Madeworthy May/Jun 2021

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WELLNESS COMPARISON

Dr. Bryce Calvillo, Health & Fitness Specialist

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CONTRIBUTERS’ ® You’re not a true Texan until you have...

Issue 23 | Discover Texas | May/June 2021

P U B L I S H E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victoria Wise E D I T O R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lee Virden Geurkink A S S O C I A T E P U B L I S H E R . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Kieta C O N T R I B UTI N G W R I T E R S Sarah Angle

Sharla Horton-Williams, PhD.

Lyle Brooks

Morgan Seminaro

Edward Brown

Shilo Urban

Hannah Bush

Angela Weaver

A:

A:

… scraped ice off your windshield in the morning and ridden with the top down that afternoon.

… been excited to cross the state line before realizing you’ve still got a four-hour drive home.

- Victoria Wise

- Lee Virden Geurkink

A: … picked beans out of your chili

A: … eaten leftover King Ranch

A: … bought a pair of

A: … taken a road trip for kolaches,

- Sarah Angle

- Lyle Brooks

A: … participated in a chili

A: … until you’ve had a Whataburger!

cowboy boots.

barbecue, or chicken fried steak.

Taylor Dye

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Carolyn Morris, OMG Photostuff

as a matter of principle..

- Edward Brown

casserole straight out of the Tupperware without warming it up.

cook-off – either as a contestant or a judge!

- Hannah Bush

- Sharla Horton-Williams, PhD

A: … saved a ball of hail

A: … two-stepped at

- Shilo Urban

- Angela Weaver

- Carolyn Morris

L E A D & C O V E R D E S I G N . . . . . . . . . . . Sovic Creative G R A P H I C D E S I G N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victoria Wise

Madeworthy Magazine is an extension of Tanglewood Moms, LLC., and serves to tell community stories for a family audience. For website and magazine advertising opportunities, please contact: Victoria@MadeworthyMedia.com

in your freezer.

Looking for more copies Madeworthy Magazine? You can subscribe at TanglewoodMoms.com for free, or pick up copies at Central Market in Fort Worth or Whole Foods in the Waterside shopping center.

Gruene Hall!

In this issue of Madeworthy, we wanted to highlight all

that is great in the Great State of Texas. From profiles of

photo courtesy of Hotel Drover

Texans doing great things (see “A Crazy Idea: Redefining Entertainment in the Age of COVID,” page 10) to great

hotels (Hotel Drover, pictured above and featured in “Top Hotels in Texas,” page 19), this Discover Texas issue is our love letter to our home state.

- Lee Virden Geurkink, Editor 6

by Hannah Bush The cat is certainly out of the bag about our capital city, but that shouldn’t keep you from enjoying a quick getaway to Los Angeles... I mean, Austin.

Approximately three hours from Fort Worth on I-35, or 4 hours on FM backroads, the ‘cool kid’ city of Texas can give you whatever kind of adventure you are seeking.

is the brainchild of two restaurant legends, Tyson Cole (Uchi) and Aaron Franklin (Franklin BBQ), the culinary wizards responsible for putting Austin on the food map. Combining both of their talents, Loro is an Asian smokehouse located in the ever-cool South Lamar neighborhood that offers its patrons a giant patio and good vibes.

A good rule of thumb for dining in Austin is this: if a brick-and-mortar restaurant was once a humble food trailer, then you’re in for a treat.

Cue Paperboy. This east side treasure has been serving up breakfast to hungry locals since 2015.

With an expanded menu that now allows you to linger into the lunch hour, you won’t be pressed for time if you accidentally sleep in. Enjoy the rooftop patio or, for the non-committal type, the take-away window.

Whether you’re an extreme athlete or a low-key nature lover, Austin and the surrounding Hill Country has you covered. Starting in downtown, jump on the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail that loops around Lady Bird Lake, which is easily accessible from all sides of the Colorado River. You can walk, run, or bike to the beloved Zilker Park, an area known for its iconic view of the skyline, the Austin City Limits Music Festival, and a very happy dog population. Desperate for a swimming hole?

There are two spring-fed pools nearby – Barton Springs and Deep Eddy Pool, both of which have entrance fees. If you need a more challenging terrain, Barton Creek Greenbelt has almost 8 miles of trails and paths and is less than a 10-minute drive from Zilker. You’ll also find McKinney Falls State Park south of downtown, where you could spend an entire weekend camping and exploring while completely forgetting that you’re still in the city. Fort Worth mom Eva Villarreal likes to stretch her legs at The Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center when she’s en route to San Antonio to visit family. “It’s always fun to take a break and enjoy the beauty of the season.” Other must-see flora and fauna attractions include: Zilker

And speaking of lunch, you won’t need to walk far to get your fix at Nixta Taqueria. Not your average taco spot, Nixta is a celebration of Mexican and Persian heritage in the form of creative tacos and tostadas. But eater beware: the restaurant closes at 3 pm on Sunday and is closed on Monday.

Any foodie will tell you that there aren’t just three meals in the day. Kinda Tropical is the quintessential relaxed space that Austin does so well. There are dogs, small-bites, cocktails, wine, and a generous happy hour from 3 to 6 pm Monday through Friday.

Now for the main event – dinner. And while there are so many worthy spots, there’s one place that Austin enthusiast (and Cowtown frequenter) Jamie Byers describes as “so dang good.” Loro

Our full-service meat market features experienced butchers and a world of chops, shanks, house-made sausages, and impossibly thick steaks sourced by 6th generation Texas ranchers. You’ll find everything you need for a marble-ous cookout.

FORT WORTH | 4651 WEST FREEWAY | 817-989-4700 SOUTHLAKE | 1425 E. SOUTHLAKE BLVD. | 817-310-5600

Botanical Garden, Umlauf Sculpture Garden, and Mount Bonnell.

There’s no shame in wanting to escape and spend a few days avoiding human interaction. It’s called a ‘getaway’ for a reason, right? For a solo retreat, or one with close friends, Lakeway Resort & Spa is an oasis tucked away 21 miles west of downtown, that offers visitors relaxation and stunning vistas of Lake Austin. Maria Montes, a Fort Worth native, describes the views at Lakeway as “something out of a movie.” Visitors will find all the usual suspects here: pool, spa, gym, swim up bar, restaurants, etc. On the more conscientious end of the wellness spectrum is Miraval Austin Resort & Spa, which boasts daily curated activities such as beekeeping, yoga, and mediation for those seeking an enhanced mind and body experience.

Of course, you’re not limited to the Hill Country for a little restoration. Austin has dozens of urban spas to offer city slickers. Milk + Honey, a name most of us recognize from the Clearfork location, has its roots in Austin. Other downtown fan favorites include: Viva Day Spa, Hotel ZaZa’s ZaSpa, and the W Away Spa. Afterall, a massage might just be the thing you need before or after enduring three hours (or more) on I-35.

SPICY THAI SHRIMP WITH MANGO CHUTNEY This luxuriously spicy dish marries gorgeously with the homemade chutney and is perfect for a dinner party or a Tuesday night with the family!

Since its inception, Fresh Family Recipes have featured the best recipes from Fort Worth’s star chefs. For our Discover Texas issue, we wanted to something a little different. We’re featuring two recipes from the Stillwater Inn, a beautiful restaurant and bed and breakfast in Jefferson run by Chef Bill Stewart and his wife Sharon. Since 1984, Bill and Sharon have provided East Texas with incredible meals in a historic house in this beautiful little town on Big Cypress Bayou.

CARROT TERRINE

for the chutney

for the sauce

3 ripe but firm mangoes,

2 tablespoons shallots, finely diced

preferably Altaufo mangoes, peeled and diced

¼ cup red bell pepper, finely diced

¼ cup red bell pepper, diced

¼ cup dry white wine

1 tablespoon jalepeño or serrano chili, diced

¼ cup chicken stock

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled

3 tablespoons honey

and either finely diced or grated

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

6 ounces coconut milk 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated

1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons Thai red curry paste ¼ cup orange juice 1 to 2 teaspoons corn starch ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ cup cold water

This is an elegant-yet-simple side served warm or cold. It’s much easier than it looks!

salt and pepper to taste

ingredients

for the shrimp

2 ½ pounds carrots, peeled and thinly sliced (use a mandolin or the rotary slicer on a food processor or Kitchen Aid)

4 jumbo shrimp per person (10-15 count),

5 eggs

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

salt and freshly pepper to taste directions

peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

directions for the chutney

Bring a heavy saucepan of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the carrots and cook until they are soft yet still pliable, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Strain the carrots but reserve the liquid. Set the carrots aside in a large bowl and returned the reserved liquid to the stove. Bring to a boil and reduce by approximately 90%, until the sugars left in the water begin to caramelize, and the liquid begins to thicken. Be careful! Once the sugars start to caramelize, it can burn very quickly!

While the liquid is reducing, beat the eggs until they are fluffy and light.

Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Prepare a loaf pan: spray with nonstick cooking spray, line with plastic wrap (leaving a few inches overlapping the edges) and spray the wrap. Preheat the oven to 325°.

Remove the reduced liquid from the heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Combine the eggs with the cooked carrots and stir in the reduction. Fill the prepared loaf pan with the carrot mixture, pressing down so that the ingredients are distributed evenly. Drape the plastic over the top of the mixture, cover the pan loosely with foil, and place in a water bath (a roasting pan with about 2 inches of hot water in the bottom.

Cook for about 2 hours, or until a thermometer inserted into the middle reads 185°. (Check after 1 ½ hours. And don’t be alarmed if the top starts to poof up!) Allow the terrine to cool in the pan for at least 2 hours or overnight. To serve, unmold the terrine and slice. You can reheat it in the microwave or arrange slices on a baking sheet and heat in a warm oven. Editor’s Note: This is delicious cold with a crab salad or a simply poached fish!

