour the Connecticut factory where more than 12 million tiny candies are pressed each day, guided by archivist Shawn Peterson, whose personal collection helped shape the Visitor Center. Meet Brian Trauman, the Guinness World Record holder whose thousands of dispensers trace a lifetime of joyful obsession. Hear Emily Tracy’s tender, funny, heartbreaking story about the PEZ tattoo she got to honor her mother. And the hosts of PEZamania, the world’s largest PEZ convention, talk about how nostalgia and candy become community. Suggested episodes: Discovering delight - and despair - in dumpster diving We have to talk about cuddle parties Take a tour of the John Zaffis Museum of the Paranormal Pawn queens: Tales and treasures from women pawn shop owners Audacious at sea: Wisdom from strangers on a cruise ship GUESTS: Shawn Peterson: Company archivist and historian at PEZ Candy, Inc. in Orange, CT. He manages the PEZ Visitor Center, where much of the collection on display comes from his own personal archive. He is also the author of PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon and Collector’s Guide to PEZ: Identification and Price Guide Brian Trauman: Owns the world's largest Pez collection and holds the Guinness World Record for “largest candy dispenser collection.” He has been collecting since 1999 and owns more than 6,400 dispensers Morgan Rhinehart and Landon Proctor: hosts of PEZamania in Ohio – the longest running collector convention in the world, established in 1991 Emily Tracy: Manchester resident who memorialized her PEZ-collecting mom with a tattoo of her head on top of a PEZ dispenser Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's show, we hear how a shift in attitude for some toward DEI comes with challenges for programs placing a priority on women and girls to stay fully funded. We also visit Discover Fort Smith's new Visitor Center on Garrison Ave. Plus, exploring the possibility of an ocean on Mars.

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series. In this episode, we're chatting with Ken Koskey, Executive Director, and Mackenzie Steagall, Director of PR & Events, from Festival Country Indiana—a destination organization dedicated to showcasing the vibrant communities of Johnson County, just south of Indianapolis.Festival Country is more than just a collection of towns; it's a hub for live music, farmers' markets, family-friendly festivals, and inventive outdoor experiences that attract visitors from across the Midwest and beyond. From interactive exhibits at their innovative Visitor Center to unique alleyways transformed into Instagram-worthy destinations and a packed calendar of over 2,500 annual events, Ken Koskey and Mackenzie Stagall share what makes their region a true four-season getaway. DISCUSSION00:00 Interactive Downtown Visitor Center06:20 From Media to Tourism Leadership09:43 Exploring Festival Country's Unique Alleys12:28 "Johnson County Visitor Strategy"14:10 Renaissance Fair & Live Events18:01 Outdoor Adventures and Nature Preserves21:18 Indoor Activities and Family Fun25:25 Year-Round Events & Experiences28:18 Tour Options: Free or Guided32:08 Coffeehouses: Breakfast & Drinks34:21 "Live Music and Local Festivals"39:52 Eclipse Event Magic43:23 "Scenic Drive Reflections"44:59 "Explore Festival Country Indiana"LEARN MORETo learn more about Festival Country Indiana in Johnson County, and the services and experiences they promote, visit their website at https://www.festivalcountryindiana.com/ or on these social sites:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestCountryIN/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/festcountryin/NEXT STEPSVisit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.KEYWORDSFestival Country Indiana, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview #FestivalCountryIndiana #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterview My Favorite Podcast Tools: Production by Descript Hosting Buzzsprout Show Notes by Castmagic Website powered by Podpage Be a Podcast Guest by PodMatch

