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🚂ALL ABOARD THE @texasstaterail 🛤️Step a 🚂ALL ABOARD THE @texasstaterail 
🛤️Step aboard a vintage 1920’s railcar & take a 4-hour round-trip train ride through the Piney Woods. There is a 1 hour and 20-minute layover at Rusk Rail depot to have lunch and explore the grounds. This has been on my bucket list since I saw that they do The Polar Express Train Ride during Christmas time!
💺Choose to seat in presidential cars, open-air, dome, first class, and more. Most cars are temperature-controlled, have restrooms, and a concession car stocked with a variety of snacks, candy, ice cream, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase. Fun fact: Yellowstone filmed an episode here!
🚗For more things to do in @palestinetx check out my previous carousel post.
🔜Be sure to add Palestine to your bucket list & save this for your next trip!
#texasstaterailroad #palestinetx #palestinetexas #easttexas #texastodo #easttx #texastravel #texasblogger #visittexas #texasbucketlist Things to do in Palestine, Texas, what to do in Palestine
🚂PALESTINE ROUND UP Spent the weekend explorin 🚂PALESTINE ROUND UP
Spent the weekend exploring the Piney Woods of Palestine, Texas. Learn about the history of the town, take a train ride, admire the stunning architecture, eat some amazing pies and so much more! Here are some things you can't miss on your next visit to @palestinetx
WHAT TO DO
1️⃣ Step aboard a vintage 1920’s railcar & take a 4-hour round-trip train ride through the Piney Woods on the Texas State Railroad.
2️⃣ Stop by one of the best places to get pie in Texas, Oxbow Bakery & Antiques. The lemon pie was 🤤 
3️⃣ Find Fairy Gardens hidden along a 1-mile trail In the beautiful Davey Dogwood Park. Also, search for dogwoods and enjoy the scenic drive.
4️⃣ Take a guided tour of the stunning Sacred Heart Catholic Church, built in 1893 using 675,000 bricks with stained glass from Italy and France.
5️⃣ Visit the Anderson County Courthouse, built in 1914, with a double-spiral staircase and a beautiful stained glass montage in the dome.
6️⃣ Watch a play at the historic Texas Theatre, a prime example of Spanish Colonial architecture.
7️⃣ For all the historians, take a guided tour of the Redlands Hotel, built in 1914 by a group of citizens to provide housing for the visitors to the City from the railroad.
8️⃣ Get some shopping done at the Farm & Flower Market at the Palestine Farmers Market.
9️⃣ Take a self-driving tour of the beautiful historic homes in the area.
🔜Be sure to add Palestine to your bucket list & save this for your next trip!
#texasstaterailroad #palestinetx #palestinetexas #easttexas #texashistory #texastodo #easttx #texastravel #texasblogger #visittexas Things to do in Palestine, Texas, what to do in Palestine
🥞ALL-DAY BRUNCH IN SAN ANTONIO 🌸Not only is 🥞ALL-DAY BRUNCH IN SAN ANTONIO
🌸Not only is every single corner instagrammable, (including the bathroom) but the brunch was delicious. I am still drooling over the thicc boi pancake and how everything tasted fresh and homemade. I highly recommend making a reservation but walk-ins are welcome and FYI, the cute patio is dog-friendly!
🎥In the video:
-House-made donuts (glazed & churro)
-Box Street Brekky
-Thicc boi pancake (my favorite)
-Iced Lattes
📍The Box Street Social/623 Hemisfair Blvd Ste 108 San Antonio, Texas
🔜Make sure to add it to your San Antonio Bucket List!
#satx #sanantoniotexas #sanantoniotx #texashillcountry #txhillcountry #hillcountry #texastodo #texasmonthly #traveltexas #visittexas #visitsanantonio Where to eat in San Antonio, restaurants in San Antonio, Things to do in San Antonio
Eat, drink, & stay on the San Antonio Riverwalk at Eat, drink, & stay on the San Antonio Riverwalk at @canopysatx. 
Bucket List Places to stay in Texas - Part 16
🍽️Eat dinner right on the riverwalk at @Domingosatx & enjoy Texas flavors such as Wagyu taquitos, skillet cornbread, tacos, & churros for dessert. 
🍹Drink, overlooking the riverwalk & Aztec Theatre at @Otrosatx, I highly recommend getting the Watermelon & Lime cocktail. 
🛌Stay in one of the amazing balcony riverwalk view rooms. I was absolutely obsessed with the decor! Thanks for having me!
📍Canopy by Hilton in San Antonio, Texas. 
🔜Add it to your San Antonio bucket list!
#traveltexas #texasblogger #texastravel #visittexas #texasbucketlist #texasroadtrip #exploretexas #satx #sanantoniotexas #sanantoniotx #texashillcountry #txhillcountry #visitsanantonio Where to stay in Texas, best hotels in Texas, where to stay in San Antonio, hotels in San Antonio, downtown San Antonio Riverwalk
Be someone's cure with @BeTheMatch #Sponsored I'v Be someone's cure with @BeTheMatch #Sponsored
I've always wanted to use my platform for good so I have partnered with @BeTheMatch to remind you that if you’re already registered as a bone marrow donor, when they find a match, please remember to say YES.
