mandy seymour – Page 2 – Best Rated Reviews

Best of The Best: Galveston, TX

Galveston, TX – Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

If you are looking for a memorable summer vacation, we recommend a visit to Galveston, TX. Located 1 1/2 hours away from Houston, TX, there are many enjoyable places to stay, visit and enjoy R & R.

For a memorable hotel stay, we recommend The Lasker Inn. The Lasker Inn is an elegant, private and upscale venue for intimate and unforgettable vacations stays. The Inn’s gourmet chef serves a scrumptious, hearty breakfast.

The Lasker Inn is also one of Galveston’s premiere wedding venues. The Laster Inn provides wedding guests with “The Laster Inn Experience,” an all-inclusive package which includes every detail for wedding and reception planning and caters to even the most particular guests. Proprietor Richard Conner is the consummate host. He takes great pride in making arrangements for his guests so they may have the most enjoyable stay and event possible. Find out more at LaskerInn.com.

Several delicious restaurants are located just a 10 minute’s drive away from the inn. We enjoyed dining at Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar. The establishment serves scrumptious gumbo and hot-and-fresh beignets. One of the islands most formal restaurants is Rudy and Paco. An ice cream shop, coffee shop and specialty shops are located within walking distance of these Galveston Nightlife eateries.

When visiting the beach in Galveston, beaches are usually packed densely with tourists June through early September. From mid-September through May, the beaches are quieter and less packed.

When you visit in the summer, we recommend also making plans to visit in December (during Dickens on The Strand) and in February (during Galveston Mardi Gras).

Galveston, TX Nightlife – Best Rated Reviews

Best of The Best: San Antonio, TX Christmas

If you are looking for a “best of the best” Christmas vacation in San Antonio, we have several recommendations for you. Attractions on the top of our list include the San Antonio Riverwalk, Go Rio River Cruises, the Alamo, Market Square, and the San Antonio Zoo.

San Antonio Riverwalk

During the Christmas holidays, the San Antonio Riverwalk is transformed into a magical array of twinkling lights and festive holiday cheer. It is one of the most memorable places to spend Christmas and New Years in Texas. We recommend enjoying a leisurely stroll down the San Antonio Riverwalk. There are many restaurants and other venues to enjoy the memorable ambiance of the San Antonio Riverwalk.

Go Rio Riverboat Cruises

If you are looking for a memorable experience, we recommend Go Rio Cruises. Taking a scenic sightseeing tour on a boat gives a first-rate experience of San Antonio’s festive holiday decor as guests enjoy passing through the canopy of lights and seeing the river from a different perspective. The Go Rio captains are also skilled tour guides who narrate a memorable introduction to San Antonio’s rich and varied history. Go Rio Cruises features a variety of cruises to choose from, including Narrated Cruises, River Shuttles, Dinner Cruises, and Private Charters. You can find out more at goriocruises.com

The Alamo

A visit to San Antonio is not complete without a visit to The Alamo. This historic venue is a cultural icon. During the holidays, the surrounding plaza is decorated with a beautiful Christmas tree and an adjacent magnificent oak tree covered in lights is the twinkle of the town.

Market Square

Market Square is San Antonio’s best shopping experience for anyone looking for Mexican handicrafts and imports. Market Square features many colorful shops as well as the legendary Mi Tierra bakery and restaurant. During weekends and other special occasions, mariachis serenade visitors and the area hosts occasional traditional dancing and music.

San Antonio Zoo

The San Antonio Zoo is a special place rich in animal experiences for children and adults alike. The San Antonio Zoo features interactive animal experiences, which include petting a kangaroo, feeding colorful birds, and during the holidays, even camel rides. There are many interesting animals to see here and the rocky, limestone landscape backdrop gives a Hill Country ambiance to one’s zoo experience.

Tower of The Americas

During the holidays, a visit to Tower of The Americas provides an opportunity to view the city’s many colorful lights. Dinner or dessert at the Charthouse, the Tower of The America’s spinning restaurant, adds an extra memorable experience to one’s visit. We especially recommend the Chocolate Lava Cake.

San Antonio is a city which enthralls visitors with a “best of the best” travel experience every time. We highly recommend it during Christmas and any other time of the year as well!

