Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba and I visited Chris Park in San Antonio, Texas — a one-acre urban oasis and living memorial created in memory of Christopher Goldsbury by his mother, artist and philanthropist Linda Pace . Opened in 2005, the park was intentionally designed as a place for reflection, play, and connection, with art and landscape woven seamlessly into the space. Unlike a typical city park, Chris Park feels deeply personal. Every path, bench, and open area carries meaning, creating an environment that invites visitors to slow down, reflect, and simply be present. If you enjoy meaningful public spaces, art that tells a story, and hidden gems that connect community and memory, Chris Park is a must-see stop in San Antonio. 🌵 A Park Designed with Intention Chris Park blends natural beauty with thoughtful design. Lush plantings soften the space, while winding pathways guide visitors through areas meant for contemplation as well as play. Site-specific artwork by Teresita Fernández adds emotional depth ...

Simba and I visited The Picasso Benches in San Antonio, Texas — a vibrant collection of artistically painted benches scattered throughout public spaces across the city. Inspired by the creative legacy of Pablo Picasso, each bench is a one-of-a-kind work of art designed to celebrate community, imagination, and local spirit. What makes these benches special isn’t just their bold colors or playful designs — it’s how they transform everyday city spaces into moments of surprise and joy. They invite people to pause, sit, and engage with art in a way that feels natural and accessible. If you enjoy discovering quirky public art, strolling through interesting neighborhoods, or collecting unique photo ops while traveling, the Picasso Benches are a great stop in San Antonio. 🌵 Art Meant to Be Part of Everyday Life Unlike gallery art, the Picasso Benches are meant to be used. They exist in parks, sidewalks, and public gathering spaces, blending creativity directly into daily routines. Each bench...

Simba and I stopped at the Giant Hog Stand, also known as Frank's Hog Stand , in San Antonio, Texas — home to one of the city’s most unmistakable roadside icons. This massive pig statue has greeted hungry travelers for decades and remains a beloved local landmark tied to the history of the original Hog Stand restaurant. Larger than life and impossible to miss, the hog has long outlasted its original purpose, evolving into a symbol of roadside culture, nostalgia, and San Antonio personality. It’s the kind of landmark that doesn’t need an explanation — it just makes people smile. If you enjoy unusual roadside icons, big photo ops, or fun landmarks off the beaten path, the Giant Hog Stand is a perfect stop while exploring San Antonio. 🌵 A Pig That Became a Landmark The giant hog was originally created to draw attention to the historic Hog Stand restaurant, once a popular stop for barbecue and comfort food. Over time, the statue became more famous than the restaurant itself, cementing...

Simba and I visited one of San Antonio’s most unusual and infamous burial sites — the grave of Sandra West , the socialite who was famously buried in her Ferrari. In a final request that stunned the public, she was laid to rest seated in the driver’s seat of her car, wearing her favorite white lace nightgown, and sealed inside a burial vault beneath the cemetery. While the grave itself is quiet and understated, the story behind it has turned this spot into one of the most talked-about burials in Texas history. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary stories are hidden beneath the most ordinary-looking places. If you enjoy unusual history, cemetery explorations, and true stories that sound almost unbelievable, this is a memorable stop in San Antonio. 🌵 A Final Wish That Became Legend Sandra West’s burial wishes sparked headlines and controversy when they were revealed. Her desire to be buried in her beloved Ferrari challenged norms, raised legal questions, and captivated ...

Simba and I visited Mission San José in San Antonio, Texas — one of the city’s most iconic and historically significant Spanish colonial missions. Founded in the 18th century, Mission San José is renowned for its impressive stone architecture, peaceful courtyards, and beautifully preserved details that reflect the cultural, religious, and community life of early Texas settlements. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Missions,” this site feels both grand and welcoming. Every wall, archway, and courtyard tells a story of craftsmanship, faith, and endurance. If you enjoy historic sites, architectural beauty, and exploring deep history while traveling, Mission San José is an unforgettable stop in San Antonio. 🌵 Architecture That Tells a Story Mission San José stands out for its scale and detail. The thick limestone walls, ornate carvings, and symmetrical layout reflect both Spanish colonial design and the skilled labor of Indigenous artisans who helped build it. Walking through the gr...

