My 6th- Great Grandpa, Andrew Kent, died at the Battle of the Alamo. If you ever find yourself in Texas, feel free to use this fact. You're guaranteed to never pay for a drink at a bar there.
I was born in April 1979 and, at three months old, my Dad called the Daughter's of the Republic of Texas to proudly register yours truly as their newest member. They told him to call back in 21 years. Guess who was the first to call me early on April 29, 2000? Remember the Alamo my friends.
My Dad grew up on a farm in East Texas, right outside of Troup. The farm has been in his family since 1857. My Dad had an outside and went to a one-room school house. Both of these facts fascinated me as a child. No air conditioning? And you lived through this?! We would visit the farm every year, flying to Dallas and driving the hour and half east. Maw, my great grandmother, would be sitting on her porch waiting for our arrival. I was impressed that she hung her clothes outside to dry and slept with a shot gun under her bed. We’d feed the cows, ride the tractor and fish in the pond. My Dad would take us to the site of my 3rd great- grandparents house and tell stories about the tribes who would camp on the farm while traveling in the area. I liked that my ancestors were hospitable.
East Texas has grown a lot in the last few decades so I feel like there’s something for everyone to experience. Ever been on a drive through safari? The Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari in Jacksonville is an amazingly fun place to visit! It’s a 300 acre reserve you navigate your own vehicle through and, bags of animal feed in hand, you can feed your new found furry friends. Many animals are up close and personal, sticking their heads through your sunroof to meet you. It’s pretty hilarious. Be sure to check out their gift shop. Jess scored a new wallet for .50!
We have eaten at many great restaurants in the area, a favorite being Villa Montez in Tyler. Located in a historic 1935 mansion, it features beautiful landscaping, fountains and gorgeous artwork throughout. Their menu features local grass fed beef and an on-side herb garden- yum! Their Easter brunch is phenomenal- 10/10 on the Chile Rellano said Jess.
Texas may not be the initial place you think of when you hear “wine country” but the folks at Kiepersol Winery are working hard to change that. A bed and breakfast, tasting room, gourmet restaurant and tours await you on their tranquil rural setting. We have eaten there a few times and always had excellent service, great entrees and top notch wine. My Dad loves their bourbon. It’s a frequent gift he lives to give. Texas bourbon, who knew?!
I am always a suckers for a good road trip stop. Give me the World’s Largest Picnic Basket or Illinois’ Most Colorful Windsock any day! I was elated to learn we could make a pit stop in Arkansas to Crater of Diamonds State Park. What happens at this gem (get it?!)? I believe is was sometime in the 1970’s when some gentleman was digging in the area and found a diamond of some considerable size in this field. So for the next 50 some odd years people have made the trek here to dig for the next Hope Diamond. Yep.
We rented trowels and buckets and headed out to a field of dirt to dig alongside several dozen diamond seekers. And we found…. Absolutely nothing. But it was actually pretty fun to plan what we would be buying with all of the diamond riches we would find. I would like to send a shout out to the marketing team at Crater of Diamonds. Getting people to come dig for diamonds for the last few decades in some random dirt field?! Just brilliant.
We are headed back to the farm in a few months to celebrate the 4th of July. My parents are currently fixing up the house my Dad grew up in so I’m excited to see the improvements. Perhaps en route we’ll stop and round up a few diamonds. I could start posting from my private yacht!
Until next time, folks.
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