Main Street Arts Festival

When most people of think of Fort Worth, they think cowboys and country music. But there is so much more to this eclectic city! The Main Street Arts Festival is one of my favorite activities that Fort Worth hosts. There is something for everyone and for all ages. By the way, it is FREE admission; You can experience most of the festival without paying a dime!

Since 1986, the Downtown Fort Worth Initiative nonprofit organization has been actively improving the downtown area by sponsoring this event. And this year, the festival is better than ever! This 4 day festival is loaded with activities everyone will enjoy. Want to cultivate your artistic side? Wander through over 200 artists booths, representing various mediums. You'll find ceramics, glass, leather, photography, paintings, and much more. There are even ways for you to jump into the action: The Texas Pottery & Sculpture Guild will offer demos of hand building and wheel throwing in the activity tent on 4th St. Every hour on the hour, you can test your pottery making skills with the clay they provide. 

If you just want to sit back and be entertained, there will be musicians preforming on 3 stages starting at 11 AM each day. There will be music of all genres; Blues, Texas Country, Jazz, Folk, Alternative, Rock, etc.
Thursday you can see the Inner City All Stars, a fun brass band that will make you want to dance! Friday don't miss the amazing guitarist Carolyn Wonderland. Saturday is packed with many artists, from Sister Hazel to the Poo Live Crew and Robert Randolph and the Family Band. The Texas Gypsies will be preforming Sunday along with many more great musicians.

This arts festival isn't limited to musical entertainment. There are also comedians and dancers including the Ballet Folklorico de Fort Worth, The Checkerboard Guy, and Leapin' Louie the Ropin' Fool. Click here to find the schedule of artists so you don't miss out.

Need something for the kiddos? Stroll over to the Main Street Createz where kids can design ceramic tiles, play with clay, face paint, climb a rock wall to burn off energy, create sand art, and many other arts and crafts. Most of the activities are free; however, there are some booths that will require coupons so be aware of this. 

With all these activities you are bound to get hungry. There are many food vendors who will be present, and unfortunately it's not free (but worth it!). Coupons can be purchased from various coupon booths on site (TIP: If  buy in bulk the coupons are cheaper, so if you're meeting a group of friends or family there, figure out how many tickets you may want and split the cost later). In the 2013 Main St. Program Guide on page 16, you can see how much each vendor charges. There will be Bar B Q, corn dogs, and of course delicious Mexican food!

There are also Wine Tastings and Brew Sessions. The Brew Session is hosted by the Flying Saucer and has session times on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. See the Guide for details. The Wine Tasting is hosted by Fort Worth's only full production winery, Times Ten Cellars. There are limited seats each session so go by their tent, located on Main between 3rd and 4th Street, to sign up for a seat. The Brew Session is $25 which includes 5 samples and a keepsake to bring home. The wine tasting is $35 per person which also includes a etched wine glass, and you select a bottle of your favorite tasting to bring home. Of course, you can always drop by and just order wine by the glass as well. 

How to get there: You can ride the train or park and ride for $1 each way from Billy Bob's Texas located in the Stockyards. The Dart Bus is another eco-friendly option into downtown. Check out the Trinity Railway Express or the Dart bus schedule. For more information on getting to the festival click here.

Fort Worth does a wonderful job of encouraging "green" living. They offer a Bike Corral where you can valet your bike safely, located at 4th and Commerce. They also offer FREE water stations. Bring your own water bottle and fill it up for free at one of the many stations.

If you need to drive and park, click here for parking information.

For our animal lovers, at this time: No pets are allowed. Sorry!!

Need information while you are at the Festival? There will be an Festival Information Booth set up on Main St. between 3rd and 4th Street, OR go ahead and download the 2013 APP now! It's called the 2013 FW MAIN ST APP. 

Below are the hours and a few more tips. I hope you are able to make it out to the festival this year, it will be worth your time and hopefully it will become a tradition for you every April!  

Dates: Thursday April 18th - Sunday April 21st. 

Hours

Thursday: 10am- 10pm

Friday and Saturday: 10Am-11pm

Sunday: 10am -8pm

As always, check out the website for more information: http://www.mainstreetartsfest.org/festival-guide/

Arlington, A Baseball Town

This weekend the Texas Rangers had their first home games for the 2013 season. Fans could not have asked for  more beautiful weather on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday which made enjoyable games for every age group. What's more, the Rangers won the series against their rival, the Los Angeles Angels. This home opener was especially exciting with ex-Texas Ranger, Josh Hamilton, batting for the Angels. Many fans have been upset by Josh's comments regarding Texas' fans. He stated that this was not a true "baseball town" which I believe the fans proved him wrong all weekend since every time Josh came to bat, the disapproving boo's could be heard throughout the whole ballpark. Even Hamilton commented that he had never heard the stadium so explosive.

