Category Archives: Texas

River Legacy Park

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River Legacy, Arlington, Texas, DFW Hiking, DFW Parks

Spending time outside is my ultimate escape from the busyness of the everyday world. It’s a huge part of my life and some days I can’t get enough. Whether it’s running, hiking or biking, one of my favorite locations in the DFW area is River Legacy Park in Arlington, Texas.

Took a break and went for a hike today. The weather couldn’t have been better! #LiveLifeOutside

A photo posted by Diana Bockus (@downhometraveler) on

This past weekend, I took a little break from all the things that need to be done for a little me time. I hit the dirt and went for a little hike. The weather was perfect, the sounds of the trees and animals relaxing and it was just what this country girl needed.

River Legacy encompasses every aspect of what one may be looking for in a park. Situated next to the Trinity River and Lake Viridian, River Legacy spans 1,300 acres. The options are endless and there’s something for everyone. Parks, grilling, a playground, athletics, paved and unpaved running trails, mountain biking trails, hiking paths, canoe and kayak launches, an educational center and so much more! That’s just recreation.

River Legacy, Arlington, Texas, DFW Hiking, DFW Parks

River Legacy, Arlington, Texas, DFW Hiking, DFW Parks

Nature has so much to do with this. How lucky are we to have an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of the city life into a place that makes everyone feel as if they’re a thousand miles away from all of that. And you never know what you’ll see. Birds, armadillo’s, snakes, I’ve even seen a couple bobcats sunbathing. (Visit my Instagram page for some pictures of creatures I’ve seen along the way.)

River Legacy, Arlington, Texas, DFW Hiking, DFW Parks

The people are friendly, the trails are lengthy and you get options of whether you want to hit the paved trail or get off the grid a little bit more and hit the dirt! If anything, it seems as if there’s something new to check out or see on each trip.

River Legacy, Arlington, Texas, DFW Hiking, DFW Parks

Have you been to River Legacy? Where’s your favorite place to hike in the North Texas?

River Legacy Park / 701 N. Green Oaks Drive, Arlington, TX 76006

The Collective Brewing Project

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Collective Brewing Project, Fort Worth Breweries, Texas Breweries, MicrobreweriesThis past weekend, the newest brewery in Fort Worth opened it’s doors and quickly became one of my all time favorites – The Collective Brewing Project. The location, atmosphere and most importantly flavor left us wanting to spend our entire weekend here. Take a look!

Situated just south of I-30 in Southside Fort Worth, the renovations to this building are amazing. Whether it was the lighting fixtures, table tops or the exposed brick (who doesn’t love exposed brick), it left an industrial feel. Cozy, familiar and relaxing. A perfect weekend location with friends and family to relax and bask in good company (and beer).

Collective Brewing Project, Fort Worth Breweries, Texas Breweries, Microbreweries

Collective Brewing Project, Fort Worth Breweries, Texas Breweries, Microbreweries

It’s not just the interior but the outdoor capability. With a grand spot in the back, it’s perfect for taking in the excellent fall weather around. A good ole game or two of cornhole (aka bags), tables, a little live music perhaps (I’d personally love to see Grady Spencer playing back here – hint, hint), the opportunities are endless. For the opening a food truck was parked nearby but I’m sure the future holds endless opportunities for this space. (And if CBP happens to be reading this I’d love to help you plan some events back here.)

Collective Brewing Project, Fort Worth Breweries, Texas Breweries, Microbreweries Collective Brewing Project, Fort Worth Breweries, Texas Breweries, Microbreweries

The Beer
Let’s get to the whole purpose of this place! It’s all about the craft beer. To me, The Collective Brewery is really unique. My entire goal is to try something different and unique. Varieties of flavors, ingredients, smells and let’s face it clever names are always the icing on the cake. The Collective Brewery doesn’t disappoint.

Collective Brewing Project, Fort Worth Breweries, Texas Breweries, Microbreweries

Mustache Rye’d was definitely my favorite out of the five on tap. A smooth, roasted flavor that has a slightly bitter finish that quickly fades. A great rye porter. I’ll definitely be back for more of this one.

A first for me was the Petite Golden Sour – a sour beer. Actually, I heard this was a first for quite a few folks at the event and I think we were all just as eager to try it. Sour beer isn’t something that’s been sticking out in the Fort Worth beer scene (unless I’ve been missing something) so CBP has found a great niche. The taste –  a lot like a grapefruit, tart, easy to drink. My only quarrel is the smell… it is worst than the taste but you get over that pretty quickly. Don’t let that deter you!

Collective Brewing Project, Fort Worth Breweries, Texas Breweries, Microbreweries

What I absolutely love about the beer are the options available… in sizes.

  • Pints – no explanation needed here.
  • Half pints! These had to be made for me and brewery tours. Going to a brewery and not being able to try everything on tap, well who likes to do that?! Or sometimes you’ll get a pint just isn’t for you. This is the PERFECT size to try everything. For instance, five beers on tap – got to try every one.
  • Crowlers – this is also something that I haven’t seen in the Fort Worth. 32-oz cans ready to fill with the brew of your choice to take with you.Really, can it get any better than that?

Collective Brewing Project, Fort Worth Breweries, Texas Breweries, Microbreweries

If you are in the Fort Worth area and looking to try something unique and new – this is your hot spot. Easy to find off the highway, ample parking and I guarantee you’ll leave with a smile on your face – we did. These guys definitely have something to be proud of!

Collective Brewing Project, Fort Worth Breweries, Texas Breweries, Microbreweries

The Collective Brewery Project
112 St. Louis Ave / Fort Worth, Texas 76104

How Do You Like Your Chili?

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Southside, Fort Worth, Texas, Chili Cookoff

The weather has cooled and it’s officially time to throw on the layers and enjoy the fall! With all of the fun comes the best food for this kind of temperature – chili! This past weekend, Southside Fort Worth held the 2nd Annual Chili on the Green. This fun event showcased 12 local teams who all aspired to win the best chili of the year.

Southside, Fort Worth, Texas, Chili Cookoff

This year, 12 teams registered to cook, the majority local businesses from the area.
To attend the event, admission was $10 per person. This provides you with the opportunity to try a sample from each team and three voting tickets. You become the judge!

Southside, Fort Worth, Texas, Chili Cookoff

The tasting / voting period was a little short – only about 2 hours. Honestly, I wish there would’ve been more time to the event as it didn’t allow others who got there a little later to taste all the chili submissions. If you plan on going – be sure to get there at the beginning of the tasting time.
Southside, Fort Worth, Texas, Chili CookoffThe chili! Yum – my favorite part of course. Although there were only 12 teams, 12 tastes does fill you up pretty good. It was really interesting to hear about all the different seasonings, meats and consistencies in addition to the toppings. Some with a few surprises. One team didn’t get the memo about Texas chili not having beans but to each their own.

Southside, Fort Worth, Texas, Chili Cookoff Southside, Fort Worth, Texas, Chili Cookoff

In addition to the chili, water, soda and beer were also available as well as an ice cream food truck which really hit the spot at the end of the tasting/voting period. Music was provided throughout the day which was a great addition. The musicians were all local, capping off with the Walker Texas Dangers bluegrass band which pretty much made the event for me.

Southside, Fort Worth, Texas, Chili Cookoff

All in all the day was well spent with some fantastic fall weather, delicious food and great music. For just $10, it’s the best place to “grab lunch” and immerse yourself in some local flavor. If you have a chance to catch next years event, definitely do. Bring the family – they’ll love it!

Southside, Fort Worth, Texas, Chili Cookoff

How do you like your chili?!