Mix all the ingredients together in a nonreactive bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Before serving, taste for seasoning and correct if necessary. This can be made the day before.

Editor’s Note: this fresh chutney is also great on grilled pork, chicken, or fish.

directions for the sauce Combine the shallots, red bell pepper, and white wine in a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer.

Reduce until the wine is almost completely evaporated. Add in the chicken stock, coconut milk, honey, ginger, and Thai curry paste and simmer for about 10 minutes. Dissolve the cornstarch into the cold water and stir into the simmering sauce. Allow the sauce to come back to a simmer to thicken, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Remove the sauce from the heat and pour into a blender. Cover the blender with a clean towel and blend. Strain the sauce through a fine sieve and keep warm while you cook the shrimp.

For the shrimp Heat one very large or two large, heavy-bottom sauté pans or skillets over medium-high heat. (You need the room because you don’t want to crowd the shrimp.) Add the olive oil and the unsalted butter. When the butter begins to brown and smell nutty, add the shrimp. Cook on one side just until the shrimp turns opaque, flip, and cook for about another 30 seconds.

Transfer the shrimp to a strainer set atop a bowl. Add any drippings to the sauce and stir.

To plate, spoon some of the mango chutney onto the plate.

Top with four shrimp per person, and then drape the sauce over the shrimp. Serves 4.

SUPPORT THE FORT

Since opening its Fort Worth store over 20 years ago, Central Market hasn’t just been a foodie’s paradise, it’s been a hub for community support. Winners of the annual Teacher of the Year program receive gifts. The annual Feast of Sharing serves more than 10,000 free meals to people in need every November. During the pandemic, this Texas mainstay stepped up even more to support local and all the people, businesses, and organizations that needed the help more than ever.

by Sarah Angle Madeworthy: What has Central Market/H-E-B done to help Texans during the pandemic?

Central Market: As a Texas company — born and raised — we have always put our communities in the forefront of everything we do. During this pandemic, it was extremely important to us to keep the essentials available to customers and to keep our stores, partners, and customers as safe as possible. From the very early days, we implemented additional health and safety precautions… increased capacity of our Curbside and Delivery services, and limited quantities of in-demand products so we could keep our supply chain strong... Our parent company, H-E-B, also made a significant donation of $1 million early on to aid in the research needed for the vaccine. In addition, we are also currently working with local communities to also offer vaccine sites.

— Mabrie Jackson, Director of Public Affairs, Central Market/H-E-B

MW: A lot of Texans have been cooking at home. What have you seen emerge over the past year?

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CM: We’re continuing to see big trends in at-home meal preparation with customers leaning into more complex recipes, baking, and international cuisines. We’ve also seen significant growth in Asian, Indian, and Central American cuisine ingredient sales.

Another big trend that’s continuing is eating as wellness: eating or cooking using spices, herbs, and fruits and vegetables that have a perceived health benefit, like turmeric, ginger, ginseng.

— David Leuthold, Director of Nonperishable Procurement, Central Market

MW: What new food trends should Texans expect to see as we move into summer?

CM: I think local will continue to grow in a big way. We’re seeing increased interest in Texas products including charcuterie and now cheese. There are a growing cadre of Texas cheesemakers doing great things. Lighter eating will probably make a comeback as we exit the pandemic and everyone tries to shed those COVID pounds… We’ll probably see a big resurgence in fresh fruit and casual, rustic fruit desserts like galettes and fruit salads.

— Phil Meyers, Director of Food Service, Central Market

MW: What beers and wines should Texans be toasting to this summer?

CM: We’re featuring this summer the best value in Sancerre around… Texans love Sancerre for… how well it pairs with an afternoon by the pool or dinner.

From Texas, we’d recommend exploring wines from Reddy Vineyards… [that’s] turning out some of the best wines made not only in Texas, but in the U.S. Its Brand Vitis is an easy-drinking Rhone style blend with soft tannins and juicy fruit notes of strawberry, cherries, and pomegranate.

We have an entirely new line up of rosés coming from all over — rosés that really demonstrate a sense of place…

Prosecco rosé is a perfect wine for this summer.

When it comes to beer, we love the Martin House brewery in Fort Worth.

It’s got some of the most creative and unique beers made in Texas.

Another trend we’re seeing is in the lower alcohol and nonalcoholic beers and wines this year. We’re excited to be launching the WellBeing Brewing Company’s Liquid Rain IPA nonalcoholic beer. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Hope for the Day, a nonprofit movement empowering the conversation on proactive suicide prevention and mental health education.

— Keith Janosik, CSW, Business Development Manager, Beer and Wine Central Market Division Office

MW: What businesses or products have launched during the pandemic and been successful in stores?

CM: Indulgent foods or deserts. That’s items like Levain Cookies and Kate Weiser Chocolates. Hard seltzers and Ranch water (sparkling alcoholic seltzers) were also big hits.

— David Leuthold, Director of Nonperishable Procurement, Central Market

MW: Is Central Market currently hosting in-person Cooking School classes?

CM: We’re back to hosting in-person classes with limited numbers and extra safety precautions. In addition, we’ve hosted a series of virtual classes, which offers the Cooking School experience from home… This format has allowed us to partner with some notable regional and internationally acclaimed chefs including Gary Maclean, Marcus Samuelson, Tiffany Derry, and Chris Williams.

— Karen Cassady, Manager of Central Market Cooking Schools

America. The land of the free, and the home of the brave.

Brave? Yes. Free? No. Well, kinda. “Free-ish” is probably a more accurate term.

by Sharla Horton-Williams, PhD photo by Leo Wesson for Visit Fort Worth

Here are some of the ways that Fort Worth celebrates and commemorates Juneteenth: Annual Juneteenth Flag Raising to honor •and remember past and present Black military personnel Annual Opal’s Walk Caravan and Parade

• •Annual Juneteenth Prayer Breakfast and Ecumenical Service • Annual Miss Juneteenth Fort Worth Scholarship Pageant • Annual Erma Johnson Hadley Juneteenth Honors Banquet FOR MORE FORMATION ON HOW TO CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH, GO TO JUNETEENTHFTW.ORG

On July 4, 1776, what ultimately became the United States of America declared her independence from England.

While America was free, there were countless Blacks in America who remained enslaved. In the depths of the Civil War, fought over the right to own another human, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring an end to slavery. Eighty-seven years after the Founding Fathers held “these truths to be self-evident, that all men were created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness…” enslaved Black Americans were finally free.

If a tree falls in the forest, and there’s no one there to hear it, does it make a sound? If enslaved people were free, and no one told them, were they really free? President Lincoln’s Emancipation proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863. However, slaves in Texas were not made aware of their freedom until more than two years later on June 19, 1865.

Welcome to Juneteenth - a day of remembrance and celebration. For many Blacks in Texas, it’s as important, if not more so, as the Fourth of July. Like the Fourth of July, Juneteenth a day of barbecues, parades, songs, and picnics.

Unlike the Fourth of July, Juneteenth is not recognized as a federal holiday.

Fort Worth’s own Opal Lee wants to change that.

For the past 40 years, Ms. Lee and her family have celebrated Juneteenth just like they celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. In 2016, at 89 years old, she drew national attention when she walked from her home in Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., to bring awareness to the holiday and advocate for Juneteenth to be recognized as a federal holiday. Her passion for Juneteenth hasn’t subsided, and the now-94-year-old activist’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Ms. Lee’s online petition to get Juneteenth recognized as a federal holiday has received over a million signatures to date.

It has been a long year for all of us, locked away in our pods as we stave off the virus. As the months grew colder, the isolation of the pandemic grew darker for me. Living alone with my seven-year-old dog Mingus, I navigated a repetitious haze of existence. There were no road trips to visit old friends, just my bimonthly journey to the grocery store, where I always maintained my distance.

With the new year approaching, there was a trace of hope in the air – hope for a time when we might once again be convivial and embrace one another. And it was in those waning days of 2020 that I received a much-needed care package from my old friend, Yinka.

It wasn’t the banana bread from my grandmother I’d get in college. Nor was it the cozy socks and tea my mother might send in more recent years.

This was an assortment of craft beer from all over Texas. Treasures like Spindletap’s Haymaker Triple IPA out of Houston and Zilker Brewing Company’s Houseplant Hazy IPA from Austin. There, too, was Devil’s Brigade Amber Ale from San Antonio’s Longtab Brewing Company.

Yinka had acquired them through a network of connoisseurs and collectors.

These enthusiasts admire the breadth of flavor and expression of creativity held in each bottle or can. Thus, we began our long-distance toast across the state, each sip a reminder that despite dark times, your best friends will find a way to brighten your life. Whether a fruited sour or a stout, these beers represented the power of a lasting friendship that makes life worth living.

I’ve known Yinka Ogunro for more than 20 years. He’s a chemist who lives in San Antonio with his wife Victoria and their toddler Kweku. His interest in craft beer began as a grad student in Atlanta, where he checked out local breweries like SweetWater Brewing Company and Red Brick Brewing Company.

A couple of years ago, I traveled with him to Enugu, Nigeria, for his wedding to Victoria. He introduced me to the magic of palm wine and other local delights, like suya and egusi soup. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I responded to his generous parcel by sending several items from North Texas breweries. These included a smattering from the creative folks over at Martin House: stouts like This Is the End Stout and Ejecto Seato, Cuz!, with its peanut

The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is a national movement, but Ms. Lee works just as hard here in Fort Worth to ensure that all Fort Worthians recognize, honor, and celebrate Juneteenth. Every year, she marshals ``Opal’s Walk,” an annual Juneteenth caravan and parade where she leads parade goers and participants in a 2.5 mile walk to commemorate her 2016 walk to our nation’s capital.