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Visitor Center

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is expanding on his promise to preserve vaccine access across the commonwealth… after a reversal on recommendations from the federal government. Pennsylvania researchers are pushing back against the recent announcement from the White House of a direct link between autism and the use of the painkiller acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are exploring a treatment that uses a patient’s own body in a surprising way to fight cancer. CAR T-Cell Therapy: A Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment and the Path Ahead | The Spark House lawmakers approved background checks to purchase any type of firearm in Pennsylvania. The proposal faces long odds of passing the state Senate. Property owners in Pennsylvania who are worried about landslides and sinkholes may soon be able to breathe easier, after the state House voted to create a state-backed insurance program to cover them. As the federal government shutdown enters its third day, access to 400 National Park Service sites is varying on a park-by-park basis. Here in Central Pennsylvania, the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center is remaining open and maintaining its regular hours for visitors. It's a different scene in Philadelphia. Thirty-three Pennsylvania counties will elect a sheriff on November 4th. And Lancaster is named to the list of "best small cities in America" as determined by WalletHub. Public media's federal funding has been revoked. Your support is now more vital than ever. Help power the independent journalism and trusted programming you find on WITF by making a gift of support now at www.witf.org/givenow.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, host Caryn Antonini travels to the PEZ Candy Manufacturing Facility and Visitor Center in Orange, CT to speak with guest, Shawn Peterson, author, historian and Project Manager at PEZ Candy. Prior to working at PEZ, Shawn authored Collector's Guides to PEZ and conceived of the idea of the PEZ Visitor's Center, which features a collection of history, trivia and memorabilia related to one of the world's most iconic candies. Shawn is also the author of PEZ From Austrian Invention to American Icon, a comprehensive history of the company which began in 1927. Pez Candy's beautiful history began in Austria as a peppermint and made its way here to the U.S. after world war 2. It has become an American classic and a staple of childhood memories around the globe.For more information on our guest:www.pez.comCaryn Antoniniwww.cultivatedbycaryn.com@carynantonini@cultivatedbycarynshow###Get great recipes from Caryn at https://carynantonini.com/recipes/

In this episode of We're No Dam Experts, Rebecca and Shannon sit down with two incredible women behind Morning Light Coffee Roasters, one of Montana's oldest and most beloved coffee businesses. We talk creative coffee flights, the Charlie Russell Roast (served in our Visitor Center!), and how Morning Light provides wholesale coffee to businesses across Great Falls and the Northwestern U.S. Hear about their loyal customer base, community focus, and the passion behind every roast. Whether you're planning a visit or just love a great cup of coffee, this episode is a must-sip! https://www.morninglight.com

Explore Riverton: The Rendezvous City's Outdoor Experiences, Small-Town Charm, and Community Spirit.Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today's episode, we chat with Cindy Olson Roden, the Executive Director of the Riverton Chamber and Visitor Center in Wyoming. Join us as we journey to the heart of Fremont County—known as the Rendezvous City—where rivers, history, and adventure converge. Cindy shares what makes Riverton a unique destination, from its friendly small-town charm and vibrant business community to the incredible outdoor experiences.DISCUSSUON1. Overview of Riverton, WyomingLocation of Riverton (central Wyoming, proximity to Jackson Hole).2. History and Significance of RivertonReferred to as the "Rendezvous City."Historical importance as a trading post where rivers converge.3. Attractions Bringing Visitors to RivertonLess congestion compared to Yellowstone and Jackson.Location between the Wind River and Owl Creek mountain ranges.Appeal of a slower pace, friendliness of residents, and variety of activities.A hub for day trips and outdoor exploration.4. Local Business LandscapeFremont Local (year-round farmer's market), Rocky Mountain Burl (artisan furniture), local jade shop, pawn shops, Native American jewelry.Art galleries and retail outlets.5. Website Tour and Visitor ResourcesKey attractions: Wind River Heritage Center, Riverton Museum, Castle Gardens petroglyph site, CATS (children's museum).6. Outdoor Recreation in and Around RivertonOutdoor attractions: river rafting, fly fishing, scenic drives to Wind River Canyon, Sinks Canyon, and Dubois.7. Local Cuisine and Agricultural ProductsPopular coffee spots include Brown Sugar Roastery and The Roasted Bean.Trailhead (serving comfort food), Peretz (Italian cuisine), and drive-up coffee shops.Local beef, reflecting ranching and farming traditions.Local farmers' market produceSpecialty products, such as raspberry jams from Sons of Harvest.8. Native American Culture and CommunityProximity to the only Indian reservation in Wyoming, with the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes.Tribal casinos and Educational and cultural tours Collaborative relationship with Native communities.9. Annual Events and Community ActivitiesRiverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally.Fremont County Fair and Rodeo.LEARN MOREVisit the Riverton website at https://wyriverton.com/ or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RivertonWYChamber/NEXT STEPSVisit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.KEYWORDSRiverton Chamber, Fremont County, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast#RivertonChamber #Fremont County #OutdoorAdventureSeries #Podcast My Favorite Podcast Tools: Production by Descript Hosting Buzzsprout Show Notes by Castmagic Website powered by Podpage Be a Podcast Guest by PodMatch