Simba and I visited Espada Aqueduct in San Antonio, Texas — one of the oldest surviving sections of the historic irrigation system that helped shape the city’s early settlement and agriculture. Built centuries ago, this remarkable stone aqueduct still carries water across the San Antonio River, standing as a powerful reminder of early engineering, cooperation, and survival in South Texas. Quiet, sturdy, and still functional, the Espada Aqueduct doesn’t just tell history — it continues to live it. The flowing water beneath the arches connects the past directly to the present. If you enjoy historic landmarks, engineering feats, and meaningful roadside travel finds, this is a beautiful and educational stop in San Antonio. 🌵 An Engineering Feat That Still Works The Espada Aqueduct was constructed as part of the Spanish colonial acequia system, designed to bring water to missions and farmland. Its stone arches and elevated channel allowed water to cross the river efficiently — an impressi...

Simba and I visited The Cartoon Saloon in Comfort, Texas — a classic and quirky local bar packed with character and a colorful history. Known for its vintage vibe, old-school signage, and welcoming atmosphere, this spot feels like a time capsule of small-town Texas nightlife. From the moment you see the exterior, you know this place has stories. Inside, the personality continues, blending local flavor, familiar faces, and a lived-in charm you can’t manufacture. Whether you’re into historic bars, quirky local stops, or places with personality on a road trip, The Cartoon Saloon is a fun and memorable slice of Texas life. 🌵 A Bar with Personality and History The Cartoon Saloon stands out because it doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is. The signage, décor, and layout all reflect years of use, laughter, and community. It’s the kind of place where the atmosphere matters as much as the drinks — familiar, unpretentious, and unmistakably local. 🐾 Stopping In with Simba Checking o...

Simba and I visited the Seashell Graves of Comfort Cemetery in Comfort, Texas — a peaceful historic burial ground known for its unusual and striking seashell-covered graves. Generations of families chose to decorate headstones, fences, and markers with shells, stones, and other natural treasures, transforming this cemetery into a living work of folk art layered with deeply personal stories. Walking through the cemetery feels calm and contemplative. The shells catch the light, adding texture and detail to the landscape, while each grave reflects the individuality and care of the people who created it. If you enjoy cemeteries with character, offbeat history, and places rooted in personal memory, this is a meaningful stop in central Texas. 🌵 A Tradition of Remembrance Through Art The seashell decorations found throughout Comfort Cemetery weren’t part of a single design or movement. Instead, they grew organically as families returned over the years to honor loved ones using materials that...

Simba and I visited Devil’s Sinkhole in Rocksprings, Texas — one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the Lone Star State. This massive vertical cavern drops more than 300 feet straight down into the earth, creating a dramatic geological feature that feels both powerful and humbling. What makes Devil’s Sinkhole even more remarkable is the wildlife it supports. Thousands of bats call this cavern home, and at dusk they spiral out of the opening in an unforgettable natural spectacle that adds movement and sound to an already stunning landscape. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic scenery, unusual geology, or unforgettable wildlife moments, Devil’s Sinkhole is a must-visit stop on a Texas road trip. 🌵 A Vertical World Beneath Your Feet Standing at the rim of Devil’s Sinkhole is an experience unlike anything else in Texas. The cavern opens suddenly, revealing sheer rock walls plunging deep into darkness below. The scale is difficult to grasp until you’re standing there, peering into a...

Simba and I stopped to see the Giant Matthew McConaughey cutout in Uvalde, Texas — a massive tribute to the Academy Award–winning actor that has become one of the most talked-about quirky roadside stops in the state. Towering above the street, this larger-than-life cutout blends celebrity fandom, local pride, and pure roadside fun in classic small-town Texas style. You don’t expect to round a corner and suddenly be face-to-face with a giant movie star, which is exactly what makes this stop so memorable. It’s bold, playful, and unapologetically fun. If you enjoy unusual roadside attractions, pop culture landmarks, and big photo ops on a road trip, this stop is a must-see in Uvalde. 🌵 A Texas-Sized Tribute Everything about this cutout feels appropriately oversized. Standing tall against the Texas sky, it turns a simple street view into an instant landmark and photo magnet. The cutout reflects how roadside attractions don’t have to be historic or serious to be meaningful — sometimes they...

