TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

Category: travel

  • Explore Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico

    Explore Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico

    I could be wrong, but I think Old Town in Albuquerque is a bit of a hidden gem for visitors driving through New Mexico. It took us a few times to travel through before we discovered it. Once we did, we stayed a couple of nights while on our way to Sedona, Arizona. We loved it so much that we stayed again on our way home!

    Things to do near Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico

    Visit Old Town! Look at all these beautiful storefronts and colors! There are over 150 galleries, shops, restaurants, and museums. Each one is individually owned. This area offers something for everyone and is historically fascinating dating back to the 1700s, predating the formation of the United States. All within a short distance are the Explora-Science and Learning Museum, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, and the Chapel of our Lady Guadalupe.

    Tiguex Park is within walking distance of the museums and just .5 miles to Old Town Plaza. It’s a great park to get fresh air, sit in the shade, and walk the dogs. There is a playground, basketball courts, and workout equipment. We really enjoyed walking around this Tricentennial Park with the dogs.

    Dog Friendly Hotel Albuquerque, New Mexico

    We love staying at the Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn; it’s easy access off I-40 and Route 66 and is close to modern and old fun. The hotel is only .7 miles from Old Town. It is convenient with an onsite restaurant and cocktail lounge and is dog-friendly. We appreciate that they have a little kennel in the back, a designated spot for the dogs to go to the bathroom.

    Favorite Restaurants in Albuquerque, New Mexico

    The Range Cafe is only .2 miles from Best Western. My favorite is the blue corn pancakes!! We always took our food to go and the service was fantastic. Hot food packed nicely and easy to eat in the car. My mouth is watering thinking of the pancakes. 😉

    Our other favorite food spot was the Sawmill Market with multiple yummy food options. I really liked the salad from Meso Grill. It was fresh and huge! They offer beer tastings, yoga, live music, and other events. Check their website for updates.

    We really loved the pizza from Hawt Pizza Co. and so did the dogs! They give you an option to add burrata to your pizza. Do it!

    If you’re like us and get sick of eating out while traveling, we always try to find the local co-op. La Montanita Co-op didn’t disappoint. The fresh bread and deli is amazing. We also really love the Albuquerque Whole Foods hot food section.

    Albuquerque is a great stop on Route 66 on your way west or back east! Allen approves! 🐾

    If you’re heading to Sedona, here are our favorite restaurants >> https://tracyseesstuff.com/2020/12/07/best-restaurants-sedona-arizona/

    Never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Spend the day in Stillwater, Minnesota

    Spend the day in Stillwater, Minnesota

    Spend the day in Stillwater, Minnesota, and enjoy delicious food, unique shopping, and beautiful views of the St. Croix River!

    Many times, we think we need a big getaway. After spending the day in Stillwater, Minnesota, I was reminded that one day away or even a half day is revitalizing. So often, we talk about self-care, and we don’t discuss travel being part of it. I see too much of the 10-step nightly face routine. 😉 Travel is expensive but so are women’s beauty products. It’s about prioritizing what works for you and getting creative. It doesn’t have to be a 10-day trip to an exotic island to have the same effects. A smaller dose of relaxation and filling your soul is worth it!

    A Day Trip to Discover Stillwater

    Best Small Towns in Minnesota

    We started the day at Feller Restaurant for lunch. We really loved the cozy atmosphere with comfortable bar stools and big windows that look out to Stillwater’s historic Main Street. We enjoyed the Nicoise Salad and Foragers Crostini but the star of the show was the Bacon Wrapped Dates! They were so delicious. They deserve another close up picture!

    We also really liked Pinch ‘n Rub Spice and Tea Hub. When you walk in, the smells are divine.

    Things to do in Stillwater, Minnesota

    After lunch, we walked and shopped Main Street. Our favorite stop was the Stillwater Olive Oil Company, where you can sample a variety of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It’s a unique tasting experience and so yummy! The service was fantastic too with the staff being super helpful and answering all of our questions.

    Next, we walked down by the St. Croix River and took in all the views. The Stillwater historic lift bridge is such a sight to see and fun to walk across to take in the river views and downtown Stillwater.

    Last, we had a delicious cup of coffee at Made Coffee before hitting the road. My favorite is a hot oat milk miel. The weather in Minnesota has been so crazy warm so it was nice to sit by the fire and then inside the cozy Lora Hotel. Don’t forget, a simple day trip with a friend can make a huge difference in your mental health.

    Another historic small town to visit in Minnesota is Afton! Read more > https://tracyseesstuff.com/2022/08/04/afton-minnesota/.

    Always keep searching for What Stirs Your Soul! ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Miracle at Big Rock – St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin

    Miracle at Big Rock – St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin

    Miracle at Big Rock is an epic light show including 17 million lights in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. See the year-end finale!