Debbie Helsel, Executive Director of the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge, brings along Hang Ten, an injured gopher tortoise, and Luna, an Eastern Screech owl, to celebrate construction finally being complete on their new animal rehabilitation facility. The Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge will host a Grand Re-Opening on Saturday, July 12th, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring food trucks, vendors, a new Visitor Center and Gift Shop, and guest wildlife. For more information, (407) 568-5138.

From MPR News, Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. Their recommendations are lightly edited from the audio heard in the player above. Want to be an Art Hound? Submit here.Healing through the sensesMolly Johnston works for Springboard for the Arts in Fergus Falls and is the co-director of DanceBARN Collective in Battle Lake. She got a sneak peek at Naomi RaMona Schliesman's upcoming exhibit “Heilung Saaám (Healing Medicine)” at the Kaddatz Galleries in Fergus Falls. The exhibit runs July 8 through Aug. 16, with an opening artist reception Thursday, July 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.Molly says: Naomi's sculptures have always intrigued me with their textures, colors and materials from nature. This particular show excites me because she is examining healing through the senses. The exhibit combines paintings and prints, sound and music and even smells to create an immersive experience, including creating two interactive murals that when they're finished, they're going to be placed around the community for everyone to experience. Naomi's work comes from her journey of healing and also [from] connecting with her German and Blackfeet [and also Blackfoot] heritage.— Molly Johnston‘Blocked View'Erik Jon Olson of Plymouth creates machine-quilted art from plastic waste. Recently, he visited the Visitor Center at French Regional Park in Plymouth to see the work of Beth Dorsey.Her show of abstracts, entitled “Blocked View,” invites the viewer to take a closer look. The work is on view through Aug. 17, with an artist reception on July 31 at 5:30 p.m.Erik says: I like the way she creates mystery and depth in abstract compositions. Her work appears as though you can't see the whole image, and your mind fills in the missing information, not really knowing how much is missing and how much you are making up. It's kind of like looking at something through a fence or privacy screen.— Erik Jon Olson‘Endometriosis: The Musical'KQ Quinn of Minneapolis is a big fan of comedy, and they remember seeing “Endometriosis: The Musical” when it was a Fringe show. Now the full musical is at Theatre in the Round in Minneapolis, and it runs through July 13.The show follows a woman who is trying to climb the corporate ladder but has debilitating pain each month from endometriosis. KQ acknowledges that this hardly sounds like the subject for a comedic musical, but it works:KQ says: They tell this story in such a way that is so funny and relatable, and you'll see through these amazing songs that when we start talking about our health and consulting with medical providers that we trust life can change and be really, really awesome.It is super fun and lively and also extremely impactful, because we are talking about health and people's experiences with the medical system, and how often, you know, people aren't believed. Theatre in the Round is like the most beautiful venue for this show, because you can literally look across and see people relating and reacting to all of the content in the show.The songs are, like, truly phenomenal. They're super catchy. Expect big songs, big chorus numbers, dancing and an amazing band to keep it all rolling.— KQ Quinn

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Aaron Titterington from Jones Dairy joins us again to share her family's efforts in Northwest Iowa to connect with their community and consumers. From their reoccurring Breakfast on the Farm happening June 21st, to their open-door visitor center where consumers can drop in any time or their more unique events like Books in the Barn where school aged kids read books to calves, Jones Dairy is reaching all ages of consumers in their community! Aaron shares an inspiring vision when it comes to agri-tourism and the experience she wants to create for their visitors in this STtalks.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:37 History of Jones Dairy02:03 Community Engagement and Events06:10 Visitor Center and Tours09:33 Educational Programs and Outreach12:10 Impact and Future Goals17:29 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

