Looking for Aliens in Roswell, New Mexico

Looking for Aliens in Roswell, New Mexico

by | Mar 24, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

IF YOU BELIEVE – in aliens – you must add Roswell to your trip list. Located in southeastern New Mexico, Roswell is known for the infamous 1947 UFO crash. Aliens abound in Roswell in the form of green statues and alien-themed tourist stops. The UFO Museum in downtown Roswell provides accounts of the UFO incidents in the area and arouind the country.  The Trailer Village RV Park is a nice RV stay near area attractions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Roswell is a fun stop in New Mexico; one or two nights is plenty to see the highlights
  • The Trailer Village RV Park in Roswell is a nice, dog-friendly RV stay
  • Mark your calendar for the UFO Festival, June 30 – July 2, 2023

Campground Review:

Trailer Village RV Park is a family owned, dog-friendly park in the city of Roswell. With full hookups, spacious sites, dog park and camp store, this park offers a nice RV stay in Roswell. The owners live on site and really care about their park — and dogs! Our dogs enjoyed their walks around the park and the dog park. They finally gave up looking for grass.

What to do:

UFO Museum

Roswell Welcome Sign

UFO Museum

Roswell Dunkin Donuts

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

We liked the Trailer Village RV Park. They had a nice dog park and they gave us treats in the front office. Not much grass here but we made do-do.

Campground Rating:   4.6 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Area Rating:   4.5 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Next Stop: Alamogordo, New Mexico; White Sands National Park

Incredible Carlsbad Caverns in the Guadalupe Mountains

Incredible Carlsbad Caverns in the Guadalupe Mountains

by | Mar 22, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

 

The Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a national wonder in southeastern New Mexico.  Our RV stay in  Carlsbad provided easy access to the caverns and a day drive to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas.  The Carlsbad KOA Holiday offered resort amenities and full hookups.

Key Takeaways:

 

 

Campground Review:

Carlsbad KOA Holiday is a very nice RV stay and centrally located for many of the area attractions. The park provides resort amenities with full hookups, pull-through sites, cabins, pool and dog park. We found it easy to walk the dogs around the large park and the dog park was a nice bonus. March is a windy month in New Mexico but we managed to keep things buttoned down. 

What to do:

  • Plan a day trip to Carlsbad Caverns; book a timed reservation online to avoid long waits; self-guided tours can last between 1.5 to 2.5 hours
  • Drive to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park; there is no scenic drive through the park but the mountain peaks are visible enroute to the visitor centers and several hikes area available to fully experience the park (Note: Pets are not allowed on most trails in the park)
  • Pack a picnic, bring the dogs and visit Sitting Bull Falls in the Lincoln National Forest; the waterfalls are amazing
  • Visit the dog-friendly Balanzo Vineyard; we visited during a dog event and the girls loved it – the wine was very good too
  • Sip some local beers at the Guadalupe Brewing Company in Carlsbad; great beer, awesome pizza and a dog-friendly patio
  • Grab lunch or dinner at the Yellowbrix Restaurant in downtown Carlsbad; the patio is dog friendly

Carlsbad Cavern Tips

  • Dogs are not allowed in the caverns and dogs cannot be left in vehicles unattended; kennels are available on site for a fee
  • The cavern tour is approx. 1.5 hours if you take the elevator to the Big Room; If you walk to the Big Room, you will add an additional hour to your tour. We followed advice from others and opted for the elevator.
  • The caverns are damp and cool but not cold; you can bring bottled water
  • Bring a flashlight

Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns Dolls Theater

Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns

Guadalupe Mountains

Sitting Bull Falls

Hike to Sitting Bull Falls

Dogs at Sitting Bull Falls

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

The Carlsbad KOA Holiday is a dog-friendly park. We loved napping on the green space by our RV and our long walks around the park. They also had a dedicated dog park – nice stay!

Campground Rating:   4.7 out of 5 PAWS

Cedar loved hanging her head out the window on our drives to the Guadalupe National Park and Sitting Bull Falls. We liked our hike to Sitting Bull Falls but mom wouldn’t let us go in the water.  We went to a very dog-friendly winery – the Balzano Family Vineyards — thanks for the treats and the bandanas! There was not much grass in this area and it was quite windy during our stay. All in all, we had a great time!

Area Rating:   4.6 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Next Stop: In search of aliens in Roswell, New Mexico

Historical Fort Davis Tour; Texas Dark Skies

Historical Fort Davis Tour; Texas Dark Skies

by | Mar 21, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

The Fort Davis National Historic Site provides a fascinating account of a frontier military post. Located at the foot of the Davis Mountains in Fort Davis, the dog-friendly park includes a visitor center with orientation videos and tours throughout the furnished restored buildings and fort ruins.  Dog are welcome throughout the complex and on the hiking trails. The McDonald Observatory is also located in the Fort Davis area, providing stargazing in the clean and dark skies of western Texas. The Davis Mountain RV Park is centrally located for area attractions.

