Tag: Texas

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Best Exotic Car Driving Experience

Drive exotic cars on race track

DriveXotic

Looking for a unique gift for a car enthusiast? Consider gifting them an experience of a lifetime and give them the opportunity to drive some amazing, exotic cars on a racetrack! If you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, visit DriveXotic.

DriveXotic is a Motorsport Ranch located about half an hour south of Fort Worth, Texas, and about an hour drive away from Dallas, Texas. They have several exotic cars that you can race around their track.

Current Exotic Cars

  • Lamborghini Huracan 610-4
  • Porsche 911 GT3
  • Ferrari 458 Italia
  • Chevy Corvette C8 Z71
  • Mercedes AMG GT-R
  • Lotus Evora GT
  • Audi R8 V10
  • Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Visiting DriveXotic was an incredible experience for both drivers and non-drivers. As soon as we walked into the facility we were greeted with a friendly representative. Checking-in was a breeze. We had already booked our appointment online so all we had to do is sign our waivers, and drivers had to watch a short, informative video.

After the instructional video, drivers were fitted with a protective helmet, and met their driving instructors. The instructors sat in the passenger seat and gave guidance so that the drivers could get the most out of the experience.

Photo Opportunities

Drivers were given opportunities to take photos with the cars they drove at the end of each session. I noticed every guy that hopped out of the car had a huge, boyish grin on their face regardless of their age.

Driving Video

Each car is fitted with two cameras, microphones, and drives are automatically recorded. Videos also include an overlay of your driving stats (i.e., speed, lap times, and g-force data). All of your videos are downloaded to a USB drive, and only cost $42. It is 100% worth it and the perfect keepsake memory. However, if you are unsure, you can wait to review your videos at the end of your experience before deciding whether you want to purchase it.

Spectators

Bleachers at DriveXotic, Cresson, TX

Spectators are not allowed to ride in the cars. However, they can watch drivers race around the track from the bleachers or from the balcony of the upper lounge.

Balcony at DriveXotic Facility

If you decide you want the thrill of a ride without being behind the wheel, you can purchase a Thrill Ride option where you are driven by instructors around the track.

If racing is not your thing, you can hang out in the airconditioned lounge, sip some beverages, and watch television. Alternatively, you can take a tour of their car museum.

Car Museum

Over 30 cars that have been featured in movies and TV shows are in this car museum. For example, they have a bat mobile, the Ghostbusters car, Delorean from Back to the Future, A-Team van, Easy Rider motorcycle, General Lee car from Dukes of Hazard and more. Entry to the car museum is free.

What to Bring

  • Closed toed shoes are required. No high heels are allowed.
  • Camera with Portrait and Telephoto Lens
  • Binoculars

Estimated Time

Arrive 20 minutes prior to appointment and expect to spend 1 to 1.5 hours.

Age Restrictions

  • Drivers must at least be 16 years old
  • For Ride-Along, riders must be at least 13 years of age
  • For more information on restrictions see website.

DriveXotic Discounts

Keep an eye out for DriveXotic deals on Groupon.com. Use Rakuten to navigate to Groupon to get additional discounts that may be available. If you are new to Rakuten, use this referral link so that we can both get cash bonuses. If you are interested in finding out how I saved over $2,500 by using Rakuten, click here.

DriveXotic also has package deals on their website, and offer options to purchase gift certificates.

Wind Down in Granbury, Texas

Lake Granbury, Texas

After the experience, we visited Granbury to wind down. We walked around town, lounged on the sandy beach of Lake Granbury, and had a bite to eat at Ketzler’s Schnitzel Haus And Biergarten. We had the German Burger Sandwich and Brat on a Bun, but the pretzel was my favorite part of our meal. The giant pretzel was so soft and warm. I would have been satisfied with just that pretzel and my Steigl Grapefruit Radler. The Steigl Grapefruit Radler was bright and refreshing on this hot day. It has a hint of grapefruit and leaves a pleasant after taste.

Spaten Oktoberfest and Steigl Grapefruit Radler
Giant Soft Pretzel with Cheese and Mustard
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Wildlife at Caprock Canyons

Buffalo at Caprock Canyons chewing grass in field with tree and other buffalo in the background.

Caprock Canyons was surprisingly one of our favorite state parks in Texas! We stopped by this park on our way to Amarillo, Texas with no set expectations. We were thrilled to see so much wildlife with so little effort. Here are some of the animals we saw during our stay.

Trio of American Bison, Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas, USA
16″ x 12″ Print Available



Bison at Caprock Canyons

When we entered the park we were almost immediately greeted by a herd of Bison! Although the park requires guests to stay at least 50 yards away from the bison, we had a great view of them as they were crossing the roads.

Bison by the lake at Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas, USA


10 x 50 Binoculars for Adults Full-Size, Binoculars for Bird Watching Sightseeing Wildlife Watching with Low Light Night Vision



Bison standing in middle road at Caprock Canyon Texas. Bison Crossing
Bison crossing the road at Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas, USA

Prairie Dogs at Caprock Canyons

Brown Prairie dog in hole speaking
Prairie Dog Speaking at Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas, USA

We saw a coterie of prairie dogs just steps away from the sidewalk (near a playground). They were so adorable!

