Tag Archives: Fort Worth

Choo-Choo! All Aboard the Miniature Railroad!

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

There’s so many activities and events in Fort Worth, sometimes we almost miss the ones that right in front of us (and the most fun)! The Forest Park Miniature Railroad is a delight for all and brings us to a place of imagination, relaxation and most importantly – fun! I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I was to take part!

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

This railway began in 1959 and cost $0.35 cents for a ride.

All aboard!
Departing every twenty-five minutes, you can hop on-board at two different stops.  One, right outside the Fort Worth Zoo and the other within the Trinity Park. The great thing about the Forest Park Miniature Railroad is that it’s an adventure that exposes you to all the great opportunities in this area.

First, we took off from the Fort Worth Zoo location (off University Drive) and headed towards the Trinity Park. Our first look is the view of downtown Fort Worth over the Trinity River. How can anyone not love this view?

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

Next, we head to the park. The Trinity Park is extremely large and there’s so much to do! We saw family photos being taken, picnics, people playing basketball, walking, jogging, biking, etc.. There’s an endless amount of activities that get you to enjoy the outdoors and the weather and driving thru as a spectator on the train reminds us all how much fun this park can be!

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

Next up, the Trinity Pillar Project. Turning the pillars into a work of art. Each pillar is different and creates a spectacle of color as the train passes under the Lancaster Bridge. Located right next to the duck pond, the art bring this area to life!

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

Shortly thereafter, we reached the halfway point on the trip. I’m a little disappointed that we can’t just do this all day because it’s so much fun!

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

Halfway thru our ride, we stop at the Trinity Park depot. Here we pick up new passengers and let some off who may have joined the ride originally at this depot. Perhaps, you’ll even want to get off and have a little picnic of your own? At this stop, we were lucky enough to move into the very last row and move our view backwards! Best seat on the train (unless you have really long legs then it may be a little tight).

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor ActivitiesChoo-Choo!! And we’re off! The train moves a little faster from this point of view!
Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor ActivitiesBridges, untouched land, over the Trinity River and through the Trinity Park, the train has a way of making you forget that you’re in the middle of a city. It feels like an outdoor paradise where you just let go of all inhibitions and can just relax and bask in the moment.

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

The ride also reminded me of all the other small events and locations that make Fort Worth such a great place. Maybe the food truck park that we eyed across the Trinity? The zoo nearby to see some of the animals? Perhaps even just going for a walk along the river. The moments with friends and family are endless.

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

For More Information:
Forest Park Miniature Railroad / 1700 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76101.
Admission: Adults $4 / Children $3.50
Ride Length: Around 40-45 minutes.

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

DFW-Bucket-List

July 4th Fun

The July 4th weekend has to be one of my favorites! Anytime to take off work, focus on time with loved ones, relaxation and being thankful for our freedom is what life is all about! Although, I didn’t go anywhere or do anything super extravagant this weekend, I still had the opportunity to bask in what Arlington and Fort Worth have to offer! Sometimes we just need to relax in the place that we call home (or in my case, my Texas home).

Thursday: Arlington Texas hosts “Light Up Arlington” at Leavitt Pavillion. There are a ton of activities for children, local vendors and food tents. The real kick is the live music on the pavilion followed by the firework show up above. Grab a chair, bring a cooler and some snacks and be ready to start your relaxing Independence Day weekend. Kicker: Just down the road, the Rangers ballpark also has fireworks! Whether you are watching from your car in the traffic that follows or you’re lucky enough to find a spot to watch both – you’re in for a treat!

Independence Day, Texas, Arlington, Light Up Arlington, Fireworks Independence Day, Texas, Arlington, Light up Arlington, USA

Friday: Whoohooo! Day off from work! The day started early (and hot) with attending the Arlington Independence Day Parade. Get ready – this is a long one! Bring sunscreen and a chair (and if you want to get a good spot, get there early). You will see everything at this parade. High schools, bands, politicians, local organizations, cultural groups, even Elvis’ on motorcycles!
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Friday evening consisted of fireworks in Fort Worth. Talk about a great show but be prepared for a huge crowd. Plan ahead, pick a good spot. This year there were two spots – The Botanical Gardens and Panther Island Pavilion. From where I was, I was able to see both (and forgot my phone). They spaced them about 5-10 minutes apart but were absolutely awesome. Advice – come early and please do not park on the side of the highways (those people are crazy). Find a safe spot!

Saturday: When thinking Fort Worth, I’m pretty sure Oyster Bar isn’t on top of your list but I checked out this little hot spot to start off my evening. As soon as I got out of my car, I could smell seafood – brought back memories of vacations in Maine as a kid. Shrimp salad sandwich – so big that I could barely take a decent bite. The Seafood Gumbo is also a thumbs up!
Independence Day, Texas, J&J Oyster Bar, Fort Worth, Sandwich, Shrimp Salad

As mentioned, we are in Fort Worth, am I right?! Fort Worth is the greatest place to experience live music so it’s only natural that it’s incorporated into the weekend! I swung over to Shipping and Receiving in Southside Fort Worth. With a slight breeze in the air and the sun completely set, the temperature was just about perfect for an outdoor show and Hayes Carll always delivers! The fact that we weren’t packed in like sardines was even better. I’ve come to really enjoy this venue. If you haven’t had the chance, swing on by!
Independence Day, Texas, Fort Worth, Shipping and Receiving, Hayes Carll, Texas Country Independence Day, Texas, Fort Worth, Shipping and Receiving, Hayes Carll, Texas CountryHow was everyone’s weekend? I’d love to hear about your travels, stay-cations, food, live music experiences!