Rural Tourism: How Small Towns Are Shaping The Future Of Travel

Posted on November 5, 2025 by tiffany

Rural tourism at it's best at The Roost AT Flown The Coop — Unplug at The Roost at Flown The Coop

What is rural tourism in Texas?

When Jeff and I first opened The Roost At Flown The Coop, our guest house on Airbnb, I couldn’t imagine I was stepping into the future of rural tourism in Texas.

What started as a cozy getaway in the small town of Burton has become part of a growing movement — travelers seeking authentic, slow-paced experiences that connect them to real people and places. From lazy mornings on the porch to conversations at the local café, we’ve discovered that the future of travel is in the heart of small-town Texas.

The rise of Experiential Hospitality

I had the privilege of hearing Isaac French speak on Experiential Hospitality at a Homesteading conference near Waco. As he shared his story building rural experiences for guests, I began to realize the gold mine we had in Burton, Texas.

“With a screen-focused and overstimulated world, people want to slow down and experience something real.” Isaac French

At The Roost, guests don’t come for high-tech amenities; they come for slow mornings on the porch, walks to the local café, and the peace that comes from hearing birds instead of traffic. They use words like “cozy,” “peaceful,” and “thoughtful.”

That tells me something powerful: people are craving connection — not consumption.

Burton, Texas – a hidden gem for Rural Tourism

According to a recent guest, “Authentic affection and hospitality are very appealing traits for small towns!”

As travelers increasingly seek authenticity and connection, small towns have a beautiful opportunity to lead the way. By celebrating what makes us unique — instead of trying to imitate big cities — we can invite visitors to feel local.

In Burton, that might mean joining the “Roosters” at Neon Moon on a Thursday morning, where the coffee is hot and the conversation ranges from hometown news to global happenings. You can visit a regenerative farm just down the road, grab a bite at one of our local cafés, and stop into a few small shops where owners are always happy to share their favorite hidden gems. And when the sun sets, there’s always a little nightlife to enjoy — live music, good company, and that unmistakable small-town spirit.

I do not believe rural tourism is just a trend — it’s a movement toward more meaningful travel.

The next wave of travel will belong to those who dare to slow down, share their story, and open their front porch to the world.

Discover more with Destination Burton

If you want to learn more about the best kept secret in the Lonestar State, check out Destination Burton. Destination Burton is a nonprofit dedicated to sharing the true spirit and history of Burton with visitors from near and far. CLICK HERE

Tribute to all the New Entrepreneurs

Posted on June 30, 2023 by tiffany

A tribute to all the new entrepreneurs and those who haven’t stepped into their dream…

Let me encourage you! Give that business idea a chance by investing in yourself.

“Most of us can be found flying too close to the ground. Too often we don’t give ourselves permission to soar.” Price Pritchett

Trust me when I say I know your story

Clocking in on another’s dream is demoralizing, but I also understand that becoming your own boss can be overwhelming.

If you’re brave enough to step into your business idea, I know it’s scary at the beginning. You may be second guessing every decision, especially if your business has a slow start.

Most likely, there are aspects of your business that are just not in your wheel house. All you want to do is follow your passion and do that thing you are so good at. So, it’s tempting to procrastinate tackling the piles of paperwork and taxes.

Despite the frustration, you still believe in what you have to offer the world enough to press through the red tape.

As if frustration wasn’t enough to discourage you, guilt sets in when you attempt to juggle life and work. Let’s face it your business is always on your mind, but the reason you are building a business is to also create a life.

It would help if you had a network of trusted friends for support and to bounce ideas off of. How do other entrepreneurs build a customer base or use social media? Do others struggle with balancing life and work?

Yep, I get it.

I have over thirty years of experience as an entrepreneur with numerous successes and failures to share.

One thing I’ve learned is the most important investment for your business is an investment in yourself.

In 2019 I became a fire walker at my first Tony Robbins event. In that same year I went onto another Tony Robbins event and signed up for the Life Coach School. I’ve also invested in a library of books written by titans in business who have shaped my foundational mindset.

To be honest, I wish I had invested in my business and personal development thirty years ago.

Let me save you thirty years

I’d like to lead you through typical pitfalls and teach you the skills to overcome obstacles in creating the life you envision.

I am offering a New And Not Yet Entrepreneur Mastermind starting July 20th at Flown The Coop in Burton, Texas.

For the price of a monthly massage or a mani/pedi, let me help you set a strong foundation for your new or not yet business. As a certified life coach, I can help you learn to manage your mind around every aspect of your business.

Sign up for the first Mastermind with the option to register for the full six months, which will meet on the third Thursday of every month.

