I recently began snooping around this site for other bloggers, and I stumbled upon one that caught my attention. He is a man by the name of Sam Parkman. I began looking through his posts, and I must say, I was impressed with the creativity and photographic elements of his blog.
When reviewing his content, I noticed that he focused on exploration of the world around him, but he did it with an approach that is unconventional for travel bloggers of our time. He simply explores the sites right where he lives. I think working with what you have like this is very commendable, since we seem to live in a world that conforms to popular social media trends. The famous travelers of our day all seem to have unlimited money and resources, and go to far-flung places that ordinary people could not afford.
Parkman lives in London, and is simply exploring this historic city and bringing it to his followers. I thought this idea was very creative, and I like this homegrown approach. His site was very visually appealing, and he is not just posting about random monuments and scenery. He also engages his audience with current events and other forms of social media.
Perhaps I will have to make a habit of routinely exploring the outlets of other travelers and photographers. Getting new views and approaches is always good for those of us seeking to be creative. You should go check him out. If you wish to follow him, here is a link to his site. He is also active on Twitter, and his username is octstw.
When stereotyping America, Texas is usually one of the first things to come to mind. The adage, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” definitely holds true with its role in pop culture, history, and folk lore in our country. Legendary men like David Crockett, Jim Bowie, and Sam Houston all played a big role in Texas history. Let’s take a tour of the real culture, sights, and legends of Texas.
Naturally, the Alamo is the first thing that comes to mind when picturing Texas. The site can still be toured without a reservation, and seems to be randomly thrown into the middle of downtown San Antonio amid bustling city streets and high rise buildings. This is a result of the city growing around the Alamo, which was built as a church for a Spanish mission in the early 1700’s. Most people have only seen pictures of the church, like the one above, but the original Alamo consisted of an entire fort with walls, buildings and courtyards. Only parts of the fort are still standing, but tour guides provide insight as to where original buildings and events took place.
The famed Battle of the Alamo took place in 1836 during the Texas Revolution. The artifacts and sights found here are a history junkie’s dream. There is even a place in the stone next to the main doors of the church where marks can still be seen from buckshot fired during the battle.
These are some artifacts at the Alamo including David Crockett’s rifle, knife, and a sword owned by Sam Houston
San Antonio is a beautiful city with many great sites to see, but another one of the most famous is the River Walk, which is relatively close to the Alamo. The River Walk is a strip of beautiful walkways and overhanging trees along the San Antonio River, which is also lined with quaint little shops and restaurants. Tourists can also enjoy a boat ride on this little Venice-like area of downtown.
The charming roots of Texas culture can be found everywhere, from the fields packed with bluebonnets, to the little honkeytonks and dance halls to the crowded and sometimes rowdy streets of Austin and the Fort Worth Stockyards. The city of Austin is a well-known cultural hub of Texas and also the capitol. Thousands of people come for the sites, events and festivals like South by Southwest, the Austin City Limits Music Festival and even to see the million+ bats that emerge from under the Congress bridge every night.
This is the Congress Avenue Bridge, which is home to over a million bats that come out every nightThis is 6th Street, which is known as Austin’s official rowdy party district. The street is normally blocked off to vehicle traffic every weekend, but was recently open to vehicles on the weekend for the first time in 22 years, due to closures from the Coronavirus.
The heart of Fort Worth contains another wonderful historical district that is not as well known among non-Texan folk. The Fort Worth Stockyards began as a rough and tumble area around the railroad depot, which was used as a drop off point for herds of cattle being loaded onto rail cars during the 1800’s. Cowboys looking to blow off a little steam flocked to the surrounding saloons and places of ill repute after finishing their roles in the cattle drives, and this area became known as hell’s half acre. The saloons, rail station, and small shops remain to this day, and the Stockyards now have a famous bar called Billy Bob’s, which holds a claim as the world’s largest honkytonk. The bar has held concerts with many famous musicians over the years, including Johnny Cash, Ted Nugent, and Loretta Lynn, and added a unique touch to the place by having the celebrities leave a signature and hand prints in small blocks of concrete displayed on the walls. Here is a link to a video (not mine) if you wish to explore the Stockyards a little before visiting.