One year after the opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center's Opening, Mike and Dusty sit down with Diana Rodriguez, one of the two founders of the Visitor Center, at World Pride in Washington D.C. to talk about the journey to opening the Visitor Center, the role it plays in Stonewall's legacy, and the evolution of Pride for the LGBTQIA+ community. For more of our episodes on hikes in this and other National Parks, click here. To browse through our entire Library of hiking trail episodes, Trail Mix episodes, interviews, and more, visit our Episode Finder.Instagram: @GazeAtTheNationalParksFacebook: Gaze at the National Parks#gazeatthenationalparks#hikeearlyhikeoften#adventureisoutthereHosted by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanEpisode Editing by Dustin Ballard and Michael RyanOriginal Artwork by Michael RyanOriginal Music by Dave Seamon and Mariella KlingerMusic Producer: Skyler FortgangOur listeners can get 20% off ANY Moon Travel Guide at Moon.com. Use offer Code GAZE24 at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gaze-at-the-national-parks/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center in Castle Rock reopens May 31 with new interactive exhibits highlighting the area's natural and cultural history. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/mount-st-helens-visitor-center-reopens-may-31/ #ClarkCounty #localnews #MountStHelens #visitorcenter #CowlitzIndianTribe #CastleRockWA #WashingtonStateParks #volcano #history #familyfun

Purina Events Center Reopens Host Laura Reeves is joined by Angie Minges, Director of partnership marketing and events for Purina to discuss the rapid response that reopened the Purina Event Center in time for PCA. [caption id="attachment_13976" align="alignleft" width="563"] Tornado damage at Purina Farms has closed the Visitor Center, but the Events Center is open for business.[/caption] The Purina Farm and Events Center outside St. Louis, MO was hit by an EF2 tornado on March 14. The barn and visitor center were badly damaged. The events center and surrounding grounds sustained significant wind damage wiping out trees, light poles and more. “What was hit the hardest on our property besides the lovely trees and just the fields themselves were our barn and our visitor center, so both of those two buildings will have to be demolished. It's so sad and the community has been so supportive and loving and caring of our farm and we couldn't be more thankful for the people that we have in our lives that love Purina Farms. So yes, it was tragic that that natural disaster happened, but it's also pulled the community together and we're just so grateful for everyone that is sending their love and care our way.” While several events were canceled or relocated, the team worked round the clock to have the RV sites and Events Center ready to safely open in time for Poodle Club of America's National Specialty last week, Minges said. She added that the Visitor Center will be closed for at least the rest of the year. “We have the incredible dog arena on Purina Farms and we have a great incredible dog team that does all the fun tricks and the dock diving. We can't take the dock diving with us, but we'll take an agility show to some of the festivals and different wine tastings and events that are taking place in the region throughout the summer. Just to stay connected to the consumer and bring the farm to the community.

