Local, Near and Far: Our journey of exploring the world.

Category: Family-friendly (Page 2 of 14)

The Riverside Market of Ljubljana

Whether in the States or overseas, one of my favorite thing in the world is going to markets!  It doesn’t matter what kind of market, Christmas, food, flower, or arts and crafts markets, count me in.  I love viewing beautiful art made by local craftsmen, tasting food from chefs and buying fresh produce from local farmers.  I just love it!  This is one of the best ways to experience a local culture, which is why we loved the Riverside Market!

Riverside Market - Fresh Produce at the Riverside Market

Fresh Produce at the Riverside Market

David and I knew there was an extensive produce/flower market in Ljubljana from a Rick Steves show.  However, when our taxi driver took us from the bus station to our beautiful hotel, he told us about a food festival on Fridays called Open Kitchen.  Restaurants from all over town set up booths in the market area.  Thankfully, our stay included a Friday, so I could not imagine a better scenario!

Riverside Market - Crowds Enjoying the Friday Food Festival in Ljubljana's Riverside Market

Crowds Enjoying Open Kitchen in Ljubljana

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New Addition to From Texas to Beyond

From Texas to Beyond is growing! Rebekah and I are proud to introduce our little bundle of joy, Ephraim! After 50 hours of labor, he arrived on December 6th weighing 7 pounds and 3 ounces, and measured 20 inches long. Rebekah and I are so excited for our family’s new addition. We hope he will be a great travel blogger some day!

New Addition - Introducing Ephraim - Ephraim Shortly After Birth

Ephraim Shortly After Birth

Mom and son are now resting and recovering at home. This is a very exciting and exhausting time in our lives.

New Addition - Introducing Ephraim - Ephraim and Rebekah Going Home

Ephraim and Rebekah Going Home

During the next few weeks, our posting will be limited, as we take care of little Ephraim and adjust to being a family of 3. We have a few guest posts lined up, including the conclusion of John’s miniseries recounting his journeys to Vienna, Kosovo, and Albania.

Once life settles down a bit (if that is possible), Rebekah and I look forward to concluding our series on Ljubljana and sharing more of our trip through Slovenia and Croatia.

We would like to THANK YOU for all of your continued support!

New Addition - Introducing Ephraim - Ephraim's Second Day Home

Ephraim’s Second Day Home

Talk to you soon…

David

Natural Bridge Caverns

Between San Antonio and New Braunfels is a large cave system, Natural Bridge Caverns.   My parents, David, and I visited on a day trip from Gonzales, TX.  We had ventured there after the big rains this last spring.  Since the caves are part of our precious aquifer system (where we get most of our drinking water in Central Texas) the caves were unusually full of water.  No one could escape being dripped on!  Some of the normal trails were closed because they were under water, but that meant we got to see the caves through less traveled trails.  It was awesome!!

Natural Bridge Caverns - View of the Hall of the Mountain King From Above

View of the Hall of the Mountain King From Above

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Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar

The Gristmill - Inside the Old Cotton Gin 1

Inside the Old Cotton Gin

One of the best destinations in our great state of Texas is a small town outside of New Braunfels named Gruene.  In the old world (Germany), it would be pronounced differently, but in Texas it is pronounced green, like the color.  This delightful little town must be experienced.  But the great news is that no matter what floats your boat, lifts your skirt, or shines your shoes, you can always find a fun activity in Gruene.  Antique shopping, arts and crafts, old fashioned candy stores, wine tasting, tubing down the Guadalupe River, sleeping the morning away at a bed and breakfast, catching a concert, or boot scootin’ the night away, Gruene has you covered.  But you can’t do all these activities without some energy and grub from the iconic Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar, located under the water tower in the heart of Gruene, next to the iconic Gruene Hall.

The Gristmill - Baby Back Ribs with Gristmill Fries & Baked Potato Salad

Baby Back Ribs with Gristmill Fries & Baked Potato Salad

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Hiking at Palmetto State Park

Central Texas is filled with countless little-known gems. Palmetto State Park is one of these places.

On a recent trip to Rebekah’s parent’s house, the excellent weather called us outside, as it often does. Instead of spending time at our go-to outdoor venue, the family pecan farm, we ventured out. Her parents had recently visited Palmetto State Park, the setting for a church picnic. Even living only a few miles away, this had been their first visit to this little-known park.

When they recommended we hike at Palmetto for the afternoon, I was excited to visit a new state park, grabbing my camera on the way out the door.

Palmetto State Park - View of the San Marcos River

View of the San Marcos River

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