Best of The Best: Texas Hill Country

Best of Texas Hill Country

If you’re looking for a memorable couples Fall Getaway, we recommend the Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, TX. The Hyatt Hill Country Resort immerses guests in the “best of the best” of the Texas Hill Country.

Located just a 20-minute drive from The San Antonio Riverwalk, the property offers a one-of-a-kind golf course, upscale and causal dining, natural-themed pools, and a daily calendar of events and activities.

The Hyatt Hill Country Resort is one of San Antonio’s premiere destinations to experience and enjoy one of the finest spas in the area. We felt rejuvenated and refreshed by a Hill Country facial, deluxe pedicure, and luxuriating swim in the spa pool. The Hyatt Hill Country Resort offers high-quality spa services. Our pedicure lasted for many weeks with no chipping.

We want to give a special Best Rated recognition to the Hyatt Hill Country’s resident naturalist who leads the guided nature walks. He led us on an expert nature walk through the property. His passion for the flora and fauna of the Texas Hill Country was contagious.

After our memorable visit to the Hyatt Hill Country Resort, we enjoyed lunch on the iconic San Antonio Riverwalk. We visited the Historic Market Square, which is the best source for Mexican handicrafts and apparel in the area.

The next day, we drive west to Garner State Park where we hiked and swam in the Frio River.

We enjoyed a refreshing dip in the Frio River at sunset. I took this photo just as the sun had set. The beauty of Garner State Park and the Frio River provided an enchanting river swim and sunset moment I’ll always remember.

That night, we stargazed and saw the Milky Way (which is visible July – October, especially on moonless nights).

The next day, we headed to Enchanted Rock where we camped under the stars. If you are looking to visit nature and hike but you do not desire to camp, we recommend a stay at Trois Estate. It is an Albuquerque-themed bed and breakfast with unique vistas and a special getaway feel.

En route to Enchanted Rock, we meandered through the Texas Hill Country. We stopped half way for a home-cooked Chicken Fried Steak and some of the best mashed potatoes we have ever had. We enjoyed a delectable homemade peach cobbler and shopping in Fredericksburg, TX en route to Enchanted Rock.

That night, we enjoyed the panoramic vista of stars and Enchanted Rock’s designation as a Night Sky destination.

The next day, we drove to Austin and enjoyed a high-protein breakfast at Casa de Luz. We finished our 4-day road trip with a swim in Austin’s Guadalupe River.

The best time is quality time. When you visit these places with the one you love, you’ll have a “best of the best” experience and cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Mandy Seymour and Sarah Seymour, Mother-Daughter Travel Duo

Tanzania by Mandy Seymour

I visited Tanzania during The Great Migration. It was a wondrous sight to be hold! Witnessing the migration of thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and birds as they traverse the Serengeti is a “best of the best” travel experience of a lifetime.

During my photo journey, I encountered many amazing and wondrous animals! I met deep and prevailing peoples. I experienced animals and nature in their splendid glory of being fully alive, enjoying the vast and varied terrain upon which they live.

Here are some of the animals, people and places I visited on safari in Africa. I encourage you to make the trek to Tanzania. It’s worth it!

Lion Sleeping

I saw this lion sleeping on a rock next to his majestic brother. He was resting so deeply.

Elephants in Tanzania by Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

Two elephants caress with their trunks in Tarangire National Park in Tanzania, Africa. While witnessing The Great Migration is a sign to behold, visiting Tarangire National Park was my favorite experience on safari in Africa. It is a wonderland of elephants. We spent three days watching, enjoying, and photographing hundreds of elephants – who all went about their daily lives as if we were not there.

Hotel Maisha, Tarangire – Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

I stayed in a treehouse safari tent and enjoyed writing in my tent while I was there.

Colorful Bird in Tanzania – Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

Tanzania is home to colorful birds.

Cheetah in Tanzania by Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

This cheetah stared at a zebra in the distance for an hour. She did not run after it (which was okay with me because I had actually prayed I would not see an animal get killed and God answered my prayer the entire safari!)

Maasai by Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

The Masai people are noble and fierce. They are warriors who guard their people and livestock and protect them from lions and other predators.

Maasai Jumping by Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

The Masai can jump very high. They can make fires by hand.

