Home is Where the Heart is

This time I thought I would just end with something simple.

San Antonio, Texas

The Alamo Downtown

Deep in the heart of Texas. San Antonio is such a wonderful place I am proud to call home. The culture, the atmosphere, and the history is what makes this place so amazing. Starting with the battle of the Alamo in what we now call downtown. That was such a historic moment right there. There has been so much change from then obviously. Along with the riverwalk downtown SA is the most popular tourist attraction yet. Theres the mall, the Alamo, restaurants, events such as sport, music and festivals. 

Me and Fiesta 2017.

Another one of my favorite things in town is FIESTA! Its pretty much two weeks of nonstop partying and eating. So much food and things to do, stuff to buy. Its so much fun. ending with the Battle of Flowers Parade on Friday and the Flambeau parade on Saturday night. Dancing and music and friends there is so so so much. 

La Villita during Dia De Los Muertos 

A place I like to go to is the La Villita River Theatre. Its an outdoor theatre where they have grass steps for people to sit on and enjoy the day, event, of just people watch. It can be really peaceful at times. 

A place I would recommend to go, if you have a sweet tooth, or love candy, the Alamo candy company off Blanco road. Its so awesome. Its a candy store and they have everything from ice cream, to Mexican candy which is so delicious, to soda, chips and pickles. Its so cool. 

I love my hometown and wouldn't have it any other way. 

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

Now lets take a step into the Journey that hosts the annual Texas Renaissance Festival. Thiss is more about the festival itself but thats okay for this one to be be different.

Todd Mission, Texas

This place is so small not many people have heard about it. Its a tiny little town between Plantersville, Texas and Magnolia, Texas which Im sure not many of heard of either. Its right outside of Houston, everybody knows where that is at. This little town hosts the Texas Renaissance Festival from the end of September all the way to the end of November. The festival basically makes up the town. So its probably the only thing to do there. 

Not the best picture but it was all I had.

TRF is such a fun place to go for the weekend. My favorite part is the camping. You can arrive Thursday night, whether its in a RV or your car and you want to set up tents and stuff its up to you. There bathrooms and showers located in the entrance to the camp for those who can't rough it out. 

On friday the festival starts, theres so much food and games and small shops to buy things, Friday and saturday night the campgrounds has a HUGE bonfire, and food trucks, and they even play naked Jenga. Yes thats right people are NAKED. Definitely not something for the children. There is a family friendly site by the entrance as well that is away from all the craziness. 

This is the colosseum, for jousting and the fire show.  

Sunday the festival is open too but its more slow and not all the booths are open sometimes. The end of the day each day there is a fire show followed by fireworks. Now you dont have to do camping anyone can just buy a simple day pass and go for the day and leave whenever they want. That is an option. But why do that when you can enjoy a whole week of fun and crazy and make memories with your friends and or families. 

This is just a cool pic of me in the Garden at TRF. 

A Universal World

California Vibes

This time we're going to stay in California. Welcome to the fabulous Universal Studios Hollywood!

Universal Studios Hollywood Entrance

This place is so much fun! Located in Universal City, California, Universal Studios Hollywood has tons to do. I love it here. What I like most is that the rides here, most of them are not roller coasters like everyone thinks. They are mainly 3D rides which you basically just sit there and the chairs move all around and the 3D effects come into play and its really cool especially for those who don't like rollercoasters like me.

There is a simpsons world of the park where its basically krustyland/Springfield with a bunch of food and rides and attractions. The ride there I didn't really like they were kind of boring and you had to wait in line forever, and there wasn't even that many people.

One cool thing was the Walking Dead attraction because you go into what looks like a prison and there are zombies all over the place, its really cool, if you're into that kind of thing.

My favorite of all time is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Its a replica of hogsmeade, if you know Harry Potter. They have Butter Beer and a shop where you can buy your own wands. The ride there was super cool. You basically sit in a chair and its rotates and makes it seem as if you're in the air flying and playing quidditch with the characters.

The escalators there are super beyond tall its actually kind of scary if you're afraid of heights. I would recommend if you're going during a peak period to buy the "front of the line" passes because each attraction and ride has three lines, one for multiple people, one for single riders and one for the front of the line. If you just want to wait in line thats cool too but you will wait forever.

The view from the top of Universal Studios Hollywood

The view from the tip top of the place is beautiful I love just going here and seeing this. This place is so cool and yes you will spend a lot of money so just save up and you'll be fine. I recommend this place at least once if you ever visit California.

Beach Please!

The Beautiful Pacific Coast.