Topics include:

Your why & why nots (mindset)
Knowing YOUR niche (customers)
Creativity is the key
Pouring from a full cup
Building a network
Everything is figureoutable
Future self

The mastermind will be limited to 12 people, an intimate setting to create a lasting business network.

So are you ready to go all in?

Ready to learn to trust yourself and what you have to offer the world?

Are you ready to give your business a chance?

Here’s to giving yourself permission to soar!

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!

Won’t ask for help, but need to be heard and understood

Posted on April 25, 2023 by tiffany

I have a theory. Women aren’t necessarily going to ask for help, but need to be heard and understood.

My husband often gets frustrated with me when I share whatever I’m upset about. He feels like he should fix it. And honestly, unloading grievances often sounds like a cry for help. So I avoid using him as a sound board.

I have found that many women are accustomed to keeping their emotions bottled up and less likely to ask for help.

So, I posed this question on Instagram.

“Women, do you want help or do you just want to be heard?”

I thought I knew the answer, but was surprised to learn that women want both.

Lots of women want to be heard and understood, but also want help. My friend Vicki, who is a giver, wondered if she was actually taking an opportunity to give away from someone by not asking for help. My friend Leslie thoughtfully added that she needs to be heard for true connection, but likes physical help. And there are times when a spiritual or mental issue is done alone, after being heard.

When was the last time you asked for help?

I’m sure you know to ask for help if you need a tree cut down, or help moving furniture.

You might hire a coach if you need to get in shape, or want to start a new business.

But when was the last time you asked for help facing all the changes that happen in midlife.. a heartbreaking downsize, explaining your new role in social situations, etc. You might need a push to pursue a dream, but have never talked through the obstacles that are preventing you from moving forward.

A midlife crisis doesn’t always show up driving a red sports car. From what I see a “midlife crisis” shows up quietly in an empty nest or an empty calendar that was once overbooked.

You may have never considered asking for help for what you are experiencing. It is hard to put a finger on the problem, and can even feel silly. You finally have free time and a little financial freedom, but you can’t seem to explain why you’re so lonely and dread the future.

Finding help

Obviously it is not healthy to keep feelings bottled in.

You don’t need to be fixed, you just need someone to listen to you and help you clarify your thoughts.

I understand and want to provide a trusted sound board for you. I believe you can move from dreading each day to believing your best years are ahead.

I’d love to help you create a vision for your future. Visit my calendar link and schedule a free consultation.

I am also considering a weekly gathering at The Coop for those who want to support each other through midlife changes. It could be an opportunity to share weekly highs and lows in a group setting. Let me know what you think… a coffee hour, a happy hour… I am open to suggestions.

Here’s to believing our best years are ahead!

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky.

Buy The Weird Stuff

Posted on February 28, 2023 by tiffany

“Yep, buy the weird stuff. Buy the stuff that makes people go, “What is that?” Buy the stuff that makes your home the best estate sale when you die” ~ Author unknown.

Jeff and I recently took a quick trip to San Diego. I love travel!

I dipped my toes in the ocean, visited family, ate great food, etc. Even though the weather was weirdly cold and rainy, it was good to experience another part of the country!

Even so, I am surprisingly happy to BE home.

Your own brand of weird

It makes my heart happy to be surrounded by the weird stuff that tells my plucky story.

Midlife has afforded me the gift of truly appreciating my story. I finally invested time into getting to know what makes me thrive… creating spaces, offering hospitality and inspiring others.

Coming to terms with who I am has fueled a desire to help you discover your own brand of weird. I want to to give you permission to invest in your story.

Flown The Coop

Flown The Coop exists to create spaces, offer hospitality and inspire others.

Shopping with Flown The Coop will help you create spaces that tell your story. I am working hard to source items that can’t be found on Amazon, including the vintage and antique items you would expect, as well as handmade and small brands.

Flown The Coop will also be a creative space for connecting with kindred spirits! There will be classes on a variety of topics and skills you might not have tried before, including ways you can share your story through offering hospitality.

As a certified life coach, I will continue to help midlife women believe their best years are ahead with coaching sessions. The store will also feature items that inspire you to discover what makes you thrive.

Coming soon!

This vision will come together on March 25th for a Grand Reopening.

Hope to see you then. I’d love to learn about your story!

Here’s to buying the weird stuff and being your own brand of weird!

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!

I changed my mind

Posted on January 24, 2023 by tiffany

Last week I shared a sneak peak of the reopening of Flown The Coop retail, a behind the scenes look at what’s taking shape. This week I want to share how I changed my mind and the transformation that first happened in my heart.

A year ago Jeff and I had plans to make the old store a home and list our home on Airbnb. There is no way I would have thought of reopening Flown The Coop retail.

