The Amish Farm & House Tour

It's just interesting to be learning all about the lifestyles and beliefs of the Amish people. This tour was really informative. One good thing you should sign up for an Amish tour is you can surely learn about the correct information about the old Order Amish lifestyle.

We got the chance to visit the actual Amish community, saw 18th century farm house, wide variety of farm animals that they raise, an authentic Amish room school house, a typical Amish residential home, etc...

The Amish people don't want themselves being captured for photos. So, cameras are not their "cup of tea." Although you can take shots around the community as much as you want, just don't include them on your photo shoots! A belief you should respect, and they would respect you in return.

Longwood's "Eye of the Water"

This was our 4th visit to our favorite Longwood Gardens, but my first time to see this fountain called "Eye of Water." Obviously, it looks like an eye! :)).

This water feature only runs from mid-April to mid-October. Much more ideal to visit during summer!

I've learned that this "eye" sits above a 90,000 gallon reservoir which supplies the main fountain garden and the waterfall of the garden.

Celebration Station

We drove to Mesquite, TX and dropped by at Celebration Station to see what's in there and we reached the place super hungry! Good thing there is one place of pizza place inside where we ordered enough to eat.

This mini theme park has both indoor and outdoor entertainment complex. There are mini golf areas that you can play with - ideal for kids or families.

We thought of playing the mini-"putt-putt" as hubby would say, lol! It's cute and fun! By the way, I won the game with my hole-in-one twice! :).

Longhorn Cattle Sculpture Park

When you're in downtown Dallas, this park is easy to find. The park is located at Pioneer Plaza by the Dallas Convention Center and at the intersection of SOuth Griffin and Young Street.
The park is pretty obvious when you start seeing bronze statues of longhorns leaded by statues of 3 cowboys riding on their horses. It is landscaped with a flowing stream and waterfalls that leads to a small stream of water with some bronze cattle statues that are crossing through it. The sculptures are considered to be the largest bronze sculpture of their type in the world.

The park is based on honoring the Dallas cowboys' past by celebrating the trails that brought settlers to Dallas.

Just a note to keep in mind: Don't touch or ride on the sculptures during extreme hot or cold weather temperatures. I tried touching one of them during my visit one fine hot day in summer!...OUCH!, really hot! LOL!...almost burned one of my fingers!

The 40 Steps

This spectacular platform is located at the end of Narragansett Ave. The stone stairs goes down to the side of the cliff on a balcony overlooking the sea.

This historical landmark were popular during Newport's Golden Age where it used to be the gathering place for servants and workers close to the mansions.

From the landmark, you can see stunning views of the ocean, the mansions and the cliff sides.

Note: It's important to highly consider warning signs around the area. Wandering off the path can be dangerous particularly during summer when thick bushes and vegetation may run to the edge of the cliff making it hard for you to see dangerous areas to step on.

The 10-Mile Drive

There are so much things to do and see at Newport, Rhode Island. If your time is limited, the "10-Mile Drive" would be the best option to do to see most of the island's historical community, the fabulous recreational public parks and shorelines.
Did you know that the "10-mile drive" ranks as one of the most popular "drives" in the country?

The Ten Mile Drive which includes Newport's Ocean drive and Fort Adams is historical. It is also known as the scenic drive due to the impressive coastal views and historical landmarks. The directions are pretty much easy to follow since the place is small and most of the roads are one-way. You can print the driving directions online.

We had fun doing it! After all the muscle strain from the Cliff walk, this drive was much more relaxing!...and way much more convenient :).

By the way, summer is always a good weather to spend your time along the coastal views if you want to stay longer in the outdoors.
Take note: Other than summer, the rest of the season at RI will be cold!...I mean...REALLY COLD!

Tips For Driving An RV - 2

(continuation of Part 1)

• Showering. - To conserve water, shut it off while you lather in the shower, before turning it back to rinse.
• Driving. - It's a bad idea to exceed speed limits in an RV because you need extra distance to stop. Try finding long entry ramps when merging into highways to accelerate so you have enough space. Use your side mirrors, too.
• Hills. - If hills are too steepy, you won't be able to make it to the top, no matter how hard you push on the gas. It helps to buy a mountain guide available at truck stops so you can identify troublesome hills. Approach any grade over 10% with caution.
• Entry Step. - Most RV's have pull out entry steps so it's easy to get in and out. Make sure to stow the step before you drive. If it happened you left it out, and you're driving, you can't see it. When the step hits a curb or someone's car, you're in heavy trouble!
• Dumping. - Wait until the tanks are at least 3 quarters full before you empty them. Otherwise, they won't drain properly. The black tank is the sewer waste, and the gray tank is the water waste. Dump the contents of the black tank first so the soapy water from the gray tank can clean out the hose.
  

Tips For Driving An RV - 1

If you plan to rent an RV for an out of town trip or you have one of your own, you might want to check and recheck the following tips before you go on a long trip. It's always good to be prepared always!

• Parking. - Practice parking before going anywhere. If you're at a campground and you try backing up for the first time, you might hit something that might lead you into trouble.
• Directions. - Get meticulous directions. Let other people know you're driving a 36-foot motor home that needs the straightest, easiest route. Making a U-turn in an RV is a nightmare! You stop traffic!
• Pets. - Taking your pet with you is one great advantage with RVing. You don't need to leave your pet in a kennel at home or hotel room. You're bringing your home on the road, so do the same for your pet. Bring his stuff and all will be fine.
• Packing. - If you're renting, most companies offer packages with sheets, towels, dishes, pots and pans. These eliminates the hassles of having to pack those items.
• Fuel. - Most motor home generators automatically turn off before the fuel tank is completely empty. There's still some gas left to drive on, but you must fill the tank up right away.

(to be continued...)