Visit the Starr Family Home in Marshall, Texas!

Looking for a fun, family activity in East Texas? Then head over to Marshall, Texas to visit the Starr Family Home! This is a Texas Historic Site!  We visited the property during its annual Victorian Fair.  

The property includes one large home, several smaller homes, and a schoolhouse.  Multiple generations of the Starr Family lived on the property.  At the time, the property was considered to be in a very rural area, but has now been surrounded by development in the city.

Outside the different buildings, you and your family will find markers describing the buildings and the people who lived there.

On this day there were also arts and crafts stations where kids could make toys common during the time when the property was occupied like dolls made of straw.

There were performers dressed in historic clothes playing dulcimers and other instruments at the Victorian Fair.

Because the property is now maintained by the Texas Historic Commission, the buildings are preserved to look like they would have when they were occupied.

The Victorian Fair also featured a photo station inspired by that period of history.  Our daughter really enjoyed that station!

Outside the schoolhouse, there were historic games and a person making balloon animals.

Texas Parks and Wildlife brought some animal furs and bones for kids to observe and identify so students could learn about science and history.

While the Victorian Fair is an annual event, the home is available for tours throughout the year.  The kitchen was actually on the side of the home next to the servant quarters.  The stove actually works and was used to make lunch for the staff.  As an African American family, we appreciate the Texas Historical Commission for preserving the servant quarters to honor their contributions to the home and also to help our daughter the opportunities she has today.

The Starr Family Home is actually three stories and includes a huge and extravagant mother in law suite that has been preserved.

We highly encourage you to visit Marshall, Texas and tour the Starr Family Home.

What are your favorite historic places to visit?

Let us know in the comments!

Have a great week and plan for the weekend!

Sincerely,

The @WeekendsCount Family!

This post contains affiliate links to help you build your shopping list and travel list for your family. We provide easy links for you to click to make your busy lifestyle easier! 

About Weekends Count - Weekends Count is a Millennial Family Travel, Fun, Food and Activities blog based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas. We review hotels, travel and household items, and millennial family experiences!

Authors - Jennifer and Tony Edwards

Here's a link to our press kit/media kit - http://www.weekendscount.com/p/our-media-kit.html

Contact Information:
1030 East Highway 377 Suite 110
Box #145
Granbury TX 76048
817-382-8475
Send us an Email! We are PR friendly! - weekendscount@gmail.com

Our Social Media Channels:
Check Us Out on YouTube! - http://www.youtube.com/weekendscount/
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Look for Us on Instagram! - http://www.instagram.com/weekendscount/
Discover the Weekends Count Blog! - http://www.weekendscount.com

Remember to Purchase or Download Our Family Travel Book on Amazon! - Family Travel Hacks and Tips for Any Budget!

24 Hour Road Trip to Austin - Having Fun at the Capital One Cafe and Exploring Erin Condren!

If you are ever looking for an amazing day trip from the Dallas-Fort Worth or San Antonio area, choose Austin! It is great for staycations and amazing for fly-in trips from the Austin Airport. We checked out several neat family-friendly and millennial-friendly locations in Austin including the Capital One Cafe (actually two of them), then Erin Condren store (which is fabulous), and the downtown Austin area!

The Capital One Cafe is a MUST DO experience if you are near the Austin area. There are only two Capital One Cafes in Texas and both of these are in Austin. I've only been to one other Capital One Cafe and it was in Seattle. After I visited, I was definitely a Capital One fan for life.

When you have a Capital One card, you actually get 50% off Pete's Coffee Barista Beverages! They also have free one hour money coaching and free events! They also have Student Happy Hour, Eco Happy Hour, Hustle Live Events. Plus, these locations have free wifi and power outlets!

The two Capital One Cafes are located:

11801 Domain Blvd. Suite 160
Austin, TX 78758

and

106 E 6th St. Suite 100
Austin, TX 78701

*The Domain Blvd is located in a great location and it also has games for the children!

This post contains affiliate links to help you build your shopping list and travel list for your family. We provide easy links for you to click to make your busy lifestyle easier! 