Simba and I visited the Ruins of Saint Dominic Catholic Church and Cemetery in Hondo, Texas — a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the past tucked among quiet fields and aged trees. What remains of the church stands in peaceful decay, offering a powerful glimpse into local history and the faith of early settlers long after regular services ended. There’s a stillness here that immediately slows you down. The crumbling stone, open sky, and surrounding countryside create an atmosphere that feels reflective and deeply rooted in time. If you enjoy abandoned history, ghostly ruins, or peaceful historic cemeteries with character and stories to tell, this is a meaningful stop in the heart of South Texas. 🌾 A Church Remembered Through Ruins The remaining walls and archways of Saint Dominic Catholic Church hint at what once stood as a center of worship and community. Weathered bricks, worn stone, and open windows frame the landscape beyond, blending the structure into its surroundings rather than...

Simba and I visited Stonehenge II in Ingram, Texas — an imaginative and quirky roadside landmark inspired by the original Stonehenge, but recreated with a distinctly Texas sense of humor. Built from large limestone blocks and paired with whimsical sculptural figures, this small-town installation draws visitors looking for fun, weird, and wonderfully unexpected roadside art. Set in the Texas Hill Country, Stonehenge II doesn’t try to replicate the original monument perfectly. Instead, it embraces creativity and charm, turning an ancient concept into something lighthearted and uniquely local. If you enjoy roadside oddities, creative art installations, or unique photo stops off the beaten path, Stonehenge II is a must-see in central Texas. 🌵 Ancient Inspiration, Texas Personality Stonehenge II borrows the recognizable form of its ancient counterpart while adding playful details and companion sculptures that give the site its own identity. The limestone blocks feel substantial and grounde...

Simba and I visited the Deer Horn Tree in Junction, Texas — one of the quirkiest roadside curiosities in the state. This old tree, standing in a small local park, is literally covered in antlers left behind by travelers, hunters, and passersby over the years. What may have started as a simple gathering spot has slowly transformed into a surreal, organic sculpture shaped by both nature and people. Seeing the tree in person is equal parts fascinating and bizarre. Branches twist under the weight of antlers, creating a strange visual that feels completely out of place — and yet somehow perfectly at home — in small-town Texas. If you enjoy offbeat attractions, quirky Americana stops, and places that make you stop and ask “what is this?” the Deer Horn Tree is well worth a quick detour. 🌵 Where Tradition Meets Roadside Weirdness The Deer Horn Tree feels like a crossroads of local tradition and spontaneous roadside creativity. Each set of antlers represents someone passing through, leaving be...

Simba and I visited the Sul Ross Desk in Alpine, Texas — the legendary desk perched on Hancock Hill overlooking town. What began decades ago as a simple study spot placed by college students has evolved into something much more meaningful: a living time capsule filled with handwritten notes from people passing through. Inside the desk’s drawers are notebooks packed with messages, reflections, jokes, confessions, encouragement, and thoughts meant for strangers who will never meet. It’s part scenic viewpoint, part tradition, and part shared human story — all set against sweeping West Texas views. If you love short hikes with a payoff, quirky traditions, and places that feel personal even when you’re just passing through, this is a must-do stop in Alpine. 🌄 A Desk With a View — and a History The Sul Ross Desk sits high above Alpine on Hancock Hill, offering wide views of the town and the surrounding desert mountains. Over time, the desk has become a quiet tradition, maintained not by off...

