I’ll admit it: I’ve never played Disc Golf (or, as some call it, Frisbee Golf). Here’s another admission: I’ve always wanted to. I’m not sure why I haven’t gotten around to making the leap yet. It only takes a few bucks to buy the right “clubs”, and especially here in North Texas, there is an insane amount of courses to sling the wobbly discs around.

Perhaps you’re like me and you’ve wanted to get rolling on this seemingly cool and laid-back way to spend some time? Perhaps you’re unlike me and have been on the Disc Golf wagon for years, but aren’t sure where the courses for you to play are? For those who live in North Texas, it might be shocking to see how many courses there are, actually. From Rowlette to Grapevine, from Garland to Carrollton, from McKinney to Irving there are dozens within the D/FW Metroplex and surrounding areas alone.

Hey, there’s even a pretty major tourney going on in Dallas this coming weekend. The Cedar Hill Open takes place on June 18th and 19th at Lester Lorch Park, just south of Dallas. 

As it turns out, there are tons of helpful websites that can assist an aspiring Disc Golfer, or an experienced one, in any number of ways. Check it out…

• Where To Play?: Disc Golf Scene.Com
• What Others Are Saying About the Courses?: DG Course Review.Com
• Where to Get the Right Equipment?: Disc Nation.Com or Innova Discs.Com



 Ah, summer in Texas. Rangers’ baseball, 100+ heat, (and this year), Dallas Mavericks playoff basketball, and tubing the rivers of the Hill Country.

I can only hope that this post doesn’t find you residing in a scenario where you have yet to take part in one of the most holy, quintessentially Texan of all traditions. Tubing the Guadalupe, or Comal for that matter, is an experience that few other states can offer.

Simply put: If you haven’t yet. It’s about time to get to it. Below are some resources available to help you in your quest for the spirit of Texas summers…

Gruene Texas - It’s kind of crazy how one small town can have just about everything you need for a fun day of tubing. River outfitters, great restaurants and, in case you haven’t made the connection yet: The legendary Gruene Hall. Texas’ grandest and oldest dance hall. If tunes are blaring from the open widows that line the walls of this hollowed palace, than it’s time to get on in and grab a cold one.

• For Tubing: Rockin’ R River Rides
• For Shopping: Lone Star Music
• For Dining: The Grist Mill
• For Live Music: Gruene Hall
• For More Drinks and Live Music: Tavern in the Gruene
  

Also, check out the Comal River for tubing good-times…

• For Tubing: Comal River Tubing 
• For Good Times, Brew and Tunes: River Road Ice House
• For Cabin Rentals: River City Resorts

OK, that’s enough to at least get you started. Believe us, it’s almost a deal where you will have a hard time convincing other Texan’s that you’re a real Texan if you can’t say you’ve tubed the river. It’s kind of like saying you haven’t seen Willie Nelson live in-concert, or paid your respects at the Alamo…wait, you have done those things, right??



OK, this is a post with two messages for you (especially if you’re reading this and are the owner of a business). We here at Best of Texas and BestBuzz pride ourselves of creating innovative ways for not only business owners to market their enterprise, but for consumers of all types to enjoy the wares that we are helping them get such great deals on.

I know it’s easy for us to get on this blog and tell you we’re offering such great channels for both businesses and shoppers, so we want to give you some real-live, out-on-the-street proof about how this is such a wonderful tool. Oh, and for any of you parents out there, looking to get the perfect hair cut for your kiddo, you’ll want to catch this too!

One of the many businesses taking advantage of the marketing power that BestBuzz (our mobile marketing app that connects businesses and consumers) offers is The Kid Salon in Allen, TX. Again, we don’t want you to take our word for it. Just let Jim Berrios, of The Kid Salon tell you through this letter we recently recieved from him, thanking BestBuzz for the positive effect his business has seen from the program…

“Even though we have only been with the Best Buzz family for a short while. We are seeing and hearing a tremendous amount of excitment from our customers. They think it’s fun, cool, and easy. They really love that they can share their discounts with their Facebook friends so effortlessly. Personally, as a small business owner, I love the control this amazing tool gives me to better market my business. Best Buzz gives me very easy-to-use, yet very detailed reporting and editing options. I can check our marketing buzz or change our discount as much as I want, even while I wait in the car pickup line for my kids after school. No more coupons for my customers to worry about, and no more frequent runs to the printer for me, which saves me time and money!”

See? If this sounds good to you and you want to learn more about how we can help your business reach more people in a way that you haven’t imagined, then please let us know.

Also, while you’re at it, giveThe Kid Salon BestBuzz page a look to see what kind of deals you can take advantage of today!

Etsy.Com, an on-line outlet for crafts-people and artists looking for a new-media way of getting in-touch with their customers also likes to help get those same creators in touch with the art-loving public in the old-fashioned way, as well.

On June 4, in Denton at the Denton Arts Council Center for the Performing Arts, the Etsy Denton group will be hosting its first full-on arts & crafts show. Just by taking one look at the main Etsy website, it’s clear to see that we’re not merely talking crocheted doilies that grandmas everywhere seem to adore. We’re talking real art with real vision and true, hand-made distinction. So, get on up there and help support the hand-made, local arts!

