Category Archives: Food

Oh, Those Dirty River Boys!

This is going to be part catch-up and part recent. One thing that I absolutely LOVE about Texas is the music scene. It’s pretty amazing! If you wanted, you could catch a different show each night between Ft. Worth, Denton and Dallas. One of the bands that I’ve come to love are the Dirty River Boys. Hailing from El Paso, they bring together the right amount of Texas Country mixed in with some bluegrass and a twist of rebellion. If you were to see them, you would know they’re in a band.

Back in December, they played their first show at Billy Bob’s in Ft. Worth. It’s a pretty big deal to play, one that you don’t turn down. Anyone who is anyone in the music business has played there… Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Garth Brooks, ZZ Top, the list is endless. So it was pretty cool being able to see them play their first gig at the historic venue.

Now for a little more recent news…

There is a restaurant / bar in Arlington, Texas called The Grease Monkey. It’s pretty fun to go to as you can grab a delicious burger and hang out (inside or out) and either watch some sporting events or listen to live music. Every once in a while, they will have a private show the venue is only open to those who have purchased a ticket. It’s limited seating so if you really love a band, seeing them in a small venue is the way to go! This past January, The Dirty River Boys played at the Grease Monkey and a couple of my friends were nice enough to buy me a ticket for Christmas! Lucky me (us really) – we were front row!

This may have been my favorite Dirty River Boys show to date! Midway thru the show they all switched instruments and played something different. If you happened to walk in during this time, you would never know. Talent, folks!

Now, if you happen to be in the Oklahoma / Texas region where these guys usually play, get on out there and check them out.

If not, send an email to your local venue telling them to get in check and book these guys… they’re only going to get bigger.

No matter where you are – buy their CD. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Texas Bucket List

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Yes, I’m a huge fan of lists and per yesterday’s post, I’ve created a new one.

I’m not sure what the future holds, no clue at all really. There’s no telling how long I’ll be in Texas but I want to make sure that I see and do everything that I can! This list is a compile of recommendations that I’ve received from folks and things I’ve found on my own. If you have anything to add, please let me know and it’ll make it on the list! (I was also told that I’ve done more in Texas than the people who have lived here their entire lives and there’s no reason to make a bucket list, haha!)

Hike the Enchanted Rock
Kiss a cowboy (a real one, there’s a difference)
Weekend on the Wine Trail
Attend a couple more Stars games
Visit Bastrop
Visit Luckenbach one more time (it’s the greatest place in Texas)
Swing on up to Oklahoma to visit Miranda Lamberts store
Rodeo’s – catch as many as possible!
Stay at a ranch
Experience Austin via my friend Hogan
Float the river
Visit the Ross Perot Museum
Visit Garner State Park
Attend a Brahmas game
Attend a couple more Rangers games
Visit a rattlesnake farm
Hamilton Pool Reserves
Check out the caves outside of Austin
See a tornado (yes, I’m serious)
Make a glass blown ornament in Grapevine
Get this Texas Two Step down (this is happening!)
Get chicken fried steak at Mary’s Restaurant
Make a mean brisket
Learn some Southern Cookin’ recipes!
Buy a piece of Texas furniture.
Get my picture taken in Blue Bonnets!
Learn how to make sweet tea

Am I missing anything?! If you say pick up a Southern accent, I’m going to have to pass. I like the Vermont one that I apparently have but don’t! 🙂

Campo Verde, Arlington, TX

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So, there’s a little Mexican restaurant over in Arlington, Texas that is known more for it’s decor during the holiday season than anything else. Have you heard of Campo Verde? I’ve been here before but never during Christmas and when I walked in, I couldn’t believe my eyes and seriously needed some shades!

The only things that weren’t decorated were the little Mexican guys on top of the building outside. Couldn’t believe they left them out!

I was having a lot of fun with these lights inside. How can you not?!

If you have a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit, keep this place in mind next year. It helped me out a little bit. If for nothing else, go grab a margarita. They were delicious!