This is a summary of a recent Dominican Republic Mission Trip I took. My hope is that if you are considering taking a mission trip of your own, this will encourage you and hopefully you will find it as fulfilling as I did. Here's a rundown of our mission, where we stayed, what we ate, and about the area we visited. DONATE HERE FOR THE NEXT MISSION Jump to Article Index This past summer I traveled to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip with my church, Discovery Church in [continue reading...]
Juneau Whale Watch Tour Alaska
I spent a week in Juneau, Alaska during the summer solstice. The days were long, but there was still quite a chill in the air. But a good chill. The kind of chill that feels comforting and clean, like breathing pure crisp air on a beautiful autumn morning. Except it was summer, and this is typical of the air in Juneau. I set out to join a whale watching tour on Auke Bay so I met up with the Juneau Whale Watch Tour with Juneau Tours. I signed up for a 4.5 hour combo tour – a few hours of whale [continue reading...]
Juneau Food Tours – Juneau, Alaska
On a recent visit to Juneau, Alaska, I took a tour with Juneau Food Tours. I knew that Alaska, particularly southeast Alaska, is known for fresh fish like salmon and halibut, but did you know that Juneau is also famous for king crab, hog wings, and reindeer sausage? It is a known fact, if you follow my writings, you know that food and travel are two of my greatest passions. I love being “when in Rome” wherever I go. Trying the legendary fare, experiencing the sites, and seeing a city like [continue reading...]
Visit Branson – What to do, where to eat & where to stay
Summer is in full swing - where are you heading on vacation? Why not visit Branson? Here are some ideas of where to stay, what to eat, and what to do in the Ozark Mountain region of Missouri. There really is something for everyone, even a young city girl like me. What to see: Clay Cooper and his ensemble of singers, dancers, and comedians is a must see show. I don’t think I have laughed that hard in a really long time. For more information about The Clay Cooper Theater, click on the photo [continue reading...]
24 Hours in Austin, Texas
We travel a lot. Usually we are heading to a half marathon or a blogging conference, or Mr. Beet is working out of town and I am tagging along. It’s great. Last year we traveled to 22 states and logged so many stays at hotels we ended up with a weeks’ worth of free nights. One thing I always try to do is plan an extra day somewhere so we can spend a day exploring the area without the commitments of work or a race. Austin was no exception. We loved Austin – we hardly began to even scratch the [continue reading...]
The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks
Three years ago I took my first trip to Branson,Missouri for my in-laws 50th Wedding Anniversary. I was looking for a restaurant that was somewhat fancy but wasn’t too stiffy. I ended up finding Dobyn’s Dining Room at the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks, just outside of town. (You can read that original post here) I absolutely loved it and had hoped someday I would return. When I found myself back in Branson just a few weeks ago, The Keeter Center was at the top of my list to [continue reading...]
The Hughes Brothers Music Show – A Branson Must See
The World's Largest Performing Family The Hughes family has the distinction of being the world’s largest performing family. They (the Hughes brothers) have been performing together over 30 years and now have a show in Branson, Missouri at The Hughes Brothers Theater. The Hughes Music Show is a family event with four of the Hughes brothers, their wives, and children. To date there are over 30 children performing in each and every show. (note: there is a 5th brother that has performed in the past [continue reading...]
Clingmans Dome in The Great Smoky Mountains
The highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains is Clingmans Dome, a mountain that stands at 6,643 feet (2.025 meters). Its location is seven miles west of Newfound Gap in the city of Bryson City, North Carolina. In 1959, a 54-foot tall observation tower was opened with a spiral walkway leading up to a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On a clear day, you can see almost 100 miles into both Tennessee and North Carolina. Most days the visibility is [continue reading...]
The Clay Cooper Theater – Fun in Branson
I am not really sure what I was expecting when I went to the Clay Cooper Theater in Branson, Missouri. I had been to Branson once before my most recent trip and we only saw one show – and it was good, not really toe stomping foot tapping good, but entertaining. But toe stomping, foot tapping, and belly laugh aching is what I got watching Clay Cooper’s Country Express Show at the Clay Cooper Theater. Who is Clay Cooper? Clay Cooper has been a fixture on the Branson show circuit since the [continue reading...]
Exploring History in the Birmingham Civil Rights District
There is a six block area in downtown Birmingham, Alabama that is known as the Birmingham Civil Rights District. Much of the significant events that unfolded during Birmingham’s Civil Rights Movement happened within these six blocks and there is a lot to learn and explore over the course of an afternoon. First I visited the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute which opened in the heart of the district in 1993. A self guided tour takes you through short films, exhibits, and readings of the [continue reading...]
