City Guide: Fort Worth, TX

When Fort Worth crosses your mind, here's what you should do--pack up the car, put on this playlist and drive until you see the friendly, twinkling lights of Funky Town.

I like to think that Fort Worth is one of the best kept secrets in the southern US. Even with a growing population of 750,000, the city feels as casual and approachable as a small town. But not to worry, there's still plenty to do. Whether you're an art aficionado, coffee enthusiast, cowboy or foodie, Fort Worth offers a little slice of something for everyone. Here's a guide to my favorite places around Cowtown:

EAT

Railhead BBQ 
2900 Montgomery Street
  This is a great casual place to get delicious barbecue and watch a football game, sitting under the glow of neon beer signs. I'm also a fan of their cheeky t-shirts that say "Life's too short to live in Dallas."

Thai Select
4630 Southwest Loop 820
Don't be fooled by appearances. This small restaurant may be located in a nondescript strip center, but it's the best, authentic Thai food I've found in Fort Worth.

King Tut
1512 West Magnolia Avenue
I first visited this restaurant after returning from a trip to Egypt with an appetite for Mediterranean cuisine. The owner is so sweet and eager to share stories about his homeland. The entrees are flavorful and well-priced. My favorite thing about the restaurant is the cheesy decorations--including kitschy tablecloths and golden sphinxes.

Spiral Diner & Bakery
1314 West Magnolia Avenue
A cool vegan restaurant that you don't have to be vegan to like. The decor is fun & they've got a great drink menu. Don't try to go on a Monday because they're closed "for a day of rest."

Shinjuku Station
711 West Magnolia Avenue
Named after the famous train station in Tokyo, this Japanese restaurant has a memorable ambiance and menu. Order "tapas style" and try the roasted shishito peppers and seaweed salad. Request to sit outside if the weather is fair and if you have to wait, order a drink by the bar. It's fun to watch the bartenders make the specialty cocktails right in front of you. I highly recommend the Shinjuku Old-Fashioned.

Esperanza's
2122 N Main St
Anyone from Fort Worth will tell you that Joe T. Garcia's is one of the best Mexican restaurants in town. When it comes to atmosphere, I have to agree, but as far as food is concerned, I actually prefer their sister restaurant next door. Esperanza's has a bakery with hard to find Mexican pastries, and their breakfast is terrific. I always order the migas.

The Woodshed
3201 Riverfront Drive
The latest venture of local celebrity chef, Tim Love, this smokehouse is perfectly nestled on the Trinity River. It boasts a menu of salads, sandwiches, tacos, barbecue, and family-style dishes. The patio is the ideal place to enjoy one of the 25 craft beers on tap with friends, and there is often live music in the evenings.

Food Trucks
Both the Fort Worth Food Park and Cowtown Chow Down have a rotating schedule of food trucks, live music events, and free wifi. If you want a quick and cheap eat that's also unusual, check out the hours and schedule on their websites.

Fuzzy's Taco Shop
2917 West Berry Street
Maybe I just love this place because it was one of my old college haunts, but their fish tacos are really amazing, topped with feta, cilantro, and tomatoes. Order chips & queso for the table--you won't be sorry.

DRINK

The Flying Saucer
111 East 3rd Street
Admittedly, I haven't been here since they moved from the historic Land Title Block building, but their beer selection is unbeatable. (It's the only place in town I can find my favorite German schwarzbier.) They offer daily specials and trivia night is on Tuesdays.

The Library Bar
611 Houston Street
I don't enjoy the weekend crowd at the Library, but if you're up for some Tuesday night socializing, go play "Not Your Grandma's Bingo" at 10 pm and drink $1 Tecates.

Embargo
210 East 8th Street
You either love it or hate it, but this latin club's mojitos are legendary. They also sponsor free salsa lessons for those of us who are rhythmically challenged and dance competitions for those who aren't.

Pete's Dueling Piano Bar
621 Houston Street
Always a crowd-pleaser, Pete's is a fun place for big groups or if you just feel like a good old-fashioned sing-along.

Capital Bar
3017 Morton Street 
When the weather is nice, the backyard is the place to see and be seen. Live music or DJ, there is always musical entertainment and dancing at Capital. No cover charge on Wednesday and Thursday.

Bar Louie
2973 West 7th Street
Bar Louie is usually crowded, but the atmosphere is chill. The cocktails are pricey but delicious. Though the rooftop bar no longer offers much of a view, it's still picturesque and nice on a summer night.

