Planning your Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day Weekend is coming up, and as most of us have been too busy prepping our kids to go back to school, we may have forgotten to plan for a Labor Day getaway.
We shouldn’t miss this great three-day break that comes right at the end of a typical hot Texas summer.
It is the perfect opportunity for a family road trip.
If you are looking for ideas, then we’ve got you covered.
Explore Fredericksburg – Deep in the Heart of Texas
The small towns along the country roads that fan out westward from Austin make up the heart of the Texas Hill Country. This area will surprise you with amazing things to do for the whole family.
The city of Fredericksburg is a favorite of many; it is not your typical Texas town. The town, notable as the home of Texas German, is full of charm, character, and history.
Things to do in the area:
A Stroll of the Fredericksburg Historic Main Street is a must do. The German influence in this city is very evident in most storefronts, and here is where you can indulge in some German food and Biergarten. If you are in the mood for some shopping then, here there are tons of boutiques selling unique items.
Also, when done, you can walk to Marktplatz (Market Square) which is just along the Main Street, which you get to see the first church and school established in Fredericksburg.
Get yourself an excellent and fun workout and head to Enchanted Rock. This is a magical, mysterious and genuinely enchanted place and is fun for the whole family.
However, you better gear up in comfortable shoes and clothing and bring lots of water. Go early to avoid the Texas heat and the long line to get in the park.
Park is open 8:30 am but double check with their website for holiday hours.
Visit some of the local Vineyards and Wineries; this place is not also called “Texas Wine Country” for no reason.
There are lots of great choices; the Becker’s Vineyards is a kid-friendly vineyard and offers some food and wine tasting.
Plus, you are in for a treat since their Annual Grape Stomp is on September 1st and 2nd. It is going to be lots of stomping fun!
If you want to add some historical sites to your itinerary, then a visit to the Texas State House should be on your list. LBJ Ranch, about 20 minutes from Fredericksburg is where President Lyndon B. Johnson was born, grew up and died.
You can now tour the Ranch at your own pace with your private vehicle. It is part of the LBJ National Park and Historic Sites; so there are other fun things to do around.
The second historic site might be a surprise to you, but thanks to Fredericksburg being the childhood home of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.you can find The National Museum of the Pacific War here, and it is indeed a gem.
The complex includes the Admiral Nimitz Museum, George Bush Gallery of the Pacific War, the Plaza of the Presidents, the Japanese Garden of Peace, Memorial Walk, and the Pacific Combat Zone. You don’t want to miss this place.
Explore Bentonville, Arkansas – The Birthplace of Walmart
Yes, you heard it right. Bentonville, AR is the birthplace of the famous retailer, Walmart.
No doubt that Walmart put this small town on the map, however, there’s a lot more to see and do for the whole family. This place may not be on your family travel bucket list, but it should be.
It is only about 5-hour drive from the DFW area, and you get to enjoy some of what “The Natural State,” Arkansas, offers to its visitors each year.
Here are the top activities to do:
1. Visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. It has an impressive landscape, which covers 120 acres of woodland with six nature trails. The Ozark Mountain region is breathtaking at any time of the year, so make time to walk on some of the nature trails; the arts trail features a variety of sculptures, native plants, and waterways.
The inside is no doubt beautiful which housed some of the American arts spanning from the Colonial period to contemporary works. They have some traveling exhibits all year round which enhances the visitor experience, and it is worth checking out. So, whether you are into art or nature, a visit to Crystal Bridges is a must do.
2. While in the campus of Crystal Bridges Museum, don’t miss visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright House. It is the first Wright house in Arkansas – which served as an example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s classic Usonian architecture. Tours are available at a specific time to view this house.
Photo credit: Janette Alfaro
Learn about the history of Walmart at The Walmart Museum. As what the website says, “The Walmart Digital Museum is curated to engage, inspire, and educate visitors about the company’s heritage, about the intersection of culture, brand, and history.
Step inside the downtown Bentonville galleries—from wherever you are—to learn more about its past, and to see where it’s going in the future.” It is much fun for kids and adults alike.
Enjoy the Scotty Family Amuzeum. This place is nothing short of amazing, and it is excellent for children ages 2, and up, parents will enjoy themselves as well.
The modern building features approximately 20,000 square feet of exhibit, and the inside space brings learning to life and enhances family involvement, interaction, and discovery to learn and grow. We had a great time here, and my kids don’t want to leave.
However, if you don’t plan on staying away from home, here are some places that you can quickly go for a day trip from DFW; keeping in mind that it should be fun for the whole family.
Glen Rose, Texas – Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, is one of the world’s leading animal conservation facilities in which provides an opportunity to let visitors experience a taste of Africa.
It is going to be a trip to remember.
Oklahoma City – The Boom Town, OKC can be done as a day trip from DFW. A 3-hour drive will get you to experience the booming city of Oklahoma.
Try to go straight to Bricktown Canal and hop aboard the water taxi which shows you some historical sites through the heart of downtown Oklahoma City’s Bricktown entertainment district.
Also, don’t miss the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum which is the home to one of the most extensive collections of American cowboy artifacts in the country.
Paris, Texas – See the 65-foot-tall Eiffel Tower, walk around the Historic Downtown Paris and the town square where you see the Culbertson Fountain and take a tour of the historic Sam Bell Maxey House.
Waco, Texas – Fixer Upper fan or not, I believe it is worth the trip to check out the Magnolia Market at Silos, check out few museums and parks.
Lastly, Fort Worth which offers many things to do for the whole family. Or, for a more tame Labor Day you can always consider the Collin Creek mall stores and enjoy some great shopping.
Wherever you decide to go, have a fantastic time and advance Happy Labor Day!!!
This post was written and curated by Plano Mom, Bon Bon Montero – who is also a well seasoned Family Traveler – thank you Bon Bon!