Discovering Beauty in Western Washington!

What do you do when you have a passion for art, glass artistry, photography, tulips, unique flowers, the ocean, flowering trees, snow-covered mountains, lighthouses, wildlife, and nature all at the same time? You head to western Washington in April!

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A Fabulous Farmhouse Stay Near Albuquerque, New Mexico!

When you travel, sometimes where you choose to stay can make (or break) the whole trip. I love staying in unique places because it adds so much to the trip. My stay at The Farmhouse in Corrales, New Mexico made my Albuquerque/Santa Fe trip (and the 2024 International Balloon Fiesta) a fantastic experience!

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The Marvelous Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, New Mexico!

I’m sure the first question on many folks’ minds after they read this title is, “What the heck is Meow Wolf?” Well, you are not alone. I thought the same thing when I first read about it. So, let me explain it as best as I can.

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The Tremendous Turquoise Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico!

While I have never been much of a jewelry person, I have always been interested in gems, minerals, and rocks in general. My dad was an avid rock enthusiast and so it was hard NOT to become interested in rocks myself. One of the gems (minerals) that has always fascinated me was turquoise. You can almost always spot turquoise throughout history due to its beautiful, distinct blue-green color. Egyptian pharaohs wore it (like King Tut’s Ceremonial Mask). Native Americans wore it and designed with it, as did many other cultures across the globe.

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Art Works at The Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha - For Kids and Kids at Heart!

Looking for a creative outlet for your kids or grandchildren? Or are you visiting the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha with young children or “big kids” that love to play and experiment?

The Joslyn also has a newly-redone kids area called Art Works: A Place for Curiousity. It is located on the lowest level in the original Joslyn building and features many interactive areas for kids and big kids to create, experiment, and even read books in cozy little wall nooks. How fun!!! 👏

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A Visit to the Majestic Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis!

When I travel I like to do a wide variety of things, everything from visiting botanical gardens to historical sights to different types of museums to nature attractions to cathedrals and historic churches. One of my more recent road trips took me to St. Louis and the majestic Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. It was amazing!

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Rekindle Your Joy at Lauritzen Garden’s New Lego Exhibit (Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects)

Does your family enjoy Lego creations and beautiful flowers? Then you should absolutely go to the Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects exhibit at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha before May 18! It is fun, informative, and the kid in you will love it. So will your actual kids and grandchildren.

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A Jousting Good Time at Medieval Times in Scottsdale

Do you or your family or friends enjoy all things medieval? Do you like medieval atmosphere, jousting, and hearty meals? Then you want to read about this blog post about our experience at Medieval Times in Scottsdale, Arizona!

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A Superb Storytelling Tour in Santa Fe

In October 2024, I went to Albuquerque, New Mexico and crossed an item off my bucket list by attending the International Balloon Fiesta. I spent a few extra days in the Albuquerque area and took a side trip to Santa Fe, which was about an hour away from the AirBnb I was staying in. Santa Fe was exceptional and the tour I booked through Airbnb Experiences was the “icing on the cake,” so to speak. Tour Santa Fe with me in this blog post!

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Holidays, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Events, Celebrations, Omaha Area, Omaha, Omaha zoo, Zoolightful, Lauritzen Gardens, Botanical Gardens, Gift Shop, Durham Museum, Merry and Bright, Bright Nights, Advent, Fun, Activities, Lights, Food, Treats, Festive, Holiday Events, Christmas Tree, Culture, Flowers, Plants, Music, Games, Decorations, Council Bluffs, Papillion, Parade, Holiday Market, Holiday Lights Festival, Luminarium, Science Museum, Glow, A Country Christmas, The General Dodge House, Dodge House, History, Family Events, Family Night, A Day with the Dodges, Decorated Trees, Breakfast, Holiday Lights, Christmas Lights, Light Shows, Drive Thru Light Displays, Santa’s Rockin Lights, Christmas at the Dodge House, General Grenville M Dodge, Railroads, The American West, U.S. History, Historical Customs, Holiday Decorations, Christmas Trees, Tour, Garland, Iowa, Union Pacific Railroad Deanna Etherington Holidays, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Events, Celebrations, Omaha Area, Omaha, Omaha zoo, Zoolightful, Lauritzen Gardens, Botanical Gardens, Gift Shop, Durham Museum, Merry and Bright, Bright Nights, Advent, Fun, Activities, Lights, Food, Treats, Festive, Holiday Events, Christmas Tree, Culture, Flowers, Plants, Music, Games, Decorations, Council Bluffs, Papillion, Parade, Holiday Market, Holiday Lights Festival, Luminarium, Science Museum, Glow, A Country Christmas, The General Dodge House, Dodge House, History, Family Events, Family Night, A Day with the Dodges, Decorated Trees, Breakfast, Holiday Lights, Christmas Lights, Light Shows, Drive Thru Light Displays, Santa’s Rockin Lights, Christmas at the Dodge House, General Grenville M Dodge, Railroads, The American West, U.S. History, Historical Customs, Holiday Decorations, Christmas Trees, Tour, Garland, Iowa, Union Pacific Railroad Deanna Etherington

Final Holiday Series Post (Part 7): Holiday Happenings in the Omaha Area!

