Category Archives: DFW Bucket List

DFW Bucket List: BBQ at Billy’s Oak Acres BBQ

BBQ, Texas BBQ, Texas Bucket List, Brisket Sandwich

The number one item on the DFW Bucket List is the BBQ! There’s no argument and I have the perfect spot for you!

February 2013 – I took a drive outside of Fort Worth and came across a building stating ‘BBQ, Opening Soon’. The building itself was awesome however I was a little disappointed it wasn’t yet open.

Fast forward to the end of 2013. One of my co-workers and I are chatting about a new BBQ place he came across that was phenomenal. The catch was, when he was describing it’s location, I knew it had to be the place I previously came across. The rest, is history – I have found the best BBQ around!
BBQ, Texas BBQ, Texas Bucket List, DFW Bucket List, Fort Worth BBQBilly’s Oak Acres BBQ has everything you’re looking for in Texas BBQ. The location and atmosphere screams Texas (and the Texas pride that comes with it) and the food is just phenomenal. Heck, I’m getting hungry as I’m writing this. More so, the owner is one of the nicest, most personable chefs that I’ve come across. I love being able to walk in, be greeted and know that I’m in a place where “everybody knows you’re name”. Ok – that was cheesy but you know what I mean.

In late April, I had Vermont friends come into town to visit. I took them to Dallas to eat the Pecan Lodge, as it’s suppose to be “the best” and later took them to Billy’s because they just had to have it. Billy’s won them over.

The atmosphere is just incredible. Although, the restaurant is located right off Highway 820, you’ll soon think you’re in the middle of nowhere Texas. Across the street you’ll see horses grazing in the pasture. Inside, you’ll be surrounded by pure Texas decor. There’s also a pool table, if you’re looking to get some practice or need a release on your lunch break. Take a look – tin ceiling, a ton of art on the walls, large windows overlooking the back acreage. Just sit back, relax and be ready to fill your belly!
BBQ, Texas BBQ, Texas Bucket List, DFW Bucket ListPerhaps this restaurant rings a bell? He’s recently been on Spike TV’s Hungry Investor. If you’ve seen the show, there’s proof that he doesn’t need to be told how to cook his meats. They’re delicious, tender and perfectly cooked. My personal favorites are the chopped brisket and chicken fried steak.
BBQ, Texas BBQ, Texas Bucket List, DFW Bucket List, Chicken Fried Steak BBQ, Texas BBQ, Texas Bucket List, DFW Bucket List, Pulled PorkBe sure to leave room for dessert as the Pecan Cake will ‘blow your mind’ (as the waiter told me on my first visit).
BBQ, Texas BBQ, Texas Bucket List, DFW Bucket ListI’ve never heard a complaint, always tons of praise and I guarantee you’ll think the same!
BBQ, Texas BBQ, Texas Bucket List, DFW Bucket ListThanks Billy (as always) from the three Vermonters! See you soon!

Billy’s Oak Acres BBQ
1700 N Las Vegas Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76108
817-367-2200

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DFW Bucket List: Take A Drive

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After living in Texas for six years (holy cow!), I’ve found the best way to “see” Texas is by taking a random drive. I’ve found, that this is a hard concept for some but you have to be willing to get out of your comfort zone and it’s totally worth it if you want to get a little glimpse of what Texas is all about! There’s no telling what you’ll see… ranches, oil rigs, cows, armadillos, tumbleweeds, cowboys (there’s a great Quicktrip gas station off 35 south that has lots of cowboys), etc.

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Every once in a while, we should all just go on a random drive. Better yet, if you’re on your way somewhere, give yourself extra time to explore! There’s no telling what you’ll come across or just how incredible it will be.

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So what do you say? Let’s get in the car and go!

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Today I’m linking up with Communal GlobalThe Jenny EvolutionPhotography Essentials and Create With Joy for {Wordless Wednesday}.

DFW Bucket List: Horseback Riding at Benbrook Stables

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this blog post, however I did receive a free trail ride in exchange for this post. As always, all opinions are my own.

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When thinking of Texas, what comes to mind? Cowboys? Horses? Ranches? Those are on mine and I live here. It only makes sense that if you have only a short period here, those things should be integrated into the visit. This is Texas after all! Let’s get some interaction going! Why only watch when you can take part?! Let’s go horseback riding!

Visiting Dallas / Fort Worth shouldn’t all be “city living”. Quite frankly, it’s pretty easy to get out of all the hustle and bustle and retreat to the quiet tranquility of “country livin’” to get away from it all, even if it’s just for a little while.

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Just outside of Fort Worth, I found Benbrook Stables in Benbrook, Texas. It’s a short drive and I’ll be darned if it’s not a good excuse to get out of the metroplex. Heck, it took me only 30 minutes from my place in North Arlington. Once arrived, turn off your phones and forget about all the stresses. This is a place of retreat.

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I recently had a couple friends visit from Vermont. This was high on their list of things to do and definitely left an impression. The main office provides some of that good ole Texas charm. A cowhide rug lines the floor, Texas art hangs on the walls showcasing chaps, cowboy boots and landscapes followed by an old saddle holding course.

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Outside – a hundred horses. No joke, our trail lead told us they currently have over 100 horses at the stables, which he knew all their names. It’s a small town.

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Once our trail ride began, we met the tranquility that we’ve longed. We started on our hour trail ride leaving the stables and entering the Benbrook Park. Through woods, over a creek until we finally reached the high point fit for a camera. We had a scenic view of Lake Benbrook and some perfect Texas sights – Bluebonnets. Bluebonnets lining an untouched meadow filled with wildflowers and cactus.

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There was only one disappointment – the ride just wasn’t long enough. I could’ve continued all day. I wish it continued all day! The horses were gentle and friendly. We took a few photos afterwards and checked out the rest of the stables. There’s even a great site for an event.

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This is definitely something that I would put on a Texas Bucket List and be sure to check it off! It’ll leave you wanting to gallop around Texas fields all day and the arena nearby may spark some dreams of wanting to barrel race (at least it did for me). It’s such a reasonable distance as well as price. $40/hr for a trail ride – one of the most reasonable rates I’ve found.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

Benbrook Stables
10001 Benbrook Blvd, Benbrook, TX 76126
817-249-1001
Offers: Trail Rides, Lessons, Camps, Boarding and Rentals

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Keeping up with The Haneys