Rahr & Sons Brewery

701 Galveston Avenue
A local brewery that offers tours, events, and collectible pint glasses.

BE MERRY

Blue Mesa
1600 S. University Drive
The best bargain for Happy Hour. $4 drinks and a free quesadilla & nacho bar that doesn't skimp on portions. Get there early; the patio is always packed.

Gloria's

2600 West 7th Street #175
The best margaritas in town and a Happy Hour that lasts all day Monday-Thursday. They should just call it Happy Days.

WAKE UP

Avoca Coffee
1311 West Magnolia Avenue
This is my go-to coffee place in Fort Worth. There are just enough seats and outlets to accommodate busy bodies on their laptops, and the coffee is amazing. Did I mention they often have free samples of Dude, Sweet Chocolate? Coffee, free wifi, AND chocolate! I think I'll just move in, thanks.

Paris Coffee Shop
704 West Magnolia Avenue
Not a coffee shop at all. It's actually a diner with a cheap and delicious breakfast menu. Very southern--think cheesy grits and biscuits with gravy. I include it here, because the drip coffee is surprisingly good.

Buon Giorno Coffee
915 Florence Street
A favorite of students and local musicians, Buon Giorno also makes a really mean cup of coffee. And by mean, I mean sensational.

Stay Wired
2918 West Berry Street

What this coffee house lacks in charm, it makes up for in a really smooth cappuccino. Also a computer repair shop, they can fix your laptop while you sip your coffee.

BRUNCH

Blue Mesa
1600 S. University Drive
Yes, the same place that is famous for its happy hour also has an incredibe Sunday brunch. The buffet is $18.95 for adults and $6.95 for children, but it includes an overwhelming spread of southwestern food as well as bottomless mimosas.

Sapristi Wine Bistro

2418 Forest Park Blvd

The first time I went to Sunday brunch at Sapristi, I opened the door to hear laughter and glasses clinking--always a good sign. The food is delicious and worth the occasional splurge. And no brunch is complete without a mimosa or bellini--both are good here.

SHOP

Stella's
3460 Bluebonnet Circle
Named after an adorable Jack Russell terrier, Stella's is a "shop of shops" and a great place to find unique jewelry and clothing.

Beehive
5122 Camp Bowie Blvd
A trendy boutique with the latest styles at prices that won't break the bank.

Cattle Barn Flea Market
Cattle Barn #1, Will Rogers Complex on Gendy St & Harley Ave
A true flea market inside a historic cattle barn, this weekly event defines everything I love about Fort Worth--it's hip, yet unpretentious. Stop in on Saturday or Sunday for bargains on costume jewelry, collectibles, old trunks, you name it.

Montgomery Antique Mall
2601 Montgomery Street
This antique house is massive with over 240 vendors. Anyone from avid collectors to casual browsers will find a souvenir to take home.

PLAY

The Stockyards
Directions here.
No visit to Fort Worth is complete without a trip to the historic Stockyards. It's where Fort Worth gets its nickname, Cowtown. Watch the cattle drive, explore the maze, and shop for cowboy boots and souvenirs.

Billy Bob's Texas
2520 Rodeo Plaza

Step inside the world's largest honky tonk and reaffirm all the stereotypes you have of Texas. Learn to two-step, watch the bull riders, and catch a concert inside the dancehall where music legends were born. Billy Bob's is like its own world, but everyone must experience it once.

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
3400 Burnett Tandy Dr

Established in 1896, the FWSS&R is one of the oldest around. It's definitely worth checking out if you're visiting in January or February.

Kimbell Art Museum
3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard 
My favorite art museum in Fort Worth, the Kimbell has an impressive permanent collection, world famous rotating exhibitions, and a delicious lunch buffet.

Trinity Trails
The Trinity River runs right through the heart of Fort Worth and right alongside is 40 miles worth of trails for walking, jogging, or cycling. Many improvements and projects are being planned for the Trinity River, so I imagine it will be an even cooler area 5-10 years from now.

The Botanic Garden
3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard

Escape from the city. Pack a picnic, fly a kite, or throw around a frisbee on the lawns of this 109-acre park. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest in Texas and the perfect place to take a walk or lie in the grass with a good book.

***

I recently returned from a weekend trip to the Fort to say "see you later" to my college friends and old stomping ground. Saying goodbye to the city that had become my home was not easy, and I know I will miss many of the places I've listed here in this guide. Even though I'm off to a new destination right now, I like to believe I'll be back one day--maybe even permanently. Happy trails to you, Fort Worth, until we meet again.

Back to Backpack

There's something about the end of summer and backpacks that seem to go hand-in-hand. Just in time for back to school, or your next hiking adventure, these day packs will keep everything you need within easy reach. Whether you're carrying books, a map and compass, or lip gloss, you can count on one of these backpacks to do the job. Consider your backpack your new best friend--dependable, supportive, and willing to go wherever you go--it's got your back.

