Updated Oct 5, 2023

Bring The Whole Family To Zoo Boo, A Kid-Friendly Halloween Event In Texas

Zoo Boo at the Houston Zoo offers a family-friendly Halloween festival with costumes, animal interactions, and festive activities.

Updated Oct 5, 2023

Written by

Katie Lawrence

Nature|Wildlife & Farms

Published Aug 15, 2024

The One-Of-A-Kind Cottage Farms In Texas Serves Up Fresh Homemade Pie To Die For

Published Aug 15, 2024

Written by

Katie Lawrence

If your sweet tooth is half as big as mine, you can’t pass up the chance to visit Cottage Farms in Sumner. One of the best farm bakeries in Texas, this family-run farm and cafe offers all sorts of delicious treats, including the most incredible homemade pies you’ll ever have. The setting is idyllic, the treats are mouthwatering, and the owners are sweet as can be.

Located just outside of Paris in the tiny town of Sumner, Cottage Farms is a family farm with an on-site bakery and cafe. Johnny and Yolanda Harder and their three kids are always thrilled when folks stop by for lunch or a freshly-baked sweet treat.

The interior of the shop is equal parts cozy and stylish, giving modern farmhouse vibes. Plenty of tables allow guests to sit and mingle while enjoying their goodies, and the space is bright, open, and airy.

Speaking of goodies, just wait until you take a peek behind the counter! There’s always a huge assortment of mouthwatering baked goods, ranging from cupcakes and cannolis to cookies and cheesecakes. Savory breakfast options are also available, plus lunch selections like soup, salad, and sandwiches.

In my opinion, nothing beats a good slice of pie, and Cottage Farms comes through with all sorts of scrumptious flavors. Whether you like strawberry, banana cream, or chocolate peanut butter, rest assured you’ll find the perfect bite.

The farm even sells mini pies! These pint-sized Dutch apple and chocolate cuties are *almost* too adorable to eat.

Of course, seasonal pies like pumpkin and pecan make their debut every fall. Order ahead for Thanksgiving to take some work off your plate (pun intended).

If you aren’t a pie person, no biggie. How about a slice of rich, creamy cheesecake?

One of my favorite things about Cottage Farms is that you never know exactly what will be waiting for you behind the dessert case. The menu changes throughout the year, so there’s always reason for excitement.

Seasonal shifts also bring fun, new activities to the farm — like pumpkins in the fall! Bring the whole family for a full day of wholesome outdoor play.

Visit the Cottage Farms website or the Cottage Farms Facebook page for more information, including current hours of operation. You can also purchase some of their products online.

Have you ever been to Cottage Farms? If so, do you think it’s one of the best farm bakeries in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Check out our previous article to see Texas’ Eiffel Tower in our state’s very own Paris.

If you’re looking to improve your own baking skills, MasterClass has so many great sessions to choose from.

Nature|Wildlife & Farms

Published Aug 5, 2024

The One Texas Ranch Where You Can Feed Sloths And Hold Reptiles

Published Aug 5, 2024

Written by

Katie Lawrence

Animal encounters in Texas have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve fed a giraffe at the Houston Zoo, held a snake at a local carnival, and even touched an adorable penguin at Moody Gardens. That being said, few wildlife parks compare to TGR Exotics in Spring. Not only is it a zoo full of unique and endangered animals, but it also lets visitors get up close and personal with sloths, big cats, reptiles, and more.

You’re in for a wild ride when you visit TGR Wildlife Park in Spring, Texas! Over 100 exotic and endangered animals from 25+ species call this incredible place home, and you can get up close and personal with them like never before.

Guests can choose from a variety of experiences ranging from a guided tour of the whole zoo to specific animal encounters. There’s also a Toddler Tour geared towards the younger crowd.

alt — Facebook TGR Exotics Wildlife Park

Among the animals you’ll see are deer, aardvarks, hyenas, owls, bears, porcupines, water buffalo, and more. Being able to see these amazing creatures with your own two eyes instead of through a screen is an opportunity you’ll cherish forever.

If you’d like to go beyond the standard tour and meet the animals face to face, you have several options. From sloths and spider monkeys to reptiles and porcupines, the park offers a range of animal encounters where you can touch and feed creatures you may never have seen before.

TGR Exotics also has special events for holidays, plus a kid’s night out where parents can drop their kids off at the zoo for a fun evening of crafts, games, a twilight zoo tour, and pizza and dessert.

alt — Facebook TGR Exotics Wildlife Park

The Toddler Tour lasts 45 minutes, while the basic, all-ages tour runs for about 1.5 hours. animal encounters are roughly 15 minutes long.

Visit the TGR Exotics website or the TGR Exotics Facebook page for more information about all of the different tours and animal encounters.

Have you ever done an animal encounter in Texas at TGR Exotics Wildlife Park? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Check out our previous article to learn about a historic (and haunted!) saloon in Spring. If you need an all-purpose travel bag for your trip (and future adventures!), we love The Foldie.

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Bring The Whole Family To Zoo Boo, A Kid-Friendly Halloween Event In Texas

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The One-Of-A-Kind Cottage Farms In Texas Serves Up Fresh Homemade Pie To Die For

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The One Texas Ranch Where You Can Feed Sloths And Hold Reptiles

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Skip the Crowds: Explore Rhode Island’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Iowa Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

Skip the Crowds: Explore Missouri’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

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11 Shots of Missouri That Will Drop Your Frozen Jaw This Winter