Opal Lee is not the only Fort Worthian putting Juneteenth on the map, though. Channing Godfrey Peoples, another Fort Worth native, is the writer and director of the critically acclaimed Miss Juneteenth, a coming-of-age story about Kai, a teenage girl from the southside of Fort Worth, competing to win the coveted “Miss Juneteenth” pageant title and crown.

As a child, Ms. Godfrey Peoples also regularly celebrated Juneteenth and, through her film, hopes to amplify the meaning of the holiday as well as its historical and current significance to the Black community.

Toni Harrison-Kelly, a Sherman, Texas native, says of Juneteenth: “Juneteenth was my absolute favorite holiday growing up. I got a new outfit every year. My entire family walked in the parade. There was music and dancing and so many people just having a great time celebrating freedom. It seemed like every Black person in our town came out to the Juneteenth celebration. It was always so vibrant and so inspiring. I remember looking forward to it every single year.”

So how do we celebrate Juneteenth in Texas?

Well, in short, we celebrate big. Really big. In addition to the annual Opal’s Walk caravan and parade here in Fort Worth, there are numerous events on and around June 19 across the state marked by eating and drinking, singing and dancing, reflecting and remembering. It’s a time for families and neighborhoods to gather and celebrate their heritage and continued community. Opal Lee calls Juneteenth a “unifier” and believes that it is a holiday that all Americans – not just African Americans – should celebrate. And she’s right.

So, how will you celebrate Juneteenth this year?

butter, graham cracker combination, and delicious fruited sours like Imperial True Love Raspberry sour and Nebula, the bourbon barrel-aged black and red currant sour with lactose.

There was also a lovely West Coast IPA from 903 Brewing out of Sherman, where we first met as members of the Austin College Lacrosse team.

He would eventually share an impressive sour DIPA, The Eye of Souron, from 8 bit Brewing Company in California. The potent beast brings together blackberry, pomegranate and passion fruit and combines them with Motueka and Nelson hops for an otherworldly flavor. Our lacrosse teammate Lamar Ingram is brewer at 8 bit Brewing, and from the taste of it, he’s doing quite well.

When the unprecedented blanket of ice and snow further shut down the state, Yinka’s family huddled together without power for four days, without water for three of them. Breweries across the state made water available, and his family was able to get 15 gallons of purified water from nearby Islla St Brewing Company.

He sent me their 36 Hazyfists IPA, made with a dynamic bounty of several types of hops, which sends the palette on an adventure.

Another San Antonio-based brewery, Weathered Souls, provided Black is Beautiful, an imperial stout incorporating West African flavors like kola nut and yam. Beyond the delicious brew, proceeds go to an initiative to support justice and equality for people of color, inspired by last summer’s civil unrest. (Those breweries and beer fans who are interested can learn more about the cause at the Weathered Souls website.)

Legion represented Dallas’ Community Beer Company well in one of the packages. It is a Russian Imperial Stout that is a wonderfully boozy potion, ideal for those foggy February nights following the deep-freeze.

Yinka and I frequently chat, encouraging each other’s workout routines and other efforts to stay healthy. We met briefly in the fall for coffee; it touched me that he made an effort to bring his little family with him. It was a sunny day, only the second time I’ve met his son, for whom this year may never register a memory. But, for me, these toasts across Texas have been a delight I’ll never forget.

JOHN M. KELLEY JR. DDS, MS 4901 BRYANT IRVIN RD. N, STE 300 (817) 338-0771 | www.kelleyortho.com

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A CRAZY IDEA :

redefining entertainment IN THE

AGE OF COVID

by Madeworthy Editorial Team

ou probably remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when you first heard about the attacks on September 11, 2021. Whether you were in class, at work, walking to the bus, maybe having breakfast, the details of that morning are likely still fresh in your mind. September 11th and other events that we remember like this are called flashbulb memories – it’s as if you’ve stored a snapshot of that moment in your mind. Flashbulb memories are incredibly vivid, detailed, and we carry them with us most of our lives.

Where were you when you first heard about the “novel coronavirus,” as it was known last year? If you’re like most people, you may recall early reports of the mysterious pneumonia that was affecting citizens in Wuhan, China. But you probably cannot pinpoint the first news story you heard about it last January (or was it February?).

Where were you when you heard that Tom Hanks had contracted COVID-19? Or when the NBA had halted its season around the same time that same evening? You can probably picture that exact moment vividly. The pandemic was real, the virus was here, and it was going to impact all of us. For Walter Kinzie, CEO of Fort Worth-based Encore Live, and his team of 15 people, the flashbulb memory moment had already come during the

prior week when South by Southwest (SXSW), the seminal music and culture festival in Austin, was canceled.

years old when he took out a loan to buy a hog for his family’s farm, which he later grew into a successful cattle operation.

“By March 12, we had lost the business,” Kinzie recalled this week via Zoom from the Fort Worth home he shares with his wife and two children. “But the concern really started growing in February when projects were being called into question. By March 6, when South by Southwest was canceled, we were already losing millions of dollars a day.”

While the cattle business grew, Kinzie became interested in live entertainment. “I actually got my first experience in the industry watching my father manage the acts for the local county fair.” At just 18 years old, he put on his first concert, a charity event that raised more than $70,000 for a friend with a terminal illness.

Kinzie’s event management company regularly produced multi-million-dollar celebrations and events around the world. It had taken him years to build the business to where it was in early 2020.

But it took mere days for it all to be washed away.

“It was in a four-day span that we lost everything,” Kinzie said.

From a farm in Kansas to the Presidential Inauguration Kinzie was born on a small farm outside of Edna, Kansas. He started his first business at just seven

Later that year, his own bout of ill health derailed Kinzie’s entrepreneurial plans for the first time. “I was in my freshman year in college and became ill with a rare kidney condition that forced me to drop out. I had to sell my cattle operation to help pay the medical bills.” That experience was crushing, but it renewed Kinzie’s desire to build a lasting business that also did good in the world.

After he recovered from his illness, he accepted a job at Mattress Firm, where he went on to become National Sales Manager in charge of 350 stores and revitalized the company’s events series.

After seven years at Mattress Firm, Kinzie paid off the rest of his medical debt and made another change. “I had $500 to my name after paying off the hospital bills and that’s the money I used to create Encore Live.”

photo courtesy of Walter Kinzie

Over the next ten years, Encore Live produced large-scale, highly customized projects around the world. Just a few of the company’s notable projects included the launch of Pokemon Go in New York City, the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, as well as groundbreaking events for the Academy of Country Music, Facebook, Capital One, and many others.

While its resumé working with major corporations and world-class music venues has received significant attention, it’s Encore Live’s work with some of the world’s highest net worth families that really excites Kinzie. “Our boutique projects were always my favorite because you could really be incredibly creative for the audience,” Kinzie explained. Those events first opened the door for Kinzie and his team to work with some of the country’s biggest stars, including Garth Brooks, George Strait, the Eagles, Ellen, Bon Jovi, and others.

Over the years, Encore Live also worked with a long list of politicians, including Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Joe Biden, and the Trump family. “Not many folks can say they have worked with every living President!” Kinzie said. These relationships ultimately led to Kinzie playing a key role in the 2017 Presidential Inauguration, where he served as co-producer and oversaw the televised transition of power from President Obama to President Trump.

“Our entire industry was crumbling.”

All businesses have been forced to overcome challenges related to the pandemic. From remote work to drops in sales or necessary furloughs, no

company has been spared. However, the event and live entertainment industry has been hit particularly hard.

In a matter of days at the start of the pandemic, $30 billion worth of events had been canceled in the United States, and over 12,000,000 people in the events and hospitality industry were laid off or furloughed.

“Ironically, the very nature of live events – where something always goes wrong and needs to be solved in real time – actually prepared us relatively well to overcome the challenges of remote work,” Kinzie said smiling, holding his two-year-old daughter, Poppy. “But it’s one thing to come up with a solution for a microphone that’s not working or a caterer who prepared the wrong food [and

another] to figure out how to save the business in the middle of a pandemic!”

Encore Live held its first Zoom meeting on March 13 to announce that the office was being closed indefinitely and that the company would be focused on identifying ways to pivot the business and sign clients for new revenue streams. “We put on events, but there were no events happening, and other businesses were equally worried about the future. That required sending a clear call to action to our entire team that it was time to get creative.”

“We can lick our chops or lick our wounds – it’s your call,” Kinzie said on that call. “I choose to lick my chops.” Kinzie shared with his team how he believed that today’s most successful continued on Page 12

MyKayla Skinner

Sam Mikulak

continued from Page 11

businesses have all found opportunity to evolve or gain market share during recessions. He also explained that the company would be putting resources toward supporting the North Central Texas community and the entertainment industry at-large.

“Our entire industry was crumbling,” Kinzie noted. “Businesses might go away, but we felt compelled to do our part to help the industry bounce back.” The Encore Live team quickly started a fundraiser for contract employees in the industry, which gained the support from musicians like Billy Gibbons, Pat Green, and Randy Travis, who donated guitars to be auctioned off. Garth Brooks and the Grammys signed on to help promote the fundraiser, and the donations came pouring in. The fundraiser was a massive success, and grants were paid out to entertainment industry employees who were out of work.

“We felt really driven to have this impact. It helped the team remain focused and gave us an amazing outlet to use our creativity for good,” Kinzie stated. He heard from others in the industry who were shocked that Encore Live was not simply raising money for its own business. “I knew we would find a way to get us back on track. We just had to survive long enough for that moment to arrive.”