Maasai Women by Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

Masai women make beautiful, intricate necklaces.

Safari Picnic in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Safari Picnics are memorable on the Serengeti!

My stay at Kitela Lodge was magical!

Hot Air Ballon Ride Over Serengeti by Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

No safari experience is complete until you’ve ridden over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon.

Sunset in Tarangire National Park by Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

Tanzania with Maasai Warrior by Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

Camp Allen in Navasota, TX

I recently attended a leadership conference and retreat at Camp Allen Retreat Center in Navasota, Texas. Camp Allen is a high-quality retreat and conference venue. The retreat center offers hotel accommodations and cabins.

Visitors enjoy pristine views of nature, a serene lake, nature trails, and (in March-April) Texas wildflowers.

Find out more about Camp Allen at CampAllen.org.

Travel in Texas during Covid-19: Galveston, Texas

Galveston, TX by Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

Can you travel in Texas during Covid 19? We keep getting this question regularly, so we are engaging in firsthand exploration of travel during Covid 19. Here’s the answer: It depends on who you ask and where you go. Although travel has been limited and many travel plans have been curtailed across the nation and the world, it is possible to still find opportunities to travel – even if it’s somewhat of a Staycation compared to the farther away trip you may have been planning to take before Covid 19.

The last week of May 2020, we visited Galveston, TX for a weekend getaway. It provided a much-needed respite from the new norm of daily life under Corona. People have been visiting Galveston Island for years to enjoy the beach and local activities as well as to improve their overall health and well-being. Sunshine and serenity of the ocean can do anyone good!

We stayed at Hotel Galvez in an oceanfront room. We enjoyed the classic ambiance, first-rate service, and beautifully landscaped pool. The hotel maintained Covid-cleanliness protocols and social distancing. But those necessities did not stifle the trip in any way. We were so thankful to be there, to get to enjoy our Galveston getaway.

We enjoyed swimming, sunbathing and strolling along the beach. We went shopping at a fantastic sundress and swimwear shop. Located 1 block away from Hotel Galvez, we think it’s the best apparel shop in Galveston – and we’ve been to all of them. We enjoyed a scrumptious, fresh-from-the-oven pizza from Marios on the Seawall. And we savored delicious ice cream and sweets at La King’s confectionary on The Strand.

We arrived on a Friday and left on a Saturday. Friday, the Island was fairly quiet day and night. Saturday, about mid-afternoon, it was bustling. Festive beachgoers packed the beaches. By the time it was overcrowded (which doesn’t take long during these Corona times), we left.

Our best advice? Plan to go to Galveston, TX when everyone else won’t be there if possible. Weekdays will be less crowded than weekends during the Summer. Regulations are in place to keep Covid risk to a minimum as much as possible in Galveston. Be smart. Be wise. And enjoy the Texas sunshine!

Rating: 5 stars! Best of the Best!

Galveston’s Website: Galveston.com

Photos from our visit to Galveston, TX during Summer 2020:

Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is educational fun for all ages. Animal exhibits abound featuring interesting animals from around the world. In recent years, the zoo has expanded its exhibits to include additional animals from Texas and Africa. The Houston Zoo is hosted on beautifully landscaped grounds with some of Houston’s most beautiful oak trees.

Find out more at HoustonZoo.org

Rating: 5 Stars! Best of the best!

Featuring the best of Houston weekend in Houston, TX by Best Rated Reviews

TGR Exotics Wildlife Zoo

If you are looking to experience a Safari in your own backyard and you live in Houston, Texas or surrounding vicinities, we have a recommendation for you. TGR Exotics Wildlife Zoo is a family-owned and operated collection of some of the friendliest exotic animals around. The zoo houses over 100 types of animals.

On the day we went, there were 3 tours taking place. The up-close and personal interaction with the animals made for an unforgettable experience. We met Chaco the Camel, Buffy the Water Buffalo, an ant eater, fast-moving sloths, and an ancient armadillo as well as a bearcat.

The animals have special scratching posts that look like they tumbled out of the Wild West. We were surprised to learn that these “scratching posts” were actually recycled Christmas trees. Each year, people donate their Christmas trees to the zoo. Chaco the Camel sat on his, using it as a cushion. The goats ate the greenery and then used theirs as back scratchers. And most amusingly, Walter the Warthog jubilantly tossed his Christmas tree 9 feet up in the air and played with it for many days before making it into a personalized scratching post as well.

