Tag Archives: Texas

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West Coast Beach Getaways

Now that the weather is warming up, it is time to begin planning a few beach vacations for the year. Whether you are seeking out peace and tranquillity or fun-filled crowds, here are a few destinations along the West Coast that are well worth considering.

West Coast beach

Coronado, California
A small, laid back island town, Coronado has long since been a favored vacation spot amongst the rich and famous, because not only does it boast a near-perfect climate and incredible natural beauty, but it is also steeped in history and culture. Many would argue that the best beach in town is the Coronado Municipal Beach, because thanks to a mineral called mica within the sand, the beach literally sparkles. The stretch of sand is wide and flat, with the waves being quite gentle, making it perfect for families and swimmers. At low tide, keep an eye out for tide pools, as well as a shipwreck that dates back to the 1930s. When you want some time away from the sand, Coronado’s historic downtown area is the place to go, as you will find everything from award-winning restaurants to stylish boutiques to lush green parks here.

Cannon Beach, Oregon
With mile after mile of secluded beaches, sloping sand dunes, and dense forests, Cannon Beach has been an inspiration to Oregon’s creative community for many years now. Haystack Rock will likely be one of the first landmarks that you will see here, with this rock famous for being the third largest monolith in the world. Surrounding Haystack Rock is a National Wildlife Refuge, where nature lovers will be able to see everything from crabs to local puffins.

Beach in Oregon

For even more marine life, head to the tidal pool at the Hug Point Recreation Site, just five miles south of Cannon Beach, as this area is known for being a wonderland for natural diversity. When it comes to the town itself, Cannon Beach is known for its impressive array of art galleries and eclectic shops, with the arts being something that is really important to the local community.

South Padre Island, Texas
The beaches that you will find on South Padre Island have a sense of rugged wilderness about them, making them seem even more beautiful. On the southern tip of Padre Island lies the South Padre Island National Seashore, which is famous for being the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of barrier island in the world, making this spot definitely worth a visit. This is another destination that is well-suited to families, as there are many family-oriented activities hosted on the beach here, from beginners’ surfing lessons to sand castle building sessions. There is also a huge emphasis placed on wildlife here, from the baby sea turtle hatchlings that are released into the sea early in the mornings to the dolphins that splash around at the Dolphin and Nature Research Center.

The West Coast is home to such a wide range of beaches, meaning that no matter the type you are seeking, you are bound to find it here. From the untouched beauty of South Padre Island to the hustle and bustle of Coronado Beach, each of these destinations guarantees an unforgettable vacation.

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Houston’s Craft Coffee Culture

While the craft brew scene in Houston may be primarily focussed on beer, there is a new craft beverage that has been taking the city by storm in recent years. Whether you are after foamy macchiatos or nutty cortados, here are some of the best spots to head to if you want to experience the finest of Houston’s craft coffee culture.

Beautiful coffee

Tout Suite
A bustling café in East Downtown, Tout Suite serves up Greenway coffee, so you know that every cup will be perfect. The coffee menu features a wide selection, from flat whites to creamy ca phe sua da, all of which is accompanied by freshly baked pastries. Tout Suite also serves up some larger snacks, from fresh soups and sandwiches to herby pastas and speciality tacos, making this the ideal place to pop into for a quick lunch.

Campesino Coffee House
Located in Montrose, the Campesino Coffee House serves up many different coffees, but are most known for their café cubano and café con leche, both of which are created to perfection. The focus here is placed on beans sourced directly from Central and South America, as well as Mexico, with new roasters being featured every couple of months. With plenty of comfortable seating and a laid back, relaxed ambience, this is a spot where you could easily spend quite a few hours.

Inversion Coffee House
Each of the coffee options scrawled on the chalboard menu at the Inversion Coffee House sound incredibly tempting, from the frozen chai cream to the salted caramel latte, and, thanks to the free WiFi, you could easily stay for a while and try a few. The interior walls are filled with different types of art, but still manages to retain a refreshing, airy feel, and there are plenty of snacks served up if you start to feel hungry, as well as a food truck always parked outside.

Coffee bar

Siphon Coffee
The brewed and espresso-based beverages that you will find at Siphon Coffee come from the likes of Boomtown and Amaya Coffee, meaning that you are bound to find something to please your pallette. For those who are after a more one-of-a-kind brew, order a coffee that is created using the store’s unique Siphon method, which makes use of halogen burners to impart distinct flavors onto the beans, resulting in a truly memorable coffee experience.

