April 30, 2012

“Breathtaking” and “spectacular” are just a couple of the words being thrown around in relation to this weekend’s opening of Chihuly at the Dallas Arboretum. Dale Chihuly, quite possibly the most well-known name in the world of art glass, is bringing his large scale glass masterpieces outdoors.

These glass beauties will be on display in 15 different areas at the Dallas Arboretum May 5 – November 5, which will include “Chihuly Nights,” during which the installations will be illuminated, creating a dramatic, otherworldly experience. This is one that’s not to be missed, folks.

“Breathtaking” and “spectacular” are just a couple of the words being thrown around in relation to this weekend’s opening of Chihuly at the Dallas Arboretum. Dale Chihuly, quite possibly the most well-known name in the world of art glass, is bringing his large scale glass masterpieces outdoors.

These glass beauties will be on display in 15 different areas at the Dallas Arboretum May 5 – November 5, which will include “Chihuly Nights,” during which the installations will be illuminated, creating a dramatic, otherworldly experience. This is one that’s not to be missed, folks.

April 16, 2012

Take advantage of the amazing (read: not-yet-sweltering) spring weather we’re having at The Woodlands’ FREE outdoor move night, starting this Saturday and continuing every Saturday through May 12.

Grab the family and a blanket or lawn chairs and set up camp at Waterway Square each week for a family-friendly movie, starting at 8pm. Here’s the weekly lineup:

• Saturday, April 21: Shrek
• Saturday, April 28: Dolphin Tale
• Saturday, May 5: Happy Feet
• Saturday, May 12: Monsters vs. Aliens

March 22, 2012

Spring has sprung in Texas, which means it’s time for Tyler’s Annual Azalea Trails! Starting today, the trails are officially open, displaying tons of azaleas and other blooms like dogwoods, wisteria and tulips in residential gardens and historic home sites.

The driving trail is about 8 miles long, including the original Lindsey Trail and the newer Dobbs Trail. Start off at the courthouse on N. Broadway and follow the Azalea Trail signs southward, but hurry–the trails end on Easter Sunday!

March 14, 2012

We typically find ourselves talking about Texas bluebonnets a bit later in March–or even early April, but since we’ve had such a mild winter in the Lone Star State, the indigo-colored beauties are already in full bloom (pun intended) in Fredericksburg–this photo was taken on Austin Street!

Want to do some bluebonnet spotting of your own? Check out the best places for bluebonnet sightings!

March 9, 2012

What do you get when you combine chocolate and art? ChocolateFest Grapevine, benefiting Travelers Aid Dallas/Fort Worth!

Tickets are still available at the door for tomorrow’s “Day of Chocolate and Art” at the Palace Arts Center in Grapevine. Enjoy chocolate samples from area chocolatiers, caterers and bakeries, plus artwork by local artists and live music.

Adult tickets are $15 and children’s tickets are $5. All ticket proceeds will benefit Travelers Aid Dallas/Fort Worth, an organization that helps individuals and families who are
in transition, in crisis or who are separated from their normal support systems and are
facing a travel-related crisis.

We’re pretty sure chocolate that benefits a good cause doesn’t have any calories…

Addicted to HGTV? Do you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through home design blogs late at night? Then this one’s for you: The Great Big Texas Home Show is happening at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington this weekend, featuring every home decor bell and whistle you can imagine, plus some of your favorite HGTV stars.

Chip Wade of Curb Appeal, Bryan Baeumler of Disaster DIY and William Moss of Dig In will all be on hand to share their expertise, plus you can check out the latest in:

• appliances
• claning products
• garage & automotive
• heating & a/c
• home entertainment & electronics
• kitchen & bath
• Media
• architecture
• home design & planning
• construction & renovation
• remodeling
• flooring
• contractors
• garden & outdoors
• home decor & furnishings
• lighting
• windows
• and more! (whew!)

This virtual mecca of all things home is a must-see, so get your tickets here.

March 6, 2012

Kicking off music festival season in Texas is 35 Denton, an annual four-day walkable music festival in downtown Denton. Think of it as the music portion of Austin’s SXSW, on a smaller scale.

