Texas: Kemah Boardwalk – A Relaxing Getaway

We had an evening free during a quick business trip to Houston, and decided to check out the Kemah Boardwalk. Twenty miles from downtown Houston, the boardwalk is loaded with charm – a refreshing getaway from the city that somehow manages to be busy and activity-filled and simultaneously immensely relaxing.

If you love a good roller coaster like I do, check out the Boardwalk Bullet, a good old fashioned wooden coaster on the gulf. It may have only opened in 2007, but it is reminiscent of the seaside classics dating back 100 years. The slice of Americana boasts 3,300 feet of track, crossing over its own tracks a record-breaking 42 times, and travels at more than 50 mph. There are plenty of other thrills to be had on the boardwalk, as well. Tickets are available individually or as a package.

Thrills are not the only thing offered at this little escape on the Gulf Coast. The sea air blowing through our hair was just the thing after a long day of meetings and work. We enjoyed an open-air dinner on the patio at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., then took a relaxing stroll along the boardwalk, tossing a handful of food to the catfish and exploring the shops.

The boardwalk also features an aquarium and a beautiful little inn. Check out their website to learn more.

We found ourselves at the boardwalk on Tribute Band Tuesday, which was a fun surprise. The evening featured “Walk This Way” and “Guns4Roses.”

It was a treat to unwind with a drink (check out the little booths around the square for the alcoholic and non-alcoholic sort alike – we partook in a yard long frozen concoction) and people watch to the tunes of these great bands.
Children splashed and danced on the splash pad, couples moved to the music, the smell of funnel cakes hanging in the air. There’s something special about summer nights on the water, and Kemah Boardwalk was a great place to spend this one.

The drive back to Houston was painless, too, which was an important feature. (They sure do have a lot of toll booths here, though! Have small cash ready to go to save time.)

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Montana: Family Fun at Billings Brew & BBQ

We checked out the Billings Brews & BBQ festival at the Metra today – what a great family event. Yes, I said family event. There were families hanging out on the grass enjoying delicious treats and live music, plus there was a great variety of local beers. Learn more about the annual event here.

Held annually, the festival brings together brewers from all over the region to share their brews. It is a great place to roll out something new, but there is also lots of old standbys and favorites to enjoy.

Attendees purchase a glass (come early – they ran out this year!) and ticket package, and then exchange one ticket for each drink sample. It isn’t just about beer, either. Brewers brought along meads and handcrafted sodas, too. We tried several different versions of a Scottish ale from brewers around the state, and really enjoyed comparing the complexities of each. Is that mint I sense? What a surprise!

It wouldn’t be a festival without a variety of great local food, so follow your nose over the check out some juicy, slow-cooked barbecue, or opt for other choices from Subway to hot dogs to funnel cakes.

Local music and some great vendors rounded out the fun next to the lake on the Metra grounds.

To put this fun event on your calendar for next year, check out the Metra Calendar of Events. And don’t forget to drink responsibly!

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California: San Clemente Concerts on the Beach

We hit the beach tonight for the last of the 2013 Concerts on the Beach in San Clemente. It was a great time, with reggae music by World Anthem, and a yummy dinner for just $8 from The Fisherman's Restaurant. The band was really fun - Bria loved dancing in the sand! What a beautiful way to enjoy a sunset in our new hometown.

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Bahamas: Atlantis Marina and Bimini Road

We had heard that Johnny Rockets was THE place to go with kids, but when we wandered to the end of the boardwalk and found it was a burger place, we decided to go back to Bimini Road, a bright and airy spot with local fare.

It was dusk, and there were buskers playing drums and singing on several spots along the marina boardwalk. Bria stopped to dance with some of them, and had a fabulous time - they even had little handmade instruments so the children could join in. She is a big fan of the beats of this island music.

Bimini Road was brightly colored and bustling. We joined the queue and the hostess added our names to a list, giving us a pager and telling us it would be 60-80 minutes. We took the pager outside and enjoyed the live music - but were pleasantly surprised when the pager went off after only about 10 minutes.

The service was fast and friendly, with a parade of smiles greeting us at our table. It had been a long day of travel, so none of us was especially hungry, so we ordered a variety of sides and enjoyed them as a family. The conch fritters and fried plantains went over especially well.

The drinks were a bit spendy, but that was to be expected, and overall we were very happy with this simple first night meal.

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