Tag Archives: Texas

Antique Alley, Texas

Every year in April and September, rain or shine, you can travel along Farm Road 4 between Maypearl, Grandview and Cleburne you can expect nothing but sales. That’s right – its a 25 mile stretch full of steals and deals!

If you love pondering through items, what some may consider junk you consider gold, this is going to be the trip for you. This area is full of Texans who have been living in this area for generations, including many farmers and ranchers. Coming across some great antiques would not be a surprise so be sure to get out there bright and early!

I would suggest starting off in either Cleburne or Maypearl and head towards the other. Last year we decided to give this much talked about event a try. Half the fun is checking out the scenery along Farm Road 4 – its gorgeous! (Be sure to bring your camera!) You will want to park and walk around in each town. There’s lots to see!

We started off in Maypearl, a tiny little Texas town that I fell in love with the minute we got there. Love, love, love! The “Main Street” was lined with individuals, families and businesses with miscellaneous items to sell from antiques, to dishware, to yard items. We also ran into a few fund raising groups selling baked items and of course Girl Scout cookies (makes it hard to say no).

Soon enough you will find yourself heading west towards Grandview. Another small town, however slightly larger than Maypearl. Here we found a few shops open, typical “Texas” and antique shops. Again, the street lined with small tents. We found some baked goods – pies, breads, cookies and cakes.

The last stop is Cleburne, the largest of the three towns. There will be a ton to look thru. Don’t be surprised that along the way you will run into tons of other stops. Families will be having lawn sales. Between Grandview and Cleburne there will be a large and very busy flea market area. You’ll know you are getting close when the traffic starts to pile up. Don’t be alarmed, you can either park and check it out or keep on trucking thru. The area is pretty large so if you are after treasure hunting, I’d suggest stopping. We didn’t stop to check this out but if you do – let me know how it is! I’m sure there is gold to be found in this area.

Don’t be surprised to run into some traffic along the way – you aren’t the only one out there looking for items or just perusing. It’s almost like a treasure hunt! The culture you come across along the way in incredible – straight up Texas! If you find your stomach growling from hunger – no worries there is everything from BBQ (we are in Texas afterall) to sausage on a stick. You won’t go hungry around these parts!

Antique Alley is known for growing larger each year so if you attend one event, its expected that you will find something new the next time. Driving around and checking out the scenery is half the fun of the trip. During April, you will see the wildflowers out in the fields, which you can’t help but admire. Antique Alley it makes for a great day.

I apologize for not having more pictures of the actual sales. Feel free to post comments / pictures if you attend!

For More Info: http://www.antiquealleytexas.com/

Canton Trade Days

Leave a reply

Maybe you’ve heard the name Canton, it is known as the world’s largest flea market. Canton Trade Days occurs the first Monday of each month in Canton, Texas. Settled oh so well along I-20 in East Texas, this event attracts vendors and visitors from near and far each and every month. Some of these visitors are from Texas but don’t be surprised to run into others from Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma who call Canton home one weekend a month.

Don’t be alarmed when exiting the highway to be in a slew of vehicles that are heading to the same place you are (to avoid a little traffic, take exit 526). When you arrive, you will see not only a ton of vehicles but also RV’s. Some people come out here all weekend. Also, don’t be surprised if you find yourself lost or needing a map or not knowing where the heck you are.. this place is huge and its a day long event.

When you arrive in Canton you will see an overwhelming items to see. There is a flea market type area where people are selling just about anything you can think of. In another section, you can walk through open buildings viewing, again anything you can think of (handbags, gourmet food, Texas decor, furniture, jewlery, clothing, baby items, doggie treats, etc.). It’s no joke when they say there is something for everyone.

Considering you will be there all day (or in some cases the weekend), there is plenty to eat and drink. You will find the normal “fair type” items such as corn dogs and hamburgers to slighly healthier options of sandwiches and fruit. Be sure to hit up a lemonade stand and we are after all in Texas so of course, there is Dr. Pepper.

If you find yourself with nothing to do one weekend and feel like roaming around looking for, well just about anything, head over to Canton and check it out.

Notes:
Parking is $4 cash.
Be sure to bring cash, not all vendors except cards.
Check out the website, there are coupons which can be used at some shops.

For More Info: http://www.cantontradedays.com/

Twisted Root Burger Company

Leave a reply

The weather is getting warmer and its time to get out the grill, unless you never put it away that is. However we all run into the nights where we don’t want to cook or just want something a little different. Let me introduce you to Twisted Root Burger Company. It’s a small restaurant known for their specialty burgers and original beverages. If the fact that they have locations popping up all around the DFW area isn’t an indication on how popular they are becoming then walking inside and seeing the steady stream of fans is.

My first time at Twisted Root – I wasn’t sure what to expect. One look at the menu and it was obvious that this wasn’t your normal burger barn. If you are into trying different burgers, different types of meat – this is the place for you! On the menu, you will find everything from your typical hamburger to buffalo burgers to game meats (venison, elk, ostrich) – you see, not your typical burgers! They also have specialty burgers such as Peppercorn Ranch and Bacon, Blue Cheese and Jalapeno and their Classic Swiss and Mushroom Burger, just to name a few. Now if you happen to be near a Twisted Root and want to try it out but aren’t necessarily in the mood for a burger – you are in luck. They also have hot dogs! Oh yes – 100% Black Angus beef hot dogs. This is what I went for – yea yea, go to a burger place and I get hot dogs. And yes – of course these also come in specialties like the burgers.

Now, if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, it just gets better – beverages. What’s so special about beverages, well for starters, they make their own drinks. You say what?! Yes, in addition to having the normal sodas, they also make their own root beer which you will find on tap along with a specialty root beer that they have conjured up. When I went it was amaretto root beer but I’ve heard they’ve had watermelon root beer and will come up with pretty much any flavor you can think of. They also have their own ice teas, lemonades, milkshakes, alcoholic milkshakes and alcoholic beverages. What’s better than a beer with a burger?!

So once you have finally made up your mind and paid for your food, you are handed a ticket that’s called when your meal is prepared. If the above was any indication, you shouldn’t be surprised when they hand you a ticket with a question on one side and a celebrity on the other. To make the experience a little more exciting, when your meal is done they’ll throw something out there like “Feeling a little blue” for LeAnn Rimes or ” Lucy, you got some ‘splainin’ to do!” for Ricky Ricardo. And to hear what they’re going to say for the other customers is pretty entertaining (and makes everyone pay attention) as well.

How was the food? … Delicious of course. If you haven’t been satisfied by their creativity in the kitchen then you will find another chance when you sit down at your table. The condiments. Horseradish Dijon, chipotle ketchup (a little kick to your normal ketchup) and BBQ sauce (we are in Texas after all).

And finally how can I forget – the atmosphere is so unique. The decor is something to be admired, especially if you are into the southern country decor. I’m not going to tell you much more about it other than you should find the nearest TRBC and make your way down there and check it out yourself. Enjoy!

For More Info: Twisted Root Company