Paper Co.
Paper Co. is a craft coffee house that is completely dedicated to giving back to the community, with 100% of its profits going towards creating spaces for the homeless, as well as feeding them. In addition to this, all of the beans that they use are responsibly sourced and roasted on-site, meaning that you can truly feel good about every cup of coffee that you drink here.

The craft coffee culture in Houston is steadily growing, with new coffee houses continuously opening up. The next time you are in the city and want a caffeinated pick-me-up, give the larger chains a miss and head to one of these craft coffee spots instead.

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Houston’s First Saturday Arts Market

Artist painting

A monthly art event that features the work of dozens of visual artists, Houston’s First Saturday Arts Market is now in its 13th year of operation. Located in the historic Houston Heights area, the market is where you will find everything from paintings to photography to jewellery to handcrafted goods, as well as live music and gourmet food trucks, making it well worth scheduling into your calender.

Featured Artists This Month
While the roster of artists selling their goods at the First Saturday Arts Market is constantly changing, there are a few featured artists this month that you should definitely keep an eye out for. Delton Gerdes will be on-site selling original art that features whimsical sea life, as well as watercolors that the artist will create from your photos. Jackie McClure, an abstract screenpainter, will also be in attendance, with vibrant prints on fabrics and other fibers, while Janice Jackson’s work is usually in acrylic, and focuses on a wide range of standout subjects. For those who are seeking out jewellery, Tic Jewelry Designs creates pieces using Swarovski crystals, while Tomboy Pretty produces everything from pearl pendants to metal earrings to glass bead jewellery.

Live Music
The live music that you will find being played at the First Saturday Arts Market is all about originality, with only local bands allowed to perform. All of the musicians here play their own music that they have written and have the full rights too, nurturing and encouraging local music talent.

Friends sharing food

Gourmet Food Trucks
The gourmet food trucks that park up at the First Saturday Arts Market are always a highlight for many, and while there are different trucks that make an appearance each month, there are some regulars that you should definitely swing by for a tasty sample. Good Dog Houston is always popular, as they serve up Texas-made franks in artisan buns, topped with handmade signature condiments, while Wokker TX Ranger serves up Asian dishes with a Southern Country flair, such as with their Spicy Tamarind Ribs, their Pork Belly Fried Rice and their Brisket Eggrolls. Savor the Bites is another truck that always has a line in front of it, as here you will find everything from exquisite sushi rolls to flavor-packed fish tacos.

The Market at Sawyer Yards
For those who miss the First Saturday Arts Market, the Market at Sawyer Yards is held every second Saturday, and features working artists from all over Texas. While the emphasis here is placed on folk art, you will still find such a huge diversity of pieces here, including several stalls selling artisan foods.

There is always a buzz surrounding Houston’s First Saturday Arts Market, and even if you do not intend on purchasing anything, there is still such a bustling atmosphere that is always a joy to soak up. From browsing the creativity on display to catching some live music while you snack on tasty street food dishes, make sure that you keep the first Saturday of each month free to spend some time at the market.

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Craft Brew Tours in the Lone Star State

Brewery

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.

Beer

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.

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Spring Break Getaways

With the winter months finally drawing to a close, it is time to turn your attention to spring, and planning an unforgettable spring break getaway. Whether you are after a week of relaxation on a balmy beach, or a few days in a city packed with history and culture, here are a few destinations that are well worth considering.

Nosara

Nosara, Costa Rica
The oldest expat town in Costa Rica, Nosara has been experiencing quite the renaissance in recent years, and has earned itself the reputation of being a chic, up and coming vacation spot. The area is most loved for its immaculate beaches, which are completely untouched due to a local law that prevents any sort of development within 550 feet of the shoreline. With everything from boutique eco-hotels to fine dining restaurants to yoga retreat centers, Nosara makes for the perfect spring break getaway for those who want some downtime on gorgeous, sunny beaches.

Barton Springs Pool, Austin

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Austin, Texas
Springtime is one of the best season’s in which to visit central Texas, as you do not have to deal with the intense heat of the summer, or the torrential rains of the winter. Downtown Austin is home to plenty of activities to keep you busy, from kayaking on Town Lake to swimming in the Barton Springs Pool to exploring the city’s many museums. Austin is also a great destination for taking day trips, especially in the Hill Country to the south and west of the city.

Central Park

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New York City, New York
New York City is a fantastic spring break destination, whether you are travelling on your own, with friends, or with your family. This is the city that never sleeps, meaning that your vacation will be packed with an endless array of activities. Whether you choose to visit the city’s most famous sights, from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, or spend your time soaking up some culture at the city’s many museums and theaters, this is a destination that will appeal to just about everyone.

