The Impact Meteor Crater in Winslow, Arizona: Exploring a Natural Wonder

"Well, I'm standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona"......  not exactly on a corner, but on the edge.... of a massive crater! I could not quit hearing those song lyrics in my head the whole time we were there! 😃

My husband and I were headed to Sedona on Interstate 40 and saw a sign saying the crater was ahead. We were ready for a break from ridding, so we took the exit to see it. After driving miles through a cow pasture, we came upon the massive crater and visitor center.

Located  in Northern Arizona, the impact crater was formed from a meteor that hit Earth thousands of years ago.  It is about a mile wide, a mile across, and more than 550 feet deep.

Several observation platforms are located around and at different depths for great viewing of the crater.

The crater was used for training  the NASA astronauts in preparation for the Apollo missions to the Moon in the 1960s and 1970s.

Admission:

  Adults $18.00
•    Seniors $16.00 (age 60 years and over)
•    Juniors $9.00 (age 6 through 17 years)
•    5 and under are free

Hours:

Memorial Day to Labor Day we will be open from:   7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Non-summer hours:   8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Address:

Meteor Crater Enterprises, Inc.
Interstate 40, Exit 233
Winslow, AZ 86047 USA

Happy Travels! 

Wildseed Farms: A Floral Haven in the Heart of Texas

This place was one of those “Hey, that looked interesting. Let’s go back. “stops. We were on a girl’s trip, the only kind where you can do that kind of thing, headed to Fredericksburg. We had such a good time there! It wound up being one of the highlights of our weekend.

Wildseed Farms is the nation's largest working wildflower farm with over 200 acres of colorful blooms in season. These fields have been used for seed production for over 35 years.

Bright red Corn Poppies and three colors of Texas bluebonnets greet you in the parking area.

Gloriosa Daisy, cosmos, Corn Poppies, larkspur, phlox, sunflowers, and Texas Bluebonnets are some of the flower varieties you will see growing in the fields during your visit.

A half mile trail lined with a wood look fence leads through the display and trial gardens. Sitting areas and water features are placed along the route.

The Brewbonnet Biergarten offers a place to grab something to eat and drink. Unique jams, jellies, salsas, and other goodies are available for purchasing. They all looked amazing!

They are one of the largest plant nurseries in Central Texas with large selections of annuals, perennials, herbs, tropicals, cactus and succulents.

The gift store is packed with, unique pottery, garden accessories, clothing, seeds and much more.

Parking and admission are free. Hours are from 9:30am - 5:00pm daily.

We visited in April. Check here to see what will be in bloom for your visit.

Location:

 Fredericksburg is located 78 miles west of Austin and 70 miles north of San Antonio.

Address:

100 Legacy Drive, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

    Happy Travels! 

Exploring the Rich Artistic Heritage of Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, Arizona

Nestled in the heart of Sedona, Arizona lies the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, a unique destination that celebrates the rich artistic heritage of Mexico. Founded in the 1970s by a group of artists and architects, this beautiful complex is a hub for artists and craftspeople, and a mecca for art lovers.

The name Tlaquepaque comes from a town in the Mexican state of Jalisco, which is known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene. The Sedona village is modeled after this town and features stunning Spanish colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and lush courtyards. The village covers six acres and houses more than 40 art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

Wander through the charming streets and discover an array of handmade crafts, from pottery and blown glass to jewelry and textiles. The village also showcases a wide range of fine art, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. Every corner of the complex is a feast for the senses, with colorful mosaics, intricate wood carvings, and beautiful fountains.

One of the highlights of Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is its commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship. Many of the artists who work here use techniques that have been passed down through generations, such as hand-painting ceramics or weaving intricate textiles. Visitors can watch these artisans at work in their studios, and even take classes to learn the skills themselves.

In addition to its art and craft offerings, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is also a foodie's paradise. The village is home to several restaurants and cafes, each with its own unique flair. You can savor authentic Mexican cuisine, sip margaritas in a charming courtyard, or indulge in gourmet chocolates and pastries.

Overall, a visit to Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is an experience that will delight and inspire. Whether you're an art lover, a history buff, or just looking for a fun day out, this charming complex has something for everyone. 

Address:

336 AZ-179

 Sedona, AZ 86336

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri

Discover the Hidden Gem of North Central Florida: Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is what I would call the "New kid on the block" in the world of Florida tourist attractions. It has only been opened to the public recently (2014), so not very many people know about it.

It is a botanical garden located in a 100-year-old abandoned lime rock quarry. Dr. Raymond Webber’s love of plants and desire to create a unique garden has led to one of the most interesting gardens in Florida.          

Enjoy an over view from the rim and then descend down steps into the garden for a closer look at unique waterfalls, ponds, plants, and islands. The islands are connected by a maze of wood and concrete bridges.

Need to know:

This jewel is hidden at the end of a rough dirt road, so keep going!

Be sure to wear mosquito spray in the summer months!

If you are into snorkeling or diving, be sure and visit Devil's Den about 1/2 mile down the road.  

Hours:

Open: Monday - Tuesday and Thursday - Sunday

Closed: Wednesday 

 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Admission:

Adult: $12

Children (6-13 ): $7

Free for children under 6 

Address:

4990 NE 180th Ave

 Williston, FL, 32696

Happy Travels! 

Discovering the Natural Beauty of Cascade River State Park in Minnesota

As the name suggest, the main attraction to this park is the waterfalls. The water from the Cascade River flows down the black volcanic gorge for a total drop of 900 feet in the last three miles of its journey to Lake Superior.

The park has 18 miles of trails for hiking. If you are looking for a short hike to see the waterfalls, a small parking area on Highway 61 will get you there quickly. It is near the start of trail and will take you through a forest of aspen, birch, fir, spruce and cedars to a beautiful series of waterfalls.

The falls are lined with green moss and fern that add a magical feel to the place.

Camping:

Camping is available year-round. The park has 40 drive-in campsites, 5 backpack sites, and 2 group campsites.

Winter: 

Check here for winter facilities and activities.

Hours:

Spring, Fall & Winter: Daily, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Summer: Hours extended.

Location:

3481 West Highway 61

Lutsen, MN 55612

Phone:

 218-387-6000

Happy Travels!