The ballpark was packed with fans all weekend and the excitement was contagious. There are few things in life that are more fun than being in the Rangers Ballpark when a home run is hit! Fireworks explode in the air, fans scream, and friendly high-five's are shared with strangers who become friends during the game. Belltre, Kinsler, Moreland, Cruz, Murphy, and Berkman hit the first home runs of the Ranger home games.

 If you are ever in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area, a Texas Rangers game is a must! The Rangers Ballpark is located in a convenient location, Arlington, Texas. Smack in the middle of Dallas and Fort Worth. Also, Arlington is home to Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor. Tailgaters can enjoy multiple parking lots to cook out, play games, and enjoy the beautiful Texas weather. There are multiple restaurants in walking distance that will allow you to park in their parking lots for $5-10 dollars per car. Sherlock's Pub & Grill allows you to park in their parking lot for free if you buy a drink or grab a delicious burger (or any other menu item). They offer a shuttle to and from the ballpark if you prefer not to make the 2 mile walk with other Ranger's fans.

The Rangers Ballpark in Arlington offers seating in and out of the shade. During the hot summer months the shaded seats are more expensive, but for many they are worth the extra cost. Keep in mind though, the evening games are only in the sun for a short time, so if you can stand a little heat for the first few innings, you can save some cash. The ballpark also has delicious food with the menu constantly evolving. You can find all the typical ballpark, but they also feature Nolan Ryan beef, the Boomstick Hot Dog, a 2 foot long hot dog, and new this year waffle cheese fries! (One of my friends, was literally licking the bowl when she tried these!) A little tip: if you are wanting to keep within a budget, you can bring a collapsible cooler with water bottles and other non-alcoholic drinks in plastic bottles. I also bring in my own peanuts and healthy snacks when I don't feel like splurging on tempting ballpark food.

There are over 75 home games left in the season, with ticket prices ranging from $11- $100+, there is a seat for everyone at the Rangers Ballpark. When you go, explore the park and enjoy playing in the Central Field Plaza. Kids of all ages enjoy the Ballpark in Arlington!

Celebrating Earth Month in a Concrete Jungle

Did you know that Dallas/Ft. Worth makes the top 25 list of most polluted cities? We're #12 on the list. It doesn't come as too much of a shock; especially when I see bumper-to-bumper traffic 5 days a week on my way to and from work. But it still leaves me wondering what my city can do to make my air cleaner, and what changes I need to make in my own life to be more eco-friendly.

It is rather fitting, I believe, that April is the national designated Earth month. As mother nature begins to awake from its dark slumber, life is renewed in front of our eyes. I am always surprised at how green the grass can be, how white the blooms on the trees, how bright the world. Spring is our yearly reminder that we need to be kind to the planet.

There are several events lined up for you to celebrate Earth and take the kids (or not) to learn about what you can do to be environmentally friendly. If possible, carpool or take public transportation. Trust me, the ozone will be grateful.

Fort Worth residents can make their way to Sundance Square's Gateway Lot for its first free Earth Party on Saturday, April 6. From 11-2, you can enjoy live music performed by Vocal Trash and YOUR DJ, enjoy interactive demonstrations on green living, and participate in kid friendly educational exhibits. According to Fort Worth's website, you may even take home a free tree. After the event, head over to the Central Library to view an eco-film "Trapped" at 2:30.

If you really want to leave a lasting impression to show your children your dedication for helping the planet, register for the DFW Truck Farm Run at 8:30 AM on April 21st. This 5K fun run will have you and your kiddos racing around Fair Park planting seeds, literally and figuratively, and you can even dress like a farmer to really showcase your commitment to locally grown food. $25 to register by March 31 and $40 April 1st through race day. Running not your thing? Head to Fair Park that weekend anyways for some free daytime events.

Fair Park will host its 3rd Annual Earth Day Dallas festival on April 20 and 21. This two day festival has free admission but has a $10 parking fee which is another reason to take public transportation to this event. From 10 AM to 6 PM on each day, people of all ages can participate in waste collection, celebrate with free entertainment, and learn about keeping a sustainable lifestyle in North Texas. Last year, the event prided itself with reducing 73% of waste from landfills through their waste collection. This festival is an excellent way to learn the newest ways for you do to your part in keeping the planet clean and green.

