Travels with Tam

Rediscovering My Travels: New Perspectives on Familiar Journeys

July 28, 2025 By Tam Warner Minton 2 Comments

tam, travels with tam, rediscovering my travels — Rediscovering my Travels!

It has been a while. I think I will rediscover my travels as most of my journeys in 2024-2025 have focused on health-related matters involving my husband. Some of you may know that he has faced health issues since his double lung transplant in 2013, while others might not be aware.

Since I cannot travel physically at the moment, I have decided to revisit and relive my past travels through a project titled “Rediscovering My Travels: New Perspectives on Familiar Journeys!” I will be updating my blogs and republishing them with fresh insights and twists. I hope you’ll stay tuned to “Travels with Tam” as I explore these familiar journeys once again.pdating my blogs and information and republishing them with a new perspective or twist. I hope you’ll stay tuned on Travels with Tam as I relive these familiar journeys.

The Wedding Oak Wine Train Experience in Texas Hill Country Returns

January 3, 2025 By Tam Warner Minton 3 Comments

The Wedding Oak Wine Train Experience in Texas Hill Country Returns

wedding oak wine, wedding oak wine train experience, wedding oak

What: Wedding Oak Wine Train Experience

Where to Catch the Train: Cedar Park Depot, 401 E Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613

When: Doors open 10:00 AM, train departs 11:00 AM; train returns to station 5:00 PM on:

Sunday, January 12^th

Sunday, January 19^th

Sunday, February 16^th

Sunday, February 23^rd

Ticket Link:https://www.etix.com/ticket/mvc/online/upcomingEvents/organization?organization_id=6038&orderBy=1&pageNumber=1

DETAILS: Enjoy the Wine Train as you travel by rail to Wedding Oak Winery in Burnet, Texas! Passengers will enjoy a 2-hour train ride from Cedar Park spanning the South San Gabriel River while enjoying an intimate talk and wine tasting with members of the Wedding Oak family. In Burnet, food and wine are available for purchase during our 2-hour layover at the stunning tasting room at Wedding Oak Winery. Complete with two-story views, a patio, and a rooftop terrace, Wedding Oak has made its home in the historic 1888 Badger Building, in the heart of Burnet’s town square. Finally, please relax and enjoy the ride as the train returns to our Cedar Park Depot in the afternoon.

To make sure attendees get home safely, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks will be available for purchase on the return trip. Alcohol will not be served and may not be consumed on our return trip.

This excursion is for ages 21 and up only. SCHEDULE: Departs 11 am, Returns 5 pm. Your ticket includes a 2-hour train ride and a tasting-sized flight of 5 wines. Full-sized servings, bottles to-go, and food are available for purchase in the Wedding Oak tasting room during the layover in Burnet only. Learn more about Wedding Oaks Winery at https://weddingoakwinery.com/.

I think this would be so much fun! I do love trains!

NOTE: Wedding Oak Winery and the Austin Steam Train Association wish to provide each passenger with the best possible experience during their excursion. To ensure this, we kindly request that groups of two avoid choosing seats that are facing each other. If you do choose such seats, we may need to reassign your seats to ensure that you are seated next to each other. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in making this train ride enjoyable for everyone.

Edinburgh’s Rich and Royal History Draws Incredible Number of Visitors

November 8, 2024 By Tam Warner Minton Leave a Comment

Edinburgh’s Rich and Royal History Draws Incredible Number of Visitors!

_{Edinburgh Castle}

Edinburgh’s Royal History Draws Incredible Number of Visitors, and I am among them! Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is steeped in fascinating history that dates back centuries. From its iconic landmarks to its vibrant culture, Edinburgh offers a glimpse into the rich and royal tapestry of Scottish history. I have long wanted to visit the city of Mary, Queen of Scots, and Robert the Bruce. And William Wallace, but don’t mention the movie to a Scot, the history is so incorrect they dislike it intensely. And not to forget Adam Smith, David Hume, and many great intellectuals, poets and writers.

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The Christmas Trees in the National Parks Honor the Holiday Spirit and Ancient Traditions

December 7, 2023 By Tam Warner Minton 1 Comment

FROM PHANTOM RANCH TO YELLOWSTONE AND DEATH VALLEY

Christmas trees, national parks, Christmas trees in the national parks, Xanterra collection, Grand Canyon, Death Valley Xanterra travel collection — _{El Tovar’s lobby, the Grand Hotel of the Grand Canyon, Photo by Xanterra Collection}

The Christmas Trees in the National Parks Honor the Holiday Spirit and Ancient Traditions.

The history of Christmas trees goes back to the symbolic use of evergreens in ancient Egypt and Rome and continues today with the German tradition of Christmas trees. The Christmas Tree came into vogue when Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha introduced it in the 1800s in England. I love Christmas, so I thank Prince Albert profusely because he is why we decorate Christmas Trees!