Over 70% of patients who need a transplant do not have a fully matched donor in their family, they depend on Be The Match. Because of the makeup of the registry, 53% of Asian patients, 71% of African American patients, 52% of Hispanic patients, and 40% of Native American patients won't find a match. We need more diverse donors to join the registry to increase the odds for those patients.
Check out my stories to learn more about @BeTheMatch, how to register and more. #TimeToMatch #texastravel #texasblogger #traveltexas #texastravelblogger #houstonbloggers #houstonblogger #texashillcountry #txhillcountry #visittexas
🥖MEXICO CITY INSPIRED PANADERIA IN SAN ANTONIO 🥖MEXICO CITY INSPIRED PANADERIA IN SAN ANTONIO
This is the one restaurant I visit EVERY single time I’m in town!! @LaPanaderia opened in 2014 & specializes in making handmade bread & pan dulce inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, which also draws influence from French, Italian, & American breadmaking techniques. Which means yes, the bread is 🤤 & absolutely worth the drive!
🎥In the video:
-Tres Leches Croissant, Vanilla Concha (top was crunchy while the inside was flaky 🤤), Chocolate Croissant, Sugar Donut
-Bacon & Egg Torta on birote with a house salad (my favorite)
-French Toast on Cinnamon Raisins & Pecans roll
-El Buenos Dias
-Iced Lattes
🏆And if you don’t believe me when I say it’s worth the hype, it was named one of the 10 “best artisanal bakeries in North America” by USA Today’s 10 Best.
📍3 locations in San Antonio (La Cantera, Downtown, & Broadway)
🔜Make sure to add it to your San Antonio Bucket List!
#LaPanaderiaSATX #PanDulceCultura #satx #sanantoniotexas #sanantoniotx #texashillcountry #txhillcountry #hillcountry #texastodo #texasmonthly #traveltexas #visittexas #visitsanantonio Where to eat in San Antonio, restaurants in San Antonio, Things to do in San Antonio
LAREDO ROUND UP I remember visiting Laredo when m LAREDO ROUND UP
I remember visiting Laredo when my family and I would drive to Mexico for our family trips. It had been years since I had visited and let me tell you, it has grown SO much. Some of my favorite things to do were strolling through downtown feeling like we went back in time, and the blend of Mexican and American cultures, from the amazing Mexican food to the Spanglish menus. Here are some things you can't miss on your next visit! Thanks for inviting me @visitlaredotx
WHAT TO DO
1️⃣ Step back in time and visit the oldest section of Laredo, The San Agustin Historic District.
2️⃣ Visit Lake Casa Blanca International State Park and see the ruins of Casa Blanca, the original Texas White House.
3️⃣ Go on a coffee tour. Support local coffee shops and after two stamps stop by the Visit Laredo office for a free souvenir. 
4️⃣ Cross the border into Mexico and spend a day in Nuevo Laredo.
5️⃣ Get some shopping done at @the_outlet_shoppes_at_laredo and get a photo at the Laredo mural on the second floor.
6️⃣ Visit the museums like the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, Laredo Water Museum, Border Heritage Museum, or the TAMIU Planetarium.
WHERE TO EAT
1️⃣ Kaitod Thai - an absolutely stunning Thai restaurant in downtown Laredo
2️⃣ Taquitos Ravi - get the al pastor tacos!
3️⃣ La Reynera Bakery & Restaurant - Known for their biscuits and some of the best breakfast tacos. 
4️⃣ @BolillosCafe- Get the toasted concha!
5️⃣ @vicas_delights_bistro - get the 3 leches pancakes and the chilaquiles with mole.
6️⃣ Golondrina Food Park - Choose from several food trucks, and a bar, with plenty of space to eat indoors or outdoors.
WHERE TO STAY
1️⃣ There are plenty of places to stay in town! Stay at the historic @la_posada_hotel in downtown or choose from several chain hotels around town.
🔜Be sure to add Laredo to your bucket list & save this for your next trip!
#holalaredo #laredo #laredoeats #laredotx #laredotexas #laredofoodie #texastravel #southtexas #texasblogger #visittexas #visitlaredo  #texasforever #texasbucketlist Things to do in Laredo, Texas, what to do in Laredo, where to eat in Laredo, restaurants in Laredo
🤠5 THINGS TO ADD TO YOUR @RODEOHOUSTON BUCKET L 🤠5 THINGS TO ADD TO YOUR @RODEOHOUSTON BUCKET LIST 
1) 📸ALL THE PHOTO OPS - If you didn’t get a photo with the rodeo sign did you even go to the rodeo? Take advantage of all the photo ops including the Ferris wheels!
2) 🎡THE CARNIVAL & FOOD - It’s time to use that carnival pack and get on some rides, play some games, and eat all the fried food. 
3) 🍷THE WINE GARDEN - Enjoy live music with a glass or bottle of wine. Here’s my little secret, the pizza at the wine garden is my favorite! If you are facing the entrance to the wine garden the booth is on your left. 
4) 🛍️SHOPPING - Because you need a cute outfit for your photos! Shop for some new boots at Lucchese, or a cute outfit at Gina Tees and so much more at over 300+ vendors.
5) 💃THE HIDEOUT - Dance the night away at the Rodeo’s very own honky tonk, The Hideout! Enjoy live music daily right after the concerts!
🔜 Save this post for your next visit to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! 
#RODEOHOUSTON #Since1932 #houstonrodeo #hlsr #texastravel #texasbucketlist #thingstodoinhouston #visithouston Things to do at the Houston Rodeo, rodeo Houston bucket list

