There are 100s of roadside stops just off the many highways and interstates of America. Some you find by accident, some you seek out.

My final stay in Texas was Davis Mountain State Park. Without a clue about the park or area, I was excited to explore another TX state park.

"Big Bend Ranch State Park is the prettiest drive in Texas,” according to locals. I just had to brave the 'big hill' to see it.

Down the road from Big Bend is the small town of Terlingua. Now mostly a base for tourist it once claimed a booming mining town.

After a first day in Big Bend where I had to shift plans due to a missed turn, day two I made sure I knew exactly where to go.

As I entered Big Bend I could barely keep my eyes on the road as the descending sun & fluffy clouds put the mountains into stark relief.

Brownsville was never on my list of “Places to Visit.” I took the opportunity, however, to stop at the Palo Alto Battlefield National Park.

When people heard I was heading to south Texas, they told me: “you have to go to South Padre Island.” I’m not one to ignore good advice.

As part of my “Escape from Winter” Plan, I drove as far south as Texas goes: Brownsville. I was not fully prepared for what I found.

When Mother Nature decided to bless Texas with a cold snap, I headed south to the gulf for some sand, sun, and surf.

A small gem tucked amidst the smattering of parks along the Colorado River, I stumbled upon Inks Lake State Park purely by happenstance.

My original plan after Christmas in Texas had been to head east, but Mother Nature stuck her nose in, so I decided to head south

There is something magical about a quaint small town main street; add Christmas into the mix and you can find something special.

I love coffee. The ritual, the flavor, and the experience of sipping it in the morning. As I travel, I plan on discovering local roasters.

Finally, I'm off on my adventure, for real, no false starts! Heading down to my sister's in TX in a marathon drive over a day and a half.