Shop the backpacks above by clicking on the picture,
or for additional styles, check out the collections at
Urban Outfitters, Herschel Supply, and Duluth Pack. 

12 Reasons Why I'm Taking a Gap Year

In 19 days, I'm moving to Australia! My plan? Well, I don't really have one. I'm going on a one-way ticket with a working holiday visa and a backpack, and I hope to spend approximately 6 months traveling the country while working temp jobs along the way. Perhaps you're wondering why anyone would do this. It may seem foolish, irrational, and impractical to you. But here are 12 reasons why I've decided to take a gap year and maybe why you should too:

1. I'm young. And as Anthony Bourdain said, "If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel— as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them —  wherever you go." And that's exactly what I intend to do.
2. Sometimes I make impulsive decisions. This one tops the list.
3. I've caught a chronic case of the travel bug.
4. I'm broke now, so it's not as if I'm going to miss a salaried paycheck while I'm making minimum wage.
5. By working temp jobs and traveling to new cities, I hope to grow my global network and be exposed to a variety of industries and companies. And maybe, just maybe this experience will give me some direction toward a career.
6. Say all you want about how this economy sucks, but those entry level jobs-- they're still going to be there when I get back. I have my whole life to spend working at a serious job. What's the rush?
7. Thus far, I've been able to divide my international journeys into the following categories: volunteering, studying, and working. I want to add a fourth category--wandering.
8. I'm a naturally curious person. I've never been to Australia. With its miles of gorgeous coastline, funny accents, kangaroos, surfing, and diving, what's not to like? I want to unearth the secrets of this mysterious island/country/continent.
9. I really don't like cold weather. By leaving in September, I will catch the beginning of the Australian spring, escaping the cold weather for an entire year. Take that, winter!
10. I want to learn to live simply. There's something so freeing about being able to carry all you own on your back. Occasionally during college, I found myself caught in a web of materialism, always wanting something more. I hope to prove to myself that I can be happy without owning lots of things--that less is really more.
11. I want to give writing a serious go. People have always told me that you should pursue what you love--whatever it is that you lose track of time doing. For me, that thing has always been writing. I hope to develop my skills, build a portfolio, and learn to be a great storyteller. 
12. If there's anything I've learned in my 22 years, it's that life is short. One moment you're sitting down to a dinner of leftover lasagna, waiting for the final member of the table to walk through the door, except he never does. Last semester, I waited on an email response from a professor, only to discover that she would never lecture again. There are no guarantees in life--not even tomorrow. If there's something you want to do, you should do it. Our lives are a collection of experiences and moments. Going to Australia, scuba diving, driving on the left side of the road, surfing, and building campfires on the beach--these are all things I want to experience, and I've decided to do them now rather than hope I can do them later. I hope you'll do the same.

What are you waiting for? Take that leap of faith. 

{image via}

Vintage Shopping in Austin

Austin, Texas is one of my favorite cities in the US, and every time I visit, I try to spend some time shopping in one of the many vintage boutiques. Why buy vintage? A lot of people don't understand it, claiming that vintage is just a fancy word for old. There are a several reasons I enjoy shopping at thrift, resale, & vintage stores: 1) It's sustainable. 2) Fashion is cyclical. Yesterday's fads are tomorrow's trends. 3) It's an easy way to add an individual touch to your wardrobe. Wearing unique, recycled pieces means you're not going to be caught wearing the same outfit as your best friend, coworker, or professor. 4) It allows me to be creative. Strolling through a vintage shop turns the wheels in my imagination, trying to envision how an outdated dress could be styled for modern wearing.  With that said, here are a few of my favorite vintage stores in Austin:

Prototype Vintage Design

1700 1/2 S. Congress Ave. (entrance on Milton St.)

Prototype is my favorite vintage spot in Austin. It's well-organized and has a killer t-shirt selection as well as a few pieces of retro furniture and decor. The owners tend to select pieces that are well-suited for modern style and their prices are reasonable. Don't miss this one!

I picked up this acid wash button down and square scarf from Prototype.

Feathers

1700-B S. Congress Ave.

Right next door to Prototype and well-worth a stop, Feathers has amazing vintage pieces that are worthy of a New York boutique. The prices tend to be a little higher but aren't outrageous when you consider that many of the clothes are designer label. The store has a great aesthetic and I always feel inspired after browsing the collection of dresses, handbags, shoes, and jewelry.