Encore Live also focused on helping the local community. Almost immediately, the team began reach out to educational foundations and nonprofits on ways to evolve their fundraising efforts digitally. The company also found itself advising governors, the National Guard, and hospitals on how to quickly scale outdoor emergency facilities to safely activate mobile testing sites equipped to handle the masses, work that Kinzie is clearly very proud of today. “In one minute, we were assisting a struggling musician, and the next, we are huddled up with a governor giving our advice for remote hospitals, morgues, and testing facilities.”

Walter Kinzie, Chris Stapleton, Dean Dillon, Cory Ludens photo courtesy of Walter Kinzie

The company set out signing agreements with hundreds of drive-in and outdoor theaters around the country to stream musical performances. The idea was that fans would be able to pay a set fee for a vehicle with up to six passengers to watch exclusive musical performances on the same night across the country.

The first musical act to sign up for the company’s drive-in shows was Garth Brooks. “I’ve known Garth for a long time, and he’s one of the most innovative, smart, and forward-thinking artists there is,” Kinzie said. “He got it immediately.”

“This is old-school, new-school and perfect for the time we are in,” Brooks said at the time.

He appeared on “Good Morning America” to promote the show, and there was a crush of interest from fans. Ticketmaster’s site actually crashed as a result of ticket demand.

While fundraisers and pro-bono nonprofit work inspired Encore Live’s team, it didn’t pay the bills.

“We still needed to figure out how to save the business,” Kinzie recalled.

“We always knew this would be big, but the demand [of] that first on-sale day surprised all of us,” Kinzie shared. “We quickly got to work signing other acts because the phone was ringing off the hook from artists who wanted to take part.”

The “Crazy idea” that redefined entertainment in the COVID era

Encore Drive-In Nights would later host shows

by Metallica, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, and Kane Brown. Nearly one million people attended one of the company’s shows last summer. Earlier this year, Encore Live also expanded into sports by livestreaming a recent UFC match.

By May, Encore Live’s cash reserves had run out.

Kinzie had sold his home and was working day and night on ways to get the business going again when he set out to create a guide map that would both serve the industry and pivot the company during the pandemic. This was built around the singular goal of providing the American people something to look forward to. “In my mind, the goal was clear,” says Kinzie. “We were not going to think small, and we would build something special.” It was during a cross-country road-trip that Kinzie had the idea that he thought might actually be what the company needed.

“Thinking back, it might seem obvious now, but this was actually a pretty crazy idea. And we didn’t know if it would work!” Kinzie said, referring to the company’s plans to create an entirely new form of entertainment that would allow musicians to perform for millions of fans in a safe way.

The company would stream world-class musical acts at drive-in theaters around the country.

Kinzie and his team first began discussing the idea for what became the Encore Drive-In Nights concert series in early May. “We were 15 people, and we had to sign up venues, reach agreements with the talent, and pull off these massive shows in just weeks,” Kinzie recalled. “It was a huge endeavor.”

Planning for the next season of Encore DriveIn nights is well under way, and Kinzie says he expects this year to be big for the company. “We are creating a new way for fans to experience music, not only in the COVID era, but also beyond.

There are millions of fans who don’t usually attend live shows, whether it’s because they live further away from the big touring arenas or because of the cost. Artists can now connect with these fans in a completely new way,” Kinzie said.

Help is on the way for the entertainment industry Despite Encore Live’s success in pivoting its business, the overall entertainment industry continues to struggle. While Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding provided a Band-Aid to many businesses in 2020, companies are seeking a critical lifeline as the pandemic stretches into its second year. “I hear from colleagues in the industry every day who are continuing to struggle,” Kinzie said. “We have had some movement in Washington to help the industry with the recent stimulus packages, but it’s not enough yet.”

14

In December, Congress passed and President Trump signed the Save Our Stages Act to establish the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, which is meant to provide critical funding for the entertainment industry. Three months later, the grant program is yet to open, and Kinzie is taking a leadership role to help his peer businesses understand and access the funds when the program does open.

“The one driving force for our entire team since last March has been supporting our community. Of course we are focused on our own business, but we also are committed to our local communities and the entire industry. We’re truly all in this together,” Kinzie said.

“So, Walter, where were you when you heard Tom Hanks had COVID?” a Madeworthy reporter asked over Zoom. Kinzie grinned slightly and looked off briefly, his daughters squealing in the background. “You know, I don’t think I quite recall where I was,” he said.

DI S CO V E R T E X A S E V E N T S & CO N CE RT S 2021 Dates and locations subject to change

May 1

August 6-7

Miranda Lambert

Justin Bieber

Billy Bob’s Texas • Fort Worth, TX

American Airlines Center • Dallas, TX

May 7-9

August 12

Fredericksburg 175th Anniversary Opening Weekend Celebration

John Legend

Fredericksburg, TX

May 9 Clint Black (21 & Up)

Smart Financial Centre • Sugar Land, TX

August 21 Chris Stapleton with special guest Willie Nelson

Whitewater Amphitheater • New Braunfels, TX

Globe Life Field • Arlington, TX

Jun 26

Harry Styles

All Star Legends of Hip Hop

American Airlines Center • Dallas, TX

Music Hall at Fair Park • Dallas, TX

September 11-12

September 23

July 3

Brooks & Dunn

Possum Kingdom Fireworks at Hell’s Gate

Dos Equis Pavillion • Dallas, TX

Graford, TX

July 10 Parker County Peach Festival Weatherford, TX

July 17-18 Santana & Earth, Wind and Fire • Woodlands, TX

September 28 Daryl Hall & John Oates Dickies Arena • Fort Worth, TX

October 1-3 & 8-10 Austin City Limits Zilker, Park • Austin, TX

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by Edward Brown There are several guilt-free food options like the Shire (avocado, fresh tabouli, tomato, alfalfa sprouts, and mayo) and Smaug’s Delight (smoked turkey, avocado, tomato, and melted jack cheese). Indoors, you’ll find vintage posters of characters from The Hobbit alongside more recent props from the popular movie series. Grab a mug of mead and chow down Hobbit-style – if you don’t mind a bug-eyed Gollum staring you down while you feast.

A LONE STAR GUIDE TO HOBBITS, PICKLES & MORE

Millions of Americans fell in love with the American epic Western miniseries Lonesome Dove when it first aired in the late 1980s. Reruns of the ground-breaking miniseries remain popular, but fans of Larry McMurtry, the author of Lonesome Dove, Terms of Endearment, and The Last Picture Show, can enjoy a more tangible connection to the iconic television series that was set in South Texas by visiting McMurtry’s Booked Up bookstore, located in Archer City (about a twohour drive from Fort Worth). According to a 2009 article in D Magazine, the bookstore, which launched in the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C. in 1971, grew from the author’s love of “book ranching.” McMurtry, who died in March of this year, built his early career both as a novelist and book scout. Speaking of his bookstore, McMurtry said, “Few books are rare; we have handled only a handful in 44 years in the trade. But many books are attractive. Customers come to us from wherever the four winds blow.”

Many of us secretly or openly obsess about a TV series, comic book, or some other alternative reality that allows us to escape our humdrum routines. While large commercial ventures like Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter cater to the masses, Texas is a microcosm of quirky cafes, shops, and destinations that are geared to fans of The Lord of the Rings book series or the Harry Potter movies, among other superfan crazes.

Best Maid Pickle Emporium recently opened in Fort Worth’s Near Southside. The iconic pickle brand, with its lovable mascot Smiley, is now a destination for fans of the local business and all things pickled. The space is part retail store and part museum. Long rows of encased shelves hold historic relics and merchandise – some of which are several decades old. The Best Maid Pickle staff did a wonderful job of telling the story of the popular food brand through the decades. The retail space has hard-to-find pickle options (like the oh-so-zesty Bloody Mary Pickles) and even pickle-themed custom jewelry. Make this store your first stop on your superfan road trip and see what the “big dill” is.

Allied bombing runs over Europe are credited with crippling the Nazi war machine and paving the way for the Allied land invasion that freed Western Europe. Many of the ace bombardiers and pilots who led that effort began their training in West Texas. Beginning in 1941, Midland was home to the world’s largest bombardier training facility. West Texas offered mild weather, nondescript terrain, and a temperate climate to train cadets on the basics of formation flying and target practice. More than 1,000,000 practice bombs were dropped over an area the size of New Jersey over the course of the war. The Midland Army Air Field Museum dutifully protects vintage planes and WWII artifacts, educational exhibits (including one that recounts the submarine rescue of George Bush after his plane was shot down), and aircraft ride opportunities for the WWII and air war buffs out there.

Capes, wands, and magic brooms are welcome at Coffee Mugg(le) in Corpus Christi. Medieval banners hang from the roof of the newish coffee shop, and color-coded chairs allow visitors to display your allegiance to the house of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw. Caffeinated drink options include the Raven Coco (cold brew with coconut, cream, and white chocolate), Malfoy (white mocha latte), and El Hedwig Latte (white mocha with caramel, espresso, and cream), among others. Sit back and watch as the barista conjures up a spell-bindingly delicious hot beverage.

“Latte Patronum!” There’s even a Golden Snitch Treat, which may be the only time I catch one of those dastardly Quidditch balls.

As you plan your trips across Texas, don’t forget the superfan in your family. Wherever you go, there’s bound to be a place to delight a hardcore fan’s heart.

If your summer road trip includes Houston, plan an evening at Hobbit Cafe. While the Lord of the Ring movies popularized J. R. R. Tolkien’s popular book series 20 years ago, the Hobbit Cafe has served customers since 1972.

by Angela Weaver

ANGLING through

TEXAS

photos by Angela Weaver

“What are you thinking about over there?” I’ve learned over the last couple years that the answer will always be fishing. No matter how deep in thought he looks, it’s always fishing. Of course, it’s the perfect reply from my boyfriend, Cameron, whose love for fishing only parallels my Papa’s deep love for the sport. He has all the best ideas for fishing your way across the great state of Texas.

