Wanderlust Wednesday: Hodge Podge Part Two

Trip Bonanza Part 2!

In continuation from my last Wanderlust Wednesday, I’m doing another Travel Bonanza/Picture Explosion/Adventure-tastic post featuring trips with few pictures.

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Fort Collins, CO (2009)

During the summer before my senior year of high school, my family and I visited three of the colleges I’d been accepted to: University of Wyoming, Montana State University, and Colorado State University. We turned the college trip into a vacation and went to Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain National Park, the Pryor Mountains, and other neat places along the drive. I ended up choosing Colorado State and went there for my first freshman semester prior to transferring due to roommate issues and a change in majors. CSU is located in Fort Collins, a wonderful, enchanting city in the northern part of the state. I fell in love with that town–small town feel, bike paths everywhere, unique shops, Horsetooth reservoir, and who can say no to the mountain views! 🙂 I really enjoyed my time there and hope to visit the friends I made there one day 🙂

Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY (2008)

Louisville is SUCH a neat town. Some of the highlights there included visiting the Louisville slugger factory and getting a personalized bat, taking a “behind the scenes” tour at Churchill Downs, going to the Kentucky Derby museum, and eating at the BEST café in the history of ever: Boomer’s.

Breyerfest, Lexington, KY (July 2006-2009)

When I was younger, I used to collect model horses. Since I couldn’t have a real horse, I was OBSESSED with Breyer models and had bookshelves filled with them. My parents made a deal with me–if I got straight A’s in my classes freshman year of high school, I could choose the vacation we went on during the summer. My dream was Breyerfest–a three day event at the Kentucky Horse Park put on by Breyer. I got the grades, and my dreams came true in 2006! This tradition carried on all four years and each year, I chose to go to Breyerfest. Every July, this fest features the horses behind the models, shows and demonstrations, raffles, dog agility events, petting zoos, crafts, collector swaps, and much more. And every year had a different theme with different “special run” models you could buy at the mecca gift shop. It was SUCH a blast!! Seeing the shows and being able to meet other horse lovers and collectors was awesome. While I know my parents didn’t enjoy it as much as I did, I am appreciative for their patience and kindness to let me have so many wonderful summers in Kentucky.

Grant’s Farm, St. Louis, MO (2008)

On our way to Breyerfest in 2008, we stopped in St. Louis and did some sightseeing! After checking out the iconic arch, we ventured out to Grant’s Farm and met the Budweiser Clydesdales. The mares and foals were so friendly, and the landscaping was overflowing with rainbow colored flowers. I could easily plop in the shade under one of the many oak trees and sit there forever 🙂

Next post, I’ll probably recap the trip I went on with my parents over spring break–to Las Vegas and Red Rock Canyon! It was awesome, I can’t wait to share the adventures with y’all! 😀

Wanderlust Wednesday: Hodge Podge of Travels

It’s a trip bonanza!

For this Wanderlust Wednesday, I thought I’d feature some of the trips I’d been on that lack many pictures. They may lack lots of physical pictures, but the memories and mental images never fade!

Pikes Peak, CO (2009)

We were visiting Colorado State University and decided to drive to the summit (in our rent-a-car from Hawaii!!! haha). The cloud cover was thick so we couldn’t see much, but it was neat to see snow in July, a friendly fox near the peak, and snow taller than my head! 🙂

London, England (1998ish?)

We went on a family trip to visit some of my dad’s friends/colleagues he met during his time working on the Chunnel. It was a blast! We went to so many places, including Big Ben, Harrod’s, Winchester cathedral, the zoo, and Stonehenge. I was little when we went, but still remember the fun we had.

Old Friends Farm, Lexington, KY (2009)

Old Friends is a terrific “retirement home” that caters to retired racehorses and movie horses, including Popcorn Deelites, the horse who played Seabiscuit! It was a fun tour and the horses were in heaven with the lush green pastures 🙂  

Oklahoma City Memorial, OK (2007)

My dad and I briefly went here when I accompanied him on a business trip. The memorial for the OKC bombing was somber but so beautiful.

New Orleans, LA (2011)

We stopped in New Orleans en route to Biloxi, Mississippi. I wasn’t a huge fan of the city, it was kind of chaotic! But while in Louisiana, we also went on an alligator swamp tour and visited my mom’s childhood home. That was a blast!

Nashville, TN (2009)

From strolling down the main strip, hearing wannabe country stars jamming, to exploring the gardens overlooking the waterfront, Nashville was a cool city! The Hard Rock Café was pretty darn tasty as well 🙂

Santa Fe, NM (2006)

For my mom’s birthday, we took her on a ski trip to New Mexico! It was my first time to ever ski and it as a blast!! Props to anyone who can successfully walk in those boots–it’s an artform in itself!!

Well, I guess that’s enough photo bombardment for the day haha It sure was fun remembering these trips, though! I think I may use this theme in the future 😉

Have an awesome day! 🙂

What’s the coolest city you’ve visited?