My third day in Houston started with breakfast at Best Donuts. It's a small, family-run operation located in a strip mall. I had glazed donuts, which are my favorite, and a ham and cheese croissant. Both were quite good. After breakfast, we did a bit of sightseeing around downtown Houston. I was able to get some photos of the skyline and other landmarks as we made our way down the city's futuristic- looking expressways. In the afternoon, we went to our family barbecue at a park. Pappas BBQ catered lunch for the 300-person affair. There was beef brisket, link sausage, chicken, barbecue beans and potato salad. 

On Sunday, we had brunch at Mimi's Cafe in Pearland. I couldn't decide between the eggs Florentine Benedict and the cinnamon brioche French toast, so I got both! It was a lot of food, but well worth the time it took to clean my plate. Later in the day, we took the hour drive to Galveston Island. I found a boat tour that takes you out into the Gulf of Mexico to see dolphins in their natural habitat. None of my cousins who live in Houston had ever heard of it. They had no idea that there were dolphins in Texas! We got to Galveston just in time to get tickets for the last tour of the day. The boat ride was nice, and we were able to spot several dolphins and other attractions on the water such as the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, the Texas Seaport Museum and Seawolf Park. As we were leaving the island to head back to Houston, we drove along Seawall Blvd and saw Stewart Beach.

 My vacation in Houston was filled with hot weather, family, food and fun. The largest city in Texas has a lot to offer, and I look forward to going back again someday to explore it all!

Nearly a year ago, I was working on a story about unique bachelorette party ideas for a local women's magazine. One of the out-of-the-box celebration suggestions that I ended up writing about was glamorous camping. I had heard of glamorous camping, a.k.a. glamping, only once before when it was featured on an episode of the "Real Housewives of Orange County". The concept of a luxurious wilderness sleepover was intriguing, but I figured it wasn't something that would be accessible to regular people in the middle of Missouri. Nevertheless, I did a bit more digging and found out that glamping opportunities, while limited, are available in the Show-Me-State. Last weekend, I finally had the chance to try this vacation trend for myself at Redbeard's Ranch in Lebanon, Mo. 

My glamping adventure began on Friday afternoon. My fiance and I met up with our friends, another couple, that joined us on the trip. It was about a two hour drive from our home to the campground. We had to take two vehicles because we were loaded up with supplies for the weekend. Once we got to Lebanon, it took an additional half hour to actually get to Redbeard's Ranch as it is located at the end of an extremely long, winding gravel road. It was a relief when we finally got to the office/general store to check-in. Our glamping tents were conveniently situated less than a minute walk from the office and the shower house. The 14X17 wall tents have wood plank floors, queen size beds, air conditioning, heating, lamps, tables and chairs. All of the decor follows a rustic, cowboy theme, and the pleasant aroma of cedar and pine permeates the structure. There was also a small front porch on our tent. The day was dreary and rainy, so after we got settled into our tents, we decided to stay inside and play some board games. A couple of hours passed and the rain let up enough to have dinner. Our friend had prepared some chili at home and all we had to do was heat it up outside on her portable camp stove. For those who don't want to worry about preparing meals during their glamping excursion, Redbeard's Ranch can arrange catering service.

After dinner, the weather was still clear. We decided to venture out and explore. It was just a short walk from our tents to the banks of the Niangua River. The beautiful stream is clear enough that you can see straight to the bottom at the shallow parts. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and rock formations. Unfortunately, it was still too wet for a campfire that evening. We stayed up late playing more board games inside our tent before heading to bed. 

I was up before sunrise on Saturday for our first full day of glamping. I sat outside and took in the foggy peacefulness that engulfed the ranch. When my fiance woke up, we walked around the ranch and saw the horses relaxing in their paddock. The owners recently shut down their horseback riding operation, but there are still many activities to do at Redbeard's Ranch such as fishing, swimming, hiking and bow hunting. Redbeard's Ranch also rents canoes, tubes, kayaks and rafts for float trips. 

Our original plan was to canoe down the Niangua from Redbeard's Ranch. But, we found a Groupon for tube rentals just a few miles away at Riverfront Campground & Canoe Rental. By noon, we were ready to enter the water. Our transportation for the day were inflatable tubes with bottoms, cup holders, headrests and kayak paddles. The tubes were long enough to stretch out in for a comfortable and leisurely ride. This was my first float trip, and I had no idea what to expect. The Niangua is a class I river which means the current moves slowly. The were a few spots along the way that picked up in speed and added a fun contrast to the otherwise quiet ride. During our 3.5 mile journey from Fort Niangua to Sand Spring, we were passed repeatedly by people in canoes that were moving along at a much faster pace. I would love to try canoeing someday, but it was nice to just dwadle this time. Along the way, we saw a variety of wildlife such as frogs, turtles, fish, dragonflies, damselflies and birds. We also had views of a steep, limestone bluff that was hidden among the trees. It took us about four hours to complete the float. I would highly recommend this stretch of the Niangua River to anyone who is looking to avoid the partying crowds that can be found on other parts of the waterway. 

