Kids, Crafts, and Quiet Evenings

Kids, Crafts, and Quiet Evenings

When we vacation, I sometimes worry: will my daughter get bored? At Bentsen Palm Village, she never did. On Day 5, after breakfast latkes (pan-fried potato pancakes, made in a skillet with shredded potato, onion, egg, and a dash of salt), she begged to try the craft...
Cooking Big Outdoors: Dutch Oven Chili

Cooking Big Outdoors: Dutch Oven Chili

One of my favorite parts about RV camping is the chance to cook things you rarely make at home — things that smell like escape. On our fourth night, I decided to break out my 5-qt Dutch oven and make a smoky, hearty chili to feed us for leftovers. In the late...
Birding at Dawn

Birding at Dawn

I set my alarm for 5:30 a.m. — before sunrise — because I’d heard that bird activity is richest at first light. At 6:00, I slipped into my boots and wandered quietly along the edge of the resort toward the state park trails. The world was cool and still. Mist hovered...
A Rainy Day in Mission, Texas

A Rainy Day in Mission, Texas

On Day 3, the skies turned overcast and a light rain began to fall. We’d planned an outdoor hike, but the weather had other ideas. I reminded myself: vacations aren’t ruined by rain — they’re just a chance to pivot. We wandered over to the resort’s clubhouse and event...
First Morning at Bentsen Palm

First Morning at Bentsen Palm

I rolled out of bed that first morning at Bentsen Palm Village, stretched, and peeked out of our RV’s blinds. Dew clung to the grass around the level pad; the air was soft and humid. The distant calls of birds greeted me.We’d driven nearly all day yesterday from home,...