To our surprise and delight, large pigs came charging toward us – and once we started petting them, they fell over on the ground and went straight to sleep, laying there for several minutes. And when we went to see the sloths, one of them was crawling around his cage the speed of a relaxed monkey. We have never seen such a happy or fast sloth.

They really take care of their animals and care about them. It is very apparent the animals are well-loved. They have very amazing creatures who are very responsive to humans. Everything is clean and well-maintained.

The zoo is spacious and each tour is highly personalized. While the animals are well-loved and cared for. Yet they are not pets. Rather, they are sold to zoos across the country. Tours last 1 1/2-2 hours. Strollers are welcome. You must wear closed – toed shoes.

During summer and during the year, the camp has the zoo has a camps, programs for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and all kinds of other activities. However, you must register in advance because this is a privately and facility. 6:30 PM is the best tour time for summers.

We highly recommend TGR Exotics Wildlife Zoo as a “best of the best” family outing for summer and year-round fun. It is an animal adventure you don’t want to miss.

Website: TGRExotics.com

The wildlife park is located 10 miles east of Tomball, TX in Spring, TX.

Hierve El Agua – Oaxaca, Mexico

Hierve El Agua is located in Oaxaca, Mexico. It is a beautiful mountain oasis. Visitors hike through the mountains on a level path and arrive at the swimming sites. Hierve El Agua is tranquil, peaceful and refreshingly cold. It is one of two geographical sites featuring calcite pools. The other is located in Pummukale, Turkey. I have visited both. Each of them offer a wonderful experience.

Hierve El Agua in Oaxaca, Mexico by Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

Visitors enjoy swimming in the spring-fed waters among the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico and surrounding areas.

Travelers can hike, explore the pristine waters, and enjoy the fresh mountain air at Hierve El Agua in Oaxaca, Mexico and surrounding areas.

The trails surrounding Hierve El Agua in Oaxaca, Mexico. Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

Hierve El Agua by Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

Alexander The Great Greek in Houston, Texas

Located in Houston’s Galleria area, Alexander The Great Greek has great food and people, is easy to find and offers valet parking.  Although unassuming on the outside, it is a world apart on the inside.  Upon entering, we stepped into the festive nature of Greek culture.  We were transported into the very heart of Greece and were met as though we were family as we were ushered to our table.  We were seated near the bandstand and were immediately greeted by an enthusiastic and completely knowledgeable server.We had just settled in when the band appeared and began to play authentic  Greek music that completed transporting us back to the Old Country.

As we sat and enjoyed the atmosphere, I closed my eyes for just a moment and fully expected that when I opened them again, I would be staring out into the Mediterranean.  It felt just like we had traveled thousands of miles  and we were sitting with a large family overlooking the azure sea. The festive word “Opa!” was constantly being shouted out by someone having a good time, enjoying the festivities.  Opa is a term used for happiness and joy, like “hooray” in English, but better! As our food began to arrive, one sumptuous dish after another continued to amaze us with the quality, presentation, and incredible taste.

The staff at Alexander The Great Greek was so proud of every dish they served us, their enthusiasm made eating a delight.  From salad to desert, everything was brought to us as if it were an expensive gift and carefully presented to show the absolute pride in what they serve and are. As we dined at this feast, we were suddenly entertained by a professional belly dancer.  Not only did she perform perfectly, the authentic music played by the band completed the transformation and left us thinking that we were thousands of miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Before we realized it, over two hours had passed.  And it was time to go back to the world as we know it.  But for just over two hours, we got to see the heart of Greece  and made a new family of friends that will remain in our hearts for a long time.  Do not miss an opportunity to visit Alexander The Great Greek.

We especially enjoyed the Grilled Red Snapper (which was so fresh and delicious, it seemed as if someone had just come in from the seashore and delivered the catch of the day and wanted us to have their best).  Mousakka, the live music, and the bellydancer.

Visit Alexander The Great Greek  on Friday or Saturday night for live music and bellydancing from 8-10 p.m.

Website: www.alexanderthegreat.cc

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