Uncommon Objects

1512 S. Congress Ave.

A SoCo classic which everybody should experience as least once, Uncommon Objects is a treasure trove of antiques, furniture, vintage maps, salvaged jewelry, and trinkets. It's like rummaging through your grandma's attic, but so much better!

Off the Wall

1704 S Congress Ave.

Off the Wall has an awesome selection of furniture, antiques, and collectibles as well as vintage cowboy boots and handbags. The owners are friendly and knowledgeable, and it's easy to lose track of time as you sift through the many shelves of curiosities and odds and ends.

New Bohemia

1606 S. Congress Ave.

With styles from the 40s to the 90s, New Bohemia maintains a rotating collection of vintage frocks, boots, handbags, and jewelry. Browse the sale rack outside and admire the glittery store sign.

Cream Vintage

2532 Guadalupe St.

With over ten years of experience, multiple locations, and more than 15,000 vintage pieces in stock, Cream  knows what's up. Their location on the Drag at UT has sale bins for rummaging and they offer in-store alterations.

***

Consider this a beginner's guide to vintage shopping in Austin. The list is short, but it's concentrated in two areas and easy to do in one afternoon. I hope to improve it in the future, adding new stores and photos. Did I miss your favorite shop? Where should I go on my next trip to Austin?

Moonrise Kingdom: Taking Fashion Cues from a Twelve Year-Old

Summertime is for movie watching. At least that's the case when you live in a small town and there's not much else to do. My favorite film I've seen this summer is Wes Anderson's new flick-- Moonrise Kingdom. The story takes place in a tiny New England town where two twelve year-old misfits fall in love and run away from home. Sounds cheesy? Well...it is, but in the adorable summer camp romance sort-of-way that only Wes Anderson can create. It's packed with hilarious one-liners and a great soundtrack. If you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend it.

The quirky and imaginative adventures of Sam and Suzy made me want to put on a Francoise Hardy record, pack a picnic and go camping with my kitten. I've always had a thing for 1960s fashion, and I love how little Suzy's micro-mini dresses are on trend with the contrasting collars seen in stores today.

Want to copy Suzy Bishop's style? Slip into one of these darling dresses.
They give a subtle nod to the past, but are totally wearable today.
Click on the picture to shop this look.

Summertime in Texas

Summer seems to be the longest season in Texas with warm weather beginning in May and continuing until October, and ever since I was a child, it's been my favorite. Days are endlessly sunny and full of possibilities. Responsibilities are few. The freezer is full of Blue Bell ice cream and there are ice cubes in my coffee. What more could a girl ask for? Sure, the sidewalks are hot enough to fry an egg on and the mosquitoes are unavoidable, but once you're thoroughly doused in bug spray there are many places to escape the heat--at a river, lake, beach, or natural pool. Texas summer nights are peppered with the brightest stars. Mine have been spent watching movies, playing pool, or gathered around a campfire with friends, Shiner Bock beers, and s'mores. The summer may be flying by quickly but I want to treasure its fleeting joys--bare feet, end of season sales, carnival rides, sangria and sundresses.

Time for a Change

Maybe you've noticed a few changes here on the blog-- a new name, URL, and design. So what gives? This redesign is something I've contemplated for quite a while now. The blog's previous name, Rose-Colored Travels, emphasized seeing the world through rose-colored lenses, appreciating the beauty  in everything you see. And while I still consider positivity to be my number one trait, I've realized that writing with a completely optimistic outlook is only possible when you spend a short amount of time in a place. This was the result when I traveled abroad on Semester at Sea, visiting nine new countries and not spending more than a week in each one. As a tourist with only a few days in a city or country, there is just time enough to see all the wonderful things that place has to offer. Your days are filled with museums, cafes, historic churches, breathtaking landscapes, and photo opps. Things changed when I spent three months in Germany last summer for an internship. My stay was long enough to watch the charm dissipate and the skies turn grey--to absorb the culture shock, to realize the negative aspects, to develop homesickness. 

In one month, I will be leaving on my next adventure--backpacking in Australia. And since I've never considered myself the outdoorsy type, I thought Hiking in Heels would be an appropriate name for this next chapter of travel. This title will allow me to combine my love of travel and writing with fashion. I want my travelogues to be a more honest portrayal of the places I visit, the people I meet, and the lessons I learn. I hope to move beyond the stereotypes, clichés, and glittering generalities. There is so much change happening in my life right now--saying "see you later" to college friends, moving back home, and getting ready to move away again. Though change is scary, it can also feel like a breath of fresh air. I hope the changes on this blog will inspire you to have adventures of your own. I can't wait to share mine with you!