In fact, a friend questioned me on the change of plans.

My response, “I changed my mind.”

That is exactly what happened.

The dream I had eight years ago of having a store was simply dormant. Working on an antique booth for the past year reminded me how much I love hunting for unique pieces and merchandising my finds. I discovered that I thrive creating spaces and working on a project. This fuels me with uncommon energy. My heart was definitely in it!

What was I thinking?

Re-Opening has not been without challenges. If I was living in the past, these doors would NOT be opening. I had to become aware of my stinking thinking.

So, what are the thoughts that might have kept me from reopening? Here are a few…

Is it possible or is it too late for me? Am I too old to work on creating something new?

My mind wanted to focus on the past failures. What would be different this time?

And of course, the big funding obstacle that always keep me stuck. Where would the money come from?

Before coaching, I would have allowed these thoughts to stop me from following the dream.

You can change your mind

I know you have big dreams too, but similar thoughts may be stopping you from following your dreams.

Coaching can give you the shake you need to get unstuck and remind you that you can figure it out. If you want it, you can make it happen. You are never too old to change your mind or follow a dream!

I want this for you! You can shift into feeling empowered, confident and capable of creating the life you’ve always wanted. You can change your mind.

I’d like to invite you to join me! Let’s schedule a time to chat about your dreams, what you believe are the obstacles and how I can help you change your mind.

Simply click on my calendar link and choose a date/time that works for you!

CLICK HERE

It’s YOUR prerogative to change your mind!

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!

Spread your wings and soar

Posted on November 21, 2022 by tiffany

Tiffany Eckhardt, certified life coach helps women believe their best years are ahead.

Far too many people sit on the sidelines of life. Given the chance to spread your wings and soar, would you choose the safety of what you know instead, even when it’s uncomfortable?

Midlife is the chance to create magic for yourself, to even go a completely different direction in the second half of life.

Why on earth would you not seize this season, an opportunity to create the life you’ve always wanted?

What is clipping your wings?

The biggest reason you don’t take flight is a resistance to change. It’s scary.

Almost everyone I’ve worked with has felt as if they were at a crossroads, but are stuck thinking the following…

What will their family and friends say?

They’re thinking, “now what” because they’re not sure of what they want or who they want to be.

The fear of failure keeps them from moving forward with any ideas. To make it worse, some even think they’re too old to try something new.

Many feel lonely and unsupported, while other people seem to have it all together on social media.

Some feel hopeless and depressed as if they can’t see past the hand they’ve been dealt.

What do you have to believe to spread your wings and soar?

You have to believe that your best years are ahead.

Suffering is optional. As a life coach, I help women identify their resistance and think differently about their future.

I’d love to help you stop waisting precious time on the sidelines. You still have a lifetime to create, dreams to discover, hobbies to explore and personal goals to realize. It’s not time to rest in a rocker on the front porch of life. If you rest, you rust.

There is purpose and meaning in this season. I believe YOUR best years are ahead!

If you are ready to spread your wings, schedule a FREE chat with me today by visiting my calendar link. OR if you are local, let’s meet for coffee. Message me if that sounds good!

Here’s to flying free and soaring into the future!

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky.

Another Freakin Diet

Posted on November 14, 2022 by tiffany

Another freakin diet

How many diets have you tried in your lifetime? How many times have you started over?

I started a fitness journey in March 2019. At my best shape, when I felt great in my own skin, I had lost twenty pounds and major inches in all the key areas. Three years later, I am two pounds heavier than when I started in 2019.

There are lots of reasons that I let myself slide into unhealthy habits. I can almost pinpoint when my attitude shifted and it became harder to get back to the routine that delivered great results.

The underlying belief that sabotages my best intentions is that I want it to be easy. I was told in my early teens that I will battle my weight the rest of my life, so I better get used to diets and exercise.

There are two ways I could have internalized those words. I developed a belief that healthy habits was something to dread, but I could have developed habits that became lifestyle I enjoyed.

Success in creating the life you want is determined by how you choose to think about it.

This morning I woke up with dread. It’s the first day of another freakin diet.

Instead of letting that thought fester, I journaled.

Yes, I am starting over where I started three years ago. I have lots of regrets.

However, I am capable of sticking with a lifestyle that includes exercise and making good choices. I’ve done it before. Time to flip the script!

The reason I am starting this journey AGAIN is that I want to experience wellness and feel great in the second half of my life. Right now I am feeling the affects of my bad choices.

I am not starting another diet. I am creating a wellness lifestyle to avoid endless doctor appointments and the inevitable decline in health that most people accept with aging. It actually feels rebellious, which gets my butt off the couch to do the HIIT workout I had planned to do today.