Key Takeaways:

  • History buffs will enjoy the Fort Davis National Historic Site; a family and dog-friendly park with several restored and furnished buildings
  • The nearby McDonald Observatory takes advantage of the west Texas dark skies to provide exceptional stargazing
  • The Davis Mountains provide a rugged backdrop for scenic drives
  • Davis Mountain RV Park is a good RV stay to enjoy local attractions

 

 

Campground Review:

Davis Mountain RV Park provides full hookups, large pull-through sites and mountain views. This roadside park is a good option to visit the nearby attractions.  There is little grass — a feature of western Texas — but plenty of open space to walk the dogs.

What to do:

  • Tour the Fort Davis National Historic Site, starting at the Visitor Center for maps, exhibits and an orientation of this dog-friendly park; tour the restored buildings which include barracks, kitchen, and hospital, hike several trails in the park.
  • Stargaze at the McDonald Observatory; advance reservations are required (plan ahead during weekends, holidays, Spring breaks)
  • Visit Davis Mountain State Park for hiking, horseback riding and scenic drives
  • Drive the 75-mile Scenic Loop on Texas 118 and 166 with views of the Sierra Viejo Mountains
  • Visit nearby Marfa for shopping and dining; we enjoyed the popular Water Stop

 

Fort Davis Historic Site

Fort Davis Commissary

Fort Davis Enlisted Barracks

Fort Davis Cannon

Fort Davis Post Hospital

Fort Davis Officer Quarters

Fort Davis National Historic Site

McDonald Observatory

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

Fort Davis RV Park is fine for a two-night stay. We prefer more green space, dog parks, dog beaches — all the frills — but this park was just okay.  It was so windy during our stay, we stayed in the RV alot. We did like our drive on the Scenic Loop. Fort Davis National Historic Site is dog friendly – woof!

Campground Rating:   4.2 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Area Rating:   4.2 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Next Stop:  Carlsbad Caverns-Guadalupe Mountains

Unexpected Beauty: Big Bend National Park

Unexpected Beauty: Big Bend National Park

by | Mar 20, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

An unexpected mountain-meets-desert park in southwestern Texas, Big Bend National Park is simply spectacular. This expansive park has vistas for days with Rio Grande River views and desert meets mountains views. With scenic drives, easy-to-challenging hikes and river excursions, plan to spend a few days capturing the alluring scenery of this amazing park.

Key Takeaways:

  • Big Bend National Park is a spectacular park in western Texas
  • Plan to spend several days to explore the park on scenic drives and hikes
  • Terlingua is a quirky desert town, a short drive to Big Bend
  • Big Bend River State Park is another scenic destination
  • Paisano Village RV Park is a nice RV stay close to area attractions

 

Campground Review:

Paisano Village RV Park is a small, friendly stay in Terlingua, a short drive to local attractions. With full hook-ups and spectacular sunsets, this RV park is a great base camp for excursions to Big Bend National Park. No green space here, just lots of desert space to walk the dogs.

What to do:

  • Big Bend National Park:
    • Drive to Chisos Basin (not for RVs). Stop at the Visitor Center and take the short Window View Trail on a paved path
    • Drive to Rio Grande Village; take the RGV Nature Hike for views of the Rio Grande and Mexico (Note: Rio Grande Village RV Park has full hookups)
    • Drive to Boquillas Canyon; hike the Boquillas Canyon Trail for river and canyon views
    • Visit the Mexican village of Boquillas (passport required), wade or take a boat
    • Visit the Hot Springs for a dip in 105 degree water
    • Drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to the Santa Elena Canyon Trail; an easy to medium hike with some rock scrambles but well worth it

       Big Bend National Park Tips:

  • Go early morning for best parking and hiking
  • Take the dogs on the long drives; take turns hiking on the short hikes, leave the dogs at home for long hikes
  • Limited cell service in the park
  • Bring lots of water for hiking; rangers check at some trailheads
  • RV camping is available with full hookups at the Rio Grande Village

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend Chisos Basin

Big-Bend-Vistas

Santa Elena Canyon

Rio Grand Village

Big Bend Chisos Basin Road

Big Bend Window View Trail

Rio Grande River

Trailhead Santa Elena Trail

Santa Elena Trail

Santa Elena Canyon

Boquillas Canyon

Big Bend Ranch State Park

Starlight Theater

Movie Set on River Road

Terlingua Ghost Town

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

Pasaino Village RV Park is a nice park. We took daily walks in the desert – no green space here but plenty of dirt. They did not have a dog park but everyone was very friendly. 

Campground Rating:   4.5 PAWS

We loved our visit to Big Bend National Park; dogs are not allowed on trails but we saw the park from the car – that’s just the way it goes! We also liked the dog-friendly High Sierra Bar & Grill in Terlingua.

