Category Archives: Travel

Texas Tuesday: Fort Worth Stockyards

This week I’m co-hosting the Texas Tuesday link up with Amanda from Princess of the Panhandle and Crystal from Masons Mama. This is a chance for any blogger to participate in a post on the greatness of Texas! There’s so much to explore!

This week I’m going to talk about a great event that goes on everyday in Fort Worth. It is a true taste of the wild west, the Fort Worth Stockyards and a must see for anyone visiting the area. The Fort Worth Stockyards bring the old town wild west into modern day Fort Worth. It’s one of my favorite places in this area!

Twice a day, the cattle is driven down the street by cowboys, just as they were years ago. It’s a sight to see! Coming from someone who completely loves these animals, it’s even better!

Once the cattle drive is complete, head on over around the corner for a live shootout! That’s right! I said shootout! Be sure to stand close and pay attention so you can take part and see all the action of the gun show!

The shootout brings together those of all ages, the kids and adults enjoy it all the same! The actors do a great job incorporating humor into the show and seriously, how can you not like their outfits!

If you are in the area or if you’ve lived here your entire life, head on over to check this out. The best part is that it’s free so if you have a family, this is a great , affordable outing for an hour or two. Enjoy the great spring weather with a little bit of free, Western entertainment!

Be sure to link your Texas Tuesday posts below!

What the Hockey?!

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

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!