PROSPER | Life & Luxury Magazine - February 2024 by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC

P rosper Life & Luxury Magazine™

Prosper’s Community Magazine Since 2012 February 2024 | Issue 151 WeAreProsper.com

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What’s Inside Family

P rosper

Life & Luxury Magazine™

February 2024 | Issue 151 5 Easy Ways to Say ‘I Love You’ Publisher/Creative Director Jason Reynolds Jason@CedarbrookMedia.com

Community

Prosper Fire Rescue Welcomes Quint 2 at Wetdown and Push-In Ceremony

Director of Sales & Marketing Heather Reynolds Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com

Cover Story | One Family – One Heart – One Legacy

Prosper Parks & Rec Earns Prestigious Certification

Photography Jason Reynolds - Cedarbrook Media Group www.CedarbrookMedia.com

2024-2025 PISD Approved District Academic Calendar

In Good Taste

Valentine’s Recipes You’ll Love to Share

Red Velvet for Your Valentine

Editorial Please send editorial considerations to Editor@CedarbrookMedia.com PROSPER - Life & Luxury Magazine PO Box 405, Prosper, Texas 75078 972.347.6231 www.WeAreProsper.com

Homefront

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4 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Freshen Up Indoor Spaces

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Travel

Life & Luxury Magazine Your Community - Your Lifestyle

Plan Your Next Vacation Like a Pro

A Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Publication www.CedarbrookMedia.com On the Cover: NCA Grand National Champions Walnut Grove Cheer

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Contributing Writers Heather Reynolds | Dr. Holly Ferguson | Jimmie Gibson | Gretchen Darby 6 | WeAreProsper.com

PROSPER Life & Luxury Magazine is wholly owned and published by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. PROSPER Life & Luxury Magazine is published 12 times a year. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or copied whole or in part without expressed written permission from the publisher, Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. ©2024. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. The title and all material are protected by international copyright laws and are reserved. Although the greatest of care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine at time of going to press, neither PROSPER Life & Luxury Magazine nor Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC can be held liable for omissions, inexactness or errors.

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Prosper - Family

5 Easy Ways to Say “I Love You” If gift-giving isn’t your strong suit, occasions like Valentine’s Day are likely to bring on stress and worry, but procrastinating will only serve to elevate your unease. Follow these steps to simplify your shopping, and while you may not come to love the task of finding the perfect gift, your loved one will undoubtedly appreciate your effort. Browse for ideas online. Many retailers offer special promotions and gift idea sections on their websites, so finding inspiration can be as easy as visiting the sites of your loved one’s favorite stores. There are also dozens of articles online to help get the ideas flowing. Searches such as “gifts for horse lovers” or “Valentine’s gifts for a new boyfriend” will reveal a long list of ideas to peruse. Keep it simple. Although the advertising industry works hard to convince consumers otherwise, Valentine’s Day isn’t really all about the bling. Sure, a pretty bauble is a welcome gift, but there are plenty of ways to show your affection that don’t require spending a month’s salary. A heartfelt card paired with a memento of a meaningful event or place in your relationship sends the same loving sentiment.

Make it a (different) date. For many couples, navigating the demands of work, kids and life make spending time together a luxury. Instead of fighting crowds at busy restaurants on the official date, celebrate your love on a day of your own choosing, when you can relax and enjoy the time together without the pressure to rush through dessert so your table can be flipped for the next waiting couple. Give blooms a boost. A dozen long-stem red roses is a beautiful gesture, but unless your intended rose receiver is a strictly traditional type, try adding a little spice to your floral arrangement. Go for a bouquet in her favorite color, or have the flowers arranged in a practical vessel she can reuse to remember the occasion, such as a cocktail shaker or a watering can. Go ahead, gift yourself. It may seem counter-intuitive, but finding a gift you’ll enjoy may inspire an idea for your loved one. The trick is finding something you can share together, whether it’s tickets to a show or his and hers mugs for enjoying your favorite brew. Just be sure the item is something your intended will share your enthusiasm for, or you may as well go buy a blender. Find more ideas to simplify every occasion at eLivingToday.com.

