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March 16, 2017

Craft Brew Tours in the Lone Star State

Texas is home to an ever-expanding population of craft beer breweries, and while their production levels may not be as high as the big name brands out there, their specialized production techniques and unique flavor combinations really help these beers to stand out. From Houston to Austin to Dallas, these are some of the breweries in the Lone Star State that are worth some extra effort to be able to tour.

Freetail Brewing Co., San Antonio
Freetail is known for producing one of the best lines of sour beers in the Lone Star State, and while there may be plenty of hype surrounding this brewery at the moment, this is all definitely well-deserved. Freetail continuously creates tasty new styles, which is possible because of the way in which they brew small batches each time. With their beers constantly changing, and many limited release specialities to try, a tour of the Freetail Brewing Co., which is offered from Thursdays to Saturdays, will no doubt be a memorable one.

Rahr & Sons Brewing Company, Fort Worth
The year-round brews offered up by the Rahr & Sons Brewing Company are some of the best in the state, and feature everything from a deep American amber to a German-style India pale ale to a strong black lager. In addition to their year-round beers, their seasonal creations are also worth trying, which can easily be done on the brewery tour, as visitors are able to sample three different beers of their choice.

Community Beer Company, Dallas
As their name suggests, the Community Beer Company places a huge emphasis on giving back to the community, which they do in a variety of ways. During your brewery tour, you will notice several pieces of artwork decorating the walls, all of which have been created by local artists. The brewery also offers a beer school, enabling visitors to learn more about the process of beer making, from the history behind it to the science that makes it happen. In 2013, Community won the Best New Brewery award, and has continued to grow since then. Some of the must-try beers here include the Witbier and the Barrel Aged Legion, as well as the Mosaic India Pale Ale.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Houston
The Saint Arnold Brewing Company is the oldest craft brewery in Texas, with free tours of their facilities throughout the week. Every single process of beer-making is done in-house here, from the filtering to the bottling to the drinking, which can be done at the brewery’s Beer Hall, where visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks, games and picnic blankets, so that they can spend the day sampling different beers. The tour includes four beer samples, as well as a free souvenir glass, after which you can head to the Beer Hall to purchase some more tasters.

Texas is known for its craft breweries, and there are some to be found no matter where in the state you go. While this may be the case, the breweries mentioned above are, without a doubt, some of the best in the Lone Star State, so do try to swing by and take a tour if you can.

Travel |

February 10, 2017

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Exploring Klyde Warren Park

A vibrant green space that connects Uptown and Downtown Dallas, the Klyde Warren Park stretches out for just over five acres. Featuring a sweeping pedestrian promenade surrounded by everything from a botanical garden to a games area, the little pockets of activity that can be found throughout the park makes it a joy to explore.

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The Grand Plaza
The Grand Plaza marks the main entrance to the Klyde Warren Park, as well as a gateway to the Dallas Arts District. Here you will find many of the park’s main amenities, as well as a splashing pool for children and a dedicated space for street performers.

The Botanical Garden
When entering the park from the west, the botanical garden is one of the first features that you will come across. While it may not be that large, this garden makes use of decomposed granite walkways to highlight seasonal blooms, focussing on native plant species in particular.

Children’s Park
The Children’s Park is a highlight for many, as this is a place where their imagination can really blossom. In addition to the playgrounds and children’s amphitheatre, this part of the park is also home to interactive fountains and a storytelling tree, providing endless activities that children can immerse themselves in. There are also plenty of special events hosted here for children, with upcoming highlights including Story Time with Barefoot Books and Family Experiments with the Perot Museum.

Jane’s Lane
Jane’s Lane is one of the most picturesque parts of the park, and is always popular with walkers and joggers. This 25 foot wide walkway is lined with Red Oaks and wood benches, providing the ideal place from which you can take a few minutes to really appreciate the beauty of nature.

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East Lawn
Being the main recreational hub within the park, the East Lawn is always buzzing with energy and activity. From its badminton courts to the putting green to the incredible array of fitness classes, this is an area that pretty much always has something going on.

My Best Friend’s Park
Dog parks are an important part of every city, and My Best Friend’s Park is considered to be one of the best in Dallas. This fenced off area is perfect for dogs to play and socialize safely off the lead, and even has fountains for them to cool off in on warm days.

The Commons
Parks have always been a popular spot for communities to gather and play games, and The Commons is a space that really cultivates this. There are several different games for visitors to enjoy here, from ping pong to foosball to petanque, or you can always just stop by and cheer on whoever may be playing at the time.

When taking a stroll through the Klyde Warren Park, there are so many different points of interest to catch your attention. From the native blooms at the botanical garden to the beautiful serenity of Jane’s Lane, this is a park that is able to appeal to just about everyone.