From the press release:

This spectacular event in Denton will bring together the best of 100% handmade goods and indie crafters. The Etsy Denton Summer Bazaar will take place on June 4, 2011 at the Greater Denton Arts Council Center for Visual Arts. This is the first Summer bazaar for Etsy Denton, following a quaint, yet well received ‘Barn Sale’ in Fall 2010.

The vendor list for the Etsy Denton Summer Bazaar includes over 30 of the most creative people in the Denton Area, selling everything from furniture, home goods, jewelry, accessories, ceramics, bags, purses, woodworking, kid and baby items, art and paper goods, yarn, and more, all with a unique twist. The event is indoor, climate controlled, and family friendly.  There will be snacks and drinks. Admission is free.

Etsy Denton is a collection of independent artists, crafters, and designers in the Denton  area who sell their goods on Etsy.com. It was founded in 2010 to collectively promote members’ businesses, spread the word about the benefits of buying local handmade products, and to provide camaraderie amongst the Denton craft community. Their mission is to spread knowledge and increase marketplace participation of handmade goods.

Etsy Denton strives to make this happen by creating an environment where artists and crafters can connect, network, and form friendships around their common handmade interests, as well as hosting community craft fairs to promote artists, crafters, and other creative types.

 When:  Saturday June 4, 2011 – 10AM to 4 PM

Where: Greater Denton Arts Council Center for Visual Arts

400 E. Hickory Street, Denton, Texas 76201

Admission: Free

The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano has been a great deal sweeter in recent months. The mall’s most delectable tenant, Sugar Queen Cupcakes has been slinging icing-topped guilt-givers and has been picking up all sorts of praise along the way.
Perhaps most notably, Sugar Queen’s Berry Pecan Cupcake was named as The Official Cupcake for the State of Texas. Beating out many other bakers, our state government was able to get something right. Of course, that’s but one of many addictive flavors feature at the shop, located not too far from the shopping center’s food court area. Cream Cheese Lime, Mint Chocolate Truffle, Italian Cream and yes, even good ol’ chocolate and vanilla are featured daily. If you think you can, you are able to leave with only one treat, but good luck with that. one glimpse into the bright room of sweets and it’s more likely you’ll walk out with a box or two.
It stands to reason that the Official Cupcake of Texas would be an ideal match for giving readers of Best of Texas a sweet deal or two. Head on over to Sugar Queen’s Best Buzz page and see how you can take advantage of a special that’s available to BestBuzz users only. Hint: It involves buying some cupcakes and getting even more for free (wink wink, nudge nudge).

Of course, to take advantage of this offer, or any of the other great deals that BestBuzz App users are regularly offered, you need to download the App onto your iPhone or onto you nifty Adnroid.

While Dallas get its share of love as a place of top notch dining establishments, both of quality and quantity, people tend to forget that there are foodie havens in the area that aren’t guarded by stuffy maitre-d’s, or regularly hosting adventurous, chef’s table experiences.

One of those havens is easily Scardello Artisan Cheese. The Oak Lawn shop has garnered a reputation not only for fine cheeses, but for teaching its patrons about them and the many ways in which cheese can liven up any meal or party.

Here are some of the classes that are offered soon:

Beer vs. Wine Smackdown! 

Thursday, May 5, 7:00pm 

Which is truly the better pair with cheese? Will wine lovers shake their stems in the agony of defeat? Will beer lovers mourn by crying into their…well…beer? Even if you know the answers to these vexing questions, who wouldn’t love the experience of putting these two elixirs to the test? Each of the five rounds consists of one cheese, one wine and one beer. You will talk about pairing in general and specific impressions of each pair. There will be a vote and a winner. What truly is cheese’s best partner? You will decide!

Cheese 101 – WINNER OF D MAGAZINE’S BEST OF BIG D! 

Thursday, May 19, 7:00pm 

Join them as they nibble their way through the different cheese types. Experience comparative tastings of cheese and out-of-the-ordinary items that will help you focus on the distinct flavors of each cheese type. They will cover the basics on how cheese is made and answer questions about cheese pairing fundamentals. Of course, there will be soothing libations provided to be enjoyed in the relaxing atmosphere of the shop! 

The Blues

Thursday, May 26, 7:00pm

Blue, green and in-between! Those lovely veins running through blue cheese make the mouth tingle in anticipation. Learn about these wonders of the cheese world. Taste examples from mild to strong, creamy to crumbly and one or two that feel like a good old fashioned kick in the teeth! Of course, they’ll pair these delights with near-perfect libations.

So, not in the mood to take a class? How about a lazy, cheese-filled Sunday? To help you on your quest they will have a Sunday Only Menu. In addition to their cheese plates and regular sandwiches, start with Coffee brewed fresh from Cafe Ibis in Utah. They will offer $6 Mimosas and a new Sunday-exclusive sandwich. The Opened-Faced for Suggestionsis served sans salad on two open faces of Farmhouse bread with Wisconsin cured Pancetta and brûléed Gruyere. The name of the sandwich is up in the air. You have a chance to name it. Stop by Sunday, give it a try and give them your suggested name. They’ll award the winner with a delicious surprise!