    What a blast!!! Holiday lights, food trucks, artisans (located in a beautiful barn), s’mores, cocktails, and so much more.

    ⛺️ Private Rental Spaces

    🏠 Onsite lodging

    🎇 Fireworks

    🌝 Visit the Moon (This was a favorite but there a so many unique installations, watch for Bigfoot!)

    We knew this would be a fun night but it was even better, we left feeling like little kids full of joy.

    Here is a list of the remaining hours and events from their website :

    Wednesday, December 27: 4pm-9pm, Youth Night! Kids 4-12 $8 admission using code “Kids”
    Thursday, December 28: 4pm-9pm
    Friday, December 29: 4pm-10pm FIREWORKS at 830pm
    Saturday, December 30: 4pm-10pm
    Sunday, December 31: 4pm-10pm 

    A Big Rock’n NYE Barn Dance and Fireworks!

    Definitely add @miracleatbigrock to your holiday to do list. Cheers! ✨

    Another winter fun idea is a getaway at Quarterdeck Resort in Minnesota. We visited in January and loved seeing incredible sunrises and relaxing by the fire. And they just added a heated pool and sauna! Read more at https://tracyseesstuff.com/2023/03/08/best-gull-lake-minnesota-resort/.

    Keep searching for What Stirs Your Soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Visit My Favorite Minnesota Apple and Pumpkin Orchard

    Visit My Favorite Minnesota Apple and Pumpkin Orchard

    Top Apple Orchard in St. Croix River Valley Area

    Pleasant Valley Orchard is open for apple season starting 9/2/2023! The family owned apple orchard is located near Taylors Falls, Minnesota, in the scenic St. Croix River Valley. Judy and Jim are passionate about the land and growing top-quality apples and pumpkins. The fall season kicks off with a bang including many fun family-friendly events; hay rides, live music, local artisans fair, their second annual authors event, and the orchard’s anniversary event. There is a fully stocked bakery and the Pleasant Valley Food Trailer which serves yummy apple donuts, apple brats and apple cider slushies. Follow my Instagram stories for opening weekend and apple season fun!

    *Hayrides and the full menu of weekend activities begin September 16 & 17. The food trailer will have limited hours opening weekend and will be fully open starting September 9 & 10. See —LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR.

    Barn and barn quilt in Minnesota

    On opening weekend you will find the First Kiss and Zestar! apples. Visit https://www.pleasantvalleyorchard.com/minnesota-apple-varieties/ to learn more about the apple varieties, harvest dates, and best uses for the apples.

    Pleasant Valley Orchard is open DAILY from 10AM to 6PM.

    PICK YOUR OWN apples is ONLY available on Saturday and Sunday.

    Call their apple hotline 651-257-9159 for apple variety updates and announcements.

    Don’t miss the freshest apples this season!

    And take in the fall colors and beautiful views in the Chisago Lakes area.

    Apple trees

    Fun Halloween Events in Minnesota

    In late September, pumpkin season starts! You can Pick Your Own pumpkins from their pumpkin pile or get a hayride to the pumpkin patch and pick your own there. See details at https://www.pleasantvalleyorchard.com/pick-your-own-pumpkins/.

    Celebrate the Halloween season October 20-31 at Pleasant Valley Orchard. The 12 Days of Halloween is the big end up season event including daily sales, spooky story time for the kids, scavenger hunt for all ages, pie baking and pumpkin carving.

    Other Things To Do in the Chisago Lakes Area

    Take a tour of the Barn Quilts, see Explore Chisago Lakes website https://chisagolakes.org/chisago-lakes-barn-quilt-trail/ to follow the trail and learn more about each barn quilt.

    Make a day of it and visit Interstate State Park and Taylors Falls.

    Life is short, never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Medora – North Dakota

    Medora – North Dakota

    Have you been to Medora, North Dakota? What a kick! This area is rich in history and nature but also offers unique activities for the whole family from the Pitchfork Steak Fondue Dinner to the Medora Musical.

    Medora is located at the entrance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park with beautiful views of the North Dakota Badlands. Medora was founded in 1883 which is also the year that the young Theodore Roosevelt visited this region to hunt bison. Can you imagine the feeling of seeing this amazing landscape for the first time?

    Photo Aug 06, 3 51 24 PM

    The Pitchfork Steak Fondue Dinner was delicious and yes, the steaks are truly cooked on pitchforks! Our steaks were cooked perfectly and we appreciated all the sides which included fresh fruit, salad, coleslaw, vegetables, baked beans, garlic toast, baked potatoes, brownies, and cinnamon-sugar donuts plus coffee and lemonade. You can purchase wine or beer at the bar.

