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!

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.