First on the list is O.H. Ivie Lake, a 20,000-acre reservoir near San Angelo smack dab in the middle of nowhere.

While West Texas is not known for fishin’ holes, this year the lake has produced seven ShareLunkers (a largemouth bass over 13 pounds recognized by the Texas Parks and Wildlife program). Come knowing you’ll need to bring a camper. Due to the popularity of this lake and its location, lodging can be scarce. This is a trip for experienced anglers; if you want to catch the bass of a lifetime, this is the place. From what used to be just a puddle in the desert, due to record rainfalls and all the stars aligning, it is considered one of the best lakes in the US right now.

There may not be much else to do here other than fish, but it is the place to go if you want to catch a record-breaking bass.

For thrill seekers, a Brazos River kayak trip is a must do. Starting at the dam on Possum Kingdom Lake, this 20-mile float can be the adventure of a lifetime. Rochelle’s Canoe Rental rents canoes and kayaks and offers shuttle service and take out. A family of four can do this trip with two canoes. Kayaks are best suited for one person, and an unusually an adventurous middle or high schooler can handle their own kayak. This two-day trip requires camping gear.

Because most of the trip is through private lands, you’ll need to find an island with old fire rings to set up camp. It’s highly recommended to go at least 10 miles your first day, or you’ll be miserable on the second day trying to make up for lost time.

A quick trek down I-35 will take you to the Guadalupe River for trout fishing. The winter 17

is the best due to reduced college crowds on the water.

Think October through April. Trout up to 26 inches are being caught on the fly. Due to the cold, spring-fed river and water from Canyon Lake, the trout, though not native to Texas, have been surviving year-round in the river. This can easily be a DIY fishing trip combined with a visit to Gruene Outfitters, who can recommend a guide to take you out. This is the state’s number one trout fly fishing destination due to the fabulous scenery and the flowing river, a rare commodity in the Lone Star State. Don’t skip out on staying in Gruene, one of Texas’ most charming towns, and make sure you check the concert calendar at Gruene Hall while you’re there.

On to the coast! Port O’Connor is a six-hour drive from Fort Worth where you can easily find a great house or condo to accommodate any size group at any level of luxury. Port O’Connor offers a wide variety of fishing: inshore fishing for trout and redfish in shallow flats, while a ten-minute boat ride gets you to one of the larger jetty systems on the Texas coast. It’s only accessible by boat, which keeps the fishing pressure low. Don’t expect spring breakers and bad t-shirt shops. There’s a gas station in town that has the world’s best grocery and tackle store, and every restaurant in town will cook your catch for you.

Tarpon, snook, and other Gulf species which have been nearly extinct for decades have been increasing recently.

Fishing for striper is the most fun I’ve ever had fishing.

(It’s close to Cameron’s heart, too.) Lake Texoma has been known as the Striper Capital of Texas with hundreds of guides accommodating thousands of anglers per year.

And don’t forget the Brazos lakes: Possum Kingdom, Granbury, and Whitney. Although these lakes suffered huge fish losses due to the golden algae a decade ago, recent gillnet sampling by Texas Parks and Wildlife show they’re as healthy as they’ve ever been. With these lakes only being an hour and a half from DFW, they all make a great weekend getaway. To be successful at catching stripers, a guide is recommended who all the guess (and dirty) work out of the equation.

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For our Discover Texas issue, the Madeworthy editorial staff reached out to the travel-savvy members of the Tanglewood Moms Facebook group to ask:

What is your favorite hotel in Texas?

A S V O T E D O N B Y TA N G L E W O O D M O M S

by Lee Virden Geurkink

We have collated the answers and added some of our favorites. As you travel in our great state, remember these hotels, and see if you agree that they’re the top hotels in Texas!

photo courtesy of La Cantera Resort & Spa

photo courtesy of JW Marriott

LA CANTERA RESORT & SPA, SAN ANTONIO Nestled in the Hill Country, La Cantera Resort & Spa offers a sophisticated escape in San Antonio. Play a round on one of the two championship golf courses. Spend a day being pampered in the Loma de Vida Spa. Kids can explore the Hill Country with the resort’s Naturalist Program or just spend the day splashing in one of the five pools.

JW MARRIOTT SAN ANTONIO HILL COUNTRY RESORT & SPA Two world-class golf courses. A luxurious spa. A waterpark? Yep, that’s right. The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa has its own waterpark. Add in fine restaurants and bars, and your family-friendly South Texas getaway is complete.

photo by John Dunaway HOTEL EMMA, SAN ANTONIO Housed in the gorgeous Second Empire building that was home to the Pearl Brewing Company and named for the woman who kept the brewery afloat during Prohibition, the Hotel Emma is a jewel of a hotel. Located in the middle of everything you want to see in San Antonio, the Hotel Emma is the perfect headquarters for a luxurious South Texas getaway.

Be sure to check out the Library while you’re there!

photo courtesy of Hotel Drover photo courtesy of Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek ROSEWOOD MANSION ON TURTLE CREEK, DALLAS Once the home of cotton magnate Sheppard King, the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek has become one of the most internationally acclaimed hotels in the United States.

Located in the Uptown neighborhood just minutes from downtown, the Mansion is an oasis of refined calm in the midst of the big city. The Mansion restaurant has been THE place to dine in Dallas since the moment it opened, and the concierge will do everything possible to ensure your stay is memorable.

HOTEL DROVER, FORT WORTH THE JOULE, DALLAS Located in a beautiful neo-Gothic building right in the middle of downtown Dallas, the Joule is perfect for a cosmopolitan girls’ weekend or a romantic getaway for two. The Joule’s revolving art collection is world-class, the spa is luxury defined, the dining is divine, and the cocktails elegant. And if the hotel’s boutiques don’t satisfy the shopaholic in all of us, the Joule is just down the block from the original Neiman Marcus.

The newest hotel on our list is located right here in Cowtown.

The Hotel Drover, named for the cowboys who drove the herds across Texas, anchors the brand-new Mule Alley in the historic Stockyards, and offers a “rustic-luxe” experience for out-of-town guests and hometown tourists alike. With fine dining at 97 West and live music in the Backyard, Hotel Drover is just right for all kinds of getaways.

photo courtesy of Miraval Austin

photo courtesy of Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection OMNI BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA, AUSTIN Located on 4,000 secluded acres in Austin, the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa waits to pamper you. The newly renovated retreat offers experiences for the whole family. Be pampered in the allnew Mokara Spa. Play a round on one of the five golf courses. Hike the nature trail with your family or play a round of miniature golf before enjoying the family-friendly pools and splash pad. Whether it’s for a girls’ weekend, a romantic retreat, or a family vacation, the Omni Barton Creek has everything you could want!

MIRAVAL, AUSTIN

COMMODORE PERRY ESTATE, AUSTIN

If you’re looking for a place to escape from the stress of everyday life, if you need peace and calm, the Miraval in Austin can provide a wellbeing space to help balance your life. From yoga and meditation to equine therapy (hey, it’s Texas, y’all!), from gardening to cooking classes, from pampering to personal growth, this resort above Lake Travis is unlike any other.

Built by retired cotton broker Edgar “Commodore” Perry in 1927, the Commodore Perry Estate is a world apart. Enjoy a picnic prepared by award-winning chefs on the manicured lawn. Ground yourself with candlelight meditation in the Sunken Garden. Sip a perfectly crafted cocktail while listening to local musicians in the Living Room. This luxurious and gracefully quixotic hotel encompasses every paradoxical delight that Austin has to offer.

photo by Divya Pande

photo by Benjamin Yanto

photo by Nick Simonite

EL COSMICO, MARFA [EDITORS’ CHOICE]

CARR MANSION, GALVESTON [EDITORS’ CHOICE]

Over the past decade, Marfa has cultivated a reputation for the luxuriously quirky. El Cosmico, a self-proclaimed nomadic hotel located on 21 acres in the desert, is a perfect expression of the Marfa vibe. You can stay in a safari tent, a yurt, an antique camper trailer, a teepee, or a mirrored micro-home. Relax in the hammock grove or ride a bike into Marfa to explore. At El Cosmico, you are guaranteed a truly Marfa experience.

In a quiet side street stands a beautiful Greek Revival mansion that houses one of the Gulf Coast’s most elegant bed and breakfasts. The Carr Mansion is the perfect mix of historic grace and modern luxury, and there is no better place for a romantic getaway. (Guests under 21 years old are not allowed.) Escape from the hustle of modern life with a weekend at Galveston’s most elegant hostelry.

21

BASECAMP TERLINGUA [EDITORS’ CHOICE] Just minutes from Big Bend National Park lies Basecamp Terlingua. From luxurious Lotus Tents to rustic tipis, from traditional adobe casitas to futuristic inflatable “bubbles,” Basecamp Terlingua offers a one-of-a kind stay. You can also bring your own tent to sleep out under the starry West Texas skies. It’s the perfect basecamp from which to explore Big Bend!

TOURING COWTOWN WITH DAWSON GRANADE TEXAS HISTORIAN A purple TCU hat adorned Dawson Granade’s head when he entered the Zoom meeting, contrasting with his light blue button-up shirt. He sat in a plush tan leather recliner, rocking as he told me stories about his childhood and Fort Worth in a rich Texas accent.

To the left of him, a bookshelf stuffed full; to the right, his wife Cindy, who was helping him set up the video call.

It’s been almost a year since Granade gave his last tour of Cowtown. Once COVID-19 hit, he shut down his one-man touring business, “Fort Worth Tours,” for the duration of the pandemic. Right before the pandemic came to town, business was booming: Granade gave two tours a day, six days a week, and had just signed a deal with one of the new hotels in the Stockyards to give presentations to its guests.

