Category Archives: Texas

A Walk in the Park with Dr. Seuss in Abilene

In Abilene, Texas, next to the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau you will find a land of magic, imagination and rhymes. Everman Park is the place of wonder and the beginning of the Storybook Sculpture Project which holds major characters from Dr. Seuss.

As the story goes, the mayor of Abilene enjoyed reading “Santa Calls” by William Joyce to a group of children every year. This was a particular favorite as the book took place in Abilene. One year, Mr. Joyce was invited to visit and an idea was born. The following year, the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) was established and a sculpture with children from “Santa Calls” was created. As time moved on, another sculpture was created and children continued to ask for more characters.

The Children’s Art & Literacy Festival (C.A.L.F.) was created in 2012. This first event was a celebration honoring Dr. Seuss. Six sculptures came which now rest in Everman Park.

In 2013, Walter Wick was honored at the C.A.L.F.. His “Can You See What I See” books expanded the sculptures hidden in town. To keep the wonderment alive, his six sculptures can be found in throughout town (including the Abilene Zoo, The Grace Museum and the Public Library). The mystery is for children to find them using hints from the Seymour Passport.

Over the years, the sculptures have expanded throughout town to include characters such as Santa, The Easter Bunny and Sandman. Currently, there are a total of 14 sculptures throughout Abilene. It’s really something to drive around downtown Abilene and see random sculptures from our childhood favorites and imagination. They’ve come to life.

For more information, including a map of the sculptures found throughout the area, see the below link to the Storybook Sculpture Project. What an incredible opportunity to explore Abilene with children, lots of imagination and your favorite books!

What is your favorite children’s book?

For more information:
Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau
Storybook Sculpture Project
Everman Park Admission: FreeChildren’s Art & Literacy Festival

DCFA Form Follows Fitness 5k (+ Discount)

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Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post however I did receive admission to the event. As always, all opinions are my own. #FFF5K #shop

On February 20th, the Form Follows Fitness 5k is being held by the Blackstone Brick Company in downtown Dallas. While running through some of the finest architecture in Dallas, runners will be surrounded by some of the finest architecture and one of my favorite skylines.

The Form Follows Fitness 5k benefits the Dallas Center for Architecture. The route of the event is set to showcase some of the best architects including buildings designed by I.M. Pei, Renzo Piano, Norman Foster, Rem Koolhaas and Edward Larrabee Barnes.

Come join us on Saturday, February 20th, for a great run with amazing views including:

Run/Walk
5 Year Finisher Medal
Long-sleeve, gender specific dry fit style shirt
Live music
Food
Brew
Save $5! Use discount code: DHT

To make this event even better, Down Home Traveler has teamed up with this event to offer a $5 discount to each registrant.

Discount Code: ‘DHT’ to save $5 on registration.

The year has only started and what better way to keep up with our fitness plans than a run with one of the best urban views in DFW. Check out the DCFA Form Follows Fitness 5k website for more information and be sure to use the $5 discount and sign up today!

Who is joining me?

Additional Information:
Date: February 20, 2016
Location: Klyde Warren Park
Website: www.FormFollowsFitness.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/FormFollowsFitness
Facebook Event: www.facebook.com/events/779975322132684/

All Western Parade, Fort Worth

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#FWSSR #AllWesternParade

For the past 120 years, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo has been held in Fort Worth. On the first Saturday of the festivities, the All Western Parade is held in downtown Fort Worth. This is the biggest western themed and non-motorized parade in the world. In the world folks!

On Saturday morning, we lined the streets along with other eager (and cold) guests to take part in the parade. This event exemplifies the history, tradition and heritage found in Fort Worth. Known for the Stockyards, this is the event that meets the wild west, cowboys, cowgirls and the history and tradition that has made this city what it is today. This event is free although you can pay for reserved bleacher seats however I would say to grab a couple chairs and find a spot along the parade route. It’s free and there was plenty of space. Be prepared, the parade lasted over an hour and a half.

The parade was incredibly unique! First, when have you ever attended a non-motorized parade? I can honestly say this was my first. No vehicles – the means of transportation included riding an animal, be pulled by an animal (via a wagon) or your own two legs. There had to be well over a thousand horses. Participant’s included local organizations and community members, local public service organizations (such as the Fort Worth Police Department), out-of-towners (the El Paso Sheriff’s posse was one of my personal favorites as you’ll see with the pictures) as well as American and Mexican participant’s in traditional garb.

With the tradition that is exuberant in Fort Worth, this is one event that you may never find anywhere else. You’ll be entertained, the kids imagination will go wild – it’s definitely enjoyable for everyone involved. Welcome to the Wild West folks! Now, I’ll let the pictures do the rest of the talking.

This town is full of history, yesterday’s and today’s.
What is your favorite part of the Wild, Wild West?