Rodeo Road Trip

Yeehaw! We felt a little like the lasso after our whirlwind Southern Road Trip to Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. But what an adventure we had!

Day 1: Fort Worth, Texas was our starting point, where warmth and southern hospitality was as abundant as the big Texas sky. 24 hours in the Historic Stockyard District was not nearly enough, but the time we had was full of fun & excitement.

Off the plane to our temporary home at the Hyatt Place Fort Worth Historic Stockyards. Our room was lovely, and the staff one the friendliest, most pleasant group I have ever come across, the epitome of true Southern Hospitality! Out the front doors we strolled right into the center of the Stockyards. Within a few ​​minutes the crowds started to gather as we watched the famous twice daily Cattle Drive, which as it is a time honored tradition, everyone should experience once.

Strolling down Exchange Ave we took part in many of the fun experiences they have for children and adults alike... the Cattle Pen Maze, riding the Mechanical Bull, having our picture taken with the​ kids sitting on a large bull and of course some shopping in the Stockyard Station Gallery. While we were there we decided to grab a bite to eat at the famous Riscky's BBQ. Sitting outside overlooking Exchange Avenue, eating ribs, pulled pork, fried corn and a cold beer we could not help but fall into threlaxed, laid back pace of the south.

Back to the hotel for a brief dip in the pool to refresh from our travels and then we prepared for our evenings adventures. A bit more exploring around the area and we round ourselves on Rodeo Street, which runs next to the Cowtown Coliseum, where we were headed for the Rodeo a little later that evening. We got to meet some of the horses we would see later that night.

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Rodeo Time! The Stockyards Championship Rodeo is an exciting, fun filled evening that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The atmosphere is electric and sometimes you find yourself holding your breath as the cowboys (& cowgirls) bull ride, tie down race, barrel race and bronco ride. They even have a part where they ask all the kids to go out onto the rodeo floor to wrangle a calf (they don't really wrangle, just have to get a ribbon off it's back), but be warned, it gets rough out there!

Rounding up Day 1, we headed back to our hotel and were able to enjoy a small dessert and night cap at the lovely little low key bar right inside our hotel.

Day 2: Up and packed early so we could get on the road right after we participated in the 'Biggest Easter Egg Hunt in Texas' right outside our front door. All I can say is I thought the rodeo was rough. So many kids, so little area. Sheer Madness! So, packed into the car and off we go with a few treats hard won and our road trip adventure spread out before us.

Our first stop, Paris, Texas, because who can resist a red cowboy hat topped Eiffel Tower? Yes, seriously. We stopped exclusively for the photo op, but were pleasantly surprised by the amazing Red River Valley Veterans Memorial next door. The Memorial is beautiful (even while still under some construction) and powerful. As you walk through the exceptional front gates with flags and pillars representing each branch of military into a tranquil courtyard made with pavers which contain the names and military branch of veterans. Some of the pavers contain family members from multiple generations and wars in which they served. It is humbling. The Ring of Honor and the Conflict Walls, which depict each war​ or conflict are beautifully done. A peaceful reflection for us to carry forward for the rest of our trip, keeping in mind that our freedom to roam our country as we do was hard won by the veterans memorialized here.

Piling back into the car we headed to downtown Paris for lunch. As we were in cattle country, Jaxx Gourmet Burgers was our choice, and it was a good one. The burgers were delicious, cooked to perfection, they had a good selection of beers and our waitress was very sweet. With burgers like the Inferno Burger, B.B. King Burger and the 454 Burger, there's something for everyone. Delicious.

A little walk around the pretty little Paris Town Square, and then off on the last part of our drive for the day. Destination, Broken Bow, Oklahoma.

With a few quick stops to pick up a few groceries, fire wood and of course beverages, we made our way to our Cabin in Broken Bow. Our cabin was lovely with a fire pit and a hot tub, overlooking a pond and surrounded by woods. We settled in to a quite family evening with a dip in the hot tub and finishing the day off roasting marshmallows and relaxing around the fire pit.

Day 3: A low key, chill start to the morning, and then back in the car to explore the area. Beaver's Bend State Park had some very beautiful areas to explore along Broken Bow Lake and Mountain Fork River. Climbing rocks, skipping stones hiking through the woods. Then a short stop along the lake, with it's beautiful little islands, beaches and crystal clear waters. Peaceful and serene.

Off to our third state, Arkansas. We hoped in the car and headed towards Crater of Diamonds State Park. While it was an adventure and experience, it was not my favorite, but we gave it a try, and worked up an appetite in the mean time. After our diamond-less experience, we headed out in search of something to eat before getting back on the road to our final destination. As it was Easter Sunday, there were slim pickin's on where to stop to eat. We happened upon Los Agaves in Murfreesboro. Here we found the gem we had been searching for! The decor and food were wonderful, but the sparkle in this diamond was in the staff. Oscar, our waiter was literally running he was so swamped (as we were obviously not the only unprepared tourist without a place to eat on Easter Sunday), but did it all with a smile and with a friendliness that made you feel at home. Feeling full and happy, we headed towards Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.

Day 4: All settled in to our wonderful friend's home in Hot Springs Village, overlooking Lake Cortez, surrounded by beautiful gardens, a fountain that runs the length of the hill down to the lake and a beautiful dock, we were happy for a rainy morning to slow down, visit and relax. Catching up while the kids played giant Jenga and watched a movie. Although we would have loved to visit downtown Hot Springs again, as it is one of our favorite places to visit, the weather did not allow that this trip.

As the afternoon cleared, the kids went outside to explore and we retired to the top deck to enjoy a glass of wine and the clean fresh air of Arkansas. (If you are in the area, you should visit Hot Springs National Park, Bathhouse Row and a have cocktail in the lobby at the Arlington Hotel).

Day 5: With clear skies, we were out again on our adventure. We headed to Ron Coleman Mining to see if our luck would be any better with quartz than with diamond, and it sure was. With about two hours of mining, we all had finds that we were happy with. My kids described it as 'real life MineCraft', which is definitely a compliment. Then, to finish off this adventure, they got to Zip-Line over the mine. Before setting out for the airport we had lunch at El Jimador in Hot Springs Village. We had a lovely lunch with very nice service and good food. It was a whirlwind trip, but another great adventure under our belts!