Sorrentino Vesuvio Winery Naples, Italy

One of the highlights of our road trip through Italy was spending a day at Sorrentino Winery, nestled on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius near Naples. After driving south from Rome, we were looking for a relaxing experience that combined beautiful scenery, local food, and exceptional wine—and this winery delivered all three.

For this part of our trip, we stayed at Four Points Flex by Sheraton Naples Marigliano. While it's a little off the beaten path, it worked perfectly for us since we had our car and were driving from Rome. The location provided easy access to the surrounding countryside, wineries, and the Naples area without the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Hotel has a lovely pool 

The hotel offered comfortable, modern rooms that made it easy to unwind after a day of exploring. We especially appreciated the pool, which was the perfect place to cool off during the warm Italian afternoons. Each morning started with a delicious breakfast featuring a great selection of fresh options, giving us plenty of energy for our daily adventures.



Rows of lush grapevines filled the property, and the views seemed to go on forever. There's something magical about sipping wine while overlooking the vineyards where the grapes were grown. The peaceful setting made it easy to slow down and simply enjoy the moment.

As soon as we arrived at Sorrentino Winery, we knew we were in for a special experience. The vineyard stretches across the volcanic landscape beneath Mount Vesuvius, creating a dramatic backdrop for wine tasting and lunch.The winery's wines reflect the unique volcanic soil of the region, and tasting them while surrounded by the vines added another layer to the experience. We enjoyed sampling several wines and learning more about the local winemaking traditions that have been passed down through generations.                                                                                                      

     One of the best parts of our visit was the lunch. The meal featured fresh, local ingredients that perfectly complemented the                 

 We especially loved enjoying classic Italian dishes while taking in the vineyard views. The combination of excellent food, local wine, and the relaxed atmosphere made for an unforgettable afternoon.

                                  Our day at Sorrentino Winery was one of those travel experiences that reminds you why you love exploring new places. Between the beautiful vineyard, the delicious food, the wonderful wines, and the stunning scenery, it was an afternoon we won't soon forget.

                                    If you're planning a trip to Naples and have a car, we highly recommend venturing beyond the city to discover experiences like this. Pairing a stay at Four Points Flex by Sheraton Naples Marigliano with a visit to Sorrentino Winery made for a perfect day and gave us a chance to experience a different side of southern Italy.We left with full hearts, happy memories, and a newfound appreciation for the wines of the Vesuvius region. Wow—what an incredible time we had here. 🍷🇮🇹
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Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas

A Fun-Filled Day at the Texas Stockyards

If you're looking for a taste of the Old West that the whole family can enjoy, a day at the Texas Stockyards is hard to beat. We recently spent the day there and had an absolute blast from start to finish.

Our biggest tip? Don't miss the 11:30 a.m. cattle drive! We arrived early to grab a great spot right under the iconic Stockyards sign, and it was definitely worth it. The cow parade only lasts a few minutes, so you'll want to arrive ahead of time and have your camera ready. Watching the longhorns make their way down the street was such a unique experience and a highlight of our visit.



After the parade, we headed to Riscky's Bar-B-Q for lunch. We loved the fried catfish, and the burgers were delicious too. The food had that classic Americana feel—greasy, satisfying, and served in generous portions. It was exactly the kind of hearty meal we were craving after a busy morning of exploring.

Next up was one of the kids' favorite activities: pony rides! For just $10, the kids got to enjoy a fun ride and experience a little bit of cowboy life for themselves. 
It was money well spent and created some great memories.                                      

We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering through the shops, browsing Western wear, souvenirs, and unique gifts. Along the way, we stopped to enjoy a cold beer from one of the outdoor kiosks while soaking up the lively atmosphere.                        

                         

                        

To fully embrace the spirit of the Stockyards, we packed some cowboy boots and hats. Dressing the part made the experience even more fun and helped us feel like we had truly stepped into the Western world.



From the cattle drive and delicious food to the pony rides, shopping, and Western charm, the Texas Stockyards delivered a fantastic day for both kids and adults. If you're visiting the area, be sure to add it to your itinerary—you won't be disappointed!⭐️🤠




 

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Visiting the Fort Worth Zoo

 

A Fun Day at the Fort Worth Zoo with a Toddler

During our family trip to Fort Worth, Texas, one attraction that quickly rose to the top of our must-visit list was the Fort Worth Zoo. Known as one of the best zoos in the country, we couldn't wait to spend the day exploring—and it ended up being one of our favorite family adventures of the trip!