What is your reason?

It is important for you to become aware of your beliefs that sabotage your best intentions.

It is equally important to know the reason you want to start something new.

After talking through her thoughts about weight loss, one of my clients realized that she feared missing out on fun and that after the newness wore off she would get bored with her diet. She decided that her intention moving forward would simply be, “I am healthy. A healthy me is a happy me, and I choose happy me.”

Another client was very close to hitting her goal weight and just wanted to be done. She reframed her thoughts and chose to think, “I’m just getting started.” It was not the end of her journey as a healthy fit woman. Actually, she is just getting started.

Are you ready to get started?

I help women stop wasting precious time upset about midlife, and start believing their best years are ahead. My clients conquer self sabotage in numerous areas of life.

You may know what you want, but something is holding you back.

If you feel stuck getting started, I can help you move past your resistance with confidence.

You can create your life, but you have to get started. Are you ready?

I’d love to chat with you about your new beginning. Schedule a free consultation with me today. Simply click on my calendar link and pick a time/date that works for you.

Here’s to new beginnings AGAIN! And believing the best years are ahead!

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!

Dancing with your dreams

Posted on May 30, 2022 by tiffany

Tiffany Eckhardt, helping women make it through midlife without a crisis. — Revival Mercantile, Brenham, Texas

After closing my store four years ago, I never thought I’d get back on the dance floor with my antique dream. Yet, here I am dancing with my dreams.

Coaching women who are struggling to see their next step has taught me the importance of following your bliss. It is not a cliché, clients really do come alive when they discover who they are and what makes them feel alive.

My bliss is found in creating spaces, offering hospitality and inspiring others. I especially feel alive when I am hunting for unique pieces, and then working them into a beautiful space for others to enjoy.

Revival Mercantile

My unique finds have found a home at Revival Mercantile in Brenham, Texas. Stacy, the store owner, hosts a community of creators on the second floor of her historic building that once bottled soda. The brick walls and hardwood floors are the perfect backdrop.

I love Revival’s mission statement… Our carefully curated collections tell your story and honor your journey.

“It’s not what I do, it’s who I am.” Maverick

Creating spaces isn’t what I do, it’s who I am. It’s more than a soul sucking job, but a chance to offer my spark of creativity.

There is a danger in confusing what you do with your identity. I follow retirement groups that regularly discuss the fear of retiring and loosing the identity they’ve held for decades. That fear sadly implies that retirement is a dead end and not an opportunity to dance with dormant dreams.

I believe it’s important to get to know yourself, to follow your bliss until you land in a beautiful spot that sets your soul on fire! It’s really about offering the world what only you can offer.

Can you feel the difference?

It’s your chance to dance

I invite you to join me on the dance floor of life. You are not a wallflower.

This is your season to follow your bliss, to discover who you are when you are dancing with your dreams.

What are the things you’ve put off trying? If making money was not the priority, what would you pursue?

It is not the season to live vicariously through others. If you need a little nudge out on the dance floor, I can help.

I invite you to schedule a consultation… a chat to see if working with me is a good fit for your journey. Simply reach out to me or use my calendar link to pick a time/date that works for you.

Here’s to following your bliss on the dance floor! It’s a revival! 🙂

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!

Joy, is it possible in this f’cking chaotic world?

Posted on February 25, 2022 by tiffany

Is joy possible in a chaotic world? Tiffany Eckhardt, master of reinvention and certified life coach shares how joy is possible.

Amid the horrific world news we are bombarded with, how do you stay focused on truly living? Is joy possible in this f’cking chaotic world?

I had intended to give you a pep talk on joy from the vantage point of pursuing your midlife dreams.

My intention is to help you believe your best days are ahead, but that message just doesn’t feel right this week. Let’s face it… the world seems to be rapidly falling apart. {even though some of us have seen the writing on the wall}

Thriving in the fresh hell

In the early days of the pandemic, I decided to invest my time in thriving, believing it was not only possible to thrive, but necessary and worth it. I read books, created a victory garden, walked barefoot, etc. In 2021 I got honest about the fresh hell and the roller coaster we were riding.

Life doesn’t stop for a world crisis. On top of the world falling apart, there will be daily challenges, decisions to make, sadness from the loss of a loved one, weddings… the ebb and flow of life.

I fully understand that the only way I can truly live is to not allow the current events to jade me. Optimism thrives in joy and love.

Can joy become your superpower?

Wonder Woman once said, “It is about what you believe and I believe in love. Only love will truly save the world.”

I agree with Wonder Woman. Joy, love and happiness is even more critical, notwithstanding a chaotic world.

