Fort Worth - The 817 is Worth All the Hype

At one time, Fort Worth had the nickname of "Panther City" due to a story dating back to 1875.  It was rumored that the town had become such a drowsy place, that a panther (mountain lion) had been spotted sleeping on the steps of the courthouse.  In 1876 when the economy boomed due to the Texas and Pacific Railway coming to town, the city embraced the nickname of Panther City.

Things have changed since those days back in 1876.  Fort Worth has recently been named the #1 best downtown in the country to live in by Livability.com.  Fort Worth or as I grew up calling it, "Funky Town" has the true sense of culture that many Texas towns lack.  It has a very artistic side that can be found in the Kimble Art Museum.  It has one of the top Zoos in the state and a fantastic western culture in the Stock Yards.  The people of Fort Worth are friendly and posses a true "good 'ole boy spirit.

Here is a list of just a few things that make Fort Worth great:

• Bass Performance Hall
• Stockyard
• Kimbell Art Museum
• Fort Worth Zoo
• Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
• Omni Theatre
• Amon Carter Museum of American Art
• Billy Bob's Texas
• Cowtown Coliseum
• Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
• Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
• Casa Manana
• Colonial Country Club
• Sundance Square
• And More...

Check out these two videos:

Royers Pie Haven

THE PIE HAVEN

Round Top, not to be confused with Round Rock is home to a modest number of 91 people. Something sets this small town apart from the rest, is it that natural southern-hospitality flare, that eclectic antique essence you can feel from every mom and pop business that inherit the land... Or is it something sweeter? Round Top is home to Royers Pie Haven. Lines and lines of people crowd into the welcoming shop just to get a lick of the best pies around.


Yes, Royers Pie Haven is without a doubt most well know for their pies but with perfect pies come a great responsibility to provide a perfect cup of coffee to wash it all down. We don't like to pick favorites but the classic Cinnamon coffee compliments any of their pies perfectly. Royers Pie Haven is a place dripping with creative spirit from the food to the aesthetics of the shop.

THE PIE QUEEN

Everything has a beginning and the founder and mastermind behind the Pie Haven is no other than Tara Royer Steele aka The Pie Queen and the daughter of Bud Royer. In September of 2011 the Haven that served as a home away from home for her customers and an outlet for creativity was up and running!

Pie Queen's Social Medias:
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Instagram
Blog

THE PIES

The Pie Haven is now coming to Austin and will be right on the corner of 29th and Guadalupe. It is scheduled to open November 5th this year so whenever you come in to Austin stop by and get some pie!

Just a few of our favorite pies straight from the menu to get your mouth watering:

TEXAS TRASH PIE ~ OMP!!

Pecans, coconut, chocolate chips, graham crackers, pretzels and caramel…this is a toooo die for pie!!!

JUNK BERRY PIE aka CRACK BERRY PIE

Yep, named after our dear friends “THE JUNK GYPSIES” who have set up camp just down the road! A mix of a whole bunch of junk…apples, peaches, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches with a sour cream topping! To die for!

BUD’s CHOCOLATE CHIP PIE ~ OMP!

The Claim to Fame! It’s like a big Chocolate Chip Cookie with tiny bits of pecans—only better!die for!

NOT MY MOM’s APPLE PIE ~ OMP!

Six whole Granny Smith apples, in a sinful filling of brown sugar and whipping cream AND topped with a pecan and brown sugar strudel…Holy Cow!

THE SHIRTS

If you get a chance to stop by the Pie Haven in Round Top, Texas or go by the Haven located in Austin, Texas in November and be sure to pick up a tshirt with the hand-drawn design of every pie available at the shop! You know it's quality if the Tumbleweed Texstyles team is behind it!

Bat Fest

Austin is a city in Texas that is full of fun entertaining things to do at any day of the week. The ninth annual Bat Fest was this past weekend's main attraction for locals and visitors. 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under one of Austin's bridges at dusk.

Over 75 arts & craft vendors were in attendance displaying all sorts of  local artists, fashion sellers, and various other vendors that welcomed the city of Austin's most artistic. Almost all of the artists or private vendors were from Austin or very close. The city is very well known for supporting local artists and even local food and their most popular non-chain restaurants throughout the area.

Many of the booths includes coasters that were customized to be identifiable with your favorite Austin experiance or place with icons like popular graffiti in the area and the city's most famous food trucks and pit stops.