Simba and I visited Sleeping Figure , a colossal outdoor sculpture near Marfa, Texas — a striking contemporary art installation built from decommissioned shipping containers and shaped to resemble a reclining human form stretching across the desert landscape. Measuring roughly 150 feet long and rising about 40 feet tall, this massive piece immediately commands attention while still feeling deeply connected to its surroundings. Set against the vast openness of West Texas, Sleeping Figure creates a powerful contrast between industrial materials and endless desert space. It’s bold, unexpected, and impossible to ignore. If you enjoy large-scale sculpture, contemporary art in unusual places, or discovering remarkable installations during road trips, this is an unforgettable stop near Marfa. 🌵 Industrial Materials in an Open Landscape Sleeping Figure is constructed entirely from stacked and welded shipping containers, transforming utilitarian objects into a monumental work of art. The figur...

Simba and I visited Prada Marfa, the famous luxury storefront art installation standing alone in the West Texas desert near Valentine. Designed to resemble a high-end Prada boutique but never intended to function as one, this permanent installation blends fashion, irony, and isolation into one of the most recognizable roadside art landmarks in the Southwest. Set against miles of open desert, Prada Marfa feels deliberately out of place — and that’s exactly the point. The contrast between luxury branding and the harsh, empty landscape makes the installation both striking and thought-provoking. If you enjoy conceptual art, roadside photography, or unique desert landmarks, Prada Marfa is a must-see stop on any West Texas road trip. 🌵 Art, Irony, and Isolation Prada Marfa was created as a commentary on consumerism, luxury, and permanence. Though it looks like a real storefront, the doors never open, the merchandise never changes, and the building slowly weathers alongside the desert around...

Simba and I stopped to check out the Giant Marfa Mural in Marfa, Texas — a bold piece of street art that has become one of the town’s most photographed landmarks. Large, graphic, and unmistakably Marfa, this mural reflects the creative energy and artistic identity that define this small West Texas town. Standing in the open desert townscape, the mural feels confident and intentional. It doesn’t blend in — it anchors the space, making art part of the everyday environment rather than something tucked away in a gallery. If you enjoy street art, public murals, or creative landmarks that capture the spirit of a place, this is a must-see stop while exploring Marfa. 🌵 Art That Defines a Town Marfa is known for embracing art in all forms, and the Giant Marfa Mural fits perfectly into that ethos. Its clean lines, bold lettering, and strong visual presence make it instantly recognizable while still leaving room for interpretation. The mural feels both playful and iconic — a visual shorthand for...

Simba and I stopped to check out the Stardust Motel sign in Marfa, Texas — a classic retro roadside sign that fits perfectly with Marfa’s artsy, minimalist, and slightly mysterious vibe. Simple, bold, and nostalgic, this sign has quietly become one of the town’s most recognizable photo stops. Set against the wide West Texas sky, the Stardust Motel sign feels timeless. It doesn’t try to be flashy or modern — it just exists, confidently and calmly, much like Marfa itself. If you enjoy retro signs, roadside photography, or iconic small-town landmarks, this is an easy and worthwhile stop while exploring Marfa. 🌵 A Sign That Matches Marfa’s Energy Marfa is known for its art installations, open space, and understated creativity, and the Stardust Motel sign fits right in. Its clean lines and vintage lettering feel intentional, blending nostalgia with the town’s modern artistic sensibility. It’s the kind of landmark that feels perfectly placed, even though it’s simply been there for decades. ...

I visited Carlsbad Caverns in Carlsbad, New Mexico — one of the most awe-inspiring cave systems in the United States. Descending into the caverns reveals massive chambers, towering formations, and surreal underground landscapes shaped over millions of years. From the moment you begin the descent, it’s clear that this place operates on a completely different scale. The vastness, silence, and depth of the caverns create an atmosphere that feels both humbling and otherworldly, reminding you just how powerful natural forces can be over time. If you enjoy national parks, geological wonders, or unforgettable natural landscapes, Carlsbad Caverns is an absolute must-see in New Mexico. 🪨 A Landscape Carved by Time Carlsbad Caverns was formed through complex geological processes that transformed ancient limestone into enormous underground chambers. As you walk through the cave, stalactites hang from the ceiling, stalagmites rise from the floor, and intricate mineral details appear in every dire...