8 | WeAreProsper.com

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Prosper - Community

Prosper Fire Rescue Welcomes Quint 2 at Wetdown and Push-In Ceremony

Keeping a time-honored tradition alive, Prosper Fire Rescue’s newest addition to its fleet was honored during a traditional fire service wetdown and push-in ceremony on Quint 2’s first day serving the Town and its residents. The ceremony was held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 4 at Prosper’s Fire Station 2, located at 1140 S. Teel Parkway. The celebration of a new piece of fire apparatus has been a source of pride in the fire service dating back to the 1800s. Firefighters would hold social events to mark the occasion of acquiring and placing into service a new piece of equipment. Since the equipment was either hand or horse-drawn, firefighters regularly pushed it into the station. The wetdown tradition came from rival fire companies attempting to “wash” the new apparatus before the firefighters who would soon operate it. The public is invited to assist with the wetdown before the firefighters push the truck into the station. Prosper’s Fire Chaplain, Mike Martin will deliver a blessing on Quint 2 and the firefighters who will ride it. Quint 2 is a 107’ rear-mount aerial ladder truck manufactured by Pierce Mfg. It has a 1500-gallon-per-minute fire pump and a 500-gallon on-board water tank with a 25-gallon foam tank. It is Prosper’s 2nd aerial truck and the first quint in the Town’s fleet of apparatus. As its name implies, a quint fire truck includes five main tools for firefighting functions: a fire pump, water tank, fire and supply hose, aerial device with a permanently attached waterway and ground ladders. Quint 2 combines the capabilities of a ladder truck and the water-pumping ability of a fire engine This allows the crew a range of benefits, including flexibility to adapt to various emergency situations including firefighting, aerial suppression and can be used for rescue operations. Crew members will be cross-trained in both engine and ladder company functions. For questions or more details, please contact Stuart Blasingame, Fire Chief, at sblasingame@prospertx.gov

10 | WeAreProsper.com

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Prosper - Cover Story

One Family – One Heart – One Legacy By Gretchen Darby

Truly good things typically don’t happen overnight, but in the case of Walnut Grove High School, it sure seems like they do. In just under six months, a brand new and once virtually unknown public high school in Texas, splashed onto the scene in the small Town of Prosper. The school’s mascot, Wally the Wildcat, broke out of his proverbial cage, and pounced right onto the field with an air of excitement and the thrill of forming new traditions. Since then, the incredible buzz has not stopped for a second. And now, the Walnut Grove Wildcats are giving us even more of a reason to cheer. Prosper ISD, a district long known for its strong public schools, welcomed a third high school into its portfolio in August 2023. Opening an entire year earlier than originally scheduled, the construction and development of what would eventually become Walnut Grove High School was put into overdrive, to help alleviate crowding and the growing popularity of the town’s already existing two high schools, Prosper High School (#1) and Rock Hill High School (#2). On August 9th, WGHS finally opened its door under the nickname “The Grove” and has already been highlighted numerous times in popular publications and across social media. We already know that “Everything’s Bigger in Texas”, and WGHS has certainly been no exception to the rule. With its sprawling beautiful campus, high tech features, and athletic facilities that rival most D1 universities, the newly named Cats hit the ground running at lightning speed - developing their school crest, fight song, vision, and staffing needs at record pace. Teachers were hired, booster clubs quickly formed, and parents and students rallied around the new concept with open arms and loads of positive support. 12 | WeAreProsper.com

WGHS held tryouts for its inaugural cheer team back in the spring which resulted in a dynamic group of 19 Freshman, 17 Junior Varsity, and 20 Varsity Cheerleaders - for a total of 56 incredible students to represent the school. Led by the experience and passion of Head Coach Destine Grobe and Assistant Coaches Emily Allen and Ryan Long, this fierce family of athletes launched what would very quickly become one of the most talked about high school cheerleading teams in the country. Focusing on their motto of “One Family - One Heart - One Legacy”, they quickly united with a common goal in mind, spending countless hours practicing and perfecting each routine and formation, down to the last detail. With weekly 6:00am and after-school practices, film reviews, tough workouts, team bonding events, and even student-led bible studies, WGHS Cheer has already begun creating a lasting legacy for many future generations to follow. Representing The Grove with professionalism and class, WGHS Cheer took to the mat in January for UIL and NCA competitions for the first time as a team. The UIL Competition Team was awarded 5A/D2 Fight Song Champions and 7th Place in the State of Texas at their competition in Ft. Worth. Two weeks later, their second competition team attended the country’s most prestigious competition for high school squads, NCA High School Nationals. In their first-ever appearance, they made quite a name for themselves when they secured the two biggest accolades at the event. Not only were they named National Champions in the Advanced Large Crowd Leading Division, but the Wildcat Cheerleaders outscored every other squad, in every other advanced category, and walked away with the ultimate title of 2024 Grand National Champions! That night can only be described as pure magic by everyone who got to experience it.