That evening we were able to get a campfire going for dinner. We roasted hot dogs and S'mores while enjoying the warmth and the beauty of the flames. The night sky was pitch black, and we could see what seemed like a million stars in the sky. At bedtime, we were treated to a natural soundtrack of tree frogs, crickets, cicadas and toads croaking and chirping.

We departed from Redbeard's Ranch on Sunday morning after breakfast. It was a great weekend, and I was happy that we had the chance to get away and try something new. Redbeard's Ranch is a safe, clean and well-maintained campground with a friendly staff that provides excellent customer service. Glamorous camping is a great way to experience nature without having to rough it too much. I like being outdoors, but I also like my creature comforts. Glamping is the ideal compromise. 

Our main course was turkey, bacon, and Muenster cheese sandwiches. My variations to the original recipe were using Muenster cheese instead of Havarti cheese and using turkey bacon instead of pork bacon. I couldn't find a round sourdough bread loaf at the grocery store, so I substituted with sliced sourdough. This layered sandwich also includes roasted red bell peppers, and balsamic vinaigrette. 
Recipe: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/turkey-bacon-havarti-sandwich-10000001041988/

Posted by Porcshe N. Moran

Memorial Day note: Thank  you to all of the fallen soldiers, veterans, active service members and military families. Today, the country pays tribute to your bravery and the sacrifices that you have made in the name of freedom. Never Forget. Ever Honor. 

Happy Memorial Day!  Now that summer has unofficially started, I can't help but think about all of the activities that I'd like to pack into the several warm and sunny months that lie ahead.  From picnics in the park to fireworks and barbecue, here are some of the items on summer 2013 bucket list:

• Attend my first St. Louis Cardinals baseball game- I'll admit I know nothing about sports, but I always have such a great time when I watch a sporting event live and in-person. Growing up in Chicago, I went to see the White Sox. Now that I've lived in Missouri for nearly a decade, I think it is time to enjoy America's favorite pastime Cardinals style. 
• Take a tour of Warm Springs Ranch- The famous Budweiser Clydesdales live on more than 300-acres near Boonville, Mo. before moving to their official home at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis.  From the photos I've seen, it looks like a beautiful place, and the majestic horses are awe-inspiring creatures.  Tours of the ranch are offered from April to October. 
• Have a picnic- One of my favorite things to do in the summer is dine al fresco. I'd like to go to a park and enjoy a delicious meal under a shady tree.  
• Spend a weekend in Rocheport, Mo.- Back in January, I spent the night in Rocheport at a beautiful bed and breakfast that I was writing about for a magazine article. On Valentine's Day, my fiancé and I returned for lunch at the amazing Abigail's restaurant and some shopping. This summer, I'd love to book a room at a B&B and enjoy this charming little town when the weather is nice.  

        Related Readings from PNM Media:
           Beyond the Winery...Yates House B&B
           Elegance WithInn

• Visit Missouri wineries- My experience at the Art Fair & WineFest in Washington, Mo. last week made me want to venture out to some of the more than 100 wineries located in my state. During the summer months many of the wineries host concerts, pairing dinners, outdoor movies, festivals and other special events. Patrons can tour the vineyards and production facilities in addition to taking in the gorgeous views of rolling hills, rivers and bluffs.
  
• Host a backyard barbecue- When I was younger and dreamed about what my adult life would be like, I always pictured myself hosting fabulous dinner parties in my equally fabulous Manhattan apartment. That has yet to happen, but I think a casual backyard barbecue with a few friends at my home in Missouri would be a good time.
• Visit a state park-The Missouri State Parks system has 85 parks and historic sites. The American Trails organization recently named Missouri as the "Best Trails State". I'd like to do some hiking with my fiancé and our dogs to explore the native flora and fauna. 
• Go on a random drive- It would be fun to throw a dart at a map of our area and take a day trip to wherever it lands. You don't have to go far from home to have an adventure!
• See fireworks on the 4th of July-When I was a little girl, I went to an Independence Day celebration with my dad at a park in my hometown, and ever since, the 4th of July has been one of my favorite holidays. No matter how old I get, fireworks never seem to lose their magic. I even wrote a story last year about the cities in the U.S. that spend the most on 4th of July festivities. 
• See a play at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre- There is a great professional theater in Arrow Rock, Mo., a tiny village with a population of 56 people. Actors, directors and crews from cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City come to the Lyceum each year from June to November to bring first rate productions to the middle of Missouri. This season, the theatre will feature eight different plays and musicals. I'd like to go see "Meet Me in St. Louis."
• Go Camping- In 2012, About.com readers rated Missouri as the best state in the country for camping.  My first and last camping trip was several years ago with some friends during summer break from college. We spent the night at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. I had so much fun, and I've wanted to do it again ever since.  

          Related Readings from PNM Media:
        Discover Nature
       
What are your plans for the summer? Share your bucket list in the comment section below!