Austin, Texas has many claims to fame. It’s the liberal hotbed of conservative Texas, the live music capitol of the world (or at least the country), and it’s proudly “weird”. It’s also been criticized for skyrocketing costs of living in recent years and an LA-like obsession with status and trendiness. Both the criticism and the most well-known characteristics, however, fail to touch on one of the things that makes Austin so attractive to residents and visitors alike: its natural beauty and the ample opportunities to enjoy it for little or no money.

McKinney Falls State Park sits on the southeast corner of the city and can be enjoyed every day for just $5 per person. The park offers shaded campgrounds for tents and RVs, as well as plenty of outdoor recreation for the day visitor. Biking and bouldering are among the most popular – and will burn the health conscious the most calories – but long walks and fishing can keep the laid back crowd in touch with Mother Nature.

As the name suggests, McKinney Falls State Park is also home to some photogenic scenery, including the upper and lower waterfalls. While small, the falls are beautiful and give kids a chance to get up close and personal with the rushing water as the rocks that form the falls can actually be traversed by foot. For over night trips like this one, you may want to consider staying at mountain lodges or cabins to capture the true experience instead of staying at hotels.

Austin’s weather makes McKinney and other local parks enjoyable all year long, but the extreme heat of the summer does call for safety precautions like ample water and shade breaks. The mild winters are perfect for throwing out a sweatshirt and getting out into the sunshine.

Photos: Britt Reints

Voo doo dolls in a New Orleans gift shop

The first time I visited New Orleans it was to attend a conference and hang out with friends. It’s no surprise, then, that I spent a few nights on Bourbon Street and got very familiar with the Crescent City’s reputation for a good party. I had a blast, but I was a little nervous about how my routine visit – one I planned to make with two small children in tow – would compare.

Visiting New Orleans with kids definitely involves fewer hurricanes and mechanical bulls, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had. In fact, most of New Orleans is very family friendly. Read More »

You may not realize it, but one of the most recognized houses in the world stands in tiny Eldon, Iowa.

American Gothic House, Eldon, Iowa

This humble house, built in the early 1880′s, caught the eye of Iowa artist Grant Wood because of its beautiful Gothic window which he called, “pretentious for such a small house.”  After asking permission to use the house as a background for a painting, Grant Wood went on to create an icon recognized the world over.  In fact, Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel 2012″ lists the American Gothic House as one of the “Top 10 Places to Put Yourself in the Picture”.

Visiting The American Gothic House

Tiny Eldon, Iowa is located in the south east corner of the state.  Most people who find the house are following the Grant Wood Trail or are luck upon it on their way to the Villages of Van Buren.

Next to the American Gothic House is the Visitors Center.  This free museum shares the history of Grant Wood, including letters donated by his sister Nan Wood Graham, who was his female model for the American Gothic painting (the male model was his dentist Dr. B.H. McKeeby).

My favorite part of the exhibit was the many parodies of American Gothic, including Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Muppets, Barbie and Looney Toones.

American Gothic Parodies

Put Yourself in the Picture

The friendly staff at the American Gothic House Center are happy to help you get the right photo.  Just ask and they will advise you on the best place to stand and even take the photo for you.  You can even get the true American Gothic feel by dressing up in provided costumes and holding a pitchfork.

American Gothic Style

Of course you’ll want to take a “traditional” American Gothic photo- but then ham it up a bit!  Poke your partner with a pitchfork or add a bit of modern times to your image.

Don’t leave without a stop in the gift shop; the American Gothic House is free to visit so any purchases made help support the site (donations are also accepted).

Tips for Visiting American Gothic House:

Open daily year round:

May-September: Sunday & Monday 1-4pm; Tuesday thru Saturday 10am-5pm

October-April: Saturday thru Monday 1-4pm; Tuesday thru Friday 10am-4pm

Closed for observed holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday After Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

If the weather is bad a cut-out version of the house is available for indoor photos.

Showman's Rest is marked by granite posts topped with elephants

Since 1937 the small town of Hugo, Oklahoma has been known in certain circles as “Circus City”. As many as 22 circuses have called Hugo home during the winter in the years since and though most have moved on some of their performers remain, forever “on the stage” at Showman’s Rest.

Showman’s Rest is easily found in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Granite posts, each topped with an elephant, mark the rectangular plot where the performers share their final act- the elaborate tombstones sharing their stories.

Animal Trainers, Aerialists, Ringmasters and More have their "Final Act" at Showman's Rest

From towering stones carved with the ringmaster’s likeness to 3 dimensional tents and benches for sharing stories, this is a cemetery that is fun to visit.

Elaborate tombstones befitting elaborate lives

Directions: 200 S Broadway, Trice & 8th St; or take the Rt 70 bypass south of town and watch for the Olivet Cemetery sign.

Open during daylight hours, group tours available by appointment.

Photos by Jody Halsted.  To see more images of Showman’s Rest please visit my Oklahoma set on Flickr.