Katie’s List First

Let’s start local and work my way out!

1.The Woods – Arcadia Valley – This is another local establishment that is a coffee shop, music venue, and community hang out that I would like to visit.  It’s located in Arcadia, MO which is just a few towns from where I live, but I have failed to find the time to get to go and make my first visit.  I love all the videos I see about the music events they’ve had their since opening their doors a short time ago.  So my plan is to get down there really soon!

2. Silver Dollar City at Christmas – I know this is one of those adventures that will probably make Caroline cringe because she’s not a huge fan of Branson vacations, but this one I still want to do.  Growing up, I went to Branson several times a year and Silver Dollar City was always one of the highlights.  However, I’ve never been around Christmas time when they have the park all lit up for the holidays.  I’ve seen friends posting their pictures and it just looks like a good place to take the kids around the holidays just to do something different.

3. Ziplining – Yes I’m scared of heights, but this would just be another step towards conquering that fear.  I don’t think this would be quite so bad because I would be secured to something.

4. National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas – Many people may not know, but I’m a huge fan of rodeos.  I did grow up on a cattle farm and had my own horses to ride, so at one point I guess I could have been considered a little cowgirl.  Going to local rodeo events were some of the highlights of my summers.  When I had the capabilities to watch/record the NFR on television, I’ve done so every year.  All 10 nights!  The last several years have been a little extra special because friends of mine just happen to raise barrel racing horses and they have been blessed to have horses make to the big show!  So I really enjoy watching them perform and cheering them on from my living room.  But I’m bound and determined to get there in person next year!  And hopefully I will be cheering for my favorite Dunn Ranch horses!

5. Heli Hiking – So I saw this on a Facebook video the other day.  Basically, you take a helicopter ride to a hiking trail that isn’t accessible any other way and they drop you off and pick you up on the other end!  I would imagine that these trails aren’t frequented by your typical hikers…so what an adventure that would be!  Hopefully I wouldn’t have to jump too high out of the helicopter to reach solid ground!

6. Doll’s Head Trail in Georgia – Right outside of Atlanta in an old industrial area is a trail that has had “art” created along it’s path.  The majority of the artwork includes old dolls!  It looks super creepy, but hey….how many trails have doll heads scattered around it.  Ooooooooo.  I have a cousin that lives in Atlanta, so it would be a good time to make a visit with her and her family while in the area.

7. New York City – So I’ve been on the outskirts of New York City and saw the amazing skyline from a distance while on a family vacation, but I want to go IN the city!  I want to be immersed in the culture and go to all those iconic New York sites.  I want to go to a Broadway Show, go to the top of the Empire State Building, hold a sign outside the window of NBC’s “Today Show,” visit Lady Liberty….oh and eat….eat a lot of food!!!  This would not be the typical “nature adventure” that I typically prefer, but sometimes it’s good to branch out.

8. Cross the Border at Big Bend National Park – Through my research of National Parks, I read up a little bit on Big Bend National Park, which is find on the southern border of Texas between there and Mexico.  What I found most intriguing is that there is an actual Port of Entry into Mexico!  So bring your passport!  After going through customs, you can ride a boat or wade across the Rio Grande into a little town across the river for a day of exploring and food!  Unless you plan on staying the night there though, you must be back by 5:30 because the Port of Entry closes.  This will probably be one of my next bigger adventures as soon as Caroline gets her passport!

9. Strawberry Hot Springs – Just outside of Steamboat Springs, CO is Strawberry Park Hot Springs.  At this location you can enjoy relaxing in 104 degree natural mineral water springs.  It looks amazing and if you know Caroline and I very well, you know we like hot baths!

10. Eben Ice Caves – The Eben Ice Caves can be found in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  These caves are a popular winter attraction after the waterfalls start freezing over cliffs, forming “caves.”  I tend to prefer warmer weather over very cold weather, but I’d give the winter weather in Michigan a go to see this.