Visit the Erin Condren Flagship Store

Another Austin must do included the Erin Condren store which was a short walk from the Capital One Cafe on Domain Blvd. This is the Flagship Gift and Stationary Store. This store was my dream! It has sample planners and a space for my daughter and husband to wait while I shopped and while the Erin Condren team constructed my new planner covers (I purchased three). It has an amazing accent wall and stairs that is definitely Instagram worthy AND they have workshops that are held often! I cannot wait to see what they have for December and January for goal setting.

When you visit the Erin Condren store, you should definitely consider doing the following:

1) Check out the sample planners on the wall! These sample planners are from Erin Condren influencers (bloggers and vloggers)!

2) Design your own planner cover on the back wall.

3) Have a seat in the waiting area! Or at least make sure your family sits there!

4) Use the computers to design your own planner!

5) Check out the designer Erin Condren notebooks and budgeing books!

6) Look at the Erin Condren teacher's guides! These are amazing!

7) Sign Up for the Erin Condren email list!

8) Attend an Erin Condren workshop!

9) Talk to the Erin Condren team about their favorite planners! These ladies are amazing and super positive!

10) Check out the Erin Condren exclusives! These are not available on the website!

The store is located:
11601 Rock Rose Suite 108
Austin, Texas 78758

If you are interested in checking out Erin Condren amazingness before you visit the store, check out their stationary on Amazon!

Have a great week and plan for the weekend!

Sincerely,

The @WeekendsCount Family!

About Weekends Count - Weekends Count is a Millennial Family Travel, Fun, Food and Activities blog based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas. We review hotels, travel and household items, and millennial family experiences!

Authors - Jennifer and Tony Edwards

Here's a link to our press kit/media kit - http://www.weekendscount.com/p/our-media-kit.html

Contact Information:
1030 East Highway 377 Suite 110
Box #145
Granbury TX 76048
817-382-8475
Send us an Email! We are PR friendly! - weekendscount@gmail.com

Our Social Media Channels:
Check Us Out on YouTube! - http://www.youtube.com/weekendscount/
Become a Fan of Facebook! - http://www.facebook.com/weekendscount/
Follow Us on Twitter! - http://www.twitter.com/weekendscount/
Look for Us on Instagram! - http://www.instagram.com/weekendscount/
Discover the Weekends Count Blog! - http://www.weekendscount.com

Remember to Purchase or Download Our Family Travel Book on Amazon! - Family Travel Hacks and Tips for Any Budget!

Fun Things to Do with Kids This Weekend in Fort Worth, Texas!

If you are considering spending your weekend in Fort Worth, here are some places you should visit with your family.

American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum
If your kids love planes, than a visit to the American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum is a great option, particular after leaving or before heading back to DFW International Airport. Kids can learn about the history of flight, why airplanes fly, how airplanes are maintained, and the life and career of American Airlines President C.R. Smith.

Fort Worth Zoo
As one of the nation's best zoos, the Fort Worth Zoo does not disappoint.  Kids who love reptiles and fish will enjoy the Museum of Living Art. The African Savanna brings ostriches, zebras, and giraffes together in one area.

Log Cabin Village
Located near the Fort Worth Zoo, Log Cabin Village features a gristmill, a blacksmith shop, a smokehouse, a school, a garden, and several log cabins that give children a glimpse of how people lived before electricity was commonplace.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a great way to learn about nature and get some exercise at the same time by walking. The Botanic Garden features a Japanese garden with koi ponds, cactus garden, rose garden, backyard vegetable garden, a compost outpost, and the Native Texas Boardwalk.

Botanical Research Institute of Texas
Kids can learn about grasses, vegetables, fruits, seeds, and flowers at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, or BRIT. In addition to providing exhibits for the public, BRIT also serves as a research center.

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Your future scientists will enjoy spending part of their weekend at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Popular exhibits include DinoLabs, the Energy Gallery, the Children's Museum, Innovation Studios, and the Cattle Raisers Museum.

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
Located next to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame shows that cowboys weren't the only Western heroes, a lesson that is just as important for sons as it is for daughters.

SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium
At SeaQuest, kids can feed and touch many of the animals there.  Kids also get the opportunity to learn about the animals that live in different habitats around the world.