Vieques

Vieques, Puerto Rico
While San Juan may be overrun with tourists during spring break, Vieques is an island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico that promises to be a breath of fresh air. With over 12 different idyllic beaches to choose from, this is the destination to go for if you are looking for some peace and relaxation. Of course, one of the must-dos at Vieques is a night time swim in the Vieques Biobay, which is a bio-luminescent bay that glows when its microscopic organisms are disturbed, casting a mysterious light over everything around it.

St. Thomas

St. Thomas, U.S Virgin Islands
The great aspect of the U.S Virgin Islands is that it provides the ultimate Caribbean vacation, but without the need for a passport or foreign currency. The island of St. Thomas is home to everything from spectacular beaches to historic landmarks, and boasts some of the best snorkeling spots in the world. One highlight of the island is the Coral World Ocean Park, which has an underwater trail that visitors can walk through, with the help of an oxygenated helmet.

While it may sometimes feel as though winter is never going to end, it really is almost on its way out, making now the perfect time to begin planning your spring break getaway. Whether you opt for a city or a beach destination, each of these spots guarantees an unforgettable vacation.

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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.

Klyde Warren Park

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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.

Klyde Warren Park fountain

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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.

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Take a Stroll Through Dealey Plaza

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.

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The Frisco Rotary Farmer’s Market

Farmers Market
The Frisco Farmers Market was first launched by the Frisco Noon Lions Club in 2007, but is run today by the Rotary Club of Frisco. Providing the city with the freshest of seasonal produce, this weekly farmers market, which is held each Saturday morning, is a great opportunity for local farmers to get to know their customers, as well as for the residents of the city to understand exactly where their food comes from.

Local Farms
The colorful tables of produce set up by local farms are usually the highlight of the Frisco Rotary Farmers Market each week. Denton Creek Farm, which is a 35-acre farm in Ponder, grows and sells the freshest of local fruits and vegetables, bringing seasonal delights to their customers. Little John’s Plants is another stall that focuses on vegetables, including the ever-popular tomato, corn, squash, okra and green beans. For those seeking out some local meat, the K Bar K Ranch stall is the one to head to, as you will find pasture-raised beef, pork, lamb, and poultry, as well as fresh free range eggs. If you were hoping to gain some knowledge on growing your own produce, pay a visit to PurEarth Farms, as they produce organic fertilizer and compost that will help you to produce your very own selection of fresh produce.

Other Local Produce
In addition to featuring a number of local farms, the Frisco Rotary Farmers Market also boasts a wide range of other local businesses. Apetito Co. is a business that always has a popular stall, as they sell a selection of gourmet Texan products, from barbecue rubs and sauces to creative ketchup combinations. AP’s Apiaries is another stall worth stopping off at for a taste of their local honey. This bee-keeping family produces a variety of different honeys from bees that feed on a diverse array of plants, such as local wildflowers and clover. For those seeking out some freshly baked goods with a beautiful personal touch, visit the Mixed Bakery stall, who produce their cookies, cakes, and muffins from their home-based bakery under the Texas Cottage Food Law.

Fashion and Crafts
The Frisco Rotary Farmers Market is a fantastic opportunity to browse the wares of local artisans, such as the Carter Mill Soap Company. This local business creates handcrafted products for the skin and body, making use of fruit and nut oils, and nourishing natural butters, only using raw and wholesome ingredients. Gotta-Have-It Knits is another company that really stands out with their hand-knitted hats, scarves, gloves and handbags, as well as their jewelry that has been created with the use of vintage knitting needles. There are a number of other fashion companies that showcase their creations at the market, from Jojo & Lou to the Mainstream Boutique to Frisco Tees.

The Frisco Rotary Farmers Market was started with the aim to cultivate the relationship between local businesses and their customers, and it has managed to successfully do exactly that. From the local farms that gather each week to sell their freshly harvested produce, to the small craft businesses that showcase their creative skills, it is no surprise that the market is always buzzing with life every Saturday.

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Frisco’s Sports Calendar

Football in Frisco

Home to five professional sports teams, from the Dallas Cowboys to the Frisco RoughRiders to the Texas Legends, there is no denying that Frisco is a city that really loves its sports. Whether you are hoping to catch a basketball game, a gymnastics competition or a football match, these are some of the upcoming highlights on Frisco’s action-packed sports calendar.