The Bat Fest also included what they call the Bike Zoo which was a new attraction this year. Biking is one of the most popular recreational activities in Austin. Probably the two most popular things in Austin, being weird and riding bikes come together to form a bat bicycle brought to you by the most creative depths of Texas.





One of our favorite local bands played at the Bat Fest. The Quiet Company was noticed by Tumbleweed Texstyles in Marfa for Viva Big Bend earlier in the summer. We made sure to check them out again at the Bat Fest and of course they were better than ever! Of course the Quiet Company never disappoints the crowd either with their unique musical additions and overall style. Be sure to check them out as soon as you can, their music is well worth it.

At around 8 or so, when the sky slowly started dimming into dusk bats broke through the crevasses of the bridge wildly and dived out from under the bridge smoothly and fiercely, not one ever bumping into another. The sheer quantity that spilled from the cracks of their concrete home was almost only believable if you could see them for yourself.

Antique Alley Texas

Texas’ rich culture can be seen in many aspects of Texas life. The food, the music, and the overall lifestyle in Texas are all enriched by the history of this great state. Texas has long been a place where communities form with members from different parts of the U.S., and even different parts of the world. This rich diversity is very much prominent in one of Texas’ greatest traditions: the antique market / flea market. This is where pieces from different generations and different areas of the globe come together and tell a story about where they came from, and how they ended up in the Lone Star State.

There are many antique markets all across Texas. Some smaller local events are monthly, and some larger events are semiannual. One great market that is well worth the look is the Antique Alley Texas. This semiannual event takes place across 37 miles of scenic and quaint country roads about 35 miles south of Fort Worth. It spans four towns including Grandview, Itasca, Maypearl, and Cleburne. There is enough in this Texas sized event to keep you entertained for an entire weekend and more. There are traditional antiques for sale as well as great food, art, and even classic automobiles. You can drive along the highway and stop at various stands along the 37 miles. There is truly something for everyone, and you never know what you will find, or what interesting story the pieces around may have. Mark your calendars and bring a friend with a truck, the next two shows take place September 20-22, and April 18-20.

Films Filmed in TX - Part 1: AUSTIN

Films shot in ATX:

1) Dazed and Confused - IMDB >>

Matthew McConaughey   Photo Credit >>

The adventures of incoming high school and junior high students on the last day of school, in May of 1976.  imdb >>

Stars:

Jason London, Rory Cochrane, Wiley Wiggins | See full cast and crew






Toney Burger - Sunset Valley (Football stadium near end of film)

Bedichek MS - (Robert E Lee HS)

Top Notch Restaurant - 7525 Burnet Rd Austin, TX (Hamburger Place)

West Enfield Park in ATX - (Party Scene)
_________________________________________________________________________________