Fort Worth Stockyards
Find out why Fort Worth is known as the city of Cowboys and Culture at the Fort Worth Stockyards.  The area is filled with celebrations of the city's Western Heritage. Below are some of the family-friendly spots in the Stockyards.

Fort Worth Cattle Drive
Every day at 11:30 am and 4:30 am, you can witness a recreation of the Historic Cattle Drives through Fort Worth along the Chisolm Trail with a modern-day cattle drive down Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards.

Cattle Pen Maze
You can watch the cattle drive from the observation deck above the Cattle Pen Maze. Modeled after a western cattle pen, family members can find out who can get through the maze first.

Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show
Every Saturday at 2:30pm and 4:30pm, kids of all ages can watch the recreation of the wild west show that toured the nation over 125 years ago. Kids will be entertained by roping, shooting, and riding tricks.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad
If your kids love Thomas the Tank Engine or The Polar Express, they will definitely enjoy the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Grapevine, Texas is north of Fort Worth, but also in Tarrant County.  Passengers can board the train in Grapevine and ride along the Cotton Belt Route to the Fort Worth Stockyards to visit the area for a while before returning to Grapevine. Plan at least five hours for the entire trip.

National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame
Here at the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame, kids can learn about Vaqueros, Buffalo Soldiers, Native American Chiefs, and the Tuskegee Airmen.  Kids can also enjoy storytelling on Saturday afternoons from 1pm to 3pm.

Want to find directions to the destinations on this list? Check out our custom Google Map!

For more travel tips, get our book "Family Travel Hacks and Tips for Any Budget" on Amazon!

So... what did we miss?  What's your favorite family-friendly activity in Fort Worth? Let us know in the comments!

This post contains affiliate links to help you build your shopping list and travel list for your family. We are passionate about the product and the experiences listed in this post, but we also wanted to provide easy links you can click to purchase products for your busy lifestyle.

This week,

Have a great week and plan for the weekend!

About Weekends Count - Weekends Count is a Millennial Family Travel, Fun, Food and Activities blog based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas. We review hotels, travel and household items, and millennial family experiences!

Authors - Jennifer and Tony Edwards

Here's a link to our press kit/media kit - http://www.weekendscount.com/p/our-media-kit.html

Mailing Address: 1030 East Highway 377 Suite 110; Box #145; Granbury TX 76048
Phone Number - 817-382-8475

Send us an Email! We are PR friendly! - weekendscount@gmail.com
Watch Our Videos on YouTube! - http://www.youtube.com/weekendscount/
Become a fan of Facebook! - http://www.facebook.com/weekendscount/
Follow Us on Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/weekendscount/
Look for Us on Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/weekendscount/
Discover the Weekends Count Blog - http://www.weekendscount.com

10 Must Do Family Travel Experiences in Granbury, Texas

We love Granbury, Texas! It is one of the best towns in Texas, but it is also one of the most interesting places in Texas for our family! It has some of the key items that families who embark on road trips across Texas need for their journey - great shopping, awesome food, and amazing people who are very helpful in making your weekend or week-long adventure a life long memory for your family!

Here are some key items that you MUST DO when visiting Granbury with your family, "10 Must Do Family Travel Experiences in Granbury, Texas".

1 - Stay at the Hilton Garden Inn (Wonderful Weekend Brunch)
The Hilton Garden Inn is the best hotel in Granbury. Our family loves to stay there during Texas staycations or when our family wants to visit the area!

2 - Rent a Kayak, Bicycle at Waterside Sports!
This has been one of the best, newest, family-friendly businesses that we have encountered. You can rent bicycles, kayaks, and other fun items at the Waterside Sports booths at the Granbury City Beach!

3 -  Play in the Granbury City Park
We love the Granbury City Park! The playground is under a very large pavilion to shade children from the hot sun. It is a great place to experience in the morning or in the early evening! Awesome experience, by far! There are also great (covered) picnic areas as well!

4 - Have Breakfast or Lunch at Paradise Bistro on the Granbury Square
Oh my goodness, their breakfast items, coffee, and other morning treats (and sweets) are amazing! Enjoy the atmosphere, the art, and the fact that the Paradise Bistro and Coffee Company provides a great view of the square. This is also a great Pokestop for your family if you play Pokemon Go! Also, there is a great Restaurant.com coupon for the Bistro as well!