Texans all hold a special pride in their hearts because of the world-famous culture and history of the state, and rightfully so. I have only scratched the surface of this place, which was once its own independent nation. The experiences found here are a must-have on the list of anyone who enjoys getting out and seeing first-hand the wonderful things our country has to offer, just don’t forget to bring your sunscreen and cowboy hat. Below are a few extra pictures I have collected from around the state.
Lake Travis, just west of AustinThe Colorado River just off Highway 360 west of Austininside the rotunda of the Texas Capitol BuildingLuckenbach, the site of the classic country song about this placeLuckenbachWimberley, TXblooming cactus
With the rise of travel blogging, social media, and increasing tourism in our nation, certain destinations have become more popular than others. One particular favorite of vacationers is the great state of Colorado, and for good reason. This place hosts some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found in our country, and has become a favorite of mine.
Ever since I can remember, I have had a strange obsession with scaling the highest object I could find. As I grew older and life presented more opportunities, my tendencies have turned me toward a love of climbing mountains, and Colorado has a limitless supply of peaks with impressive climber bragging rights. The state is host to over 50 fourteeners, or mountains with an elevation over 14,000 feet. This rugged topography and empty wilderness draws adventurers of all types, from families simply wanting a scenic drive, to hardcore rock climbers, to hikers and hunters. The picture above shows some lakes below Mount Elbert, the highest peak in the Rockies. It sits at an impressive 14,439 feet high. I took this picture when I attempted to climb that mountain recently, and was rewarded with some awesome photographic views.
I encountered a considerable amount of snow pack still on the peak, even though it was mid-Summer, and faced a few other challenges like altitude sickness. Arriving in the area a few days in advance can be slightly beneficial in acclimating to the extreme elevation before attempting to climb a mountain like this. The trail to the peak passes through some dense forest for several miles before reaching the timberline. I snapped this picture of some Aspens near the beginning of the trail.
Another popular destination in Colorado is the city of Colorado Springs. It sits at the base of Pikes Peak, one of the most well known mountains in America. Pikes Peak has several ways to reach the top. A road goes all the way to the peak from the north side of the mountain, a cog railway runs up the eastern face, and Barr Trail also ascends the eastern side. The trail is definitely not for the weak or faint of heart. It stretches 12.5 miles to the peak and has an elevation gain of nearly 8,000 feet. The last time I climbed Pikes Peak, I noticed that the railroad was shut down. I don’t know if this is temporary or not, so if this is in your plans, I would definitely recommend doing a little online research before going.
This is the Manitou Incline, which connects to Barr Trail
If you are more of the scenic road trip type, there is a place that is a must see in Western Colorado. Highway 550, also known as The Million Dollar Highway, runs south from I-70 along the San Juan Range. I can honestly say this is the most beautiful drive I have ever taken. My favorite town along the Highway is called Ouray, and is known as the Switzerland of America, and for good reason. It is nestled in a steep canyon that brings to mind pictures of the Alps from tourist magazines. Ouray is a great stop along 550, and is within an easy drive of a more famous ski town called Telluride. Ouray is small, but has lots of amenities including hotels, campgrounds and quaint little cafes. Below are a few pictures I took of Ouray. If you want a little more of a peek at Ouray, here is a link to a video (not mine) with some footage of the breathtaking scenery in the area.
Tourism is understandably a huge part of Colorado’s economy, and it is always good to support small businesses and spend money here in the good old US of A. If seeing the Alps is on your bucket list, but recent events have taken a toll on your pocketbook, consider hitting up these awesome sights we have right here in our own backyard. You will be rewarded with some amazing memories and pictures. Below I’ve included a few extra picture of Pikes Peak and some snapshots I got on a drive over Independence Pass in the Sawatch Range.
The top of the picture shows some effects of the Waldo Canyon Fire of 2012Garden of the Gods looking toward Pikes Peak
When South Dakota is mentioned, most people have mental pictures of barren prairies, Native Americans, and oil fields, but there is so much more to this hidden gem of the West. I’ve spent a fair share of time roaming this great state, so let’s take a little inside peek at the things that put this place on the map, and a few things most non-locals don’t know about.