From MPR News, Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. Their recommendations are lightly edited from the audio heard in the player above. Want to be an Art Hound? Submit here.A spring garden in ceramics Cindy Pope is a ceramic artist from Waite Park. She got a dose of early spring by visiting the ceramics exhibit “Garden Party” at the Paramount Center for the Arts in St. Cloud. Created by Stacy Larson, who is originally from Cold Spring, the exhibit features wheel-thrown and hand-carved cups and tableware that look like delicate leaves and flowers, glazed in springtime colors. The exhibit runs through March. Voices of the Asian American experienceJulia Cheng of Duluth had a chance to hear the world premiere this fall of “mOthertongue: Lived Experience in Asian America.” Soprano Jennifer Lien of Duluth performs three song cycles commissioned by Asian American women composers, accompanied on piano by Lina Yoo-Min Lee. Lien commissioned these new works in partnership with the Cincinnati Song Initiative with support from the Minnesota State Arts Board Creative Individuals grant. The duo has continued to perform these works in what Cheng refers to as “a living collaboration.” They'll perform highlights of the song cycles at the College of St. Scholastica's “Lunch With Friends” on March 25, with the full performance on March 28 at the college's Mitchell Auditorium. Julia Cheng was touched by the performance and looks forward to hearing it again.“I have to say that, as the child of immigrants from China, these songs really resonated with me,” Cheng said. “I always wondered, you know, how did they deal with the dislocation of leaving home, family, language, culture, developing new community, the wrenching loss of being separated from family? These are all things that I heard bits and pieces of in the song cycles by Melissa Dunphy and the other two composers.” Wood sculptures at Tettegouche Annalisa Buerke follows her former colleague artist Rick Love on Instagram, where she enjoyed watching his process of creating a series of sculptures now on view at the Tettegouche State Park Visitor Center in Silver Bay.The five sculptures are all made of wood — some painted, some charred — that celebrate both forests and sustainability. The works evoke the moon, the sun, a tree, a waterfall and Lake Superior. They'll be on view through March.Tettegouche State Park's Visitor Center includes both juried art shows (of which Love's exhibit was one) and an artist-in-residence program. 