5 -  Experience the Granbury City Beach
The Granbury City Beach has a large sandy area, great parking, and an amazing atmosphere. The kids can have fun in the kid-centric splash pad while mom and dad have a relaxing moment!

6 -  Visit the Smallest State Park in Texas!
The smallest state park in Texas according to the Texas Historical Commission is the Grave of Elizabeth Crockett in Acton, Texas. Shall we say more? You should definitely check this historical attraction off of your list!

7 - Have Dinner at Palio's Pizza Cafe!
This is such great restaurant (Palio's Pizza Cafe) that is a newcomer to Granbury! I've never seen the parking lot empty!

8 - Prepare a Picnic by Purchasing Custom Ready to Eat Meals from the Kroger Marketplace Deli!
This is such a neat experience! As a millennial family, we are always on the lookout for neat experiences that our little one can experience without having to make a huge effort! That is why we LOVE selecting our meat (or main dish) and two side dishes as part of the ready-to-eat meals in the Kroger Marketplace Deli! We usually select these on Sunday and make a Sunday meal out of our salmon dish and some wonderful corn casserole. In the fall and early spring, we plan to take our meals to the Granbury City Beach!

9 - Experience Farm-Raised Food, Cottage Foods, and Hand Made Items at the Acton Local Market 
The Acton Local Market is a DO NOT MISS Saturday Event when visit Granbury on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Saturday of each month Saturdays. We will usually go at the beginning of the day with reusable bags in our hands. The potatoes are delectable and the atmosphere is very family friendly! Our family loves this experience on Saturdays!

10 - Walk Along the Granbury Board Walk (by the Conference Center and Hilton Garden Inn)
The Granbury Board Walk is a wonderful experience in early mornings after breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn or during the early evenings after visiting the Granbury City Beach. This is truly a refreshing experience when visiting Granbury!

Have a great week and plan for the weekend!

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Prepare for a Fun Summer with Our Top 5 Melissa and Doug Products from Amazon!

We love Melissa and Doug products for our little one. We have the easel, paint set, around 25 puzzles, and several outdoor items!

Participate in the Passport to Imagination by Your Local Michaels Store!

Join Michaels as they help kids learn, craft and explore 7 amazing museums each Monday, Wednesday and Friday!

Great experience for your children!

Choose a week on the website below to start your adventure!

http://www.michaels.com/on/demandware.static/Sites-MichaelsUS-Site/Sites-MichaelsUS-Library/default/misc/passport/mobile/index.html

Sesame Street Brunch at SEAWORLD San Antonio! Exciting!

This year on Cyber Monday, we decided to SPLURGE on our 2014 travel plans and we purchased a annual pass to Sea World San Antonio!

We are super excited to introduce our little one to Shamu and several Sesame Street characters! We cannot wait!

Spending Family Time on West 7th Street in Fort Worth - November & December Events

Our family is VERY excited about several upcoming events on West 7th Street in Fort Worth during November and December! Here's a list of family-focused activities:

3 Ways to Minimize Your Costs and Maximize Your Adventures While on Family Vacations

I love reading Woman's Day for deals, coupons, and amazing ideas!

In the June 2013 issue, Womsn's Day highlighted THREE items to remember before traveling on your family's vacation...

Our Summer Bucket List - 20 Items to Accomplish in Summer 2013!

After much thought, here are our summer bucket list! A few of the "absolutely" items were accomplished, but we can still add to the list!

Visit Grapevine Week! - Going to the Lodge - The Great Wolf Lodge! #grapevine (Youtube Wednesdays)

Can you REALLY take a toddler to the Great Wolf Lodge? hmmm...

This question has been asked in our family for the past few weeks! We would love for her to experience the atmosphere AND the water, but we are unsure if the hotel would be open to a 1 year old. :)

Get TWO Free Games of Bowling EVERYDAY this Summer!

Would you like for your little ones to remain physically active over the summer? Checkout this amazing website, Kids Bowl Free - http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/.

Just search for your hometown and a few participating bowling alleys should appear in the search results!

What an amazing opportunity!