The Bucket List Latina

Texas + Beyond

The Narrows at Zion National Park

February 20, 2021      Leave a Comment

The Narrows Zion National Park Utah

Hiking The Narrows at Zion National Park during COVID

We spent three days at Zion National Park, you can see why we couldn’t get enough, I mean the views are just stunning. We hiked through Pa’rus trail, Angel’s Landing (blog post coming soon), and The Narrows at Zion National Park all during COVID.

The Narrows at Zion National Park is rated as one of the top hikes in the world. And if you ask anyone who has been to Zion they will say The Narrows was their favorite hike.

I’ve put together some general information and tips for your next visit. From what to wear, what to expect, and how to get shuttle tickets especially during COVID.

If you want to see video footage as well click here for our Instagram Reel and here for our TikTok.

Beware: There is a current warning of toxic bacteria in the water, so please enter at your own risk.

Also note, be kind and courteous to others and wear your mask. We were surprised to see a lot of people wearing their masks when the trail got smaller and there wasn’t enough space to social distance. 

The Narrows Zion National Park Utah

General Information- Zion National Park during COVID

City: near Springdale, Utah

Location: Zion National Park

Parking:  Zion has a parking lot or there is paid parking at Zion Canyon Village, which has an entrance to the park. Shuttle tickets are needed as Zion only allows shuttles inside the park.