    It was busy (see picture below) but they are super organized and the line moved quickly. There’s also plenty of tables in either the shade or the sun so you don’t have to feel rushed for a seat. We were impressed with all the staff walking around asking if we needed anything and clearing our plates.

    They have a live band (The Coal Diggers from the Medora Musical) playing good ole western music. The music combined with the views and eating outside, it’s a night to remember!

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    We walked around the bluff after dinner and took in all the views. Both the Pitchfork Steak Fondue Dinner and the Medora Musical are located up on the bluff. The drive up is only 5 minutes from town and they do offer shuttles.

    Photo Aug 06, 8 15 10 PM (1)m-2-11m2-3573The set of the Medora Musical

    We stayed at the historic Rough Riders Hotel in the heart of downtown Medora. The rooms were very nice. The three C’s…convenient, clean and comfortable. 😉 Plus, there is a wonderful private library filled with everything Theodore Roosevelt for you to enjoy.

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    Breakfast is always my favorite meal and The Farmhouse Cafe perfectly satisfied all my cravings from the coffee to chocolate syrup on the pancakes! Check out the Redneck Breakfast below, that’s a huge piece of ham on top of sausage with an over-easy egg and cheesy hashbrowns. Holy moly so good! The service was top notch and I found the most unique gifts here.

    Photo Aug 07, 8 05 33 AM
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    There are many cute shops in town and we loved the Badlands Shooting Gallery. There is also an art gallery, zipline, children’s park, and the beautiful Bully Pulpit golf course. PLUS, all the adventuring at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park!

    There’s so much to do in Medora and I know we barely scratched the surface. Check out Look About Lindsey’s blog “Why you need to stay more than one night in Medora North Dakota“. She’s an awesome travel blogger and we love following her adventures.

    Photo Aug 06, 4 54 22 PM

    If you live in the Twin Cities, getting to Medora is an easy 8-hour drive. Fargo is approximately at the halfway point, so it’s a convenient stop to take a break for lunch or to spend the night. We stopped at the Würst Bier Hall in downtown Fargo for lunch. The locally-made polish sausage was amazing and Terry loved the local beer. Terry will be sharing more in his Tuesdays with Terry post.

    Photo Aug 06, 5 40 22 PM

    We look forward to seeing you again, Medora!

    For more information: medora.com

    Originally published August 2019

    © What Stirs Your Soul Media

  • Life of a Best Friends Rescue Dog

    Life of a Best Friends Rescue Dog

    The Story of a Best Friend Animal Society Adoption

    This is the life story of a rescue dog, our Best Friends rescue dog. When we met, I had no idea how much you would change our lives for the better. Our time together was short but continues to have a lasting impact.

    Thousands of miles and adventures in your years. Thank you for saving us, sweet girl. Run free…

    We met at Best Friends Animal Society, a place that was on my bucket list after seeing their National Geographic “Dog Town” series. We scheduled a tour and then randomly checked their website for puppies available for adoption. There you were! Without hardly thinking, we submitted our adoption paperwork. It was late in the evening. The next morning during the tour, we got a call from the Best Friends Adoption Specialist. Our cell service was sketchy, so we could not connect. We were so nervous that we would miss the opportunity. But then…

    From that day forward, life was full of lessons, adventures, and love. You taught us patience, how to work together, to take breaks, to enjoy daily walks. You literally made us laugh every single day. Your personality was larger than life. You loved to travel and road trips. Every hotel, every new location, was a place to discover and explore. You climbed on every table and chair even when you were too big to fit. You loved sitting on the lawn chairs in the backyard and taking it all in.

    I could post a million pictures of you and tell a million stories. When we found out that you had kidney disease at your one year check-up, it was so heartbreaking. We made up our minds to fill your short life with adventure. Another thing that through you changed us forever. We grew closer, discovered ourselves through traveling, and became happier. I felt a strong connection to you because of struggling with my own pain. We both had challenges but we figured out ways to work around them and live our best lives. We took breaks when we needed them and pushed ourselves when we could. Together.

    You were never sure what to do with your long legs. 🙂

    You died at the young age of three (almost four). I’m so thankful for the time that you had with your brother, Allen. He brought out so much joy in you the last year of your life.

    We miss you so much.

    Best Friends Animal Society started over 35 years ago with a no-kill sanctuary in Utah. Today, they are helping homeless pets in every corner of the country. Their goal is to have the country no-kill by 2025. You can learn more HERE.

    Learn more about Best Friends and make a gift in honor of your animal best friend at https://bfas.io/bfday23.

    Life is short, do the things that stir your soul. ❤️

    *Originally posted January 12, 2021. One year after Utah passed away.

    ©What Stirs Your Soul Media

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