Did you know the Great Smoky Mountains are within a day's drive of half the U.S. population? While these misty peaks and ancient forests are a national treasure, they are also fragile. Smoky Mountain Host of NC (Visit Smokies) helps protect this region's natural beauty, with its Visitor Center serving as a welcoming gateway. It connects travelers with historic downtowns, and vibrant arts, fostering connections to preserve the Smokies' charm for generations to come. Join Mici Canales, Communications Director, as we dive into the region's future and how we can protect its irreplaceable landscape. Also on this episode of Speaking of Travel, discover how the The Cherokee Historical Association (CHA) is working tirelessly to protect and share the cultural heritage of the Cherokee people. Learn from Laura Blythe, CHA Program Director, and Lance Culpepper, Operations Director, about exciting future projects, new events, and the vibrant legacy of this remarkable community dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. ᎠᎾᎵᎮᎵᎬ  Tune in! Only on Speaking of Travel! Photo = Laura Blyth (L) Lance Culpepper (C) Mici Canales (R)Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Day 1:We drove from Wichita Falls to Monahans Sandhills State Park. We spent about 2 hours in the park hiking and sledding down sandhills. This park is very small, and you can rent sleds at the Visitor Center for $6 per sled per day.They do have camping at this park, but we chose to continue on to Balmorhea State Park. The campgrounds there have been recently renovated, and the facility was amazing. We got there right before dark and took a quick dip in the pool— we had the place all to ourselves! The water stays around 74-76 degrees year-round, so it wasn't too cold. Be sure to bring towels because, as soon as we got out, it was quite nippy! The park was at full capacity, so plan ahead and book your site before you get there.Day 2:We woke up early and headed out to spend time in Marfa before driving into Terlingua. We drove through Fort Davis before getting to Marfa, and we could have easily spent more time there. The Davis Mountains are beautiful, and we plan to make a return trip!We took our sweet time, with no agenda except checking into our rental. It was a barn with three rooms that we rented out. We met my parents, two siblings, their spouses, and kids there. They each got a room, while I slept in the van with one of the girls. The other two girls slept on the couches in the common room to have more space.We were able to hike around the property, visit the ghost town, and check out some of the old mine spots. We also enjoyed looking at all the amazing rocks, ocotillo, and cactus.Day 3:We decided to wake up early (ish) and get a good breakfast in our bellies before heading into the park. We went to the Chisos Basin portion of Big Bend National Park to hike the Window Trail. It's about an hour and a half from Terlingua to this part of the park. This trail is a great option for families with small children and adults. There were 7 adults and 9 kids in our group. The 2-year-olds were in backpack carriers, and the others, aged 4 and up, hiked themselves. The trail is about 4.5 miles in total, and it took us around 2 hours to complete. We didn't rush and took our time, letting the kids climb on rocks along the way. It definitely could be done faster, but we enjoyed a leisurely pace.After finishing the hike, we all ate lunch and then headed to the Hot Springs, which is about a 45-minute drive (give or take). The last mile or two before you can park is very narrow, and parking is limited, but we got lucky and found spots for all three of our vehicles. The Hot Springs Trail is short and easy. I highly recommend visiting this spot when you're in Big Bend! The hot springs water stays around 105°F, and it's a small pool area where you can sit and soak. The Rio Grande runs right next to the hot spring, so it was fun to warm up in the spring and then dip into the chilly river! We spent about an hour there before driving back to Terlingua, which took about an hour. We arrived back at our home away from home around 4:30 PM.We had planned our meals ahead of time, and all but one were crockpot meals, which worked perfectly since we had a hot meal waiting for us after a long day of hiking.Day 4:We decided to hike the Mule Ears Spring Trail, a short, 2-mile trail that's an easier hike. This trail is in full sun, not in the Chisos with trees, so make sure to wear long sleeves, bring a hat, and apply sunscreen! At the end (or halfway through) this trail, there is a tiny spring of water flowing out of the rocks, surrounded by green ferns. It was beautiful and very surprising, considering the entire hike is through desert cacti and rocks. I highly recommend it!A few kids were on "breakdown mode" for part of the trail, so it took a bit longer, but we weren't in a rush. Next, we drove to Santa Elena Canyon, which is an iconic and breathtaking location in the park. The canyon is so grand and beautiful that it's hard to describe its beauty. The trail is easy, and most of our group completed it. While we were there, we also saw a pack of wild horses grazing near the river, which was pretty cool!Afterward, we took the highway out of the park to return to Terlingua, but you can also take a “shortcut” down Old Maverick Road, an 11-mile stretch of bumpy dirt roads. Two of the three cars in our group took the dirt road, while my parents, kids, and I drove the longer but smoother highway. We all arrived back at our place within 5-10 minutes of each other, so it wasn't much of a difference!Day 5:Everyone was ready for a more relaxed day since it was our last full day in West Texas. We decided to visit Big Bend Ranch State Park to hike the Closed Canyon Trail. The road from Terlingua the state park is a scenic, beautiful highway that runs alongside the Rio Grande. The Closed Canyon Trail is short, easy, and stunning! You do need to stop at the visitor center to get your permit before entering the park.We had lunch at the end of the trail in a shady spot before heading back to the house. In the afternoon, half of our group went on another adventure near our property, while the other half went shopping and grabbed a margarita at the Star Light Theatre. We never ate at the Star Light, but here's a tip: get there early if you want a spot! The line starts forming at 3 PM, and the restaurant opens at 5 PM. The Cantina opens at 4 PM. We tried the frozen prickly pear margaritas, and they were delicious!We let the kids explore the store, and each of them picked out a souvenir. Then we walked to the Terlingua Cemetery, which turned out to be a very special experience. The kids loved reading the tombstones, and if a grave didn't have one, they would talk about who it could be and what might have happened to them. It was unexpected but really beautiful to see the empathy and compassion the kids showed for the people there.I highly recommend getting a map of the Terlingua Ghost Town and exploring the old buildings, school, and church to learn more about this small mining town.Final Thoughts:West Texas is vast and wide open, with many miles between towns and not much that's convenient, so you'll need to plan ahead. Fuel up whenever you can, especially in Alpine or Marathon, depending on which side of Big Bend you're entering from. You'll also want to plan your meals and pack food well. We cooked every breakfast and dinner and brought snacks and sandwiches for lunch while hiking.Also, bring plenty of water!I'm sure I left a lot out of this summary of our Far West Texas trip, but the main takeaway is that it's beautiful. It's one of the most majestic areas I've been to. I love the lack of cell service and the bright, starry skies—so amazing to see! The area has very little light pollution, so be sure to plan to stargaze while you're there. I would love to know if you've been or if you plan to go way out west. I've designed a new collection around this trip and it will launch late January to early February. Chat soon! 

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