Small Town Nebraska

Just last week I went to Nebraska with my husband. He had to work there for a few days, so I tagged along and, of course, took some pictures too.

Visiting a small town, and seeing that some things never seem to change, can be incredibly comforting. Every once in a while it's really refreshing to escape busy city life and see a little bit of the country. With the hectic nature of our life right now, it was a very welcome environment for us. Things seemed a little slower, and small town pace made us breathe a little easier. Here are some pictures from our time in Nebraska.

Nebraska is one of those states that many people dismiss, but we have visited some really great places there. This visit to Nebraska included a stop at Chimney Rock, and a little historical side trip is always welcome by us! The land is so vast, the pace relaxing, and the sky endless. Nebraska always reminds me to slow down a little, and slow is something I could use more of in life.

Have you seen any of these places before?

Small Town Loving

"Gruene, Texas is the place to be!"

(sung to the tune of the Green Acres theme song)

* this song is amazingly appropriate for our visit to Gruene *

My husband and I are sort of in love with Gruene, Texas. The first time we visited Gruene (pronounced like the color green) was last year in the spring. Little did we know at that time, we would visit the small town again within the next year. Our first trip to Gruene began the little love affair that we now have with the small German-settled Texas town that's located between Austin and New Braunfels.

* our favorite coffee shop in Gruene *

This trip to Gruene was very spur of the moment, and it worked out perfectly to stay the night so we could enjoy the town for the evening. Our first stop while driving through town was the Gruene Coffee Haus. Last year there was a really sweet young woman working at the counter who had a conversation with us like we were quick friends, and she left such a good impression on us (amazing what a little customer service can do) that we made sure to stop by again this time. We enjoyed our drinks, used their free wi-fi to access Hotwire and book another discounted hotel room, and then we walked into town so I could take some pictures! Not much has changed in the year since we visited last, and that's very refreshing going from the city to the small town.

* I still need to buy some Fickle Pickles *

After I captured some pictures around town, we noticed big groups of people heading into the famous Gruene Hall (Texas' oldest dance hall), and we decided we could not pass it up this time. Check out this list of very impressive musicians that have played at Gruene Hall. Upon entering the dance hall, we ordered ourselves a couple of beers and found some open seats in the back of the building. The band playing for the evening was a local Austin band called Stonehoney, and we listened to their music for a few songs. My husband and I enjoyed the live music, felt sort of like we were in a scene from Sweet Home Alabama (city kids returning to small town living), and enjoyed every second spent together around a bunch of happy and fun-loving people. With that being said, we're looking forward to our next visit to Gruene Hall.

* Stonehoney playing at Gruene hall *

* Enjoying some brews and tunes *

After leaving Gruene Hall, we walked to Adobe Verde for dinner and, not surprisingly, more live music! Last year a really great musician, Mark Monaco, played while we ate dinner on the covered porch. This time there was a small band playing in the outdoor dining area. While eating dinner, we looked around at the families enjoying their evening out and had such a great feeling of being at peace with the moment. Needless to day, I am sure we'll visit again.

* music at Adobe Verde *

After our short but sweet time spent in Gruene, we hope to visit again. It's really one of our favorite places, even though we have visited few, in Texas. It sort of feels like home, and that's a good thing.

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Have you ever visited a place that immediately felt like 'home' to you?

Hold a Piece of History

Today I was thinking about how much I love the Petoskey stone. They were always a fun discovery on the shores of the lake where I grew up in northern Michigan. I've never really taken the time to have them tumbled in order to display their makeup and true beauty. Next time I make it to the lake, I want to make sure and grab some of these beauties and maybe go through the trouble of getting them tumbled and shined! I love being surrounded by special things that remind me of things I love. I can't wait to have some gorgeous little Petoskey stones that I can use to decorate our place.

I came across this photo at Ken Scott Photography... check him out.

While looking up a little more info about the amazing stones, I also came across some history of how Petoskey, Michigan got its name. Interesting! I want to learn more about the past of the area where I grew up. Northern Michigan is full of history and great stories... just waiting to be discovered.

Check out this wikipedia article about the Petoskey stone.

I can't wait to get back to the lake, find me a Petoskey stone, and hold a little piece of history in my hands again!