by Gigi de Jong | Jul 22, 2026 | Itineraries, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Route 66, known as The Mother Road, runs through the southern Great Plains states of New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. This suggested nine-day itinerary begins in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and ends fittingly in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the story of this highway first began. Cyrus Avery a visionary businessman from Tulsa who is known as The Father of Route 66 was instrumental in creating this road. He called it Main Street America and it is this road trip across this vast landscape where you can experience classic Americana.
by Gigi de Jong | May 6, 2026 | Places & Experiences, Texas
Forget everything you think you know about Texas. El Paso, Texas, doesn’t do things the way the rest of the state does. Perched at the far western tip of the Lone Star State — where Texas, New Mexico, and the rugged Southwest converge — this borderland city defies every expectation, and it rewards every traveler bold enough to seek it out.
by Gigi de Jong | Sep 5, 2025 | Places & Experiences, Texas
Grapevine, Texas, is a unique destination that beautifully marries small-town charm with big-city amenities. Nestled in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, it serves as a serene escape from the urban sprawl, a place where history, heritage, and modern fun are always within reach. Whether you’re a family looking for a magical holiday getaway or a couple seeking a relaxing weekend of wine and music, this welcoming city offers a truly unforgettable experience.
by Gigi de Jong | Mar 27, 2025 | Gateway Communities, New Mexico, Places & Experiences, Texas
On a journey from Tucson, Arizona, to Austin, Texas, I took the not-so-direct route to explore scenic byways and country roads in New Mexico and Texas. It was a delightful experience of big landscapes and monumental scenes, quirky rural towns with fascinating histories, nature’s bounty, and hospitable people. If you find yourself near any of these sites, stop and visit. You’ll be delighted too.
by Gigi de Jong | Mar 20, 2025 | North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Places & Experiences, Tennessee, Travel Tips, Virginia
Astronomy can be a fun and rewarding activity for the whole family. It’s as easy as looking up at the stars. Sadly, though, experts estimate that one-third of humanity and 80% of North Americans can no longer see stars in abundance and the Milky Way from where they live due to light pollution.
Luckily, DarkSky (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association, founded in 1988) has been raising awareness and become the global authority on the subject, advocating for responsible outdoor lighting to protect the natural darkness in communities and parks around the world. Since Flagstaff, AZ, became the first certified Dark Sky City in 2001, DarkSky has certified over 200 places in 22 countries protecting over 60,000 square miles of land.
