Texas Trotter

Regardless of where you live in the state of Texas, chances are you’ve probably heard of the amazing Renaissance Festival that takes place every year!  For Houston residents who only live around 50-ish minutes away from the event’s main location, there’s a new reason to be excited because this year, the Texas Renaissance Festival is back and hotter than ever! From Oktoberfest to All Hallows Eve to Barbarian Invasions, each week features a brand new theme for guests to enjoy!  Running all the way to November 28th, it’s the perfect time to gather together with family and friends to enjoy some of the best sights, sounds, and brews! And don’t forget about the food? Where would we be without a massive Renaissance Festival turkey leg gracing our gullets as we explore the best shops, costumes, and merchandise opportunities around? I have fond memories of attending in costume with my friends, along with having some excellent opportunities to purchase some one-of-a-kind items and gear!...

You know what they say about Vegas--there’s always a party going on! This September, running for its eleventh consecutive year, Las Vegas will be hosting its annual iHeartRadio Music Festival! This two-day event features some of the hottest names in the music industry, regardless of genre!  Once you reserve your spot at the T-Mobile Arena, the Festival will include two nights of non-stop heart-pumping hits, world premieres, and mega musical collaborations you won’t want to miss! Plus, you’ll have the chance to see some of music’s biggest emerging artists on the scene, adding to an experience filled with adventure, spectacle, and the true spirit of music itself.  While plenty of Covid-based precautions will be set in place, this event definitely looks to be a huge event that any worthy Las Vegas resident will absolutely love. Plus, there will additionally be plenty of VIP opportunities as well! Some of the biggest names being featured so far include Billie Eilish, Coldplay, Jou...

The Covid pandemic put a LOT of things on hold, definitely not something that any of us could have ever foreseen. But hey, there’s plenty of good news for Houstonians who are looking to finally tie the knot! That’s right, now you can easily plan for your big day while looking just as classy and stylish as you could ever want to be. Running from July 31st to August 1st at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center, the city is hosting its big Bridal Extravaganza!  Guests can gather together to visit the finest local wedding vendors, participate in cake tastings, view photography and video styles, participate in bridal fashion shows, learn more about the latest in bridal designs and entertainment, and even get a chance to meet the wedding professionals behind the vendors.  And the icing on the cake, no pun intended, is that all guests have the chance to win special honeymoon and wedding shopping sprees! There’s even the chance to appear on the special bridal billboard, as well ...

Looking for a relaxing, nature-filled getaway in Houston? Try out the Houston Arboretum! I’ve made it no secret that I really love Arboretums all across the state. And why not? Texas is full of some really amazing nature and it’s always a great day to take some time to get some fresh air, especially after being cooped up all the time during 2020.  Summer is here and the flowers are in full bloom. And yeah, the heat may be a bit of a challenge but under the shade of green trees, there’s plenty of room to enjoy some beautiful sights and fresh smells in nature.  The Houston Arboretum is the perfect place to visit, complete with plenty of shade, green fields, perfect picnic spots, events, and more! All throughout the month of May and going on into June, the Arboretum will host plenty of exciting activities, from Bingo on the Lawn to a Family Owl Prowl, and more! There are even late-night events for adults who are looking for beautiful nocturnal animals.  Really, it’s the full...

I’ve heard tons of exciting new developments for all apartment residents in the area, but none come close to that of what’s happening over at Bella Vista Apartments right now. On Saturday, May 15th, a brand-new FREE healthcare clinic officially opened to the public, celebrated with a ton of fanfare. Karya Kares, the charity program responsible for opening the clinic, officially cut the ribbon at Bella Vista Apartments, attended by some truly big-name officials in the Houston area! These officials included: Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Congresswoman Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee, Former-Congressman John Culberson, Consul General of India Shri Aseem R. Mahajan, Former Secretary of State of Texas Geoff Conner, Texas Regional Director Jason Fuller from the office of U.S senator Ted Cruz, Director of Public sector Sam Merchant from the office of Congressman Al Green, Consul member Tiffany Thomas, and Jennifer Herrara from TX-CDR.  Whew! With so many important names like...

Looking for a great place to unwind within the Houston area?  Look no further! If you’re a Houston resident and haven’t had the chance to visit Hermann Park yet, it’s your civic duty to stop by for a visit. Located in Houston’s Museum District, Hermann Park is a sprawling, beautifully landscaped park full of green fields, wide spaces, and plenty of great things to see and do across all boards! The park is home to some of the most iconic recreational landmarks in the city, including the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Hermann Park Golf Course. I was actually just at Hermann Park a weekend or so ago. It really is something spectacular, complete with some excellent civilian services and some absolutely breathtaking nature. If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, this is definitely up your alley for a great weekend run or even a great way to spend some quality time with friends or family. Covid took a lot out of us in terms of wanting ...

Ready for some exciting Austin news? This year, one of Austin’s most beloved historic parks is set to reopen with a brand new makeover, complete with acres of green space, hike-and-bike trails, playscapes for the kiddos, and a dazzling outdoor amphitheater for performances.  Waterloo Greenway Conservancy recently announced that on Monday, May 3rd after years of construction, Waterloo Park and Moody Amphitheater will open to the public this coming August. This sleek, scenic park is designed to cultivate the full Austin experience with stunning landscaping, plenty of nature, and fresh gardens for everyone to enjoy. It hopes to be the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as a solid outing to enjoy some quiet time outside.  “The reopening of Waterloo Park represents a bridge between Austin’s past, present, and future,” says Kathy Miller, interim CEO of Waterloo Greenway. “We’re honoring the culture of the area while building a place that is a vital part ...