This world needs real life super heroes with joy being a superpower.

Feelings

“Happiness {joy} cannot be pursued, it ensues.” ~Victor Frankl

Pure joy slips in when you are open to feeling a wide range of emotions.

Are you aware of what you are actually feeling and why? Turn off the news, put your phone down for a minute and breath through your emotions.

I teach my clients to allow their emotions and learn from them.

Truth is that no one has the right to tell you how you to feel. Maybe you want to be mad for a time.

I’m not suggesting you indulge in anger, but allow the emotions to flow through you.

Learning this skill will give you superpowers.

Dare to engage in life.

The daily barrage of fresh hell has taught me that no one is coming on a white horse to save me or the world.

You have to become your own super hero.

I won’t be made useless or be idle with despair. I will gather myself around my faith. For light does the darkness fear. ~Jewel.

Like Jewel, I refuse to made useless by fear.

Joy ensues when you are engaged in creating your life from the inside and are willing to do the work to cultivate your superpower and celebrate the daily wins, however small they may be

When was the last time you noticed joy?

Pay attention.

My grandkids are experts at being joyously engaged in life. First of all they are willing to experience all the emotions. No one has to wonder what they feel. One minute everyone is happy, the next minute a melt down can happen for no apparent reason. And then life returns to normal once they had a very dramatic cry about it. I also admire their never ending curiosity. Each day brings a new adventure in learning and exploring is their full time job. Finally, I noticed that they know exactly what they want at all times and they seem to be singleminded about their desires.

Do you want to stand in your superpowers during these chaotic days? Are you willing to feel all the emotions life has to offer, even during conflict? Do you believe that joy is possible?

As one of my clients put it, you might need to help unleashing feelings and thoughts that you don’t even realize are holding you back.

Here’s your invitation to stand in your superpower.

Schedule a call with me. It’s as easy as choosing a time/date on my calendar that works for you.

Here’s to boldly engaging in YOUR superpowers.

The world needs YOU right now.

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!

Considering downsizing your empty nest?

Posted on February 14, 2022 by tiffany

If you, or someone you love, is considering downsizing an empty nest, let Tiffany Eckhardt offer you some tips to navigate the journey.

If you, or someone you love, is considering downsizing an empty nest, let me offer you some tips to navigate the journey.

According to the Free Dictionary, downsizing is to live in a simpler way, especially by moving into a smaller residence. Other definitions pertain to a company reducing its size of personnel, which explains why the word feels so negative or even downgrading.

While downsizing makes sense financially, it can feel like loosing a loved one for women who spend their lives creating spaces for their families to grow and be. A house has walls, a home has a soul.

The walls of a home witness the life of a family and preserve memories, and is the creative expression for the woman in a season well defined. The thought of moving on to a new season in a new home evokes emotions of grief, fear of the unknown and uncertainty of identity.

Are you currently downsizing?

If I have just described you, here are a few tips to help navigate the journey.

Allow yourself to grieve. Please don’t minimize your feelings or put on a brave front. That is not helpful. If you feel the need to cry, cry! You will realize that emotions loose their hold on you when you allow them.
Allow yourself to dream of the future. You can dream even when grief comes in waves. Becoming future focused is vital. Make a list of 25 new things you’ve always wanted to try, then set a date to make one of them happen.
Find someone to talk to. More than likely you have someone in your circle of friends who has already experienced a downsize. Or even better, schedule a consult with me! I’ve helped several women process their feelings and create a path forward.

Downsizing care basket

If you have a friend who is currently in the process of packing up their memories for a simpler life, why not create a care basket for them as a show of support?

I wondered what my friends on Facebook would include in a downsizing care basket. Here are the wonderful suggestions….

Lots of tissues

Movie passes

Gift cards to restaurants

List of things to do within 50 miles

Places looking for volunteers

Wine – or as Jeff suggests a wine membership

Journal

Thank you card for the years they raised their family

A list of podcasts

Walking shoes

Flower seeds

Hummingbird feeder

Something funny – laughter is good medicine!

Best years ahead

What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet. ~Anne Frank

As always, my intention is to help you see that your best years are ahead! I understand that in order to create your ideal days ahead, you may need to first walk through the real emotions associated with what is left behind.

I also want you to know you are supported. I’ve personally navigated a downsize several times in the last fifteen years, even a move from Ohio where all my family and friends were. If you need help seeing a way forward, please schedule a consult with me. You can definitely move past the emotions and create an exciting future.

I’d love to hear your story. Please leave comments where ever you find this article as a way to show support for those who are just starting their journey.

Here’s to creating new spaces to hold our precious memories!

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky