Looking for an activity to get out of the house, learn something new, but still stay inside your warm vehicle (if you wish)? Sound good?

Join me as I go “Live” (gulp!) on my blog Facebook page and provide details about Council Bluffs, Iowa Public Art!

I’m feeling rather snarky today as our furnace is not working on the coldest day in recent memory. 🤨 Just know I am sending this out under a pile of blankets dressed like an Alaskan lumberjack freshly back from a thrift store run. 😏

This post showcases photos and locations I haven’t had a chance to touch on. So, here we go!

Despite the fact I do eat at restaurants when I travel, I do not proclaim to be a “foodie.” Scottsdale is known for their great restaurants, though, so trying at least a few is a must-do. It’s all part of the fun!

Last night I went off on my own and toured the Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo. It is a special holiday attraction with more than 4 million lights that runs until January 14. It was absolutely gorgeous

While a quarter million (250,000) currently live in Scottsdale, the original downtown/Old Town feels very much like a small town. There are many small shops of all types, fun restaurants, artwork and galleries galore, beautiful public areas, and an unbelievable amount of Western Americana.

My mom, sister, daughter, and I went to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. They host a special holiday event each year called Las Noches de las Luminarias” which is simply incredible.

I am loving the springlike weather here right now! Plus I also am enjoying the varied scenery - animals, birds, plants, and flowers… Gorgeous!

Since we were going to be in town on Christmas this year, I decided to surprise my family and reserve a decorated igloo at the zoo for the evening (6-9 pm) of December 26.

With two dogs! 🐾. Never a dull moment! 🤣

Runs through December 31. Werner Park in Papillon, Nebraska (near Omaha).

Merry Christmas to All My Readers!

While the weather may look just a little frightful for the next day or two, there’s a bunch of fun stuff for folks to do in the Omaha area between Christmas and New Years. I’d highly recommend taking advantage of it!

Everybody has a favorite hotel in Kansas City and different criteria for determining their favorite. For some, upscale amenities are critical. Others require a certain “vibe” or decor.

At this time of year, many folks like to get in the car and take a short holiday road trip if the weather cooperates, especially if the destination brings out the magic of the holidays. Kansas City is one of those places for me!

It’s no secret that Kansas City offers folks many fun things to do and see. What I didn’t realize is how many fun things the KC metro area offers during the holidays. I’ll tell you about one attraction I went to and then give you additional information on the more than 100 special things to do this time of year. If you are like me, you will be amazed!

KC is a great holiday destination with more holiday events to offer than you could possibly do in a month. Here are a few holiday attractions I enjoyed and highly recommend.

I was running a bit short on time so I decided to have lunch at the Kemper Museum cafe, called Cafe’ Sebastienne, and am so glad I did!

Last weekend, two friends and I explored Le Mars, Iowa and visited/viewed two fabulous, larger-than-life holiday light displays. At both places you can park your car and walk through the displays.

Le Mars, Iowa has become a fun holiday destination! (See my previous post). The Brown family provides fantastic entertainment and the town has many older and beautiful homes. Many town organizations come together and provide holiday activities and events.