Venues like Andy’s, Banter, Dan’s Silverleaf, Haileys, J&J’s, Mellow Mushroom, Rubber Gloves, Sweetwater, The Abbey Underground and The Labb will all be hosting various shows throughout the festival. Headliner acts include The Jesus and Mary Chain, Built to Spill, Bun B, Best Coast, Devin the Dude and Dum Dum Girls, plus many more (150+ in total!).

The party kicks off on Thursday and goes through Sunday. Four-day wristbands are $65 and one-day passes start at $35. Rock on.

February 29, 2012

March 9 – 18

There are a few key times of year when it’s extra-fun to be in Austin. SXSW (read: South by Southwest) is one of them. It’s a music, film and interactive event that takes over virtually the entire city.

Music highlights include Bruce Springsteen, plus hundreds–literally–of others. On the film side, Judd Apatow will make an appearance, as will the cast of cult-favorite The Boondock Saints.

Even the rooftop of the flagship Whole Foods (525 N. Lamar) will transform into a concert venue, complete with Dog and Pony pop-up shop.

Our favorite part of the massive event, however, has to be Style X on March 16 – 17. In its second year, Style X examines the role of music and technology in fashion and style. It includes pop-up shops, runway shows and eight expert panel events. This year’s distinguished (and omg-worthy) lineup of fashion players and insiders includes Leandra Medine of The Man Repeller, editors from Elle, Nylon, GQ, Refinery29 and the Huffington Post, plus experts from Neiman Marcus, DANNIJO and What Goes Around Comes Around. Whew!

Bonus: Style X is 100% free to attend.

Bottom line: SXSW is beyond cool and cutting edge, so attend any and every part of it that you can!

January 30, 2012

Ready to laissez les bon temps rouler? (read: let the good times roll) Of course you are. Here’s our round-up of the top Mardi Gras celebrations across the Lone Star state!

Abilene | Mardi Gras | February 4

The Center for Contemporary Arts is hosting a shindig complete with New Orleans-style food and drinks, Cajun music, live and silent auctions and dancing, all in the company of great art.

Austin | Carnaval Brasileiro | February 4

Austin offers a Brazilian take on the holiday with Carnaval Brasileiro, during which the Palmer Events Center will be transformed into a party worthy of Rio, complete with outrageous costumes and live music to spare.

Beaumont | Carnaval | through March 18

For those in the mood for a more educational experience, the Museum of the Gulf Coast hosts Carnaval, a traveling exhibition that examines carnival traditions around the world.

Dallas | Mardi Gras, Texas Style | February 18

This all-day festival at Fair Park hosts 28 of the best Texas Red Dirt bands on five stages. Think Eli Young Band, Josh Abbott, Jason Boland, Reckless Kelly and more.

Fredericksburg | Fasching 2012 – Winter Karneval | February 18

It wouldn’t be Fredericksburg if it didn’t have a little German flare. The Hangar Hotel plays host to ice sculptures, a vodka bar, a wine fountain, a bourbon bar, a cigar suite, karneval-style entertainment and delicious cuisine, all complete with live music.

Galveston | Mardi Gras Galveston | February 10 – 21

In its 101st year, the largest Mardi Gras celebration in Texas will feature 26 concerts, 24 parades, 19 balcony parties and five elegant masked balls. Did we mention Hot Chelle Rae is headlining?

San Antonio | Bud Light Mardi Gras River Parade and Festival | February 18

A procession of decorated floats will parade the only way San Antonio knows how to–down the River Walk! Expect krewes of costumed revelers and live entertainment, plus food, arts and crafts and activities at La Villita.

January 17, 2012

It’s time to eat good in Galveston! This week (through Saturday) marks the city’s inaugural restaurant week, during which participating restaurants offer prix-fixe menus to showcase what they do best. For lunch and/or dinner, you can select from a stellar lineup of eateries–like Bernardo’s at Hotel Galvez, Gumbo Bar and Olympia–with meals priced at $10, $15, $20, $25, $30, $35, $40 or $45.