Contact Information:

Phone: 214.219.1300

The Plaza at Preston Center has long been a bastion of Dallas’ best shopping – and cupcakes (Hello, Sprinkles!). Soon, a new name will add to the prestigious center’s already illustrious list of tenants.

Calypso St. Barth Home will be opening its doors on April 29th, just around the corner from its apparel store. President Stefanie DiRienzo Smith said recently, “We have enjoyed such a strong following from the Dallas community. The small amount of Home items we could carry in our apparel store always sold out, so when our manager Amy, made us aware of a store vacancy, we jumped at it.”

Calypso Home will carry their exclusive line of Maison de Vacances bedding, Heidi Merrick textiles, custom upholstered furniture and signature poufs and rugs.
 

Anne Haagenson, a buyer for Calypso Home added, “Our design philosophy is composed of five simple elements: colors, texture, layers, print and shape, seen in the artisan objects and textiles that we are passionate about. This Calypso Home will also have one of a kind chairs and handmade custom dining tables, perfect for Dallas’s legendary dinner parties.”
 
The store will be located at 8413 Preston Center Plaza, Dallas, Texas  75225. Hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For you northern, D/FW Metroplex dwellers that may have been wondering when we would get around to bringing an Appy Hour to your neck of the woods, wonder no more!

This Thursday, April 28, from 5:00pm – 9:00pm, we’ll be smoking some fine cigars with the even finer folks at McKinney’s the Cigar Lounge (6840 West Virginia Pkwy, McKinney TX, 75071).

Buzz-in to enter a chance to win a trip to The Cayman Islands and other fun prizes!

All Perdomo cigars will be Buy 3, Get 1 Free including the Habano, Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne, Lot 23, Cuban Bullet and Fresco lines.

In addition, we will be one of the first shops to preview some of Perdomo’s new cigars including the Champagne Noir.The Perdomo Reserve Champagne Noiris blended with dark, oily triple-fermented Cuban-seed Maduro wrappers meticulously aged in bourbon barrels. Filled with hints of chocolate and dark roasted coffee, this medium to full-bodied blend offers a sweet aroma with a smooth satisfying finish. Supplies on these cigars will be limited so get here early!

To RSVP- download the free BestBuzz app, login with Facebook, and scan the code below with your smartphone! See you there!

For some of us, Hillsboro was the first town with a large outlet mall anywhere near us. For others, Lake Whitney, just a few minutes away from Hillsboro, has been a watery get-away for years. And even for others, Hillsboro is just that spot where I-35 splits and, if you’re heading north to D/FW, it means you’re almost home, or if you’re heading down south to San Antonio, it means you’ve still got a ways to go, yet.

Well, for this upcoming Mother’s Day Weekend, Hillsboro stands for action. Activities of all sorts are planned during the weekend of May 7th and 8th. From triathlons for in-shape humans to races for spunky little chihuahuas, there seems to be a good bit going on ’round town that weekend.

Triathletes can help make history by participating the first-ever Tri-Hillsboro Triathlon on May 7. The race event begins Friday evening with a spaghetti dinner, and will take place Saturday morning along the glistening waters of Lake Aquilla and the rolling hills of Highways 1534, 933, 310 and 1947. Registration for the race is a reasonable $55 up to April 18 and $65 for late registration up to May 2. Event proceeds will go to Hill County’s Volunteer Fire Department and Boys & Girls Club. Sponsorships for the triathlon of various sizes are welcomed and appreciated. For registration and additional sponsorship information, visit www.HillsboroTriathlon.com or contact Bhavini Ankuda at 254-266-4355.

If you want some exercise but swimming and running are not your forte, jump on your bike and head out to the Waggin’ Trail Bike Ride on May 7. The fourth annual race will benefit Hill County’s Paw Pals and Boys & Girls Club. Early registration is $25 by May 3, $30 up to race date and $15 for children under 12 years old. Contact Mike Hendricks at 254-580-0679 or HCPawPals@Yahoo.com for additional information.

Think you have the fastest pint-sized canine? Well, bring them out to go-for-the-gold at the Fourth Annual Chihuahua Racesat Outlets at Hillsboro. Non-Chihuahua pedigrees will have their chance to strut their stuff as well at the Pet Fashion Show. Visit www.OutletsAtHillsboro.com to pre-register and receive a free Gold Goody Bag with hundreds of dollars in coupons and savings. The $10 entry fee will help support Hill County Paw Pals.

If you prefer Captain Jack Sparrow over racing or tails and tu-tus, the Texas Pirate Festival at Middlefaire is the place for you. Over 100 vendors, belly dancing, singing and re-enactments will take you back in time to an otherworldly mid-seventeenth century English village of tri-corne hats, gypsies, and skulls and crossbones. Vendor forms are available at www.Middlefaire.net. Make sure you bring your eye-patches and booty to 8581 State Hwy 171 on May 7-8.

So, when your mother hints at hitting the nearest, elegant brunch for her special day, remember, brunches don’t have racing chihuahuas!