Competing against hundreds of other high school teams across the country in a variety of divisions and categories, the Wildcats NCA Cheer Team walked away undefeated for the weekend, but even more impressive was defeating the nationally acclaimed and last year’s Grand Champions - the Brandon High School Cheerleaders from Brandon, Mississippi. Brandon had previously held the national title for the past 3 years and the Grand Champion title for the past 2 years. The hugely popular BHS Bulldog Cheerleaders have their own show on Varsity TV and are highly regarded as a dynasty in high school cheerleading. Their influence and success pushed the Wildcat Cheerleaders even harder to be the very best and and in true Wildcat fashion, the girls additionally clinched specialty awards in their division for Best in Tumbling and Best in Showmanship. Clearly, it appears that setting #thestandard is a theme not to be taken lightly when it comes to the Walnut Grove High School Wildcats. And just when you think these new cheer-kids-on-the-block might need some time to get their feet wet before reaching the stars… think again. Their claws are out, and they’re ready to take on the world.

Become a fan and follow the WGHS Wildcat Cheerleaders on social media:

Twitter: @Cheer_WGHS

Instagram: @cheer_wghs

Facebook: @walnutgrovecheerprosper WeAreProsper.com | 13

Prosper - Town Matters

Prosper Parks and Recreation Department Earns Prestigious Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) Certification During the Best of the Best ceremony at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) annual conference on October 11, it was announced the Prosper Parks and Recreation Department has achieved CAPRA (Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies) Certification. CAPRA accreditation is a distinguished recognition awarded by the NRPA, signifying an agency’s commitment to meeting and exceeding industry standards in park and recreation management. This notable accomplishment reflects the Prosper Parks and Recreation Department’s dedication to delivering exceptional services to the community and maintaining the highest standards of operation. Over the course of three years, the department’s passionate and hardworking parks and recreation professionals dedicated immeasurable hours to meticulously meet and document the hundreds of required standards set by CAPRA. These standards comprehensively evaluate the overall quality of operation, management, and service provision to the community. Prosper now joins the elite community of U.S. cities that have earned CAPRA accreditation, positioning itself as a benchmark for excellence in park and recreation agencies across the nation. This accreditation not 14 | WeAreProsper.com

only highlights the department’s commitment to excellence but also showcases its unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Prosper. “We are extremely proud and honored to have received this national accreditation. The staff in this department have worked extremely hard to get to this point. Becoming accredited means that we meet the national standards and are doing things the right way.” said Parks and Recreation Director, Dan Baker. “This CAPRA accreditation exemplifies the hard work and dedication of our Prosper Parks and Recreation Department. It showcases our commitment to providing excellent services and amenities that contribute to the overall well-being and quality of life in our community. I’m proud of all the hard work staff contributed to achieve this accreditation,” said Prosper Mayor, David Bristol. The achievement of CAPRA accreditation underscores Prosper’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and healthy community through exceptional parks and recreation services. To learn more about the CAPRA Accreditation, visit nrpa.org/certification/ accreditation/CAPRA/ and for more information about the Prosper Parks and Recreation Department, visit prospertx.gov/parksandrec.

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Prosper - Community

2024- 2025

PROSPER

* APPROVED * DISTRICT ACADEMIC CALENDAR

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

JULY 2024

Su Mo Tu We Th 7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

AUGUST 2024

Su Mo Tu We Th

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

1 8 15 22 29

Su Mo Tu We Th

NOVEMBER 2024

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

DECEMBER 2024

Su Mo Tu We Th

3 10 17 24

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

1 8 15 22 29

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

Su Mo Tu We Th

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

MARCH 2025

Su Mo Tu We Th 2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

SEPTEMBER 2024

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

APRIL 2025

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

OCTOBER 2024

Su Mo Tu We Th

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

JANUARY 2025

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

FEBRUARY 2025

Su Mo Tu We Th

2 9 16 23

7 14 21 28

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

Su Mo Tu We Th

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

1 8 15 22 29

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

MAY 2025

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

JUNE 2025

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS

1ST SEMESTER - 84 DAYS

2ND SEMESTER - 89 DAYS

JULY 1-5 District Closed AUGUST 2 All Staff Professional Learning 13 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL / Beginning of 1st 9 Weeks