Travel |

February 6, 2017

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Take a Stroll Through Dealey Plaza

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Located in downtown Dallas’ Historic West End District, Dealey Plaza, otherwise known as the Dealey Plaza Historic District, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993. It is famous for being the location at which John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, and a stroll through the plaza will take you back in time, enabling you to learn so much more about this significant day in history.

The Sixth Floor Museum
Dealey Plaza is bounded in on three sides by tall buildings, one of which is the former Texas School Book Depository, which is the building from which it was concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shot that killed the president. The exact spot that the killer stood is at the top of the building, which is now occupied by the Sixth Floor Museum. The museum documents the legacy of John F. Kennedy, and even has a live webcam to show you the modern-day view that the killer would have had. In addition to their JFK exhibits, the museum also hosts rotating special exhibits, with the current one being held until the 16th of March. Titled Amending America: The Bill of Rights, the exhibition celebrates the 225th anniversary of the Bill of Rights by taking a look at how the first ten amendments came to be, as well as how they serve to protect American citizens.

Historic Features around the Plaza
There are many historic features dotted around the plaza that have not changed since 1963, giving visitors the opportunity to really experience what the area looked and felt like at that time. From street lights and street signs to the buildings surrounding the plaza, that provide quite the contrast with the towering Dallas skyscrapers behind them, a stroll through the plaza almost feels as though you are stepping back in time.

The Grassy Knoll
A small sloping hill located within the plaza, the grassy knoll became a well-known spot after the assassination of the president, as this is where the police rushed to after shots were fired. There were many witnesses who claim to have heard shots being fired from here, and the area has been at the center of many of the conspiracy theories surrounding the event.

Old Red Museum
Another one of the authentically historic buildings that surrounds Dealey Plaza is home to the Old Red Museum, which showcases the history, heritage and culture of Dallas. This former courthouse building was built in 1892, and has been beautifully restored by then, with architecture that really deserves to be admired. The museum boasts several interactive exhibits, including a rotating special exhibit that ensures that returning visitors always have something new to see.

There are currently restoration works underway to return Dealey Plaza back to the exact state that it was in in 1963, which will really provide even more of a one-of-a-kind experience. In the meantime, there is still so much to experience here, from the Sixth Floor Museum to the grassy knoll, making Dealey Plaza the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.

Travel |

May 20, 2016

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Hiatus Spa + Retreat

Woman having champagne Hiatus revolutionized the spa industry in 2007 by introducing the concept of spa memberships. While the spa may also have locations in Austin and Plano, their Dallas branch was their very first and continues to win awards for the many different treatments on offer. With seventeen private treatment rooms, an intimate couples suite, a nail therapy lounge and a hydrotherapy room, this spa has been specifically designed to provide the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.

Massages
Each of the many massages offered by Hiatus are tailored to suit your exact needs, with an emphasis being placed on any problem areas. The Stress-Fix Massage combines Swedish and deep tissue massage techniques, alongside foot reflexology and guided meditation, while the Chakra Balancing Massage uses unique essential oil blends on the seven chakra energy points within the body.

Nail Therapy
The nail services offered by Hiatus have won numerous awards over the years, which isn’t too much of a surprise when you enter the nail therapy lounge. The Hiatus Mani-Pedi is the most popular option, with guests relaxing in a zero gravity chair to enjoy the feeling of weightlessness, while a scented neck pillow, as well as an aromatherapy scent of your choice, enhance the whole experience with their calming fragrances. This customized sensual journey is completed with the use of ultra-safe and Vegan-friendly SpaRitual nail colors, with the choice of upgrading to an eco-gel manicure.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient technique that has been proven to treat a number of medical conditions, and, in addition to offering the standard form of acupuncture with fine, disposable needles, Hiatus also provides a needle-less acupuncture therapy, which makes use of a microcurrent device, as well as therapeutic color light, instead of needles, to stimulate the different energy points around the body. Hiatus also offers a facial acupuncture service, which has been known to result in a smoother and clearer complexion, significantly reducing any visible signs of aging.

Body Treatments and Facials
For those who want to treat their body to some TLC, Hiatus’ body treatments are ideal, and, just like all of the other treatments that they offer, there are many to choose from. Their Shirodhara treatment is one of their most unique, making use of an ancient Ayurvedic technique to help release tension and anxiety. Other body treatments available include a hydrating body wrap, customized aromatherapy and exfoliation, an aromatic steam treatment, and much more. The facials on offer are just as exciting, each of them designed to bring out the best in your skin, leaving it toned, radiant, lifted, and more youthful than ever before.

In addition to all of these incredibly tempting treatments available, Hiatus also offers treatments that have been designed specifically for men, as well as others that are gentle enough for expectant mothers. It is clear to see that this is a spa that truly puts the needs of their guests first, with their main priority being to uplift and rejuvenate just about everybody that walks through their door.