He had even been asked by the Fort Worth mayor to give the great-grandson of General William Jenkins Worth (for whom the city was named) a tour when he came to visit.

At 75, Granade has lived in Fort Worth for 73 years, moving briefly to Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls and then to Houston for a job.

Since starting his business in 2007, Granade’s rich knowledge has brought in tourists from as far as Australia, as well as locals looking to learn more about their home. His three-to-four-hour tour kicks off at a bluff overlooking the Trinity River, where he

shares the story of Fort Worth’s founding in 1849.

From there, he takes tour goers in his personal Suburban across the city, from downtown to the Stockyards to Oakwood Cemetery and everywhere in between, telling the stories of Fort Worth’s past in chronological order.

But where is Granade’s favorite place to take people?

“Oakwood Cemetery is just a treasure of history,” he explains. “... you’ve got a little bit of everything... you’ve got the richest of the rich buried alongside the poorest of the poor. You’ve got cattle barons, oil barons, famous outlaws, famous lawmen, famous madams, and prostitutes.”

At the cemetery, Granade points out important Texas figures to tour goers. To help these figures and stories come to life, guests are given a hardback binder filled with historic photos (which were hand-selected by Granade) at the beginning of the tour.

Throughout the experience, guests are instructed to flip to a certain photo, where a snapshot of an important scene or figure helps them visualize the wild west that Fort Worth once was.

Throughout our call, Granade flipped through this book, showing off pictures that are used during the tour. First, a picture of a black and white oil painting of the fort the city was named after sets the scene. Next, Granade held up the (in)famous photo of Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and their Hole-in-the-Wall gang which led to their need to flee the country. To help bring the Wild West scene to life, he showed a picture of a two-story brothel in Hell’s

Half Acre, an infamous stop on the cattle trails.

“It was eighteen square blocks of nothing but saloons, gambling halls, and bordellos. And it got a nickname... Hell’s Half Acre. And believe me, it was all of that and then some,” he laughed in a way that showed affection for and more knowledge about our city than any outsider could ever possess.

Granade got his passion for Texas and history from his dad, from whom he first learned about the deep rivalry between Dallas and Fort Worth. His dad refused to go to Dallas when Granade was growing up. This quirk came from both the historical rivalry between the two cities and a deep and lasting loyalty to TCU football.

His dad would tell him in no uncertain terms: Fort Worth is good, Dallas is evil.

When describing his father, Granade said, “My dad had four deep-seeded loves in his lifetime. Number one, my dad loved God, and he loved God more than anybody I ever knew. Number two, my dad loved my mother. Number three, he loved me and my sister. Number four,” he chuckled, “My dad loved the TCU Horned Frogs.”

Granade hopes to continue sharing his passion for Texas history with visitors and locals again once COVID has been safely contained.

However, he does plan to cut back from 12 tours a week to doing more select days. In addition, he plans on working with the Stockyard hotels and offering bus tours to interested groups of tourists and locals alike.

SNORING ISN’T SEXY...

It could be linked to serious health problems.

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by Taylor Dye

exploring the

w in e ri es in Fredericksburg

When I say the Hill Country, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? If you thought tubing down serene rivers with friends, hiking state parks, enjoying secluded waterfalls, and enjoying the United States’ fastest growing wine trail, you’d be correct. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Get me there now!” Well, you’re in luck! Fredericksburg is just a scenic four-hour road trip from Fort Worth, and it needs to be your next weekend getaway.

Fredericksburg is a small town that sits deep in the Hill Country of central Texas that has remained true to its German roots over the years. Its unique and charming family-owned businesses draw a crowd to the town. What helps the town maintain its integrity is the lack of chain restaurants and stores, says Mike Kinchen, a local business owner.

Historic downtown Fredericksburg is just that: historic.

Established in 1846, Fredericksburg does not allow chain companies to occupy the city. With over 400 cozy, family-owned bed and breakfasts, this is one of the most charming small towns in America. Clearly, there are many attractions to this quaint town, but one of the locals’ favorites is the renowned wine trail.

In 2013, Mike Kinchen and his wife started the 290 Wine Shuttle in Fredericksburg. Mike said that his business was really the solution to the biggest problem that people visiting the Fredericksburg wine trail face: enjoying all the wineries in a safe, efficient manner.

Mike and his family have been in the retail business in Fredericksburg since 1992. To say that he knows and loves this town well is an understatement. His goal in creating this convenient and flexible shuttle was to help visitors see and

by Morgan Seminaro experience all that this special place has to offer during their stay.

When the wine trail first started to grow and develop, there was no safe way for visitors to tour the many wineries along Highway 290 by car. Mike began his company by renting two 15-passenger vans that ran from downtown Fredericksburg, where most people stay when visiting, to stops at all the wineries on the trail. In the beginning, he wanted “to see how it would go, and it started taking off pretty quickly,” Mike says. “After two months, we went and bought three 15-passenger vans of our own and it grew from there.” 290 Wine Shuttle went from renting two vans, to now owning a fleet of 22 30-passenger shuttle buses, with a regular shuttle schedule running from 10 am to 6 pm every day.

Often, travelers on a road trip only pass through Fredericksburg or stay for a weekend. In this short time, they want to maximize their itineraries to be able to hit all the hot spots in town. 290 Wine Shuttle allows guests to book private tours or just hop on and hop off the shuttle for convenient stops at every winery along the wine trail.

All-inclusive private tours are a popular option — they offer for bachelorette parties, birthdays, and all types of private events. This all-inclusive option includes a stop at three of the 16 wineries on the trail of the guests’ choice, plus a stop for lunch at one of Fredericksburg’s many iconic restaurants. The most common private tour will last about five hours and allows guests to fully enjoy every stop along the way.

COVID-19 protocols and restrictions have changed almost every aspect of our lives over this past year, and wine tours are not an exception to this. 290 Wine Shuttle is taking the necessary precautions to keep their guests safe while aboard their shuttles, such as limiting the number of passengers on the shuttles at one time and requiring masks to be worn while on the shuttle. These protocols are in place in order to protect guests and staff, but they have not changed the 290 Wine Shuttle experience in the slightest.

Mike says he plans to expand his business within the next year. He wants to “add an additional shuttle route to include wineries that are not currently on our route,” creating two options for guests’ shuttle tours. 290 Wine Shuttle is constantly expanding their fleet to further accommodate special events and wedding transportation.

Fredericksburg is the perfect, coronavirus-conscious road trip from Fort Worth, or really anywhere in Texas. When you and your friends, family, or significant other are tired of the “same old, same old,” take a ride through Texas’ favorite wine country with Mike Kinchen on 290 Wine Shuttle.

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The Ghosts of War

hosts are big business. Haunted locations across the nation have become popular tourist destinations.

You can take ghost tours, stay in haunted hotels, eat in haunted restaurants.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these tours and locations are a great way to learn a little about a city’s history.

There are few states in the nation with a history as rich as Texas. And it’s not surprising that Texas history is full of tales of battles and bloodshed… and ghosts. Texas has been a battleground since pre-Columbian times. As Europeans arrived in Texas, tales of fierce tribes who slaughtered settlers began to circulate. (Of course, the Europeans were even more savage in their subjugation of the indigenous peoples.) The Texas Revolution, the American Civil War, the so-called Indian Wars – all added to the blood that soaked Texan soil.

And in many places, the ghosts of those who died are still with us. e all remember the Alamo. Site of the most famous battle in Texas history, the Alamo is also home to a number of famous ghosts. From the little boy who searches for his fallen father to the ghost of courier James Allen to Louis M. Rose, the “Coward of the Alamo” who defected before the battle, the Alamo ghosts are rightly famous.

While most only remember the Alamo, the Goliad Massacre was even more horrifying than the Alamo’s fall. Built on the San Antonio River near the Gulf by the Spanish, the Presidio la Bahia became a crossroad of major trade and military routes through South Texas. After the Mexican War of Independence, the settlement around the Presidio was named Goliad.

The Presidio was renamed Fort Defiance during the Texas Revolution, and it was here that the first declaration of Texas independence was signed. After losing the Battle of Coleto, the Texian survivors under Captain James Fannin were marched back to Goliad and held prisoner in Fort Defiance. On Palm Sunday 1836, twenty-one days after the fall of the Alamo, the entire Texian force was executed, their bodies burned by Mexican troops and left as a warning to other Texian rebels.

Today, Goliad is a quiet town. In the 1960s, a local philanthropist rebuilt Presidio la Bahia around the chapel. Our Lady of Loretto is still a functioning church, and there are stories of a woman dressed in black who appears to light a candle in memory of her fallen husband. In the

courtyard, visitors have reported hearing Spanish commands and smelling blood, and a woman has been seen looking for her son’s grave. If you are truly adventurous, you can stay overnight in the officers’ quarters. While the beds are comfortable, visitors report hearing cannon fire and weeping, along with a feeling of overwhelming dread. And the ghost of James Fannin can reported be seen sitting where he died, wounded in the leg, on a chair in the courtyard in front of the chapel. ut in the Big Bend lies the tiny town of Fort Davis. The apex of a triangle that includes Marfa and Alpine, Fort Davis has become a trendy tourist destination in the middle of the foothills of the Davis Mountains. While artists and art-lovers flock to Marfa and Alpine, Fort Davis appeals to historians and ghost hunters.

Fort Davis was established on the banks of Limpia Creek in October of 1854. Part of a line of frontier forts that stretched across West Texas up to Fort Sill in Oklahoma, the fort was established to protect settlers and travelers in the Trans-Pecos region. The fort was located near the southern end of the Great Comanche War trail, as well as several Mescalero Apache war trails, and it was the focus of numerous Comanche and Apache raids. When Texas seceded from the Union, Fort Davis became a Confederate Army outpost, although it was manned by a skeleton crew. After the Civil War, the 24th and 25th United States Infantry and the Ninth and Tenth United States Cavalry (all-Black regiments whose members were known as “buffalo soldiers”) were stationed at Fort Davis.

