Author Archives: Diana

About Diana

Canadian-Vermonter, Texas transplant. Cowboy boot wearing, maple syrup connoisseur, music lovin', wine and micro-brew drinkin', two-steppin' traveler who loves finding all the hidden gems the world has to offer. Come join me on the ride!

North Main BBQ, Euless, TX

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If you asked me a few years ago if I thought food would ever change my life, I probably would’ve said only maple syrup. Turns out moving to the South introduces you to BBQ and man oh man did they get me hook, line and sinker. 
I love it. I love the BBQ sauce, I love how sometimes its so good you don’t even want the BBQ sauce, the juiciness of the meat, the flavor straight from the smoker. Trying out different variations never gets old, it just makes you work out a little more.
Let me introduce you to North Main BBQ, in Euless, TX. Founded in 1981, you better believe this place is still more popular than ever for a reason. It’s delicious! If you are ever looking for it, just look for the giant pig out by the sign but be careful, they are only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s. I’m pretty sure they do this only so we can crave it more during the week.
When you walk into the restaurant you will be amazed by the memorabilia on the walls. Banners, trophies, pictures from every BBQ competition you can think of from all over the country. It’s pretty amazing.
 These don’t cover 1/8th of what’s in there!
On your way out you will notice the wall and bulletin boards near the door. This is the visitors galley so to speak. Signed photographs and notes from celebrities who have come to visit, including football players, actors, comedians and musicians. Ted Allen (the host of the Food Network’s Chopped) claimed North Main BBQ to be the best BBQ he’s ever had!
North Main offers two plate options. 1 – Sandwich only. Choose your meat, they’ll put it on a bun. Sides are extra. 2 – All you can eat. What kind of meat you ask? Chopped brisket, sliced brisket, chicken, sausage and ribs. (They are known for their ribs). BBQ sauce is available for your liking. Sides include beans, potato salad, coleslaw. Sweet and unsweetened tea are on the house. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, its also BYOB. To top it all off, they have a “help-yourself” soft serve ice cream machine, if you have room!
 A plate of the all you can eat!
My personal favorite is the chopped brisket sandwich. The meat is moist, juicy, smoked and its perfected. It’s so good, I find no need to add extra BBQ sauce. I just grab a heaping spoonful of potato salad and I’m good to go. So delicious and filling.
I’ve got to stop talking about all this food, it’s only Wednesday! See you this weekend North Main BBQ!

Prairie Festival, Ft. Worth, TX

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A friend of mine informed about an upcoming event at the Tandy Hills Natural Area in Fort Worth, the Prairie Festival. I didn’t know a lot about this, only that it was at a local park / hiking trail and they were promoting sustainability and the environment. With that being said, I was instantly intrigued. I would love to work for a company promoting sustainability and environmentalism. We don’t see this in Texas as much as we do back in Vermont (I’m not really sure, a ton could be done considering how many people live here…I’ll leave this for a different discussion). I had to check this out, not only out of curiosity but in hopes that I would be exposed to a company that would hire me.  
I arrived, mid-afternoon, missing the morning crowd. Parking – parking is on the street. The traffic being forced in one direction only, side streets closed. Took the first stop I could find, walked three blocks. Heck, walking is good for you! Soon enough I found myself arriving upon the festival. I saw a ton of tents, tables and a stage! Wait a second, what’s that I hear, bluegrass, could someone really be playing bluegrass?! I think at this point I began to walk a little faster.
Walking around I saw a ton of exhibitors, ranging from artists, photographers, cassette tape wallets, energy efficient electric companies, Rahr beer. You name it there was something for everyone.
(3L Photograhy – I absolutely LOVED her prints!)
There were two stages, one near the entrance with a solo performer, Jeff Gibbons and the larger stage with my bluegrass band, who turned out to be the Blackland River Devils.
I found myself sitting in front of the solar powered stage, listening to the band, surrounded by hippies, drinking beer, with the hiking trails in the background. I thought I was back in Vermont there for a few seconds. I could’ve been fooled.
 
On the way out I was sure to check out the silent auction table. They had great items supplied from various exhibitors at the festival. Rahr bicycle, wooden rocking chair, organic dog food, a photograph, birdhouses, the list goes on!
 
If you have free time, be sure to check out this event next year, or if you can’t wait that long, check out the Tandy Hills Natural Area. If you enjoy the outdoors, being earthy and environmentally conscious, you are bound to love this area. In the meantime, if you happen to hike the area, let me know how it is!
Info:
Cost: Free
Location:

3400 View Street, Ft. Worth, TX
Pets, Children are welcome.
Parking: Free (Street Parking)  

Miami, FL

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A few years ago, the Kardashian’s didn’t have anything on Miami like we did. Two co-workers and myself traveled down to Miami as part of a company wide business trip. We left behind the snowy, chilly weather of a typical February in New England and departed for sensational Miami!

We flew Jet Blue (great airline) and had a layover in NYC, because there are no direct flights out of Vermont to go anywhere farther than D.C. (probably not true but it sure feels like it sometimes). We stayed on our flight, waiting for the passengers to board to head to our final destination. The pilot was nice enough to come back and show us a few magic tricks, even though he refused to tell me how he pulled them off. A little while later, we arrived my first sighting of palm trees and flatness. Toto, I don’t think we’re in Vermont anymore.

Our company was gracious enough to accommodate our stay in The Diplomat, Westin Hotel. The most high end hotel that I’ve had the privilege of staying in thus far. The Diplomat was beyond beautiful. We were greeted by a bell hopper who helped us out of our car and held the door to the hotel open for us. The lobby was beyond phenomenal with palm trees, fountains and a grand view of the ocean. Various fine dining restaurants can be found in each corner for the lobby.

The Diplomat, is situated between the Atlantic and intercoastal canals and the views are fantastic. (Be sure to ask for a room on the intercoastal side! Thank me later!)

First thing was first, we had to check out our room. Holy moly – the views were ridiculous and frankly, so wasn’t the room. From the large soaking tub I could look out over the bed and see the canal and the city!

 
When we finally had a chance, we tried to check out some of the amenities available. The pool area outside was gorgeous! (See the pictures on the website.)
But why go in the pool when you can go into the ocean! It was so nice to hit the beach after a winter in Vermont. The Diplomat is also within walking distance to the boardwalk where you will find souvenir shops, restaurants and most importantly its a prime people watching site.
After all the fun outside you are bound to get a little hungry. We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to dine at the Hollywood Prime Restaurant. This was the best feast I could have imagined. Wine, seafood, steaks, and the BEST lobster tail. It was delicious. If you would like to venture out of the hotel (although at this point I’m sure you are questioning whether there is a point to) there are more restaurant options across the street. The Diplomat has its own bridge so you will not have to mess with playing Frogger thru the traffic. We also ventured across the way, stopping at a very nice restaurant that New Englanders would feel out of place in. Everything was solid white, there were even beds against the back wall if you prefer to eat your meal in a bed(?).

 The overall experience was great. If I had to pay for this out of my pocket is is on the higher end of the scale but if you really want to treat yourself this is the way to go. We later found out that the day we left, one of the teams playing in the SuperBowl was moving in. That’s right, the NFL loves The Diplomat too!

I never get why hotels dismiss the 13th floor. You are not fooling anyone, there is not a 13th floor that is empty folks.