I visited the Roswell UFO Spacewalk in Roswell, New Mexico — an immersive, walk-through attraction that brings the city’s alien lore to life. This self-guided experience blends themed rooms, glowing displays, UFO scenes, and pop-culture interpretations of extraterrestrial encounters, all designed to make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Unlike traditional museums, the Spacewalk leans fully into imagination and atmosphere. It’s playful, visual, and intentionally over-the-top — embracing Roswell’s extraterrestrial reputation with creativity and fun. If you enjoy UFO culture, immersive attractions, or quirky roadside experiences, this is a memorable stop while exploring Roswell. 🛸 Stepping Into Roswell’s Alien World The Roswell UFO Spacewalk is designed as an experience rather than an exhibit. As you move through the attraction, each room introduces new lighting, props, and scenes inspired by classic alien encounters and sci-fi imagery. Glowing colors, themed environments...

I visited the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico — the epicenter of the world’s most famous UFO story. This museum dives deep into the 1947 Roswell incident while exploring decades of UFO sightings, government investigations, and extraterrestrial theories that have made Roswell a global name. Whether you approach the subject as a believer, a skeptic, or simply someone curious about unexplained phenomena, the museum presents a wide range of information that lets you decide what to think for yourself. If you’re interested in UFO history, Cold War mysteries, or iconic roadside museums, this is an essential stop while visiting Roswell. 🛸 The Story That Put Roswell on the Map The 1947 Roswell incident sparked international fascination after reports surfaced of a mysterious crash outside town. What followed were conflicting explanations, government statements, and decades of speculation that turned Roswell into a permanent fixture in UFO lore. The museum lay...

Simba and I visited The Iron Cross in Roswell, New Mexico — a solemn and historically significant memorial tied to German prisoners of war held in the area during World War II. This iron cross marks the burial site of German POWs who died while being held at nearby camps, making it one of the most unexpected and lesser-known pieces of wartime history in the New Mexico desert. Standing quietly against the open landscape, the memorial feels understated yet powerful. Far from any battlefield, it reminds visitors that war reaches places far beyond the front lines — and that human stories unfold even in the most unlikely settings. If you enjoy historic memorials, overlooked war history, or meaningful roadside stops, this is an important and thought-provoking place to visit while in Roswell. 📜 A Lesser-Known Chapter of World War II During World War II, German prisoners of war were held at camps across the United States, including in New Mexico. Some did not survive captivity due to illness ...

I visited Billy the Kid’s Grave & Museum in Fort Sumner, New Mexico — one of the most iconic Old West history stops in the Southwest. This site marks the final resting place of Billy the Kid and preserves artifacts, exhibits, and stories tied to one of America’s most legendary and controversial outlaws. Fort Sumner holds a unique place in frontier history. It’s here that Billy the Kid’s story came to an end, and today the town preserves that legacy through a combination of memorial, museum, and historic setting. If you’re interested in outlaw legends, frontier history, or classic Old West landmarks, this stop is a must when traveling through eastern New Mexico. 📜 The Legacy of Billy the Kid Billy the Kid remains one of the most famous figures of the American Old West. Known for his short life, outlaw reputation, and lasting myth, his story has been retold countless times through books, films, and folklore. Visiting his grave and the nearby museum grounds that legend in reality — c...

Simba and I visited Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico — a stunning natural spring famous for its deep blue color and incredible water clarity. Fed by an underground aquifer, this small but striking pool feels almost unreal, especially when set against the dry, open desert landscape surrounding it. At first glance, the color alone stops you in your tracks. The vivid blue water contrasts sharply with the earth tones around it, making Blue Hole feel like a hidden oasis you wouldn’t expect to find here. If you enjoy natural wonders, roadside nature stops, or discovering unexpected beauty in the desert, Blue Hole is a must-see while traveling through eastern New Mexico. 🌊 A Natural Spring with Incredible Clarity Blue Hole is known for its crystal-clear water and surprising depth. Looking down into the spring, you can see straight through the water as it shifts from bright blue to darker shades below the surface. Despite its relatively small size, the spring feels powerful and mysterious ...