Trip # 3: Arkansas!

March Trip: Arkansas!

Location: Arkansas

Drive time: 16 hours round trip

Miles Traveled Roundtrip: 953 miles

Number of nights: 2 (1 in a hotel, 1 in a Teepee)

States Traveled Through: Missouri and Arkansas
Over Easter weekend

Highlights from the trip... 

DeSoto Bluff Trail (Arkadelphia, AR)

We took this short little hike to enjoy the warm weather.Nice view and informative signs along the way to educate you about the area and its history.

Fish Net Family Restaurant (Caddo Valley, AR) After our game of disc golf at the DeGray Lower Dam Rd. park we headed here for dinner. It was delicious! Family owned with a great menu and awesome sides. This seafood place was just what we needed for our Good Friday meal. If you ever stop in get the relish!

Crater of Diamonds State Park  (Murfreesboro, AR)

We didn't find any diamonds but had fun trying! A picnic lunch and cooler weather made the day pleasant. Two diamonds were found on the day we were there, I think both a half a carat. Be prepared to get dirty and wear your bad tennis shows. You will get dirty digging and washing the gravel. You can bring your own tools or rent from them. 


Diamond Johns: Sleep in a Teepee (Murfreesboro, AR)

Unique lodging for the night. This was right near the diamond park so we stayed here for the night, the owners were nice and friendly.  Great place with fishing, hot tub, soccer, and volleyball. Our teepee was equipped with a cable TV, microwave, and fridge. Also had heat and AC, both of which we used. ($100 for the night)












Hot Springs National Park (Hot Springs, Arkansas)

On our way home we stopped in Hot Springs to view the historic bathhouses. I got my National Park passport stamp and then we toured the free facility. There was an interesting history to learn about and this was a nice break from the car ride. 

The Old Mill (North Little Rock, AR)

This unique park was a beautiful hidden gem. Everything was flowering and it looked beautiful. Used in the opening credits of Gone with the Wind this park was established in 1933. It is a Historic re-creation of an old 1880's water-powered grist mill. Quiet place to relax or take photos.

Trip # 2: Florabama & New Orleans

February: Florabama & New Orleans for Mardi Gras

Location: Orange Beach, AL and New Orleans, LA

Drive time: 11 + 3 + 10 = 24 hours

Miles Traveled Roundtrip: 1,624

Number of nights: 1 in the car, 2 in hotels

States Traveled Through: Illinois, Kentucky, Tennesse, Alabama (Florida),

Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Missouri

Highlights from the trip... 

Florabama: Famous Beach bar entertaining folks for over 50 years. Made even more popular by Kenny Chesney's song Florabama. Great vibes even though it was offseason. Lots of "snowbirds" enjoying the winter escape. Great oysters, drinks, and live music. Would love to go back when its summer and we can hang out on the beach. I tried the famous Bushwacker drink and wasn't a fan. Way to strong for me! 

Bamahenge: A small replica of Stone Henge located in Alabama. You can also search for the hidden Dinosaurs and the Lady of Lake. Fun side excursion before we headed to New Orleans for the day!

New Orleans Super Krewe Parade: Before the parade, we ate at a Greek Restaurant and had the best food of my life!! Before the big parade started we stumbled on another parade and got collecting beads early. We got a spot along the fence early, got a frozen drink and waited in anticipation for the big parade. The floats we huge, some 4 trailers long! The "throws" were awesome: hats, light up sticks, bags, balls, huge beads, all sorts of items! The crowd was full of energy and it was crazy! I felt like a kid again screaming and jumping up to catch throws. And watch out, these throws are heavy and flying non-stop. I can't believe they throw whole bags of beads out..watch your face and be careful not to break any fingers! The parade was awesome, despite the crazy tropical downpour towards the end. We were drenched! Not a dry spot on us. What a fun trip!!

Trip # 1: Noah's Ark

Visiting the Ark in January

The Ark is BIG!!! Built to the specifications mentioned in the Bible. 

Location: Williamstown, Kentucky

Drive time: 4 hours 57 minutes

Miles Traveled Roundtrip: 700
# of nights: 1
States Traveled Through: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky

The Doors to the Ark...big enough for all of the animals to make it through...notice the faint cross in the wood

It was awesome to visit in the off season. No crowds or lines. We watched all of the videos and had plenty of time to enjoy all of the exhibits. Total time there was 3 hours or so. Really great experience, wish we would of had time to visit the Creation Museum as well. 

Link to The Ark Encounter Website

We also ate at our favorite Mongolian Grill and found a super cool McDonalds. 

The Challenge: Introduction

Last year I made a New Years resolution to travel somewhere every month of the year. I made it halfway and then my plans fizzled out. This year I am trying again. I love to travel, life is short, why not do what you love. So the New Year came around and I'm at it again. Follow my journey as I achieve my goal!

The Objective: Travel at least one time each month. The destination must be a minimum of a 2 hour car ride from home.

Goal: To show people you can do it! You don't have to be a millionaire to enjoy travel! Start cutting your expenses, stop wasting money on useless stuff, and start saving for your experiences today!!

Who: My husband and I love to travel. We have been so many places together and love the adventure of seeing new things. We will complete this goal together making memories of a lifetime.

Where: Homebase location is around the St. Louis, MO area.