As soon as we arrived, we were impressed by how beautiful and well-maintained the zoo was. The pathways were easy to navigate, the exhibits were spacious, and there was plenty of shade throughout the park, which was a welcome bonus on a warm Texas day.

Traveling with a toddler can sometimes be unpredictable, (She fell asleep as soon as we arrived) but the Fort Worth Zoo turned out to be incredibly family-friendly. There was plenty of room for our little one to walk, explore, and burn off some energy while getting up close to amazing animals from around the world. 

One of our favorite exhibits was Texas Wild!, where visitors can discover native Texas wildlife and learn more about the state's unique ecosystems. It was a fun way to experience animals that call Texas home while enjoying beautiful outdoor exhibits. 









The giraffes were another highlight of our visit. Watching these gentle giants stroll through their habitat was fascinating, and they quickly became one of our toddler's favorite animals of the day.

                                     


What we appreciated most about the Fort Worth Zoo was how easy it was to spend an entire day there. Between the animal exhibits, shaded walkways, family amenities, and opportunities to stop and rest, the zoo offered the perfect balance of fun and relaxation.

                                 

If you're visiting Fort Worth with children, we highly recommend adding the Fort Worth Zoo to your itinerary. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, older kids, or simply love animals, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Our day at the zoo was filled with animal encounters, family memories, and plenty of smiles. It was the perfect way to spend a day in Fort Worth and an experience we'd gladly do again on a future visit.

🐅🦒🐘The Fort Worth Zoo was a huge hit with our family and easily one of the highlights of our Texas adventure!

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Buc-ee's gas station a MUST STOP when in Texas

Our First Buc-ee's Experience in Fort Worth, Texas: We Came for the Food!

During our trip to Fort Worth, Texas, we finally made our first-ever stop at Buc-ee's, and now we understand why people talk about it so much. Part gas station, part convenience store, part gift shop, and part foodie destination, Buc-ee's is truly an experience all its own.

While many travelers stop to fill up their gas tanks or take advantage of the famously clean restrooms, we had one thing on our minds: THE FOOD!

The moment we walked inside, we were overwhelmed—in the best way possible. There were endless snack options, fresh food counters, rows of drinks, and more beef jerky than we have ever seen in one place. The jerky wall alone was worth the visit! 

Tip: There is a counter where you can sample the Jerky before committing to one flavor. We purchase a few different flavors by the pound! Jalapeño Honey was our favorite. 

                                      

Of course, we grabbed some of Buc-ee's famous brisket, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The meat was tender, flavorful, and packed with smoky goodness. It was easily one of our favorite things we tried during our visit. BRISKET ON THE BOARD!! Yes, Please! 


Another standout was the banana pudding. Creamy, sweet, and comforting, it was the perfect dessert after our meal. We also picked up some fruit, which was fresh and made for a nice balance to all the other treats we were sampling.

One thing we couldn't resist was the giant fountain sodas. Everything at Buc-ee's seems supersized, and the drinks were no exception. They were the perfect companion to our road trip feast.

Strawberry lemonade- Since living in Italy I can no longer drink the super sweet sodas, I had to cut it with sparkling water... LOL                                         

                                                

After grabbing our food, we headed back to the car to eat. One thing that surprised us was that there weren't really any benches or designated dining areas inside or outside the store. So, like many travelers, we turned our car into our personal dining room and enjoyed our meal there. Honestly, it worked out perfectly since we were traveling with a toddler. 

                                                    She is enjoying her watermelon 🍉                                                                                                

We also spent some time browsing the massive gift shop section. From quirky souvenirs and Texas-themed merchandise to home décor and apparel, there was something around every corner. Even if you're not shopping for anything specific, it's fun just to wander around and see what catches your eye.

Now for our unpopular opinion: we were not fans of the famous Beaver Nuggets. We know they have a huge following, and most people absolutely love them, but they just weren't for us. That's the fun of trying new places, though—not everything is going to be a hit, and everyone has different tastes.

Overall, our first Buc-ee's experience was a fun and memorable pit stop during our time in Fort Worth. We would definitely recommend stopping by if you're passing through. If nothing else, it's worth it for the clean restrooms and the chance to fill up your gas tank.

But let's be honest—we really came for the food. And after finally experiencing Buc-ee's for ourselves, we can confidently say it was worth the stop.  I'm still thinking about he banana pudding.🥩🍗🧁🥤

                                         

                    

                                                   


 

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