2) Kill Bill Volume I - IMDB >> Uma Thurman      Photo Credit >> The Bride wakens from a four-year coma. The child she carried in her womb is gone. Now she must wreak vengeance on the team of assassins who betrayed her - a team she was once part of. Stars: Uma Thurman, Daryl Hannah, David Carradine |See full cast and crew ________________________________________________________________________________ 3) Office Space - IMDB >> Comedic tale of company workers who hate their jobs and decide to rebel against their greedy boss. Stars:  Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, David Herman |See full cast and crew Initech Building - 4120 Freidrich Lane - (exterior shots) Alligator Grille on South Lamar - (Chotchkie's) Other Locations >> __________________________________________________________________________________ 4) Spy Kids - IMDb >> The children of secret-agent parents must save them from danger. Stars: Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Alexa Vega | See full cast and crew ________________________________________________________________________________ 5) Hope Floats - IMDb >> Sandra Bullock & Harry Connick,Jr. Birdee Calvert must choose between her morals and her heart after her husband divorces her and a charming young man, who her daughter disapproves of, comes back into her life. Stars: Sandra Bullock, Harry Connick Jr., Gena Rowlands |See full cast and crew 200 Main Street - (Snappy Snaps) Former Honey's Diner - (Diner) Smithville Elementary - (School) Huebel's Bier Garden - (Bar) 201 E. Eighth St - (Birdee's Mom's House) Watterson Hall - (Cherry Hill Dance Hall) ___________________________________________________________________________________ 6) Varsity Blues - IMDb >> In small-town Texas, high school football is a religion. The head coach is deified, as long as the team is winning and 17-year-old schoolboys carry the hopes of an entire community onto the... See full summary » Stars: James Van Der Beek, Jon Voight, Paul Walker | See full cast and crew The Landing Strip - (Strip Club) N Main Street - Elgin's Square - (West Canaan Town Ctr) Georgetown HS Stadium - (Eagle Stadium) Top Notch - (Drive-in) ____________________________________________________________________________________ Most Popular: 1. Lonesome Dove (1989) 2. Sin City (2005) 3. Spy Kids (2001), (2002), (2003), and (2011) 4. Wire in the Blood (2002) 5. Kill Bill, Vol. 1 (2003) 6. Route 66 (1960) 7. Office Space (1999) 8. Mortal Kombat (1995) 9. Miss Congeniality (2000) 10. Grindhouse (2007) 11. Blood Simple (1984) 12. 25th Hour (2002) 13. True Grit (2010) 14. Murderball (2005) 15. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993) 16. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982) 17. Friday the 13th (2009) 18. Dazed and Confused (1993) 19. Boys Don’t Cry (1999) 20. Hope Floats (1998) 21. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), (2003), and (2006)22. American Outlaws (2001)23. Lolita (1997) 24. Friday Night Lights (2004) 25. The Rookie (2002) 26. Where the Heart is (2000) 27. The Whole Wide World (1996) 28. Honeysuckle Rose (1980) 29. Outlaw Blues (1977) 30. Heartbreak Hotel (1988) 31. Varsity Blues (1999)32. The Newton Boys (1998) 33. Michael (1996) 34. Courage Under Fire (1996) 35. Home Fries (1998) _________________________________________________________________________________ Some of the Others - Alphabetical Order A The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D B Bandslam Beneath the Darkness C Casey Jones (film) Cherry Bomb (film) Computer Chess (film) D D.O.A. (1988 film) Dazed and Confused (film) Death Proof F The Faculty Fast Food Nation (film) H The Happy Poet Heartbreak Hotel (film) The Hunters (2011 film) I Idiocracy K Kill Bill Volume 1 The King (2005 film) M Machete (film) Machete Kills Man of the House (2005 crime comedy film) Mortal Kombat (film) N Nadine (1987 film) The Newton Boys O Office Space Open Windows (film) P Planet Terror Plastic Utopia Q The Quiet R Red Headed Stranger (film) Red, White & Blue (film) The Return (2006 film) S Saturday Morning Mystery A Scanner Darkly (film) Sin City (film) Sin City: A Dame to Kill For Slacker (film) The Soul Collector Spy Kids Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over SubUrbia (film) T Temple Grandin (film) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 U The Underneath (film) Untitled Terrence Malick project W Waking Life The Wendell Baker Story The Whole Shootin' Match

QOTD: What do you think distinguishes Texas culture from the rest of the nation?

What do you think distinguishes Texas culture from the rest of the nation?

Texas is best known to successfully blend cultures that root from Southern tradition, Western and Contemporary style, and Mexican food. Could you even ask for much better? We love Texas because of the diversity that is notable around every corner. Texas has it all! Seeing the combination of all different types of styles is what distinguishes Texas from the rest of the nation. From the amazing food, to the constant changes in fashion, to the growing arts district, to the broad music industry, Texas knows how to take many different cultures and combine them to create that authentic Texas flare and that's why we love it!

Just a couple of things to show you what we are talkin' about!

Texas Skylines:

Texas landscape

Austin skyline

Texas Food:

(Every good food in Texas is a finger food)

Texas BBQ

Tex Mex

Let us know what you think... Leave a comment on this blog post or tweet us why you love Texas @TexasCultureHub We would love to hear your thoughts.

Texas Designer Style

With summer in full effect, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the heat. With 100-degree weather common throughout a large portion of Texas, it’s not difficult to find your brain playing tricks on you in the immense heat. If your car happens to break down in Valentine, Texas this summer, and you find yourself walking towards the nearest service station, don’t freak out when you see a Prada store in the middle of the desert. No, you are not hallucinating. 

Situated some 26 miles outside of Marfa, Texas, this building is a sculpture that was created to resemble a Prada store. Seemingly located next to nothing of any significance whatsoever, this landmark’s ridiculous nature makes it a must see if you are travelling to Marfa. Just remember to pack some extra water. 

