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 Casey A. | Apr 22, 2026 | Places & Experiences, Texas
Big Bend, Texas, is home to both Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park—a combined 1.1 million acres of wild lands along and above the Rio Grande. Those lands are rich in scenic views, diverse habitats and fascinating wildlife, adventure, and heritage.
by Kass | Nov 19, 2025 | Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Travel Tips
Route 66 isn’t just asphalt and neon, it threads across the ancestral and living homelands of many Indigenous nations. From Potawatomi lands at the Chicago start, through Osage and Kickapoo land in the Midwest, across dozens of Tribal Nations in Oklahoma, to Pueblo communities in New Mexico and Navajo and Hualapai lands in Arizona, more than half of Route 66 runs through Indian Country. For travelers looking to go beyond the kitsch, the most authentic experiences are those led and offered by tribal people themselves. These experiences vary from guided canyon walks and pueblo tours to trading-post galleries, and tribally owned lodgings. Spending your money at these establishments directs tourism dollars to local economies and cultural programs. You can create a positive experience for both yourself and these communities by visiting with gratitude and respect – prepared to learn about the local cultures and histories.
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 Whitney James | Sep 5, 2024 | Places & Experiences, Texas
With 32 miles of pristine beaches, countless parks and nature reserves, and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, Galveston Island is an outdoor lover’s paradise teeming with cultural significance and natural beauty.
by Whitney James | Mar 31, 2024 | Places & Experiences, Texas
For those looking for a place where culture, food, and outdoor activity thrive in West Texas, El Paso is the answer. Rated one of the safest big cities in the United States for two decades, El Paso is teeming with things to do. Hike, mountain bike, sip agave spirits galore and so much more—this is one destination that knows how to do it all.
by Sydney Farthing | Aug 10, 2023 | Itineraries, New Mexico, Texas, Travel Tips
Join me on an epic 4-day, 4-park, father-daughter road trip through Texas and New Mexico. From the desert mountains of Big Bend to the underground caves of Carlsbad Caverns, we bonded over the open road and were awestruck by incredible scenery and history.