Santa Monica Beach Coast

This time lets stay in the East Coast. the Beautiful Santa Monica Pier and beach. This place is amazing! The water is pretty blue I mean it may not be like the blue water of Bahamas and Cancun but compared to the Gulf of Mexico its blue. The place is so peaceful to me.

When you're on the actual sand you can just relax and chill and be at peace. When I was there, there wasn't many people. There was some families and couples but for the most part it wasn't too packed. 

Santa Monica Pier/Boardwalk.

The pier there is what attracts a lot of people. There is a small theme park called Pacific Park and carnival with games and rides. Thats when you see the huge Farris wheel. There is so much to eat and there are plenty of vendors trying to sell you stuff. What I found interesting was that there were so many individuals who are selling their own original products. Such as jewelry, art work or photos. And its only about an hour walk to venice beach if you really want some excercise and to be able to take a nice walk on the beach.

Entrance to Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier.

There is a lot of T-shirts for sale that are not that expensive and pretty cool. There is also a lot of people just skating and exercising. There is a set of large stair steps to sit and just watch the ocean. Its a beautiful view of the coast. 

California in general to me is such wonderful and beautiful place to visit and live and just be around and I love this place so much, it saddens me to hear about the recent fires in California. It may not mean anything but this post is dedicated to the people suffering and who have lost their homes and lives due to the fires. May those families get through this tough time and find the help they need. 

We're All Going To Hollywood!!

The City Of Angels

This week we are going to the East Coast, Los Angeles California to be exact. This place is known for many many things. Its infamous for celebrities, movies, fame and fortune. Its said that if you have made it to Hollywood then you haven't made it. So to speak.

The drive from Nevada to California was a gorgeous view. 

This place is such an amazing place to visit if you're aren't from California. There is so much to do. I have only been once and I immediately fell in love with the place. I love California in general. I plan to move there one day once I get the money because its not only sights and celebrities California is known for. The cost of living is crazy high. But of course if you've made it big then it shouldn't be a problem, right? 

Kevin Hart's Star on the Hollywood Walk of a Fame.

Walking on Stars

Hollywood is based on the downtown area of Los Angles. Once place you need to visit is of course the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it goes on for 15 blocks. There have been a lot of people to earn a star, and it is funny because its nothing fancy, its just a sidewalk with stars embedded in it. Nothing special but its the principle of earning the star that makes it a place of history. It has so many celebrities from Backstreet Boys, Elvis Presley to even Mickey Mouse and many more

Going to the Movies

TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angles

Not to far from there many a few blocks depending where you are at is the well known, TCL Chinese Theatre where they have over 50 events a year from film festivals, ceremonies and even movie premieres. The time I went they were setting up for the premiere of The Great Wall starring Matt Damon. They were already kicking us out of the area. The place is such an iconic place for film. My picture is kind of bad but it was the only one I could get before they made us leave.

Now if you're looking for souvenirs to remember your amazing trip then there is one gift shop that I recommend is so awesome full of so much stuff. Its called La La Land, with no reference to the movie. Its so cool it has things from all your favorite Hollywood movies such as the Wizard of Oz, Fast and Furious, and so many more. They even have tiny oscars with different engravings such as Best Best Friend, Bets Dog Sitter, and Best Mom, etc. Theres too many to name. 

Me in front of a life-size "Oscar"

La La Land Gift Shop in Hollywood

Buy Buy Buy!

Another place that is a must go is the Warner Brothers Studio Tour. Its so insightful and informative. But fair warning it might ruin movies for you. I loved the whole thing though. There is a

chance you might run into a celebrity or someone because they are 

always shooting a movie or TV show. unfortunately I didn't run into anyone. There is a lot of Harry Potter stuff, which I dont mind. At the end of the tour they have a gift shop and the actual set from the T.V show friends, where they sat on the couch with a real working central perks coffee shop. 

One of the biggest regrets I have is that I never got a picture of the Hollywood sign up in the mountains. I just couldn't find it for the life of me. Someone told me after I left that if I would've turned the corner at the LaLaLand gift ship I would've seen in perfectly. I was so mad at myself. 

Los Angeles/Hollywood is awesome place that I recommend everyone to visit. Its a lot of fun and you can make so many memories and you never know who you can run into.

Keeping It Country

Real Country and Fun

The next place I am taking you is somewhere close and convenient that can be a quick day trip. Its the beautiful city of Fredericksburg, Texas. Known for their wine tasting of course!

Located not that far from San Antonio, part of the Texas Hill Country, its about an hour and half away. There is not that much to do but it is still such a beautiful place to go and just explore.

