LUNCH IN NOGALES MEXICO

A drive from Green Valley, Arizona to Nogales, Mexico will take you around 35 minutes.   

I was driving a rental car and did not want to drive across the border so parked in the Burger King parking lot in Nogales, Arizona.  Their address is 47 N. Sonoita Avenue in Nogales Arizona, phone 520-287-5243. The cost for parking for the day is $5.  You will pay inside and will be given a receipt to place on your dash.  If you are in Tucson and don't want to drive you can opt to take a shuttle to the border crossing.  Sahuaro Shuttle offers transfers from Tucson to Nogales for $12.

A second shuttle company called Arison Shuttle is located right next door to Sahuaro Shuttle in Nogales but I did not confirm prices with them.

The walk from Burger King to the border crossing will only take 2-3 minutes. From Burger King you will head 1 block east, cross the street and head south straight down the ramp to the border gates. 

Walking map Burger King to border crossing

Ramp down to border crossing

Gate to enter into Mexico

U.S. Citizens are not required to show ID when crossing from the United States to Mexico.  ID is only needed for your entry back into the United States. I encountered no lines and no hassles as I crossed into Mexico.  My return to the United States was equally as easy, taking about 5 minutes. 

Line to return to United States

Once on the Mexican side, the day entailed exchanging currency, visiting bakeries, fabric stores, pharmacies and enjoying the sights and sounds of Nogales.  

 

It was then time for lunch.  I headed to a local favorite “Leo’s Café”. 

Myself with owner Leo

Clean, friendly staff, good food and reasonable prices made this a great choice for lunch. They also serve breakfast and dinner.­ 

Once seated Leo, the owner, presented a shot of tequila which I graciously accepted.   Chips and salsa were placed on the table and after 1 bite I decided that the salsa was a bit spicey for me.  Leo was very accommodating, furnishing me with pico de guillo which went down much easier. 

 

The menu is extensive and I found Leo to be very accommodating. 

I ended up substituting tamale for a tostado on my Mexican combination plate. The food was served fresh, hot and had wonderful flavor.  I can certainly recommend Leo’s and will frequent there again on my next visit. 

 

#Nogales #Sahuaro Shuttle #Leo's Cafe #Green Valley

MINI TANK BATTLEFIELD

"Fury”, “Vietnam” & “Battle of the Bulge”.  Three mini tank paintball battlefields unlike any other in the country.  Mini Tank Battlefield is located on 66 acres in Hico, Texas. 

Mini Tank

                                                     My brother and his tank

The question that all my friends keep asking me is “What would possess a 71 year old woman to want to participate in a paintball battle?”  I asked myself that same question as I lowered myself into my mini tank.  

Suited up and ready for battle

Each September I fly to ‘the ranch’ in Texas to spend time with my older brother and only sibling.  We are 355 days apart in age so we celebrate our birthdays together. This year my sister-in-law thought it would be fun to battle each other at the Mini Tank Battlefield.  

If you are driving from Waco, Texas take State Hwy 6 northwest to Hico.  Turn right on Texas 220 toward Glenn Rose.  Turn right after 2 miles at the ERATH COUNTY line on County Road 3243. The battlefield is down 1 mile on the left.

​From the Dallas/Fort Worth area take 35W south to Alvarado. Exit on US Hwy 67 then turn right toward Glenn Rose. 13 miles past Glen Rose turn left on State Hwy 220 toward Hico.  Turn left on County Road 3243 at the HAMILTON COUNTY line. The battlefield is down 1 mile on the left.

Note:  Don't type in the actual address on google maps. Type in Mini Tank Battlefield.  This will lead you to the correct location. 

The business opened this year and is currently without a sign but we knew we were in the right area based on a soldier statue that flanked each side of the driveway.  We thought it best to capture a photo BEFORE we began the battle.

L to R: Myself, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law and brother

                                                  

We were met by owner Robert Valdez who escorted us to his office to review a few basic rules and sign our waiver forms. 

Inside the office

                                                                          

Robert covering some rules and mechanics

I found Robert Valdez to be both engaging and entertaining.  Robert served 21 years as a First Sergeant in the U.S. Army specializing in tank operation. He knows his tanks.  Robert purchased the tanks in England and shipped them to Hico where he modified them to shoot paintballs.   

In addition to mini tanks,  the facility also houses ATV’s that are battle ready.  The property also includes a driving course and static targets. You must be 14 years of ago or older to drive the tanks and shoot at the static targets.  Ages 16 and up can participate in the battle.  