1 8 15 22

JANUARY 1 Winter Break / School Holiday 6 Professional Learning / Student Holiday 7 Beginning of 3rd 9 Weeks 20 School Holiday

SEPTEMBER 2 School Holiday 3 Professional Learning /Elementary Assessment / Student Holiday

FEBRUARY 14 Professional Learning / Student Holiday 17 Bad Weather Make-Up Day

OCTOBER 10 End of 1st 9 Weeks 11 Professional Learning / Elementary Conference / Student Holiday 14-15 School Holiday 16 Beginning of 2nd 9 Weeks

MARCH 14 End of 3rd 9 Weeks 17-21 Spring Break / School Holiday 24 Beginning of 4th 9 Weeks

NOVEMBER 25-29 Thanksgiving Break / School Holiday

APRIL 18 School Holiday 21 Bad Weather Make-Up Day MAY 23 Early Release / End of 4th 9 Weeks / LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

DECEMBER 20 Early Release / End of 2nd 9 Weeks 23-31 Winter Break / School Holiday

Updated: 1/10/24

Key

Nine Weeks Begin/End

16 | WeAreProsper.com

Holiday

Early Release

Bad Weather Make-Up Day

Professional Learning / Student Holiday

WeAreProsper.com | 17

Prosper - In Good Taste

Valentine’s Recipes You’ll Love to Share If the way to your loved one’s heart is through the stomach, there’s no better way to start off this Valentine’s Day than with a homemade breakfast prepared with love. Whether you’re whipping up breakfast for a spouse with a sophisticated palate or trying to tempt the taste buds of your littlest loves, explore these ideas to get inspired. Red is the color of love, so build your menu around fresh strawberries or raspberries, which pair perfectly with French toast or crepes, and can even dress up a simple cereal. For a more sensible menu, opt for a fruity berry smoothie or a parfait layered with fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt and granola. Add a hint of loving indulgence by sprinkling dark chocolate shavings on top. Show your affection with a plate of these colorful Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes featuring rich 100 percent cocoa, buttermilk, and fresh berries. Heart-shaped cookie cutters lend a special touch to these fluffy, flavorful pancakes. Add sweet garnishes like powdered sugar and berries for a sensational way to say, “I love you.” Find more recipes you’ll love to share with your nearest and dearest this Valentine’s Day at Culinary.net. COCOA-KISSED RED VELVET PANCAKES 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoons Nestlé Toll House Baking Cocoa

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir well.

1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 large egg 1 cup reduced-fat buttermilk or low-fat milk 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon red food coloring

In separate large bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and food coloring. Add to flour mixture; stir to combine. Allow mixture to sit 5 minutes. Heat nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush with oil or butter. Add about 1/4 cup batter to skillet. Cook about 2 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on top. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes, or until bottom is lightly browned. Serve immediately with butter, powdered sugar, syrup, and berries, if desired.

Heart-shaped pancake cutters or cookie cutters (optional) Butter, for garnish (optional) Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional) Maple syrup, for garnish (optional) Fresh berries, for garnish (optional)

18 | WeAreProsper.com

Tip: If using pancake or cookie cutters, be sure to coat with oil so pancakes don’t stick. Place cutters in skillet and pour batter into cutters. Remove cutters before flipping.

Red Velvet for Your Valentine On the sweetest day of the year, a day full of flowers, love and sweets, Valentine’s Day is the ultimate opportunity to try a different dessert meant for two. It’s hard to resist a perfectly blended, rose-red, luscious Red Velvet Mug Cake. It’s the perfect size, with just a handful of instructions, and it’s easily cooked before your eyes in the microwave. That’s right, the microwave. This mug cake is a simple way to make something delicious and keep the portions small. Whether you have a small party, just you and your loved one or just simply want something easy and small, this quick treat is designed just for you.

RED VELVET MUG CAKE 6 tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup milk 2 tablespoons butter, melted 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 30 drops red food coloring

Start by mixing all the dry ingredients into a large mug, including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Then add milk, melted butter, vanilla, and red food coloring. Use a spoon and stir the ingredients together until blended. Mix powdered sugar and cream cheese then drop the mixture into the cake batter and mix once more. Microwave the mug for up to 3 minutes until your cake is baked. Valentine’s Day means sharing with someone how much you care, and it’s difficult to find a better way than to share something sweet. This dessert has Valentine’s Day written all over it, however, it can be enjoyed anytime throughout the year and is perfect for a late-night snack if you’re craving something sugary-sweet.