The main street is filled with antique shops, restaurants and places to go wine tasting and they do allow you to consume alcohol outside on the street.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Me in front of the ice cream parlor in Fredericksburg, Tx. 

One place to go to if you want a quick drink of something casual is Margarita Monkey to-go. They have choice of blended drinks such as piña coladas, margaritas and daiquiris. They put them in a styrofoam cup to go and you can just sip and go. Its awesome. 

One of my favorite places to go is sort of like a vintage Ice Cream Parlor. They serve ice cream, coffee and deserts and always have the movie Grease playing to give the old school vibe. Its delicious and pretty cheap. 

The peanut butter section of Rustling Bobs in Fredericksburg,Tx.

                                                                    

There is also a place called Rustlin Bobs that is pretty cool. It has homemade peanut butters, salsas, fudge, honey and jerkys. Theres over 100 items and you can sample a lot of them. There are some hot sauces in a back room that you literally have to fill out a waiver to but because they are allegedly so spicy and hot that you can get sick from. Since I am not a spicy person I stick with the peanut butters. My favorite is chocolate and honey flavor. It is so good especially on a PB&J. 

I am not much of a wine drinker but I have been to some places in Fredrickburg where you can taste different wines and beers from all over. They have wineries close by and let you sample the local craft beer in some places. This city is also known for having some of the best peaches. Which is so true I get a box every time I go. They are delicious and locally grown. If you ever have a day where the sun is out and have nothing planned grab your friends, or even if you want to go alone and take the trip to Fredericksburg. Make sure you go on an empty stomach so you can enjoy the food and then have a few drinks and then shop to sober up. No drinking and driving. 

What Happens In Vegas, Stays in Vegas....

This week I am taking you on a journey to what is one of my absolute favorite places to be in the whole world. The fabulous city of Las Vegas Nevada!

Located in the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas is such an iconic place. Everyone has heard of it. Its known for the nightlife and gambling and shows. Such a fun place to be whether you're with your friends, family, significant other, this is the place to go. Fun Fact: I actually got married in Vegas in February 2016.

The Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Be an All Day Tourist.

There is so much to do in the morning, afternoon, night anytime of day really. The nightlife in Vegas is where it is at. From shows to museums to clubs. There are so many shows you can choose from in vegas. I would recommend waiting until the day you get there to buy your tickets. A lot of people think that they save money buying the tickets in advance weeks before. Unless you're specifically there to see Bruno Mars, or George Straight or someone insanely famous, I dont find that to be true. I would say your first day there go to one of the half priced ticket booths on the strip and buy from there. They are cheaper and you can see more options. Plus is you buy weeks before you may not even remember or have the time to do what you paid for. My recommendation is the Blue Man Group, they are worth whatever you pay.

Museums are a must as well.  The boneyard museum is an amazing sight, especially at night. It is made of old vegas signs and lights that were once used on the strip and no longer needed and the its super cool when you see the signs lit up after dark.

Gambling is always fun too, unless you're not into that. Everywhere you go theres a slot machine so you're eventually gonna give in. Day drinking with your friends is fun, ONLY IF YOURE OF LEGAL AGE. Go for the big huge over sized drinks that you can barely hold because well why not. Its like Texas the bigger the better. 

Clubs are always epic! Pretty much anywhere on  the strip has a dance club. They are super fun to hang with your friends and dance the night away, and drink responsibly.

View from the Venetian Hotel and Casino.

Lodging On the Strip Isn't Always the Best.

I know Im probably going to say the opposite of what most say, but dont stay on the strip. Maybe if you're only going to go once sure it might be worth it but its too expensive for what is only going to be used to hold your clothes and for you to take a shower. I recommend staying somewhere decent priced like Hilton Garden Inn, Embassy Suites, something normal because you can always UBER OR LYFT never Taxi unless you wanna pay more for that than your whole trip. They always drag in you on the prices on the strip saying $45 a night.... but that never actually happens unless its like a dead time of the year, plus what kills you is the resort fee. Every hotel on the strip will charge about $30-$50 EXTRA PER NIGHT. You're really looking at around $100 per night, thats crazy. You're not really going to be there the whole time anyways. Plus you want your hotel to be nice and quiet while you're trying to rest for the next day not crazy and loud where you are worried about a drunk person running down the hallways looking for the slot machine. 

SnapChat Gordon Ramsays Burger.

If you ever go anywhere in life, let Las Vegas be a place to at least go once. I also highly recommend Burger inside Planet Hollywood as a place to eat if you want to be speedy on food. Just save a little money and get your party on!