Make an impact this Earth month by arming yourself with knowledge and spreading the word on ways to be kind to the environment. Let's not leave our carbon footprint on Dallas/Forth Worth!

Deep Ellum Arts Festival

I must say that I am a proud Texan girl. My North Texan roots dig fairly deep and originate with my great-great grandparents who moved in the mid-to-late 1800's. And although I have lived in Dallas the majority of my life, I only just recently learned about the Deep Ellum Arts Festival. Surprisingly, it's been around for 18 years.

If you want to get some much needed fresh air, Deep Ellum will be a great choice in April! The area will be hosting a lively 3 day spectacular which will showcase talented performing and visual artists for free admission. Sound good so far? If you want to enjoy the outdoors while supporting up-and-coming artists and original music, here are the details:

Deep Ellum will be transformed on April 5-7 on the 2600-3100 block of Main Street between Good Latimer and Hall Street hosting about 100 local bands and about 200 visual arts booths ranging from jewelers, sculptors, to muralist. What makes this festival unique is the many visual artists who will be creating works of art right in front of your eyes. While you wind your way through the maze of colorful pieces of art, don't be surprised if a playful mime or sidewalk performer tries to draw you into their mischievous games.

(Best part about this event is that it is FREE. Did I mention this already? I don't know about you, but I am always looking for the best bang for my buck. Sounds like you can't go wrong with free admission.)

While the festival website states "no outside food or drink" will be permitted, no event festival volunteers seem to make you toss your Sonic drink. It seems to be based on the honor system, even more lax than a movie theater. In order to keep the concerts free, around 30 Dallas restaurants will be located throughout the area selling samples of deliciously famous entrees. One of these will be one of my local favorites Cane Rosso, the most authentic Neapolitan pizza you will find in Dallas. Amongst the Deep Ellum elite, other festive concession booths will feature turkey legs, Cajun food, health foods, corny dogs, and of course, beer and wine will be available for you to purchase. 

If you are thinking of toting your seven-year-old along, please note that the event is located in and around bar and night clubs. While I am sure your child would love some of the day time live body painting and graffiti demonstrations, the event website cautions that this is primarily an adult outing and "adult oriented" beginning at twilight.

A word about pets: As part of the festivities, a Pet Parade is organized if you want your pouch to participate on Sunday at 11 AM (you must register ahead of time). Let them show off their sWAG and they could win some great prizes.

As with all Deep Ellum/ Downtown affairs, parking is quite limited (expect to shell out $10), so the DART may be your best option for transportation. Luckily, the husband and I only live a block away and can stroll on over at a leisurely pace. If you are not so lucky and do not want to take the DART, consider the Farmer's Market area. It may take a block or two, but once you are on site, pick up a beverage and you'll be just fine.

Break out of your normal routine and start your spring season off right! Get a taste of the eccentric lifestyle of the artists who inhabit Dallas' Deep Ellum.

Detailed Festival Information and guide can be found online at: www.DeepEllumArtsFestival.com

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Spring Fever

The Dallas/ Fort Worth metroplex has experienced uncharacteristically cloudy, cold weather this year making everyone feel a little claustrophobic. The first official day of Spring was just a couple of days ago and unfortunately this weekend will be in the low to mid 50s. North Texas just can't seem to shake off the cold hands of winter.

So what do you do when you want to experience spring when it's unseasonably cold? Dallas has many indoor and outdoor attractions to lift your spirits!

The newly opened Perot Museum of Nature and Science welcomes hundreds of children (and the children at heart) who wish to explore the wonders of nature and science and broaden their minds in one convenient location. One piece of advice: purchase a ticket online before you go. This place is in high demand and even the general exhibit hall can only contain a few hundred visitors at one time. Thousands of visitors have already roamed its spacious rooms and theater, and you don't want to get stuck waiting outside.

Another classic go-to Dallas preferred outdoor activity: The Dallas Arboretum. Dallas Blooms, the garden's seasonal floral showcase opened March 2 and will delight admirers until April 7th. The botanical gardens recently updated a rain policy which will allow visitors to receive a rain check if the "rain will not go away." So, this weekend could be an opportune time to test the waters. Despite the chill in the air, locals can enjoy nestling together on a blanket, picnic style, while gazing at the colorful floral festival.

Even though the weather might contain a chill, there is no need to simply stay at home for yet another weekend! Hopefully April will bring showers for May flowers, but also a little sun for those of us who want to break free from winter's grasp.