Texas Legends
An NBA Development League team, the Texas Legends have a number of upcoming games in the next few months at the Dr. Pepper Arena, which is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue that seats up to 6000 people. November sees the Texas Legends play against the Maine Red Claws and the Salt Lake City Stars, while December is when they play against the Greensboro Swarm, Reno Bighorns and Westchester Knicks. January sees them hit the court some more, this time against Iowa Energy, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, and the Austin Spurs, so if you were hoping to catch the team in action some time soon, you have plenty of opportunities available.

2017 NCAA Division 1 FCS Football Championship
Held at Toyota Stadium on the 7th of January 2017, the NCAA Division 1 Football Championship Series is an American college football tournament that was originally formed in 1978. While the playoffs included just four teams at the time, they have massively increased in size, and this tournament is always a popular one year after year. Around 20,000 people attend the championship game each year, although this number is on the rise as each year progresses, so expect to see quite the crowd if you are planning on attending. Tickets are best purchased in advance, since this soccer-specific stadium has a capacity of 20,500, meaning that there are likely to be a few disappointed fans this year.

Frisco College Baseball Classic
A three-day event from March the 3rd to the 5th 2017, the Frisco College Baseball Classic is considered to be the very best collegiate baseball tournament in Omaha, outside of the College World Series. Utilizing a round robin format, there will be two games held on each of the three days, with four of America’s top teams playing. With Arkansas, Arizona, Nebraska and Oklahoma State all in attendance, this is guaranteed to be an exciting weekend.

2017 Big 12 Gymnastics Championship
The 2017 Big 12 Gymnastics Championship will be held on the 18th of March 2017 at the Dr. Pepper Arena, and feature some of the best collegiate gymnasts in the country. With each one competing for the Big 12 title, expect to see plenty of show-stopping moves and breathtaking routines, as competitors try to take the sport to the next level.

While some cities place their focus on a select number of sports, Frisco welcomes in just about every sporting competition you can imagine, and this wonderful diversity is why the city is known for being one of the best sporting destinations in the country. Each of these upcoming events is likely to be extremely popular, so if you are hoping to attend one, be sure to book your tickets well in advance in order to avoid any disappointment.

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Unique Texas Artistry

Texas art
Texas is known for its thriving contemporary art scene, and the Texas Sculpture Garden, which can be found in Hall Park, Frisco, is the perfect example of this. Created to nurture the impressive talent of local artists, the sculpture park is home to over 40 works of art, making it the largest collection of contemporary sculpture that Texas has seen so far.

Exterior Highlights
The sculptures found in the exterior of the Texas Sculpture Garden are most definitely impressive, with many of them using height and scale to their advantage. Maternal Caress is a sculpture that never fails to capture the hearts of many visitors, representing the unconditional love, and unbreakable bond, between mother and child. This piece was created by Eliseo S. Garcia, a local artist that has won numerous public art competitions. Time Management is another poignant sculpture, this one making a point about the way in which individuals choose to lead their life and spend their time, which is a subject that is becoming increasingly significant as the years progress. Other highlights of the Exterior include Coming Out of the Circle by Dallas artist Sherry Owens, which features an extraordinary level of craftsmanship, Prairie Falls by David Hickman, which makes use of copper and marble, and The Wiz, an engaging abstract piece by Art Shirer.

Interior Highlights
Continuing into the first floor of the lobby, the Interior of the Texas Sculpture Garden contains pieces that are just as captivating as the exterior, although many of them are on a smaller scale. Clock Rider by Richard Neidhardt is a thought-provoking piece that focuses on the topic of time, while Bird Window, by Tim Nentrup, was originally inspired by a retail display at a women’s fashion store, and features French windows with eighty birds perched on the frame. Panther is another awe-inspiring piece, created by Dallas artist Isaac Smith. Smith is a self-taught woodcarver that has been creating spectacular wildlife sculptures for over 40 years, and the Panther that you will see at the Texas Sculpture Garden features a level of intricacy that only hints at how time-consuming the process of woodcarving is.

The Hall Collection
In addition to being home to the Texas Sculpture Garden, Hall Park also boasts the Hall Collection, over 150 works of art by artists from all over the world. These include everything from sketches to sculpture to photography to glass art, with topics ranging from the comical to the serious, and is a must-visit for art lovers that are planning to spend some time at the Texas Art Garden. These pieces are scattered throughout the park, both outside as well as inside various buildings, and there are maps available so that visitors can easily find their way around and plan their day.

Texas has long since supported its local artists, and, as a result, the state has been rewarded by an incredible amount of talent. The Texas Sculpture Garden showcases some of the best sculptors that Texas has produced, and is definitely worth a visit from any art enthusiasts out there.