Cooking Classes Dallas

Gas prices and higher grocery bills do not mean the end of the Dallas / Fort Worth (the Metroplex) family road trip. Where can you find an alternative to the Metroplex area family spot vacation? Where can your budget-conscious family go during the fall months for a weekend? The answer: Beavers Bend Resort Park area of Southeast Oklahoma's McCurtain County, a mere three hour drive - less than a gas tank away from Dallas. The area has been voted by LIFE magazine as one of "100 places to see in your life" and the Dallas Observer as Best Getaway "Dallas."

Once you arrive, make the Beavers Bend Resort Park area your home. There is lodging and cabins to suit all budgets. Then, explore a large number of low-cost or regional offerings. Most anything your heart desires is either in the park itself or nearby in the towns of Idabel, Hochatown, Valliant and Broken Bow. Children will have a blast and your bank account thanks you profusely.

Here are 10 tips for finding alternatives free or low cost to Dallas Texas attractions:

Tip # 1: Watch the eagles fly: Witness the eagles while hiking along the Mountain Fork River and Broken Bow Lake. Walking tours start at center of the park at 9:00 on Saturdays during the fall months. The experience is fun and educational! You'll learn that thousands of eagles migrate south and settle where they encounter open water and plentiful food. Because of the abundance of lakes and rivers and mild winter temperatures, Oklahoma's McCurtain County is particularly attractive to these magnificent birds.

Tip # 2: Visiting a nature center: The center of nature bend Beaver Park Resort offers hayrides and storytelling by the open campfire on Friday and Saturday evening.

Tip # 3: Try your hand at arts and crafts: Also at the nature center, which is open all day on weekends, children can make arts and crafts (supplies provided). Take home your souvenirs handmade with you when you leave.

Tip # 4: Learn about native forests: the Museum Heritage Park Forest, you and your children will learn about the native forests of the region of the dinosaur era to today.

Tip # 5: Go green: Steep yourself in the practice of wildlife conservation at the museum of the park's wildlife.

Tip # 6: Visit the arts and crafts show: The Beavers Bend Folk Festival and Craft which was held in November showcases old Timey arts and crafts. Over 70 exhibitors will display their crafts, skills and food at the event in three days.

Tip # 7: Experience of a fair: The McCurtain County Free Fair is held in downtown near Idabel in October. The five-day festival includes lots of opportunities for your home "American Idol" talent contest in the series, which includes all kinds of acts, singers, dancers, etc. The fair features products in the oven cook-offs, driving a tractor beauty pageant contest, carnival and of course, an exhibition of livestock.

Tip # 8: Rub elbows (sort of) with famous singing cowboys: While in Idabel, do not forget to visit the Roy Rogers and Gene Autry Museum. But the first call: it is the personal project of an Idabel resident who runs the attraction of his house.

Tip # 9: Become an expert on food eggplant: Just outside Idabel, a short drive away is the Honey Bear Ranch, which sells organic meat and production and offers cooking classes such that "All we can do with eggplant. It even has a zoo for children.

Tip No. 10: Learn more about the indigenous peoples of the region: Do not leave Idabel until you've seen the Red River Museum, where you can find out about the Indians who once populated Southeast Eastern Oklahoma's McCurtain County.

With Dallas, Texas attractions often costing an arm and leg, why not jump in the car and visit.