Staff Favorites: Tourist Attractions

Spring Break is coming up! To help you day dream about resting on the beach or hitting the slopes,  we gathered our staff’s favorite tourist attractions. Get the inside scoop on their most-loved spots, and then get to packing! 

“The best tourist attraction on the planet is La King’s Confectionery on the Strand in Galveston, Texas! Nothing beats walking into an air conditioned ice cream and candy shop in the dead heat of summer, and the old-fashioned touches—wooden floors, iron chairs, hand-pulled taffy—make it a can’t-miss stop. The best, though, is sharing it with family! I have a ton of sweet (pun intended) memories of enjoying ice cream at La King’s with my parents, siblings, and nieces. I love it!” – Valerie “Ouch Potato” Morby,  Social Media and Copy Manager

“My family used to take a yearly trip to Big Cedar Lodge, which is just outside of Branson, Missouri! My grandparents had a timeshare there, so my whole extended family would spend spring break playing games, hiking, swimming, watching movies, and eating meals together! Easily the most memorable part for us each year was their massive putt-putt course that might be the only course I’ve ever enjoyed more than the one at the Pine Cove Woods. The final hole has a giant largemouth bass that you putt into that was actually so insane. Awesome memories that I miss!”  Colin “Sneaky Pete” Post, Ridge Men’s Director

“I think everyone should take a good old-fashioned spring break trip to Washington DC! This trip can make up for those of you who were robbed if you didn’t get to go in 5th grade with your school. Every Smithsonian museum is free, and my personal favorite is the Portrait Gallery. Ben’s Chili Bowl is an iconic, presidential place in DC to get an awesome chili dog while you’re making your rounds. And don’t forget, in the spring time, the cherry blossoms are blooming and it couldn’t be a prettier, pinker time in the city!” – Chloe “Risk It” McGrath, Towers Associate Director

“A lot of people sleep on Acadia National Park compared to the other national parks, but it is awesome! Acadia is super restful and beautiful.” – TJ “Philly” Connor, Executive Director of CTX

“I love getting to visit anywhere that has a good outdoor vibe. If hunting, fishing, or hiking is involved, then I’m in. One of my favorite spring break trips was in Bristol Tennessee—I got to float and fish the South Holston river with Jacob Cervantes, who is a good friend of mine from summer staff. It was a trip full of fellowship and fish—two of my favorite things!” – Parker “Boomer” Shinsky, Communications Project Coordinator

“One of my favorite spring break trips was when I went to Zion National Park with some friends! There are very few things better than getting to watch the sunrise on Angel’s Landing after a solid hike. The mountain and views are amazing works of the Lord’s creation!” – Daniel “Dash” Garraway, Retail Procurement Coordinator 

“The best tourist attraction on Earth is Yosemite National Park. My favorite memories are eating breakfast at Tunnel View while the sun rises, camping with my family during the summer, and hiking to see the waterfalls. Being able to just spend quality time with my family and enjoy God’s beautiful creation is always a blessing, especially when it’s somewhere as pretty as Yosemite.” – John “MoBo” Monlezun, IT Operations Engineer 

One of my favorite touristy spots is The Pearl in downtown San Antonio! There’s a hip food court that has all sorts of yummy options, a few turfed areas to sit and hang out with friends, and plenty of shops to look through! Also, if you have a kiddo or a dog, there is a splash pad they can play in! The best restaurant there is Southerleigh located in Hotel Emma, which is its own stunning spot on its own. Coming in close second would be La Gloria where you can get the best street tacos of your life. Pro tip: go on a weekend to check out the farmers market hosted there! – Karissa “Yikes” Pitaniello, Content Coordinator