When I found out we were planning a trip to Las Vegas, unlike pretty much everyone else who's gone to Sin City, I was thrilled to get the chance to visit the Hoover Dam. I have always been fascinated by this marvel of engineering. It does not disappoint; the sheer magnitude and scope of the dam are breathtaking. If you need a break from the Strip, plan on spending a few hours on a trip to Hoover Dam.
Home to over 10 million Mexican free-tailed bats, the cave near Concan, Texas has a long and rich history. As the bats come out of the cave, the sky literally fills with these amazing animals. Visiting the cave was a bucket list type of event and I was not disappointed. Seeing all of these creatures come pouring out of the cave (it takes a full 3 hours for all of them to come out), one can't help but be awestruck by nature's wonders. Do yourself a favor and book a trip as soon as you can.
We stumbled across the Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge on a recent trip to East Texas. This is truly one of the most amazing efforts of wildlife conservation I have ever seen. Over a dozen tigers, lions, and other big cats call the refuge home and visitors are within feet of them at any given moment. It is truly an incredible experience to see these majestic creatures up close and personal. If you're in the area, plan on a visit.
The Flamingo Hotel is great old school Las Vegas. Admittedly, it is not as glamorous as other hotels on the Strip, but it still retains a great deal of its grandeur.
The buffet is excellent; so are other higher-end dining options, such as its steakhouse. The flamingo habitat needs to be visited. The rooms are beyond comfortable, with less of a hotel feel and more like a nice, upscale apartment. If you're in a room up high enough, you'll get a great view of the lit-up Strip.
If you are looking to do Vegas on a budget and still feel like a high-roller, head to the Flamingo.
Old Stone Fort State Par is truly a hidden gem located in central Tennessee. Just over an hour from Nashville in Manchester, this archeological park harkens back to pre-Columbian days and the ruins belong to the Native Americans who dwelt in the area. From the hiking trails, you will get multiple views of the Duck River (including some glorious waterfalls) which feeds into the nearby Morton Lake. There is a small museum on site and a quaint gift shop. For history and/or nature enthusiasts, this offers a nice way to get away from it all and spend a few hours.
When I asked the folks in Spokane where they go to grab a really good hamburger, all of them said "Wolffy's." This is a classic drive-thru joint right out of "American Graffiti" and "Happy Days." It is a classic burger joint with patties that have the great "bark" you can only get from a well-seasoned, well-used, and well-worn flat-top grill. The cheese, chilli (no beans, naturally) cheese, and bacon cheeseburgers are all phenomenal. The French fries are fantastic; crispy, not too greasy or overly salted and perfectly complementary to the burgers. For the total experience, you're going to need a milkshake to wash this all down. I would go for something truly unique to the area and get the Northwest berry flavor. The lines might be long, both inside (which is on the tiny side) and in the drive-thru, but the wait is well worth it.
The Menger Hotel embodies all the greatness that the "old world" offered. It is luxurious and opulent.The Menger Hotel, with its stately furnishings and ornate and oversized portraits, is hands down my favorite place in all of San Antonio. The photos on the walls tell the story the countless luminaries that have visited the glorious hotel: President Bill Clinton, Robert E. Lee, Babe Ruth, and a young Roughrider named Theodore Roosevelt after whom the hotel's bar is named after. The rooms are gorgeous. The hotel restaurant is splendid. And the ghosts, well they won't bother you ... too much.
I have been coming to Andy's Steak & Seafood Grille for over a decade. I can honesty say I've never had anything less than a fantastic meal in all the times that I've come here.
Fredericksburg has become an increasingly "touristy" town, especially the shops and restaurants on Main Street. I am a fan of schnitzels (wiener and jager especially) and that is what I ususally get when I go. However, the catfish, chicken fried steaks, and ribeyes are all excellent.
The salad bar and homemade pies are also highlights.
If you want a true taste of what the town is all about (German delicacies and true Texas-style home cooking) and eat where the locals go, then Andy's is the place for you.