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Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos: A Spectacular Holiday Delight at the Dallas Arboretum

December 1, 2023 By Tam Warner Minton Leave a Comment

Christmas gazebos, dallas arboretum, 12 days of Christmas gazebos, holidays, 12 days of Christmas, partridge in a pear tree — 9 Ladies Dancing

Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos: A Spectacular Holiday Delight at the Arboretum

Step into a winter wonderland unlike any other as the Arboretum unveils its spectacular 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos. Each enchanting gazebo brings to life a different day from the beloved holiday song. Imagine strolling through a festive atmosphere, surrounded by intricate designs, twinkling lights, and captivating decorations. So mark your calendars for November 9 through January 5, and plan your visit to the Arboretum, where unforgettable memories await during the most magical time of the year.

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Grandparents and Kids can Enjoy Christmas Movies Together and Bond!

November 27, 2023 By Tam Warner Minton Leave a Comment

Grandparents and Kids can Enjoy Christmas Movies Together!

grandparents and kids, heartwarming Christmas stories, Christmas comedies, Christmas movies

Looking for a way to create a truly unforgettable holiday experience with your grandchildren? Get ready to curl up on the couch, grab a bowl of popcorn, and embark on a cinematic journey.

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Did you know that Italy has a Christmas Witch, La Befana? She Flies!

December 2, 2019 By Tam Warner Minton 7 Comments

Did you know that Italy has a Christmas Witch, La Befana? Yes. The gift giver in Italy is a woman!

la Befana, la Befana flies, eve of the epiphany, Italian, Christmas witch, la befana — ^{La Befana flies proudly on my Christmas tree!}

La Befana flies on her broomstick on the Eve of the Epiphany, January 5, to leave candy, or charcoal, in children’s stockings! In Italy, children hang stockings on the Eve of the Epiphany, the celebration of the visit of the Wise Men to the Christ child, which is also the eve of Twelfth Night. The legend of why La Befana brings gifts is somewhat sad, but it is celebrated robustly in Italy during the holidays.

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Here are My Dream Christmas Destinations! Where are yours?

November 2, 2017 By Tam Warner 14 Comments

Yes, you heard me, my dream Christmas Destinations! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day must be spent with family, of course. I really would not have it any other way…but I can dream of visiting other locales during the Christmas season. I imagine sailing on a river cruise in Europe to the Christmas Markets with Viking River Cruises! What a dream come true that would be! [Read more…] about Here are My Dream Christmas Destinations! Where are yours?

Immerse Yourself into the Mystical Beauty of the Scottish Highlands to Experience True Wonder!

June 17, 2024 By Tam Warner Minton 1 Comment

Immerse Yourself into the Mystical Beauty of the Scottish Highlands to Experience True Wonder!

Loch Lomond, Scottish Highlands, beauty of the scottish highlands, glencoe, bonnie prince charlie — Beautiful Loch Lomond!

Immersing yourself in the mystical beauty of the Scottish Highlands, where rugged landscapes meet serene lochs, is an unforgettable experience. In this blog post, my daughter and I journey through the enchanting regions of the Scottish Highlands, Loch Lomond, Oban, Loch Awe and Glencoe, each offering its own unique charm and allure. There are so many legends, songs, and the scenery looks as though it is a painting. Our combined Scottish Ancestry touched our souls.

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Exploring the Irresistible Charms of Glasgow, Scotland: A Fun Mother-Daughter Adventure!

June 10, 2024 By Tam Warner Minton 2 Comments

Exploring the Irresistible Charms of Glasgow, Scotland

charms of glasgow, glasgow, university of glasgow, glasgow cathedral — ^{Doulton Fountain was built for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee}

The irresistible charms of Glasgow! Nestled along the banks of the River Clyde lies one of Scotland’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities – Glasgow. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Edinburgh, Glasgow holds its own unique allure, offering visitors a delightful blend of history, art, and modernity. My daughter and I took in all three!

My daughter, Ally, goes to Glasgow once a year for business meetings. What a great job that is, going to Scotland once a year! Last year I told her I was going to go in 2024, so we planned a few days of exploration before her meetings began. We stayed at the Hilton Glasgow, a perfect location. Glasgow is one of the friendliest cities I’ve ever been to, the people are warm and inviting.

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After returning from a Trip to the Socorro Islands, I Learned Scary News about our Conservation Superhero Dr. Andrea Marshall, Queen of Mantas

April 27, 2024 By Tam Warner Minton Leave a Comment

Queen of mantas, andrea marshall, marine megafauna, superhero — **Superhero Dr. Andrea Marshall,**

**Queen of Mantas**

I recently returned from a trip with conservation superhero Dr. Andrea Marshall, known as the Queen of Mantas. We dived the Revillagigedo Islands, aka the Socorro Islands, a group of four volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean. They are part of Mexico and are located approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) off Mexico’s western coast. The islands are known for their diverse and abundant marine life, making them a popular destination for diving enthusiasts like me. Some species in the waters around the Revillagigedo islands include 11 species of sharks, giant manta rays, dolphins, and whales. The islands are also home to a variety of seabirds and unique flora. It is the only place on earth where I’ve seen so much human and fish/mammal interaction. The mantas love to swim above you enjoying your scuba bubbles, and on my last trip, I danced with a dolphin which was a magical experience.

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