Most of South Dakota is simply open prairie with ranches and farms dotting the landscape, but the most well-known attraction of the state is the Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore. This national landmark draws over a million tourists to the Black Hills every year. One lesser-known feature of the monument is a hidden corridor carved into the mountain near the faces. It is easy to find lots of conspiracy theories about the real purpose of this feature since it is barred from public view. I once spoke with a former employee at the attraction, however, and he informed me that the only thing stored in the corridor is old equipment originally used in the carving of the mountain. Gutzon Borglum, the man who oversaw the carving, originally intended it to be a hall of records to store documents detailing the history of America, but this vision never came to fruition, and the cavern is now filled with rusting tools.
Let’s shift gears from national monuments to internationally known events. The town of Sturgis is a quaint historic place on the edge of ranch land, but every August, the town begins bustling with more tourists than people who claim residence in the entire state. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally draws riders from all over the world, and for 10 days, revelers converge on this site to party like there is no tomorrow. It could rightfully be referred to as the Mardi Gras of the North. The rally hosts many events, the most well-known being concerts featuring bands like Motley Crue, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pop Evil, and even Snoop Dogg. If you are looking for a wild anything goes type of party with the rowdiest crowd in America, look no further.
The Wild West is still very alive and well in South Dakota, and if you wish to experience a little of the history that made this place legendary, the state has a smorgasbord of exciting sites to visit. One of the most famous pieces of the Old West can be found in the town of Deadwood. The town is nestled in a steep canyon and began as an illegal gold mining camp in the middle of Indian territory. The wild lawlessness of the town drew a prominent figure to clean up the town in the 1870’s, a man by the name of Wild Bill Hickock. Soon after his arrival, he was shot in the back by an angry man who had lost in poker to Wild Bill. The exact spot of his murder in Saloon #10 and his grave can still be visited in Deadwood. He is buried next to another notable person of the Wild West, Calamity Jane.
If you wish to travel slightly farther across the state line into Wyoming, a lesser-known historical site sits nestled against a mountain that stands alone on the prairie. The small town is known as Sundance, home of the Sundance kid, the famed sidekick of Butch Cassidy. The mountain can be seen all the way from Montana to South Dakota.
All history and stereotypes aside, western South Dakota is home to some downright amazing scenery and open land that is free for all to roam. The Black Hills contain over two million acres of national forest with thousands of miles of trails serving everyone from hikers to hardcore powersports riders. All these reasons are why I love South Dakota. It contains lots of folk lore and many beautiful hidden places that are too numerous to mention in one blog. If you wish to find more outside resources on the subject, check out the South Dakota Department of Tourism site. Any person wanting to scratch a wanderlust itch has limitless opportunities to explore and feel a lingering presence of the bygone days that made our country legendary. Be sure to bring a camera, and let the adventures begin!
Hi, my name is Jonathan, and I’m a mass communications major at Texas State University. I started this blog as a project for a media class, and I will be bringing you content from my adventures all over the Western Hemisphere.
Exploring new places and cultures has always been my favorite pastime, and I hope to provide you with insight into places that you would otherwise never know about. I love to delve into the aura of new places, to learn their story, to find the local legends and lore that makes them what they are. I love to speak with the elderly and natives of distinct regions who know things you cannot find on the internet and to record it for those who cannot go there. I record it for you, and this is where I am finally beginning to publish these adventures.
I have been lucky enough to cover hundreds of thousands of miles over the years, and I have toted a camera with me the whole way. I will be including these pictures with my posts, and I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Along with simply exploring scenic places, I also have a deep fascination with history and getting first hand stories from locals. I have begun conducting interviews with the elderly, and I am just starting to upload them on YouTube. In the near future, I will post links to these interviews in conjunction with videos from my adrenaline junky activities. I realize that sometimes life can get monotonous, and responsibilities can make the daily grind difficult, but I hope to create a little break in that rat race with a small peek into the amazing sights and experiences our world has to offer!
Gypsy with a Camera 