ATV 

Our group consisted of six so Robert divided us into two groups.  The Americans against the Germans. 

Forming our teams

Once we arrived at the battlefield each team planned their battle strategy.  Robert starts the battle with the wave of a flag.  The tanks begin to roll.  If you run out of paintballs during a battle, raise both hands in the air.  If you experience equipment problems, raise one hand in the air. 

 

When the game is over it's time to assess the damage and claim a WINNER! This time around bragging rights had to be awarded to my daughter-in-law Trista Sparlin.  

Sharon Sparlin after the first battle

Both teams after the second battle

Bragging rights go to Trista Sparlin on the far right

So what is the cost you ask?

 

FURY PACKAGE - 1 hour of play 

Minimum 4 people - $45 per person

1 battlefield with 2 battles - 100 paint balls per vehicle

Maximum of 6  

 

SHERMAN PACKAGE - 2 hours of play 

Minimum of 4 people - $50 per person

Maximum of 8  

​

PATTON PACKAGE - 3 hours of play 

Minimum 4 people - $60 per person

Maximum of 8

​

ABRAM PACKAGE - 4 hours of play 

Minimum 4 people - $70 per person

Maximum of 8

​

TANK GUNNERY DRIVING COURSE

$20 per person

Driving and shooting 10 static targets

No Minimum amount of people

(Appointment needed - no deposit required)
 

All Packages (except FURY) come with 6 Tanks, 4 ATV's, 100 Paint balls, Helmet, and Neck Protector. Includes all 3 Battlefields.

Discounts are available for Hico Residents, Military and First Responders.  They also do custom packages. For more information or a rate quote give Robert a call at 817-689-5658 or visit the website at Mini Tank Battlefield.  

#Hico #minitankbattlefield

 

 

OREGON GARDEN RESORT

Located 214 miles from Grants Pass Oregon, the pet friendly Oregon Garden Resort in Silverton Oregon afforded a perfect choice for an overnight stay.  

Oregon Garden Resort

From Grants Pass I drove North on I-5, taking exit 252 Kuebler Blvd. GPS listed the resort address as 895 West Main Street in Silverton, Oregon.  The drive consumed 3.5 hours. 

 

THE RESORT

 

Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Oregon Garden, the Oregon Garden Resort is the brainchild of Dirk Winter.  To say that Mr. Winter has a passion for botanical gardens and boutique properties might be an understatement. 

 

Opening in 2008, Oregon Garden Resort represents the most recent property to be completed by Mr. Winter under the Moonstone Hotel Properties banner.  

Entrance to main lobby

Front door entrance to main lobby

Reception Area

Lobby seating area

The 103 guest rooms are housed throughout several smaller buildings on the complex.  Each room features a fireplace and flat screen television, along with cable programming.   I also liked having a work desk and small refrigerator in addition to a microwave.  I enjoyed the briskness of the morning while sitting on the private patio, sipping a cup of some locally roasted coffee, provided with the in-room coffee maker.  Maid service is also provided daily.  Room offers are either one king or two queen beds.  You will also enjoy the complimentary spa tub and wireless internet access.  I found myself assigned to Building P, room 403 for my one night stay.  A king bedded unit featuring a private balcony.  

Parked in front of Building P

King room

Microwave, Refrigerator, Coffee Maker

Patio seating area

As you stroll through the lobby you will find a reception desk open 24-hours, complimentary newspapers and a business center that houses an ATM.  Take time to browse through one of the books in the garden library.  You will also find plenty of free self-parking.

Business center with ATM

Hallway off main lobby

Looking for a wedding venue?  The Oregon Garden Resort can accommodate up to 450 guests with full catering, offering both indoor and outdoor venues.

Wedding Garden

Wedding Garden area

Wedding Garden area

Just off of the main lobby sits the Fireside Lounge.  The décor focus here is a central fireplace surrounded by seating consisting of tables, chairs and couches.  Patio seating is also available. Open daily from 3-10pm, happy hour runs from 4-7pm daily.   

Inside Fireside Lounge

 

 

 

 

Beer on tap at Fireside Lounge

Fireplace and seating in Fireside Lounge

Patio seating outside Fireside Lounge

I arrived on a Thursday and was delighted to learn that every Thursday is “All Day Happy Hour” so of course I took advantage of that.  Food can be ordered from a special lounge menu and you will find live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting at 6:30pm. 

 

Enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast from 7-10am along with complimentary admission to the 80-acre Oregon Garden.