Dallas Farmer's Market

We’re surrounded by the brightest colors that nature has to offer. Vibrant strawberries, bright lemons, and pineapples so sweet that your mouth puckers as you get an instant sugar rush that no

Red Bull can match. It’s all fresh, it’s all local, and it’s all located in the heart of Dallas.

Setting up the produce before opening time

The Dallas Farmer’s Market, located at 1010 S. Pearl Expressway in Dallas, is a little bit of country inside of one of the largest cities in Texas. It's not clearly visible from the street, and even when parked, it takes awhile to find exactly where the seemingly endless fresh produce stands lay. After a little searching, you find yourself facing two very large sheds that are packed with farmers selling their crops.

Early morning surveillance of the market

The paradox of fresh produce for sale within walking distance of skyscrapers gives the Dallas Farmer’s Market its unique appeal. Work on Commerce Street and fancy a fresh mango? Your wish is just a five minute bike ride away. The beauty of this urban market business model is that consumers can purchase fresh produce at a location that is very convenient due to it’s proximity to the downtown office buildings, at a very competitive price. Six dollars got TWT a pint of strawberries and a generous tray of blackberries.

Art piece 1 at farmers market

Art piece 2 at Farmer's Market

This market makes it possible for the residents of Dallas to have access to fresh, healthy food, at a price that rivals some fast food restaurants. Whether you work in Dallas and want to pick some fresh produce on the way home, or you’re visiting the the Big D and just want to check out some of the local delicacies that North Texas farmers have to offer, the Dallas Farmer’s Market is worth a look.  

Deep in Deep Ellum

Dallas Skyscrapers

Dallas being the 9th most populous city in the country and the 3rd most populous in the state, it is no surprise that this city has become best known for its iconic skyscrapers and busy streets. However, taking a walk from the corporate life of Dallas down the street to Deep Ellum there is a wildly drastic change in scenery and culture. Being so close together Dallas and Deep Ellum couldn't appear to be more different at a glance.

Deep Ellum graffiti art

The inspiration the music industry has on Deep Ellum was evident as soon as we set foot in this artistically sprayed downtown area that is largely influenced by the arts and of course the variety of unique entertainment venues nestled just east of Downtown Dallas.

Venue band listings

Venue's concert schedule for the month

Some of the more radical venues didn't have posters or announcements showcasing that month's gigs. They simply spray paint the shows that would play that month on the side of the venues.

There is really nothing like finding such diversity like a German made Volkswagen that is highlighted with Mexican print seat covers and a simple western style hat to tie it all together. Taking a walk around Deep Ellum and finding neat things in the area never fail to make a trip feel adventurous and exciting. It's like visiting an art gallery that is free and conveniently placed outside for public viewing.

Volkswagen tire in Deep Ellum

Eclectic Volkswagen parked on the side of the street

Jesse Rutherford (vocalist for The Neighbourhood) preforming at Trees

We had the chance to check out The 1975 and The Neighborhood putting on a show at Trees. This trendy venue is a hot spot for some of the biggest names in music. Trees lives up to its name with tree-like support beams that add an organic and hip vibe to the space. With a bar to the back of the venue it is a ideal place to see your favorite indie band with an active audience in an intimate setting. The added details of posters and decor that cover the brick walls are truly cool and combine to create a one of a kind atmosphere that can only be found in the depths of Deep Ellum.

Witnessing the variety of diversity in the weird, the interesting and the trendy makes is what makes Texas, Texas.

Texas Mixed Media at Its' Best - Junky Trinkets

I would like to begin by saying that this is me, Brian, writing this blog post.  Jeb has not put me up to this, nor has any idea about the topic of this blog post.  Sorry Jeb, I had to give your sweet artwork a shout out.

Jeb is not just a shirt designer or even a high school art teacher.  He is also a very talented and skilled artist in various mediums.  When it comes to Texas art, I personally feel like Jeb's pieces are some of the best out there.  If you read his bio on his personal Etsy Shop, you can see that his artwork is inspired by all things Texana.

His artwork and photography has been featured and purchased by organizations and people from all around the world.  If you have not done so, I would highly recommend that you check out his website.

His Website - Junky Trinkets

A few samples of his work: