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School’s out for summer! We’re kicked off the kids’ summer break and hit the road on the last day of school to embark on our first ever camping trip in Texas.

We were avid campers when we lived in the Pacific Northwest, but have not had the opportunity to explore any Texas campsites since we’ve moved here until now.

Huntsville State Park, nestled in the Sam Houston National Forest, offers an idyllic setting for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. With its diverse range of activities, including fishing, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife, this state park is a perfect destination for families seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In this blog post, we will delve into the exciting activities and attractions that make Huntsville State Park a great getaway for families with kids.

 

Fishing Fun

Huntsville State Park boasts a great fishing dock accessible from the campsites via a short trail to tranquil lake that’s teeming with fish, making it an ideal spot for a family fishing expedition. Pack your fishing gear and enjoy some quality time with your kids on the water’s edge. Common catches include largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Don’t forget to obtain a fishing license, available at the park office, and familiarize yourself with any size or bag limits. Engaging in this classic outdoor pastime is a fantastic way to teach your kids patience, the art of angling, and the importance of conservation.

 

Hiking Trails Galore

Exploring the beauty of nature through hiking is a must-do activity at Huntsville State Park. The park offers a variety of well-marked trails that cater to different skill levels, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the family. The Prairie Branch Loop Trail, for instance, is a beginner-friendly trail that winds through the park’s diverse ecosystems, offering glimpses of towering pine trees, peaceful meadows, and serene lake views. The Chinquapin Trail, a moderate-level hike, presents a slightly more challenging terrain and rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas along the way. Encourage your kids to become nature detectives as you discover unique plants, animal tracks, and hidden treasures during your hike.

Wildlife Encounters: Huntsville State Park is a sanctuary for a wide array of wildlife, presenting countless opportunities for your kids to marvel at nature’s wonders up close. Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s resident white-tailed deer, squirrels, and rabbits as they meander through the forest. Birdwatching enthusiasts will be delighted to spot an array of feathered friends, including woodpeckers, warblers, and even the elusive bald eagle. Remind your kids to observe these creatures from a respectful distance and to refrain from feeding them, as maintaining their natural behaviors is vital for their well-being.  We did see a couple of alligators in the lake so be sure to watch out and take precaution while in and on the lake!

 

Fun On The Lake

Huntsville State Park Boathouse rents canoes, kayaks and paddleboats by the hour, all day or overnight.

Huntsville State Park Boathouse rents canoes, kayaks and paddleboats by the hour, all day or overnight.

 

Our Campsite

We got lucky booking our campsite so late in the season as we got a really good site facing the lake with lots of trees.

Camping Delights: After an eventful day of fishing, hiking, and wildlife encounters, unwinding at one of Huntsville State Park’s campsites is the perfect way to cap off your adventure. The park offers a variety of camping options, from tent sites nestled in the shade of towering trees to RV sites with modern amenities. Gather around the campfire to share stories, roast marshmallows, and bask in the tranquility of the outdoors. Our kids enjoyed the simplicity of nature, stargazing, and simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance of our campsite.

Conclusion: Huntsville State Park is a family-friendly haven that offers an abundance of activities for kids and adults alike. From fishing escapades to invigorating hikes and memorable wildlife encounters, this Texas gem has it all. So, pack your camping gear, don your hiking boots, and embark on an adventure that will create cherished memories for the whole family. A trip to Huntsville State Park is a gateway to reconnecting with nature, fostering a sense of exploration, and creating a bond that will last a lifetime.

What are your favorite state parks and campsite in Texas?

 

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Earlier in the summer season, my dahlias made their appearance. Of the 5 tubers I planted in the spring, I was able to harvest about half a dozen bouquets. I’ll definitely be planting more next year! I hope you’ve seen some of the beautiful blooms on my Instagram page @jillivictorio.

I remember the excitement of planting and growing my first dahlias in Issaquah, WA. It all started with only three tubers I ordered from Floret Flower in 2017. As soon as the first Breakout Dahlias bloomed, I was hooked. I’m so happy I’ve been able to grow a few here in North Texas, as the flowers I tend to love most (peonies) are not suitable for hotter climates and mostly thrive in the NW. Dahlias however, thrive here, so I’ll be growing more for sure. My dream is to plant hundreds of dahlia tubers on acreage for my own mini flower farm to enjoy fresh bouquets at home, and to share with neighborhoods, family, and friends.

Here’s a look back on my flower cutting garden’s progress this summer. This year, I’ve stuck to dahlias and zinnias. Next year, I hope to plant more floral varieties.

Dahlias in June

Dahlias in July

 

 

At late summer,  Zinnias have taken over my flower garden beds.  I’ve been growing zinnias for a few years now, but this year has been my favorite batch of blooms. I sowed only one pack of zinnia seeds, and we’ve been graced with a ton of these beautiful blooms all summer long, even after they are cut! Zinnias are the flowers that keep on giving. They are truly one of the easiest flowers to grow!

Zinnias in June

Zinnias in July

Zinnias in August

I’ve cut down these zinnas almost weekly to encourage more flowers to bloom, and to my surprise, they’ve doubled the amount of blooms! I’ll definitely be purchasing this variety of seeds again for next year. I order a lot of my seeds from Eden Bros and have had fantastic results every time. This was my first time ordering Pumila Zinnia seeds from Eden Bros. According to the description, the more you cut, the more they bloom!  If you want easy to grow, bountiful blooming flowers all summer long, I highly recommend Pulimia Zinnia seeds!

What flowers have bloomed in your garden? I would love to hear from you.

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The W has always been known for its modern sophisticated style, incorporating art and design features throughout the hotel. When the W came to Seattle over a decade ago, the hotel added a sophisticated touch to Downtown Seattle hotels. Opening the W Bellevue only seemed like the next step to elevate the luxury hotel experience in the NW, and enhancing Downtown Bellevue’s already vast growing cosmopolitan vibe.

 

It’s a bit of a challenge to find at first, but once you’ve frequented the spot a few times, it becomes second nature. Upon entering, you are greeted with the grand presence of amazing local mural art by Gaia in which the mural spans three walls and up the staircase. The stairs are lit which evokes an exciting and wonderous feeling of where you’ll end up.

 

As you make your way up the stairs, this is where the magic happens. The second level houses the Lakehouse restaurant and the Living Room Bar. My favorite feature is The Porch just outside of the Living Room Bar. It’s the quinessential indoor/outdoor living Northwesterners crave. A giant sectional and fireplace in the middle of the patio anchors the space, while swings and rockers are situated around the perimeter of the patio where great territorial views of Downtown Bellevue can be seen.

Another mural covers one wall – so instagrammable. The service was great as with any W hotel. We enjoyed our drinks on the patio followed by dinner downstairs across to Fogo De Chao. I’ll definitely be making the Living Room Bar of the W a happy hour hang out spot this summer season.