 

As I continued my stroll through the main building I ran across the Moonstone Spa. Offering a holistic approach to massages and facials, I was disappointed that I was unable to take advantage of this service due to my time constraints.  

Moonstone Spa entrance

You will find both lunch and dinner available in the Garden View Restaurant. Seating can be inside or on the patio, offering an elevated and sweeping view of the gardens.  Dinner is available by reservation only.  Lunch reservations are recommended but not required. 

Entrance to Garden View Restaurant

The resort features a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub but unfortunately it was closed during my visit due to COVID-19.  

Pool Area

Pool and Hot Tub area

I was delighted to learn that the property offered a “Cruise-In” cinema on Thursday evenings during July and August. An unassuming gravel lot during the day is transformed into a classic drive-in theater just before dust. Complete with parking cones and refreshments, gates open at 6:30pm and the movie begins at dusk.  Capacity is 100 cars.  You won’t find those cool speakers that we used to hang on our windows.  Instead, you will tune your FM radio to a given frequency.  Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for kids 5-17.  Under 5 is FREE.  Tickets are not included with your stay so you will have to pre-purchase your tickets before heading to the show.  You can also pre-order refreshments consisting of drinks, popcorn, licorice and M&M’s.  They are distributed to you when you check in.  The family friendly movie lineup for the 2020 summer season includes:

Thursday, July 16: Jurassic Park (PG-13)

Thursday, July 23: The Lego Movie (PG)

Thursday, July 30: 50 First Dates (PG-13)

Thursday, August 6: Wizard of Oz (G)

Thursday, August 13: Dirty Dancing (PG-13)

Thursday, August 20: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (PG-13)

Thursday, August 27: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Last Ark (PG)

"Cruise-in" Cinema parking lot

HOTEL SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE DUE TO COVID

 

Gap period enforced between guest stays 24 hours
Shield between guests and staff in main contact areas
Contactless check-in/check-out is available
Property confirms they are implementing guest safety measures
Social distancing measures are in place
Staff temperature checks are conducted regularly
Property is cleaned with disinfectant
Guests are provided with free hand sanitizer
Property confirms they are implementing enhanced cleaning measures
Staff wears personal protective equipment
Bed sheets and towels are washed at a temperature of at least 60°C/140°F
No rollaway/extra beds available
Commonly-touched surfaces are cleaned with disinfectant

THE GARDENS

The 80-acre Oregon Garden showcases 20 smaller gardens representing the region’s botanical beauty.  Oregon’s mild climate, warm summers and wet winters ranks it as fifth on the NatureServe database for Plant Diversity. 

 

In 2006, facing financial hardship, the Oregon Garden sought out Dirk Winter and the Moonstone Hotel Properties for assistance.  With a genuine passion for gardening, Mr. Winter rescued the financially strapped gardens with a substantial capital infusion and 2 years later opened the Oregon Garden Resort, which overlooks the botanical garden. 

 

Specialty gardens include the Silverton Market Garden, Children’s Garden, Conifer Garden, Wetlands, Northwest Garden, Rediscovery Forest, Sensory Garden, Oak Grove and A-Mazing Water Garden.  Don’t think that the gardens are just for admiring.  A number of activities happen year around including art, music, wine and food events as well as holiday festivities. There is a small admission fee but your access will be free if you spend one night at the Oregon GardenResort. If you find walking to be an issue, the gardens offer a 30-minute narrated tram tour included with your admission.  Unfortunately, the tram is closed for the 2020 season due to COVID-19. 

 

As you stroll through the pet-friendly gardens be sure to look for “Bobbie the Wonder Dog”, a bronze sculpture by artist Jerry Joslin.  Or stop at “Lupine Fugue”.  Located east of the Rose Petal Fountain.  The two pounded stainless steel lupine totems were created by artist Lee Kelly.  Then there is “Slugfest”.  A unique drinking fountain by artist Ellen Tykeson located near the restrooms outside the Children’s Garden.  Sprinkled throughout the gardens are many more unique pieces of art including “Birds and Waves”, “Max”, “Rondo”, “Squirrelly Fountain” and “Look Me in the Eyes”.  

Lupine Fugue

Slugfest

A yearly highlight is “Christmas in the Garden”.   This event will feature a million lights, ice skating, a vendor market, photos with Santa, a snowless tubing hill, live music, festive food, drinks and much more. 

Christmas in the Gardens photo: public domain

 

 

 

 

 

#oregongarden #oregongardenresort