Everybody loves doing something fun and unique for the holidays! This is the final post in my running event posts of select Omaha-area holiday events that I’ve either been to in the past or look like fun. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing the options available and have maybe even been to something featured in this post. Get ready to see The Historic General Dodge House in Council Bluffs decorated for the holidays!

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Holidays, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Events, Celebrations, Omaha Area, Omaha, Omaha zoo, Zoolightful, Lauritzen Gardens, Botanical Gardens, Gift Shop, Durham Museum, Merry and Bright, Bright Nights, Advent, Fun, Activities, Lights, Food, Treats, Festive, Holiday Events, Christmas Tree, Culture, Flowers, Plants, Music, Games, Decorations, Council Bluffs, Papillion, Parade, Holiday Market, Holiday Lights Festival, Luminarium, Science Museum, Glow, A Country Christmas, The General Dodge House, Dodge House, History, Family Events, Family Night, A Day with the Dodges, Decorated Trees, Breakfast, Holiday Lights, Christmas Lights, Light Shows, Drive Thru Light Displays, Santa’s Rockin Lights, Magical Lights at Lake Cunningham Deanna Etherington Holidays, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Events, Celebrations, Omaha Area, Omaha, Omaha zoo, Zoolightful, Lauritzen Gardens, Botanical Gardens, Gift Shop, Durham Museum, Merry and Bright, Bright Nights, Advent, Fun, Activities, Lights, Food, Treats, Festive, Holiday Events, Christmas Tree, Culture, Flowers, Plants, Music, Games, Decorations, Council Bluffs, Papillion, Parade, Holiday Market, Holiday Lights Festival, Luminarium, Science Museum, Glow, A Country Christmas, The General Dodge House, Dodge House, History, Family Events, Family Night, A Day with the Dodges, Decorated Trees, Breakfast, Holiday Lights, Christmas Lights, Light Shows, Drive Thru Light Displays, Santa’s Rockin Lights, Magical Lights at Lake Cunningham Deanna Etherington

Part 6: Holiday Happenings in the Omaha Area!

Everybody loves doing something fun and unique for the holidays! Discover two fantastic Omaha area light shows this week, plus learn about the ongoing special events I’ve featured weekly in the past month. You’ll be dazzled!

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Part 5: Holiday Happenings in the Omaha Area!

Everybody loves doing something fun and unique for the holidays! I have decided to create a running event list of select Omaha-area holiday events that I’ve either been to in the past or look like fun. This post contains two new holiday events, plus the previous events I featured last week. See what’s happening this weekend at Ditmar’s Orchard and Vineyard and the Historic General Dodge House.

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Eyes Will Sparkle at Lauritzen Gardens Bright Nights!

Last Friday evening I attended one of the Bright Nights events at Lauritzen Gardens. If you love any of the things on this list - beautiful lights and decor, toy trains, poinsettias, gorgeous flowers, festive food and drinks, holiday photo ops, outdoor games, visits with Santa, cheerful music, beautiful plants, or just celebrating the holidays this event is for you! My family and I are going closer to Christmas but I also wanted to go early in the event to take photos. It is GORGEOUS!

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A Plethora of Holiday Purchases at Palmer’s Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe in Sioux City, Iowa

It’s no secret that I enjoy historical and boutique shops, so on a recent trip up I-29 I made a beeline for Palmer’s Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe (Palmer’s Old Time Candy Shop). While I have been here before and the shop is always a treat, it’s especially fun near the holidays. It’s also a great place to buy gifts, particularly if you love Twin Bings, like I do!

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Part 2: Holiday Happenings in the Omaha Area!

Everybody loves doing something fun and unique for the holidays! I have decided to create a running event list of select Omaha-area holiday events that I’ve either been to in the past or look like fun. In this post are two more new holiday events, plus the three events I featured last week!

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A Visit to Oklahoma City’s First Americans Museum

Did you know November is Native American Heritage Month? In honor of that distinction, I’m writing about a wonderful and informative museum in Oklahoma City called the First Americans Museum. Oklahoma City is beautiful and well worth a trip and the First Americans Museum is a “must visit” attraction while you are there!

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Part Five: Incredible AirBnbs in the Midwest

As you have likely guessed, I really enjoy staying in AirBnbs when it makes sense to do so. The variety of AirBnbs and other home rental offerings is amazing to me. Check out this automotive-themed AirBnb in Rogers, Arkansas!

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