Tag Archives: Texas

Honey Grove, Texas, Small Texas Town, Small Town North Texas, Davy Crockett, Abandoned Buildings

Welcome to Honey Grove!

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Honey Grove, Texas.
Traveling down Highway 82 in North Texas, I knew I had to swing over and check out this little town as soon as I saw the name on a sign. Honey Grove. Can we be any farther in the South? Or Texas?

Honey Grove was established in 1873. Just under two hours northeast of Dallas, this little town is reminiscent of Texas history. Story goes, Davy Crockett camped here on his way to to join the Texas Army in San Antonio. He wrote letters home to Tennessee telling of the “honey filled trees”, calling his campsite a “honey grove”. Davy Crockett also married the towns first settler, Samuel Erwin.

Along the way, you’ll pass the Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland, the biggest field you’ve ever seen (the largest in Texas). Within this tiny town, population about 1,600, I have a good idea what you see is what you get. The buildings and quaintness of this town is what I fell in love with, as well as the name. I’m pretty sure I could’ve hung out all day exploring and taking photographs. It’s amazing to think what this town would’ve been like when all of these buildings were in their prime and businesses taking shape.

Lets let the pictures speak for themselves, enjoy!

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Honey Grove, Texas, Small Texas Town, Small Town North Texas, Davy Crockett, Abandoned Buildings, Texas Weather Rock

“Texas Weather Rock
Rock Wet, Rain
Rock White, Snow
Rock Gone, Tornado.”

Honey Grove, Texas, Small Texas Town, Small Town North Texas, Davy Crockett, Abandoned Buildings

What’s the most unique small Texas town you’ve seen?

Texas Historical Landmark, Native Prairie Grassland, M.L. Smiley, Texas, Texas Agriculture, Hwy 82

Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland

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Never have I felt more in the Midwest than when I came across the Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland. In incredible grass prairie for as long as one can see.

Texas Historical Landmark, Native Prairie Grassland, M.L. Smiley, Texas, Texas Agriculture, Hwy 82

Texas Historical Marker reads:

This meadow approximately 2,100 acres, is the largest section of native grassland existing in Texas. It was originally part of a prairie system that stretched throughout the Midwestern United States and into Canada. Since the earliest settlers arrived in this area in the 1830’s, when Texas was part of Mexico this grassland has remained uncultivated, providing an annual harvest of native grasses.

A lack of fuel and surface water made this area suitable for pioneer farmers. Although similar land nearby was tilled and planted, often resulting in erosion of overworked soil. This site was saved by the owner M.L. Smiley (1872-1953). A native of Lamar County, he used the meadow for cattle grazing and for hay production.

Early harvests consisted of cutting and stacking the grasses for drying, or transporting the hay to nearby steam-powered presses. The process was later simplified by the use of gasoline-powered machines that harvested and baled the hay on the site.

After Smiley’s death, the meadow was inherited by brothers George S. and Gene M. Woodfin. Today the Smiley-Woodfin Prairie Grassland is the largest supplier of native hay in the state.

Native-Prairie-Grassland0582a

The land is absolutely beautiful, endless and something that we really can’t capture just in a photo. Driving by, your gaze will be directed to the prairie and consumed by how endless it seems.

Location: Along side Hwy 82 between Bonham and Honey Grove in North Texas.

What does this remind you of? Have you ever driven by these endless fields?

Beer & Batman

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It’s been a little while since we’ve had a little fun and just let loose. This past weekend, a few of us braved the crazy Texas weather (because believe it or not all it does is rain here) and attended the Untapped Festival in Fort Worth.

 

With lots of great breweries in attendance from around the country, we were in for a treat! Two stages with live music, the festival moved to the parking lot so we wouldn’t sink in a wet field and surrounded by other beer lovers, we were loving it! Then my priorities changed, I saw Batman and knew I had to get a picture.

Untapped FW 7729

I figured if Batman could show his muscles, I could too!

And then we met the crazier (aka scarier) portion and I wanted no part…

Untapped FW 7736

We seriously had such a great time. If you’ve never attended this event, you should be prepared for great beer and lots of it! The lines were not bad, if existent at all (maybe that was due to the weather), breweries had a wide selection and special tastings. With events happening in numerous locations, take a little trip and try a tasting.

Untapped FW 7737

Later in the evening, the storms started creeping in again and so we relocated to The Flying Saucer in downtown Fort Worth (another perfect microbrew masterpiece). This was the prize of the evening. Couldn’t think of ending the day with a better selection.

Untapped FW 7742Until next time!

Have you attended Untapped (or let’s be serious – seen Batman?!)?