Area Rating:   4.5 PAWS

Next Stop:  Fort Davis National Historic Site 

Texas Hill Country RV Stay in Charming Fredericksburg

Texas Hill Country RV Stay in Charming Fredericksburg

by | Mar 18, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

Fredericksburg is a charming town in Texas Hill Country known for its German heritage and wineries. The town boasts quaint shops, local winery tasting rooms and excellent restaurants. Also downtown, the National Museum of the Pacific provides a fascinating account of World War II in the Pacific Theater.  Wine enthusiasts can choose from over 50 wineries in the area, many with spectacular settings, good wine and dog-friendly outdoor spaces. Luckenbach, Texas, is a short drive away and a fun visit. The Vineyards of Fredericksburg RV Park is a nice Texas Hill Country RV stay close to local attractions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fredericksburg is one of my favorite stops in Texas: shopping, wine, scenery!
  • Texas Hill Country provides a stunning backdrop for over 50 local wineries
  • The National Museum of the Pacific is an excellent World War II museum
  • With a strong German heritage, Fredericksburg boasts several German restaurants
  • Luckenbach, Texas, is a short drive away and a fun stop for drinks and live music

 

 

Campground Review:

Vineyards of Fredericksburg RV Park is a great Texas Hill Country RV Stay in Fredericksburg. With full hook-ups, pool, level-spacious sites and dog park, this 20-acre park in hill country is a great RV stay. Our dogs enjoyed their long walks around the park with plenty of green space.

What to do:

Fredericksburg Brewing

National Museum of the Pacific

Luckenbach, Texas

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

 

The Vineyards of Fredericksburg RV Park has plenty of green space. We loved our long walks around the park. They also had a small dog park – woof! We had fun visiting Luckenbach and the Messina Hof Winery – lots of dog-friendly activities in Fredericksburg!

 

Campground Rating:   4.6 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

 

Area Rating:   4.7 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Next Stop:  Big Bend National Park, Terlingua, Texas

Fun RV Stay in Waco; Magnolia Market at The Silos

Fun RV Stay in Waco; Magnolia Market at The Silos

by | Mar 16, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

For fans of the HGTV show, “Fixer Upper”, Waco is THE place to visit in Texas.  The Magnolia Market at the Silos is a full day’s adventure of shopping, eating, lounging and standing in line at the corner bakery for cupcakes. The market grounds are dog friendly too. Tours are available of Waco and some of the Fixer Upper properties from the show.  Just outside of Waco is the Waco Mammoth Historical Monument, a paleontological site and museum. Waco is also home to the Texas Ranger Museum and Baylor University. Flat Creek Farms RV Resort is a nice RV stay in a rural setting in nearby Robinson.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Magnolia Market at the Silos is a fun experience for everyone in the family with shopping, restaurants and outdoor games
  • Take a tour of the city and the “Fixer Upper “properties to learn about the history of Waco and how the TV show has changed the city
  • The Silos Baking Company was renovated in Season 4; stand in line – the cupcakes are worth the wait
  • Visit the Waco Mammoth National Historical to see fossils from Columbian Mammoths and other animals
  • The Texas Ranger Museum explores the facinating history of the Texas Rangers
  • The Flatcreek Farms RV Resort is a nice RV stay in nearby Robinson

 

 

Campground Review:

Flatcreek Farms RV Resort is in a rural setting in nearby Robinson, about 10 minutes from Waco. With full hookups, pull-through sites and plenty of green space, this campground is the perfect RV stay near Waco. Our dogs loved their long walks around the park and the grassy area by our site. The sheep grazing in a nearby field were fun to watch. Campers can also fish in one of five stocked ponds on the property. It’s an easy drive to nearby attractions and the sunsets are amazing.

What to do:

  • Spend a day at The Silos and Magnolia Market with lots of cute shops, food trucks, the Silos Baking Company (for Joanna’s famous cupakes) and plenty of green space for picnics or hanging out with the family and the dogs.
  • Take a tour of Waco and the Fixer Upper Properties; we really enjoyed our tour with Brazos Tours
  • Stop at the Pivovar Hotel’s restaurant and brewery with outside beer garden
  • Eat breakfast at Magnolia Table, which is 8 miles from the Silos; go early or be prepared to wait
  • Learn about the history of the Texas Rangers at the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Tour the Waco Mammoth National Monument to see the Columbian mammoth fossil dig site and museum; the grounds are dog-friendly but dogs are not allowed at the dig site or on the tour

The Silos

Magnolia Market at the Silos

Cupcakes at the Silo Baking Co

The Grounds at Magnolia Market

Cottonland Castle – Fixer Upper Tour

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

Waco Mammoth Historical Monument

Mammoth Historical Monument Dig Site

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

No complaints from us! We liked our long walks around the campground and felt right at home at this dog-friendly resort. No dog park or dog beach but that’s just the way it goes.

Campground Rating:   4.6 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

We had fun at the Silos and Magnolia Market! We walked around and had a picnic outside but no cupcakes for us!

Area Rating:   4.6 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Next Stop:  Hill Country and Wineries in Fredericksburg, Texas