Caroline’s List Here

1.Ice Skate Outside – I have been ice skating a few time before but never outside in the elements.  You know like in the those Hallmark Christmas movies.  I can’t believe I just said that because I’m not a fan of those. Lol  I saw recently that there is an outdoor ice skating loop in or near Chicago, so I would like to try that.

2.Watch Roller Derby – I would like to watch a live roller derby match.  As a kid in the 80’s I can remember watching Rollergames (I think that was it.) on television.  The T-Birds were my favorite.   I believe St. Louis has a league, so I would like to take in a match.

3. Sleep Overnight in a Hammock – One of my favorite activities is lounging in the backyard in my hammock, but I would like to hike somewhere and sleep between two trees.

4. Sled Art Hill – As a kid the Baptist Church in Desloge had the best hill for sledding.  One ice storm we could make the turn and go all the way to Casey’s.  Now I would say that the Eagles in Desloge is the place to go.  But I someday want to make the trip and do Art Hill in STL.

5. Art Museum – While I am sledding Art Hill, I may as well visit the Art Museum.  I’m not sure why I have never been.

6. Make a Pumpkin Pie with Real Pumpkins –  I make pumpkin pies with the Libby canned pumpkin, but I have never roasted pumpkins and made a pie like that.  I like to cook from scratch, so I’m not sure why I haven’t done this.

7. Kayak in a Glass/Clear Bottom Boat – When Hunter and I went to Green Bay, we took a couple hours and drove to Door County.  When I was reaching things to do, there was an opportunity to kayak like this on Lake Michigan.  We didn’t have the time to work it into our schedule, but I would like to do it somewhere.

8. Baseball Game In Milwaukee✔️ – On my original Bucket List, I listed see a ballgame in every Major League Ballpark.  We have been able to visit a few so far with a Milwaukee Brewers game being one.  Our section even one the sausage race!  

9. Blow Glass – I am naturally curious and a learner, so I like to learn new things.  I would like to one day take a quick glass blowing class and make an ornament to add to my Christmas tree.

10.Knife Skills Class – While we are taking classes, I will add this to the list.  In doing research for the “Give the Gift of Adventure Blog,” I found that the Kitchen Conservatory in STL offers these often.  I am going to do this soon.

Our Guest Contributor is our friend and co-worker Julie Worley.  We were talking last week and she mentioned something on her bucket list, so we asked her to share 10 from her list.

1. Deep Sea Fishing– When we went to Florida this past summer, I had a 12 hour fishing trip booked, but chickened out at the last minute. I’m thinking that a six or eight trip may be better this time, when we go to Destin, FL on vacation this year.

2. Visit Chicago– My son Garrett asked me to go last winter but it didn’t fit into my schedule, so we are hoping to have mother/son trip this spring.

3. To go the Monster Energy Nascar race in Briston TN, which is a little half-mile track and I’ve already been to Talladega which is one of the biggest and baddest tracks.

4. Branson– I know it’s just a few hours away but I have never been. All three of my kids have been and had a good time. Since my hubby has no interest, I may just have to go with my niece Monica since she goes several times a year.

5. Cruise with my girls– Life is so busy all the time; we never get to just relax with no kids.

6. Walt Disney World– To take Chase and Mya, just to see the smile on Mya’s face would be priceless and she would make a good little princess.

7. Knoxville Nationals in Iowa– It’s the Sprint Car capital of the world. You would think, since I’ve been around dirt track racing forever that I would have gone by now. Its consists of several days of nonstop sprint car action, on a half-mile dirt track that is right in the middle of the town.

8. Sight-seeing in Colorado- Just to take in the beautiful mountains and awesome taking views. 

9. Family Reunion– I have seven brothers and one sister and since the passing of my parents, we have all gone our separate ways. I would love to have a big family get together and see my sister, all my brothers, nieces and nephews.

10. Fly in an airplane– Just because I haven’t flown.

Check  out previous lists here.