It’s a jungle out there! Or at least, it is at the San Antonio Zoo. Running from April 24th to April 25th, the San Antonio Zoo is celebrating animals, culture, and Latin American food with its Festival De Animales event! This exciting experience will be highlighting the animals native to South and Central America, as well as modes of conservation being taken to protect them. There will be plenty of room for guests to enjoy some delicious Latin American cuisine at select zoo restaurants and pop-up booths, making for an educational, but truly spectacular outing with friends and family. The San Antonio Zoo might seem smaller in scale to other Texas zoos for those unfamiliar with it, but I can promise you that they make up for it with some really excellent habitats for the animals, as well as some great family-oriented activities and events on a monthly basis. You really get a sense that they take pride in their care for the animals, as well as the bustling jungle atmosphere all around the...

Las Vegas is already a pretty exciting city to live in, what with its thriving nightlife, excellent casinos, affordable living, and fine weather.  With that said, residents within the Las Vegas area have an even bigger reason to celebrate with a brand new upcoming music festival they won’t want to miss! Running from April 24th to April 25th, the annual City of Lights Jazz and R&B Festival will take place, sending guests sprawling as Grammy-recognized artists pump up the volume in a day-long celebration of the best jazz and R&B musicians out there!  Located in the show-stopping setting of the Government Amphitheater near downtown and the Las Vegas Strip, there will be plenty of room to dance, party, and take advantage of the best craft and food vendors within the Jazz village! And with its relaxed, green grass atmosphere, there will be plenty of space to relax without fear of Covid-19 contagion. Just make sure to wear your mask! Las Vegas isn’t called the party city for...

  With Spring steadily on its way out in Texas and the Summer season approaching, there’s never been a better time to go out and enjoy some fresh home-grown food at Dallas’ best market venues. If you’re a Dallas local, there’s reason to celebrate because the Saint Michael’s Farmers Market is celebrating its 10th season, bringing an edibles-only non-profit farmers market to the Dallas community! Running all summer from 8 am to 12 pm, this wonderful market will showcase all the most delicious selections of food a person could ever want. Their featured foods include fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, pickled foods, and fresh condiments. If you’re looking to skip the usual grocery trip for something a bit fresher and tastier, the St. Michael’s Farmers Market is the perfect place to stop by, held rain or shine. If I were a Dallas resident, I could definitely see myself doing this. Where else could you find such exclusive items like delicious homemade jams or mouth-watering s...

  San Antonio is the gift that keeps on giving. It might just be nostalgia from my college years but I recall the city being one of the absolute best places to live in the entire state of Texas.  And if there’s one place I distinctly remember during my time in San Antonio, it’s definitely The Quarry Market. This relaxed shopping district is located just shy of some of the most prominent universities in the area, including Trinity University and the University of the Incarnate Word. It sports a movie theater, an endless array of great dining options, high-end clothing shopping, a grocery store, upscale housing, and more!  Word is that the Quarry Market is the local hangout place for all the university students. I remember I myself spent more than several hundred afternoons (as well as dollars) there during my time in the city. It’s also a great spot for local food and charity events including the Alamo Heights Farmers Market and the San Antonio Food Bank Drive. It’s just a...

Spring is here! That means fresh sunlight, budding flowers, and the sense of a whole new view for the year!  If you’re a local resident living in Austin, there’s a whole new reason to celebrate the new Spring season with the Austin Spring Festival! Barton Hill Farms is hosting its annual Austin Spring Festival on Saturdays and Sundays from April 17th to May 31st. This is an all-ages event that offers families an outdoor experience they’re sure to adore! The theme for this year’s festival will be focusing on flowers, featuring an array of zinnias, sunflowers, lupines, and cosmos planted in the U-Pick Flower Fields. Want something extra unique to add to the table? The Southwest Dairy Farmers Association will be hosting The Milk Cow Classroom daily throughout the festival, offering kids and adults the chance to learn more about the lives of dairy cows, farmers, and the value of milk. And don’t forget about shows! There will be shows spread over the course of the day, including animal ...

Houston has plenty of things going for it when it comes to spending some quality time with your little ones. The Museum District, in particular, has a host of great places to visit for a solid day out. If I could tell you one of my earliest memories as a local, it was definitely that of going to the Houston Children’s Museum. Why? The EEL. Back in the day, they had a selection of fish tanks to help children learn more about marine life. And in one of said tanks sat a big fat eel that gaped at the world with such slimy malice that it was impossible not to fall in love with it. The eel was only a small piece of the wondrous puzzle that was the Houston Children’s Museum. The place was a child’s wonderland with an assortment of great activities. I never wanted to leave. While Mr. Eel is now long gone and the attraction has since been replaced, the Houston Children’s Museum is jam-packed with activities and exhibits that no kid could pass up. The Museum might be hosting Covid-friendly virtu...

  For families living in the Dallas area, take note!  Running from April 9th all the way to May 2nd, Dallas is showcasing its MLK Food Park. This experimental block located in southern Dallas’ historic Forest District features a weekly rotation of food trucks and trailers, vendors, musicians, and entertainers all seeking to provide an ideal fun and family-friendly experience for neighborhood residents and the Dallas community at large.  For those of you looking for a fun afternoon out, or just those of you with a craving for some of the best local truck food in the area, this is a great opportunity to go out and enjoy some good sun while also taking part in your lovely Dallas community! There will also be extra features included such as public art, greenspace, community flowerbeds, a children’s play area, and more! On days with good weather, it’s really a sight to see and you can’t put a price on meeting some great people at this welcoming Dallas gathering space.  Da...