Category Archives: Attractions

What the Hockey?!

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Hockey. It’s one of my FAVORITE sports ever. Ok – it’s my favorite sport period. There’s nothing like it. The chill of the arena, the sound of the puck hitting the boards and sticks, the tension in the atmosphere when things are getting heated on the ice! Anyone who knows me knows that the fights are my favorite part. Just something about once the puck hits the ice and two players just give each other the stare down and off comes the gloves! LOVE IT!

So last week, my company offered everyone free tickets to the Dallas Stars vs. Vancouver Canucks game. There was no way that I was going to let this pass up and it’s a good thing I didn’t. Our seats were 12 rows up from the ice!

(Below) Jaromir Jagr.  I think he floats on the ice. That probably doesn’t sound very manly. Well, he’s absolute perfection out there. As he should be, he’s had one heck of a career. I remember watching him as a kid and now I get the pleasure of having him play just down the highway! He alone is a reason to go to the Stars games. The Stars have a great line-up this year. How awesome it is to look back 20 years from now and say that you had the pleasure of watching some of these hockey legends play. Come on folks – get out there!

All teams do some fun things during the intermissions but my ultimate favorite is watching the kids get out there and shoot some goals. It’s pretty special! Imagine how excited you would be if you could shoot on during a professional game?! (Plus, they looks super cute in their hockey equipment!)
Also during intermission. Those zamboni’s. If there’s anyway that I can ride/drive the Zamboni during one of these games = dream come true! They look like a lot of fun. I wonder how you get that job anyway?!

Hey! There’s Marty Turco (below)! Stars legendary goalie!

The Stars lost the game 4-3. It was a close one! Go get ’em next time boys!
If you are interested in going to a regular hockey game, the ticket prices are reasonable and I don’t think there’s a bad seat in the house. I’ve sat on the upper level against the wall – still good! Get out there and support your local teams!

Natty Flat Smokehouse

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When I was checking out the World’s Largest Rocker, it was suggested that I walk over to Natty Flat Smokehouse right next door for lunch. Can we say best idea ever for one of the best days?! I’m so thankful that they suggested it in the store next door.
First, just take a look at this place. How original is this?! Rustic, western and the down home feel. I loved it! How could I not?! Inside is no different. It just has a certain kind of charm, doesn’t it?!

Inside you’ll find pretty much everything that you could be looking for. Salsa, dry rubs, bbq / hot sauce, fudge, jams and ice cream. So many items, but I was here for one thing – BBQ! Natty Flat’s has a wide array of meat and side options but I settled for chopped brisket and a side of slaw. (Check out the menu for the full list.)

To be completely honest, the brisket didn’t even need the BBQ sauce. The meat was moist and delicious. The BBQ sauce just ended up being the frosting on the cake. On the walls there was some memorabilia on the smokehouse. Natty Flat was a man who loved his BBQ. He worked in many different restaurants, either working them or starting them up and soon enough he developed a place of his own, Natty Flat Smokehouse. The man knows his BBQ.

You have the choice to sit inside or outside. There’s a fair amount of seating but the atmosphere and the customer service is what makes this place so great. Everyone is so nice and it’s truly relaxing to be there on such a beautiful day. Country livin’ folks!

Here’s one of the best parts…. the bathrooms are outside. Don’t worry, there are real toilets in there. It’s not that rustic!

Texas Sized Rocker

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Look at me up in that giant chair!!!! Yep, what you’re seeing is exactly right. I’m sitting in the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Lipan, Texas. See, things really are bigger down here! During my Saturday perusing, this was another destination that I wanted to check out and you definitely can’t miss it! I mean, if you miss seeing this giant chair on the side of the road, you really shouldn’t be driving at all! Let me tell you a little more…

This giant rocking chair can be found off Highway 281 (near I-20) just west of Fort Worth at the Texas Hill Country Furniture & Mercantile. It’s in the country so if you’re looking for a little country drive, this is the place to go! As soon as I walked into the store, to be honest I wished I was rich so I could fill my imaginary house with all of these items. Classic, Texas furniture made literally right behind the store. The furniture is BEAUTIFUL and they can make you anything you would like, custom-made just for you. Check out a few of my favorite items!

This bathtub. Check this out – wooden bathtub and it’s absolute perfection. Pay attention to the details – do you see the legs?! Yes – this would most definitely be in my home and it could be in yours too for $8,000.
Now, kitchen tables! There were two kitchen tables that I loved (who am I kidding, I loved every piece in the store). The table above had a built in lazy susan in the middle however my favorite part is the “legs”. It’s actually a tree trunk. Makes my hippie heart melt!
As you can see, it doesn’t matter what part of the house you need furnished, you will find something here. It’s not all about furniture though, they have every detail you would need for your home. I even found a couple things for mine!
I actually bought the cow on the top right. She is beautiful! The one on the left was a favorite too but, well I only have so much room in my apartment at the moment!
Hangers, antler chandelier (I definitely want one of these someday) and the kitchenware was beautiful. They even had some hand painted pieces.

From Top, L-R.
1. Rocking Stools – Who wouldn’t want a rocking stool?! Let’s not kid ourselves here!
2. I now have an itch to make a Texas themed quilt. I know, I said I was never going to make one again but as mama always said “Never say never”.
3. For the love of windmills! Yes, please!
4. Crosses. Turquoise. Need I say more?
5. I thought of my dad when I saw this. He took me to prom in an old Model T like the one in the picture only I didn’t have a cowboy next to me on his horse.
6. Need a hanger for your bathroom (or anywhere in your house)? You’ll find one here!
7. Can we get anymore creative with this lamp?!
8. I’m in love with the wallet in front. It’s seriously beautiful. Can I say I want? Did I just say want, I meant need. My half birthday was on February 15th … just saying. haha!
9. Milk stools. I seriously contemplated buying this for my short self and for my nine month old niece. It’d make getting into those cupboards and shelves so much easier, for both of us!
Outside, you will find what looks like 50 rocking chairs. They are gorgeous!
(Below) These two items really caught my eye as well!
Back to the World’s Largest Rockin’ Chair.
The chair actually made the Guinness Book of World Records on September 20, 2003.
Measurements:
25 ft 10.5 inches tall
12 ft 7.375 inches wide
5,672 pounds
Made to scale.
I’m not even kidding when I say getting into this chair was the hardest / scariest part. Have I mentioned a fear of heights? So how it works, just so you know, is that there are logs/bars (kind of like the ones you see under my feet) on the side just like a normal sized rocking chair. You basically have to climb up, wrap your arms around them and pull yourself up. Then once on the seat, crawl or if you’re brave enough stand up and scoot over to the edge.
Honestly, if you have a chance to swing by, definitely do! The people here are so incredibly nice (I mean, they came out and took a picture of me IN the chair) and the furniture is gorgeous! Give yourself plenty of time to check out the scenery in the area, the store and if that’s not enough, there’s a smokehouse to eat right next door (more on that tomorrow)! I definitely plan on stopping back in at some point. There’s so many beautiful items and who doesn’t need a good rocking chair for their porch? I’ve been thinking about it ever since I left.