The ruins of the frontier fort are now part of the Fort Davis National Historic Site. Both the town and the historic site have their share of hauntings.

Visitors to the Hotel Limpia report hearing water running through their rooms and banging coming out of the walls. Campers on Limpia Creek report hearing the sounds of battle, as well as wounded men crying out in both English and MescaleroChiricahua.

However, the most famous ghost of Fort Davis is Alice Walpole. According to the legends, Alice was married to a lieutenant from Alabama and was horrified when her husband was sent to far West Texas. Desperately homesick, Alice would search Limpia Creek for wild roses to decorate their quarters. During a period of Apache raiding, Alice left the fort searching for wild roses, but she never returned. Her body was never found. To this day, people report seeing a woman in a blue cape leaving the gate, and the smell of wild roses seems to hang in the air of the officers’ quarters.

24

in southeastern Texas, where Sabine Lake empties into the Gulf of Mexico, there’s a historical marker that shows the names of Union soldiers and sailors killed in what was arguably one of the most important Confederate victories of the Civil War. The Second Battle of Sabine Pass was fought on September 8, 1863, as part of the Union’s blockade of Southern-held ports. Approximately 50 Confederate soldiers held off a Union armada of 19 vessels with over 4,000 soldiers.

Thirty names are listed on the historical marker; this doesn’t include the 22 free Blacks who fought and died alongside the Union forces. These Union soldiers are buried in a mass grave on Mesquite Point just below the pass. While the city of Port Arthur has annexed Sabine Pass and Mesquite Point, the ghosts of the Civil War still wander here.

Locals report seeing men in Civil War uniforms out on Mesquite Point. On dark nights, the sounds of cannons can be heard. Strange banshee-like wailings have been reported throughout the area.

And it’s here that the Headless Gunner of Sabine Pass walks.

During the Second Battle of Sabine Pass, the Union gunboat Clifton was captured after taking cannon fire. The Clifton’s dead included the starboard gunner; survivors reported seeing the gunner decapitated by a cannonball. The headless gunner was buried with his compatriots, but it is said his soul never rested. Sailors on barges and tankers on the way to Port Arthur still report seeing a headless man in a dark blue uniform on the bank. Locals know it’s the Headless Gunner, forever searching for his head. s you travel across Texas, be alert.

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influencing with

PURPOSE by the Madeworthy Team

Social media influencers are everywhere. However, not all influencers were made equally. Some use their platforms for more than just

advertising themselves. This issue’s Influencing with Purpose focuses on

entrepreneur Jonathan Morris, the owner of Fort Worth Barber Shop and host of Self Employed on the Magnolia Network who is about (at the time of writing) to open the Hotel Dryce across from Dickies Arena.

Where does your passion come from when promoting Fort Worth?

My passion for the city comes from a strong desire to advance the culture of our town into the future. I want to see Fort Worth become a city that is known globally for not just what it’s been, but for who it is and what it’s becoming.

What’s the best advice that you’ve ever been given?

“Everything ain’t for everybody.”

Since you are not a barber, why did you choose that as your first brick- and-mortar business?

The barber shop that I wanted to exist in Fort Worth did not exist, so I created it.

Did you learn more about business from books or from running them?

I learn best through application. There’s no better way to learn to swim than by just jumping in the pool.

What have you loved about having your own TV show?

I get to have the types of conversations that I love having with fellow entrepreneurs. I’m just as inspired by the people I get to meet on the show as I hope viewers are.

What do you think will differentiate Hotel Dryce from other local hotels?

Every element of Hotel Dryce is vetted through the lens of locals to ensure that we are creating a truly authentic representation of our city for both visitors and locals.

What’s your favorite book and why?

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It was published more than 80 years ago and yet is still an incredibly practical guide to not only growing professionally, but interpersonally.

JONATHAN’S FORT WORTH FAVORITES COFFEE SHOP

YEARLY EVENT

Black Coffee -------------------------------

Fortress Festival -------------------------------

BREAKFAST OR BRUNCH Tinie’s

Who have you always wanted to meet?

I’d love to sit down with Pharrell Williams. I’m inspired by his approach to philanthropy. He’s also about to open a new hotel.

How do you celebrate Black culture in Fort Worth?

By hiring Black people, supporting Black-owned businesses, and championing Black artists and creatives who are shaping our city’s future.

-------------------------------

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HAMBURGER JOINT

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What political or social issue motivates you to take action?

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Black Lives Matter. 2020 made me realize that so many people are threatened by the idea that our lives simply matter. I’m motivated to keep pushing for representation of Black voices and ideas in places and spaces that we are underrepresented.

26

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TA K E T H E

GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR - IN TEXAS

From Bohemian enclaves to Scottish festivals, European immigrants left a lasting influence on Texas. Those brave souls had the guts to leave their homes in search of a better life and the grit to survive in a rough-and-tumble land.

Each group brought their culture with them, weaving their food, folktales, music, and art into the rich tapestry of Texan culture. Whether you want to head out for a day tour or a weeklong road trip, you’ll encounter glimpses of Europe in Texas towns and cities where the spirit of the settlers lives on.

Start your journey in West, a small town on Interstate 35 where you’ve probably stopped for kolaches. This Czech community offers more than pastries. Thousands of Bohemian and Moravian immigrants flocked to Texas in the 1850s. Frugal and hardworking, they were looking for land and new lives in the countryside. Many followed the railroad to West in 1881. Within a decade, Czech culture and businesses were thriving.

Descendants of these early homesteaders continue to run many of the businesses in West today, where a scattering of old-timers still speak Czech. West boasts a quiet downtown with little gift shops and antique stores. Try the Czech fries at Picha’s Czech-American Restaurant, with its tin ceilings and beers served in frosty goblets.

Dive deeper into the past at the History of West Museum or check out the railroad exhibits inside the restored West Depot.

For the ultimate Czech-Texan celebration, WestFest showcases traditional crafts, cuisine, and oompah music every Labor Day weekend. There’s a polka mass and a Taroky (Czech tarot card game) tournament, plus washer tossing and carnival rides. And of course, no visit to West is complete without picking up a few kolaches for the road.

Once you’re stuffed with kolaches, drive 40 minutes west to Clifton for a touch of Norway.

Norwegians first came to Texas in 1854, drawn to the region’s broad, fertile valleys (and free land grants). These settlers spread out in a triangle between Clifton, Norse, and Cranfills Gap. You can see the stunning handiwork of the Norwegian pioneers at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, about 10 miles west of Clifton. Opened in 1875, the red brick church is still in use, and many of the original Norwegian settlers are buried in its cemetery.

If you’re into pretty steepled churches, continue to St. Olaf’s Kirke (aka the Old Rock Church), located just east of Cranfills Gap. Throughout the area, keep an eye out for old limestone homes, some restored, some crumbling, from the mid-1800s. If you’re overnighting in Clifton, you’ll find a handful of eclectic eateries, a vintage theater, and an upscale mini hotel in a converted jailhouse.

Scots loom large in the history of Texas, giving us Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett. Over 40% of the state’s original 300 colonists were of Scottish descent. These fiercely independent, freedom-loving Scots influenced the Texan identity so much that it can be difficult to spot Scottish heritage on its own.

But you won’t have that trouble in Salado. In 1824, Salado was part the land that Mexico granted to Stirling Robertson for a colony. He brought in 600 families, almost all of whom were Scottish. Today, Salado hosts the Scottish Gathering & Highland Games every November.

Strap on your kilt and kick up your heels with bagpipers and Highland dancers. Watch wild sports with medieval roots, like hammer throwing and caber tossing.

If you can’t make the festival, the Salado Museum provides historical insight and help with genealogical research. Salado’s Stagecoach Inn (built in 1861) is the oldest hotel in Texas, and there are plenty of little shops and restaurants to peruse.

Like their Norwegian cousins, most Swedish homesteaders came to Texas in the mid-1800s.

They settled farther south, around Georgetown and Austin. It wasn’t a match made in heaven; the arid climate was too different from the one they left behind. Many Swedes headed to the northern Midwest or simply went home.

But some stayed, and many of their descendants still live around New Sweden, which boasts a stunning relic from 1876: the New Sweden Lutheran Church. While the town of New Sweden has mostly disappeared, this picture-perfect chapel has a 104-foot-tall copper spire beside an unusual onion dome. Some say it’s the most photographed church in Texas.

In the 1840s, great numbers of Germans began to come to Texas, with 40,000 coming between 1865 and 1890 alone. The farmers, craftspeople, and laborers put down roots in a region from Houston through Kerrville and beyond, creating a broad “German Belt” that’s known for its tasty craft brews and barbecue.

No place in Texas is more German than Fredericksburg, where many of the original settlers’ limestone and half-timber houses still stand. Many are “Sunday Houses,” a phenomenon unique to Fredericksburg. Farmers lived in the countryside but built small homes in town to stay when they attended church. Many Sunday houses have been restored, upgraded, and turned into B&Bs. Stroll to Marketplatz (the main square) to find a replica of the original 19th-century octagonal church, Vereins Kirche. Two blocks away is the Pioneer Museum, where pecan trees shade 35 acres of historical buildings including a smokehouse, log cabin, and one-room schoolhouse. This popular getaway is home to beer gardens, breweries, and German restaurants, plus plenty of shops and wineries. Whether or not you’re one of the 3 million Texas of German descent, you can have a blast at festivals like Oktoberfest, Sangerfest, and Schuetzenfest.