There were also prairie dogs at the Canyon Rim Trailhead. They blend in well with the dirt so remember to look carefully while you are there.

Prairie Dog at Canyon Rim Trailhead, Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas, USA

You may hear the prairie dogs before you actually see them. Have you ever heard a prairie dog speak? If not, check out this little guy talk in the video below.

Lizards

Lizard perching on gypsum rock at Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas, USA

We saw this cute green lizard during our hike on Eagle Point Trail. It’s perched on top a pocket of gypsum rock.

Other Animals

Here are some other animals you might encounter during your trip.

  • Burrowing owls – Near the RV bathrooms
  • Roadrunners
  • Wild turkeys
  • Mule deer
  • Bobcat
  • Coyotes
  • Rabbits
  • Snakes
  • Birds
  • Tarantulas
  • Bats – Brazilian Free-tailed bats can be seen at Clarity Tunnel. However, they are there seasonally and will likely be gone by fall. Bat guano (bat poop) is on the bottom of the cave so if you choose to walk or bike through Clarity tunnel try not disturb the ground and wear masks.
  • Catfish at Theo Lake

Overall

If you love animals and the outdoors, this is the place for you. Remember to bring a good pair of binoculars and a good camera (preferably with a telescope lens) to capture these amazing animals roam the park.

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Elevation Nights 2021 Tour

Dickies Arena in Dallas Fort Worth filled with people watching Elevation Worship Concert

If you told me ten years ago that I would attend a Christian concert and love it, I would not have believed you. However, it happened! Last night I attended Elevation Worship’s concert at Dallas/Fort Worth and it was amazing!

The Dickies Arena was sold out! I have never been to a concert filled with so much love and positive energy! It was invigorating! We also had the good fortune of hearing Pastor Steven Furtick give a service in person which made the whole event even better.

Elevation Worship 2021 Tour

If you have not purchased your tickets, you can still catch them on tour.

Elevation Worship and Pastor Steven Furtick on tour - Elevation Nights 2021 Tour. Sunday October 31, 2021 at Toyota Center in Houston, TX. Tuesday November 2, 2021 at Amway Center in Orlando, FL. Wednesday November 3, 2021 at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, FL and Thursday, November 4, 2021 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL.

Resources

I am forever grateful to my cousin who introduced me to their online church service. It was during a difficult time in my life where I was unable to attend church physically. Pastor Steven Furtick has a gift of delivering the word in such a way that resonates deeply with me. If you have never heard him speak, you can check out these free online videos below.

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Personalized Texas State Parks Bucket List Map

Personalized Texas State Parks Travel Map

My family and I recently purchased a Texas State Parks annual pass! We eventually want to visit all of the State Parks in Texas so I am tracking our progress with our new Texas State Parks Bucket List Map!

The Design

Texas State Parks Bucket List or Check List Travel Maps that can be personalized with your name or family's name.
Texas State Parks Check List Travel Maps

This Texas State Parks Bucket List features an illustration of the state of Texas. There are three different color options (i.e., light salmon pink, dark blue and a greenish-blue color). All appear on a neutral background. I wanted a simple, uncluttered look with clean lines. A list of the 89 Texas State parks listed on the Texas Parks & Wildlife appears below under a heading that can be customized with your own text.

Personalize It With Your Name

Make this bucket list your own by personalizing it with your own heading. Ours says “Lewis Family’s Texas State Parks Bucket List” but you can customize this line to suit your needs. For example, for a couple you can use “Adam + Alice’s State Parks Checklist” or for an individual you can say “Sophia’s Adventures Since 2021.”

How to Use This Bucket List

Markers

The print has a list of Texas state parks numbered from 1-89, and there is a corresponding numbered bubble on the map. After you visit a park, find that numbered bubble and fill it in. You can use sharpies, but I cannot speak to its long term effect on the print. If you want a safer option, you can use archival or photo-safe markers.

Frame the print without the glass, so that you can mark your progress as you go.

Travel Push Pins

Orange travel push pins laying against cork board

Alternatively, you could frame the print against a cork tile backing. Remove the glass, and you will be able to use travel push pins to mark off each park you visited.

Or if you get a large enough cork board, you could also display some of your favorite photos of the trip on the empty space.

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Save Money With a State Parks Pass

Dinosaur Valley State Park and Save Money with a State Parks Pass

Save money with a State Parks Pass! We plan on visiting several Texas state parks this year, and after pricing out the day use and camping fees, it made more sense to purchase a Texas State Parks annual pass.

The Texas State Parks annual pass gives us unlimited free entry to 89 state parks and it gives us additional perks like discounts on camping. The standard pass costs $70 + shipping and handling fees ($5.95). However, if you are a senior, disabled veteran or have a substantial physical or mental disability, you may qualify for a free Texas Parklands Passport. For additional information, visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife website.

If you are planning to visit your state parks this year, check to see if your state offers an annual pass or other discounts. If you live near bordering state(s), check out that state’s details as well. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that Arkansas does not charge entry fees to their state parks.