Length of The Narrows: 10 miles roundtrip but you can turn around at any point.

Time to hike The Narrows: 1-8 hours.

Best Time to visit The Narrows: Year round, but make sure to wear the proper gear.

What to bring: Bring closed toe lightweight shoes and clothes you can get wet and a waterproof dry bag. We rented waterproof boots, neoprene socks and a walking stick from Zion Outfitter for $25. You can pick these up before 10am on your hike day or pick them up the day before. Don’t forget snacks and a hydration backpack as well.

Fee: Entrance to Zion National Park is $35 or use your America the Beautiful Pass National Park Pass click here to purchase.

The Narrows Zion National Park Utah

How to get there

Due to COVID, shuttle tickets are currently hard to book or get booked up fast. If you didn’t book ahead of time no worries, as private shuttles are allowed and can be booked last minute.

We booked 2 different shuttles, both were booked a day or two prior to arrival and we had no issues. I did like that the Jeep was completely open, and we were asked to wear our masks at all times for both private shuttles.

We booked a private shuttle with St George here and used Zion Jeep Tours another day and parked at their pickup locations. From there, they drove us into the park and needed a park pass to enter. We picked a drop off time of 10am and they gave us a pick up time, which is enough time to do any of the hikes. 

In addition, if tickets aren’t available, you are able to walk to the beginning of The Narrows Hike from the park entrance but you will be adding an extra 2.8 miles roundtrip to your hike. 

The Narrows Zion National Park Utah

What to wear/bring

We hiked The Narrows early October and yes the water was chilly. I wouldn’t say it was unbearable though. We started our hike around 10am and it was still chilly, I wore my waterproof jacket and workout shorts. I highly recommend renting the waterproof boots, I didn’t have any issues with slipping, or blisters. Although, I probably didn’t tighten them enough because I did feel water get in but my feet were never cold.

There are some spots during the hike where the water gets to your waist, so it is advised you put all your stuff in a drybag. There is also a possibility you could lose balance and fall, I won’t say who fell, but one of us did and had their phone in their pocket but luckily it survived. I couldn’t have done the hike without my walking stick, I depended on it so much.

In addition, make sure to bring some snacks, and a hydration backpack, click here for the one we have.

The Narrows Zion National Park Utah

About The Hike - The Narrows

There are two ways to do The Narrows. From the top down which is 16 miles and requires a permit, or bottom up which is 10 miles and doesn’t require a permit. We decided to hike the Narrows about 3 days before so we did the bottom up route.

For the first mile of the hike you are walking along the river. Enjoy this as this will be one of the few times you are on dry land. For most of the hike you are in the water hiking through slippery rocks. We hiked about 2 hours in until the walls became more narrow. We had a shuttle to catch so we turned around. 

I would say on the way there you are excited and amazed by the views. We started early around 10am so it wasn’t as packed. By the time we headed back there were more and more people and I was getting tired of hiking through the rocks and just wanted to be on dry land.  

Do note that there is no prior hiking experience necessary. As long as you have an okay balance and get a walking stick you are able to do this hike. Also note, you can go as far in as you want. If you only want to do two miles and turn back around you are able to do so.

The Narrows Zion National Park Utah

Overall

Do I recommend this hike? Definitely, but hike The Narrows at Zion National Park especially during COVID at your own pace. Most importantly, wear the proper gear as it can make such a huge difference on your experience.

If you are looking for other hikes in Zion check put Pa’Rus Trail here which happens to be the only dog friendly hike at Zion. I also suggest Angels Landing for some more adventure, which I will be writing a blog post about soon. 

Zion National Park is just stunning and you really can’t go wrong with any of the hikes. 

Overall, yes you can do The Narrows last minute, if you book a private shuttle and rent your gear online. Please be aware of flash flooding and bacteria inside the water, hike at your own risk, especially during COVID. Don’t forget to wear your masks and social distance!

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