3 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened In 12-ounce mug, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add milk, butter, vanilla and food coloring; mix until blended. In small bowl, mix powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Drop cream cheese mixture into cake batter. Press into batter until covered. Microwave up to 3 minutes until cake is done.

Find more recipes and dessert ideas for every celebration at Culinary.net.

WeAreProsper.com | 19

Prosper - Homefront

20 | WeAreProsper.com

4 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Freshen Up Indoor Spaces

WAYNE BARTLEY

Whether you’re fatigued by seeing the same decor every day or simply looking for an opportunity to refresh indoor spaces with an appealing mini makeover, rethinking your favorite room in the house doesn’t need to be an expensive ordeal. Even if your budget is tight, you can still make small changes to transform a room. Consider these ideas:

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Morph your room by simply rearranging what you already own. Adjusting the orientation of your furniture and decor can let you see your favorite room from a whole new perspective. Whether it’s a flea market find, such as an old window frame that you paint and add a display shelf to the base, or a series of photos from your favorite vacation destination, adding some DIY art can not only update your room, but make it more personal, too. A new look for your favorite room can go a long way, so find ways to update your space for a comfy retreat you can enjoy. Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com.

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WeAreProsper.com | 21

Prosper - Travel

Plan Your Next Vacation Like a Pro

“8 New Trails to Explore,” showcasing freshly constructed paths in California’s parks

If the chance to unplug, recharge and just get away is calling your name, it’s a sign that it’s time to plan a vacation. Whether you envision a trip around town or across the country, getting organized and doing a little prep work can help you make the most of the experience.

“Plan-Ahead Travel Guide,” where readers can learn how to score a spot at the state’s most coveted attractions

A destination like California offers cities big and small with an assortment of activities, theme parks, shopping districts, beaches, restaurants and more to be explored. Start planning your next getaway with these travel tips from the experts at Visit California: Plan Ahead Last-minute trips can get you deals, but you might also be limited by what you’re able to see and do. Ticketed attractions that sell out quickly may be off the table, and the most desirable hotels can fill well ahead of time, too. Planning ahead often allows you to map out the most successful adventure. Set a Budget Be sure to consider transportation, accommodations, meals, and admission to various attractions. Consider which aspects of a vacation are most important to you and budget more money to those areas, like a five-star meal, ocean view room or priority pass to a favorite park. Take Advantage of Visitor’s Guides Using tools such as visitor’s guides can help you make the most of your trip, from identifying must-see attractions to finding the best places to eat and sleep. Many guides are available to download for free online so you can immediately start exploring. For example, the “2024 California Visitor’s Guide: The Best of California” is a testament to the Golden State’s playful spirit, featuring “58 Reasons Why California is the Ultimate Playground,” and is filled with travel tips from passionate locals, like cover star Zoey Deschanel, including:

22 | WeAreProsper.com

“Sustainable Sips,” a guide to some of California’s eco-friendly wineries

“6 Fabulous Film Locations,” a jet-setting guide from movie scout Lori Balton “California Shopping: A to Z Guide,” a comprehensive guide to shopping throughout the Golden State “From surfing dogs and summer skiing to cosplay conventions and a world-renowned culinary scene, California’s options for play abound, accommodating every type of traveler,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “That playful spirit is ingrained in every aspect of what makes our state so special and this year’s guide will help readers discover how they can experience it firsthand.” Pack Appropriately S,taying comfortable throughout your journey ensures you can focus on the experiences. Be sure you’re familiar with the climate, including the forecast during the time you’ll be visiting. While summer days can be quite warm, evenings on the coast often warrant a light jacket. Also be sure you’re prepared for the activities you’ve planned, such as adequate footwear for hiking, long pants for horseback riding and sunscreen for time outdoors. Create an Itinerary Even if you prefer a more spontaneous getaway, having at least a loose idea of how you’d like to spend your time traveling can help you be more efficient and avoid wasting time. Think about the things you want to accomplish and fit them together so you can avoid awkward gaps or unnecessary travel and ensure you get to pack in as many experiences as you’d like. Start planning your next trip by visiting VisitCalifornia.com/travel-guides to order a guide and find additional tips and helpful tools.

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Postal Customer

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S.POSTAGE PAID Prosper TX Permit #68