Sailing from Spain in 1527, conquistador Cabeza de Vaca was the first European to set foot in Texas.

Spain dominated Texas for the next three centuries as explorers introduced the guns and germs that would forever change the world – not to mention the cattle, horses, and ranching lifestyle integral to the Texan identity. Spain’s widespread impact comes to a peak in San Antonio at the most famous Spanish mission in America: the Alamo.

The Alamo was founded in 1718, joining a string of Spanish outposts designed to convert the natives to Catholicism (and to show France who was boss in the New World). Before the Texas Revolution, the Alamo was a self-sufficient microcosm of Spanish civilization, from religious education to farming and textile production.

Today, this symbol of courage is still surrounded 28

by Spain’s indelible imprint.

One of the first French visitors to Texas was the pirate Jean Lafitte, who organized a shortlived “kingdom” on Galveston Island in 1817.

In 1842, Henri Castro, an officer in Napoleon’s army, obtained a colony contract, settling 2,000 people from Alsace-Lorraine there. Located in northeastern France on the border with Germany, Alsace-Lorraine is a distinct mix of both cultures, which the farmers brought to their new home: Castroville.

Castroville is distinctly Alsatian. Combining French flair with German precision, the pioneers constructed small half-timbered homes with steeply pitched roofs. Many still exist, giving tiny Castroville an air of rustic elegance. Several have been converted into B&Bs, which is convenient for antiquing and enjoying the outstanding Alsatian bakeries downtown.

Head east to discover Eastern Europe in Serbin, established by a people you’ve probably never heard of: the Wends. While the Wends came from what is now Germany, they are ethnically Slavic, with their own folklore, food, and dress.

The Wends arrived in the 1850s, speaking Sorbian, a language akin to Polish and Russian, and seeking religious freedom. St. Paul Lutheran Church is a beautiful example of Wendish architecture, with the pulpit in the front balcony. Next door is the original log church/schoolhouse, along with the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum, which documents Slavic heritage, from traditional black wedding dresses to elaborately decorated Easter eggs.

Nearby Giddings is also a notable Wendish site with several 19th-century buildings and small museums. The quaint stop has dozens of eateries plus ice cream parlors, murals, and an antique carousel.

On the northern edge of Port Arthur lies Nederland. Founded by the Dutch in 1897, it was advertised in Old World newspapers as a “tropical paradise” with land selling for $8 per acre. The flat, coastal terrain was similar to lowlying Holland, but the climate certainly was not.

Early arrivals battled alligators, malaria, and hurricanes. The Dutch grew rice and started the area’s dairy industry, but the success of the colony was ensured with the discovery of oil nearby at Spindletop in 1901.

As their language died out in the 1970s, Dutch descendants constructed the three-story Dutch Windmill Museum to preserve their heritage.

This authentic replica houses quirky artifacts like wooden shoes, and its gift shop is stocked with imported treats from Holland.

People from these nine European ethnic groups joined many others to shape Texas as we know it. Their histories have joined to create the Texan identity that we share today. So raise a glass and celebrate all the cultures that make Texas one-ofa-kind.

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Museum Hopping SAN A N

T H R O U G H

TEXAS

by Madeworthy Team

Wherever you travel in Texas, there is bound to be a museum. From the small-town history museum to the big city art museum, you’re never far away from an interesting exhibit or a fascinating historical tableau.

To narrow down the best museums in Texas would be a downright impossible task, but for our readers, the Madeworthy editorial staff has done the next best thing: we’ve assembled some of the most interesting exhibitions coming to museums in Texas’ biggest cities this year. As you plan your vacations to Austin, San Antonio, Houston, or Dallas, remember these!

(Please note: at the time of writing, not all museums had opened or information about upcoming exhibitions)

T

IO, TX N O Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western, 5/29/21 to 9/6/21

In the early 20th century, the Western was the most popular movie genre in America. But the popularity of “oaters” declined, and critics claimed the Western was dead. Boy, were they wrong!

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San Antonio travel suggestions provided by Kaleigh Kirkpatrick of The Shameless Tourist, a Virtuoso Member Agency Splurge Hotel

Fun Shopping Area

Hotel Emma

You have to make a trip to the Pearl for Dos Carolinas.

They make custom guayaberas. There’s also Feliz Modern – make sure to eat at Cured after. Also, I like Market Square, right next to Mi Tierra! Alamo Heights area has fun boutiques, and you can eat at the nearby Cappy’s or at Le Etoile (French)

Resort-Feel Hotel La Cantera

Value Hotel Hotel Contessa

Restaurants Not To Miss The Guenther House, Cured, and Mi Tierra Cafe are three of my favorites!

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BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM

3/4/21 to 9/19/21

In this collection of mixed media installations by Martine Guiterrez, Yayoi Kusama, Sandy Skoglund, Jennifer Steinkamp, and Fort Worth’s own Letitia Huckaby (wife of Sedrick Huckaby, mentioned earlier), you are invited to think outside the box. The possibilities are, to coin a phrase, limitless.

THE SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART America’s Impressionism: Echoes of a Revolution, 6/11/21 to 9/5/21

Impressionism is one of the most popular and most enduring art movements in the history of art. American artists, many trained in France, were influenced by French impressionists, but they put a distinctly American twist to the movement.

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BULLOCK MUSEUM Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow, 6/19/21 to 11/28/21

After the Civil War ended, America entered into Reconstruction. All persons born in the United States were considered citizens. But there was a harsh backlash after Reconstruction, consisting of “separate but equal” laws. In light of the events of the last year, this exhibit is more important than ever.

NEILL-COCHRAN HOUSE MUSEUM Prominent Upon a Hill: The Unlikely Birth and Growth of

This exhibition explores innovations in draftsmanship that was associated with American Pop Art, one of the most significant art movements of the 20th century.

THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON

Georges Bemberg was an Argentinian-born, French writer, pianist, and art enthusiast whose collection spans from the 14th century through the early part of the 20th century. This exhibition features works by some of the most famous artists of the French school.

If you had suggested in 1836 that a group of four families’ farms and an animal stockade would become the capital of a state and one of the most populous cities in the United States, the laughter would have been deafening. “Prominent Upon a Hill” charts the growth of Austin from a small settlement through history to the booming metropolis it is today.

Turn On, Tune In, Tap Out, 5/13/21 to 8/9/21

A group exhibition of over 30 Houston-area teen artists, “Turn On, Tune In, Tap Out” focuses on our relationship between our bodies and screens, in a variety of artistic mediums.

THE BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART

Austin travel suggestions provided by Angie Herdman of Intentional Itineraries and the ladies of Sanders Travel Center Splurge Hotel

Fun Shopping Area

Commodore Perry

Grove Hill

Most Hip Sought After Hotel

Restaurants Not To Miss

Saint Ceclia

The Red Ash, Justine’s, Jeffrey’s, Franklin Barbecue

Value Hotel East Austin Hotel

Bars Dry Creek, The Four Seasons bar

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A high-end and trendy option with the best rooftop pool in town, The Joule is your best bet.

Another hotel option: if you are looking for a more classic and intimate vibe with a European flare, The Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek is a historic Dallas staple.

Go to the Taste of Texas.

I also love El Tiempo for Mexican food and margaritas. The Rustic is my go-to for a familystyle brunch and live music. Caracol is another great Mexican option.

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Fun Shopping Area

Anywhere on 19th street in the Heights is great for

Lynda Benglis, 5/21/21 to 9/18/21

Over the course of five decades, Lynn Benglis has explored a range of sculpting mediums from bronzes to decorative glitter.

This exhibit will focus on three bodies of Benglis’ work.

Dallas travel suggestions provided by Sydney Patterson Travel, independent consultant for In the Know Experience Splurge Hotel

Restaurants Not To Miss

souvenirs and boutiques.

My personal fav would be Jubilee. And of course, the Galleria is worldfamous, and while not quite a secret, if you’ve never been before, it’s a must.

NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER

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Sedrick Huckaby, 5/29/21 to 12/5/21

Fort Worth-based artist (and the subject of a Madeworthy cover story) Sedrick Huckaby’s “greatest achievement is giving voice to the overlooked, overworked, and oppressed through art with a powerful presence and an unshakable belief of every person’s unconditional worth.”

(Madeworthy, Issue 18, March/April 2020)

Marriott Marquis and their Texas-shaped pool

Bemberg Collection, 6/27/21 to 9/19/21

CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON

Post Oak hotel and their spa would be my favorite

Value Hotel

Impressionism to Modernism: Monet to Matisse from the

Austin, 12/20 through 5/21

Splurge Hotel

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Draw Like a Machine: Pop Art, 1952-1975, 10/29/21 to 3/13/22

Houston travel suggestions provided by Kaleigh Kirkpatrick of The Shameless Tourist, a Virtuoso Member Agency

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THE MENIL COLLECTION

DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART Van Gogh and the Olive Groves, 10/17/21 to 2/6/22

I am a sucker for Tootsie’s in Preston Center!

Vincent Van Gogh painted a series of at least 15 paintings of olives groves in and around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence during his stay in the local asylum during 1889. This is the first exhibition dedicated to these painting, highlighting new discoveries about Van Gogh’s techniques, materials, and palettes.

Value Hotel

THE CROW MUSEUM OF ASIAN ART

Virgin Hotels or Thompson Dallas

Divine Spark: Kana Harada, 1/30/21 to 9/5/21

Fun Shopping Area

Restaurants Not To Miss Beverly’s Dallas! Their weekend brunch and dinner are both outstanding!

Part of a multi-year series dedicated to spotlighting the work of emerging and established Texas-based Asian women artists, this exhibition features works by Harada created during the global coronavirus pandemic.

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