5 Things to Do In… Dallas Fort-Worth

Dallas skyline

Heading to Texas? The Dallas-Fort Worth area to be more specific? If a trip to the Lone Star State is in your future, we’ve found some great places in and around Dallas you might find of interest. We’ve got four great locations in the area, so we’ve found something fun near each and added the bonus of a Fort Worth highlight, to boot!

  1. Lake Whitney: Located in West Texas Hill Country, Lake Whitney is a great place to stay while you get the chance to “be a Pepper, too!” For those of you who don’t drink soda pop or are a bit younger than the catchy Dr. Pepper commercials from a few decades ago, you can get in the know with a visit to the Dr. Pepper Museum, located in nearby Waco. Not only do you get a free soda with paid admission, but you can also make your own pop. As our country’s oldest soft drink (it was invented in 1885, one year before Coca-Cola!), there’s lot of history to learn here. After the museum, be sure to check out Magnolia Market at the Silos, from Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper fame.
Cabin at Lake Texoma in Gordonville, TX
  1. Lake Texoma: The lake is known for its excellent striper fishing so if you’re angling for bass, this is the place. If you’re angling for a great place to glamp that’s close to all the fishing, then Lake Texoma will lure you right in! Rental cabins are available on this 300-acre resort in Gordonsville that is close to the lake. Enjoy the fishing or just enjoy the fruits of someone else’s labor at the multitude of good seafood restaurants in the area. 
  1. Lake Tawakoni: Like Lake Texoma, Lake Tawakoni is another great place for fishing, but it is also a fantastic area for antique and treasure hunting. Whether you’re looking for something specific or just browsing, don’t miss First Monday Trade Days, in Canton, which is about 30 miles from camp. This extraordinary flea market dates to the 1850s when the circuit judge arrived in town on the first Monday of every month to hear cases. People came to watch the proceedings and naturally brought goods to sell and trade. Nowadays, visitors can find everything from antiques and collectibles to crafts, jewelry, home goods, and decor.
Aframe Cabin at Bay Landing in Bridgeport, TX
  1. Bay Landing: Located in the town of Bridgeport, Bay Landing works as a great home base while you explore the great Texas outdoors in the area. Canoeing, paddling, hiking and even archery are just a few of the ways you can spend your days outdoors when visiting Texas. Bridgeport Falls offers a 5.8 looped paddling trail in the West Fork of the Trinity River while the Chupacabra Paddling Trail is another option complete with glimpses of local wildlife. Cinnamon Creek Ranch, in Roanoke, has indoor and outdoor archery as well as a field challenge course. Chisholm Trail Memorial Park, which is located on the site of the old cattle drive route, has a paved hiking trail that runs a little over nine miles and you can choose to do all or a part of this picturesque trail.
  1. Dallas/Ft. Worth: There are plenty of things to draw you to the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth including the art museums, botanical gardens, and various historic sites but to get to know Texas, you should get to know the industry that it is most associated with: livestock. Head over to the Fort Worth Stockyards and learn the history, see real cowboys and cattle, catch an Old West “gunfight,” shop, eat and just enjoy this Texas-sized historic district of Fort Worth.

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Black History Month

With the events of this past summer, now more than ever may be not only the time to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of Black Americans throughout our history, but perhaps to also honor their history by taking the time to learn more about the experiences of Black Americans. The month of February has officially been recognized as Black History Month since President Gerald Ford declared it so in 1976. Visit museums and heritage sites, support Black-owned businesses, and read a few books to learn more. And, with some of these locations temporarily closed or operating on shortened hours due to the pandemic, keep in mind our list is not a to-do list for February, but instead a to-do list for all time.

“File:Seattle – Northwest African American Museum from Mount Baker Ridge Viewpoint 01.jpg” by Joe Mabel is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Museums and Heritage Sights

The Northwest African American Museum, Seattle, Washington: If you’re planning a trip to Leavenworth Tiny House Village, a good field trip to consider would be a trip to the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle (about a two-hour drive). The mission of the museum includes presenting and preserving the connections between the Pacific Northwest and people of African descent and is accomplished though exhibits and educational programs. Currently closed due to COVID-19, check out their virtual exhibits at www.naanmw.org. If you plan to visit once the museum reopens, don’t miss the nearby Jimi Hendrix Park, named for the one of the greatest and most innovative African-American guitarists of all time.

California African American Museum (CAAM), Los Angeles, California: Highlighting the important role African Americans have played in the development of the American West through over 4000 pieces that include art, historic objects and printed materials, the Museum was one of the first African American museums fully supported by any US state. CAAM also offers lectures and workshops. (The museum is a little over 100 miles from our colorful cottages in Palm Springs.)

Abyssinian Meeting House, Portland, Maine: Located about 72 miles from the Tuxbury Tiny House Village, the Abyssinian Meeting House is Maine’s oldest African-American church building and the third oldest in the country. Construction began in 1828 and was completed in 1831 and all construction was done by free African Americans. The Abyssinian Meeting House served not only as a house of worship, but also as the center of social and political life for Portland’s African American community. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Milton House in Milton Wisconsin” by royal_broil is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Milton House, Milton, Wisconsin: Milton House served as a stop on the Underground Railroad in part due to its location to the Rock River, a tributary to the Mississippi, which may have served as a route to Canada for escaping slaves. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1998 and visitors can take a guided tour of the building, the nearby cabin and the original tunnel used by the freedom seekers. Milton is about 84 miles from the cabins at Arrowhead.

“The Lorraine Motel in Memphis” by Kees Wielemaker (pedaal) is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

National Civil Rights Museum:  The museum, located in Memphis, Tennessee, explores the history of the Civil Rights Movement and houses more than 260 artifacts. Through these artifacts, films, and other multi-media exhibits, visitors can trace the history of the movement beginning with the 17th century. The museum is built around the Lorraine Motel, which was the site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memphis is approximately 68 miles from Cherokee Landing.

Books to Read

“Between the World and Me” by CCAC North Library is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson: The stories of the Great Migration of Black citizens fleeing the South for northern and western American cities.

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates: A New York Times bestseller, this book is written as a letter to the author’s son to explain what it is to be Black in America.

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead: This historical fiction story details the story of the fight for freedom by two Southern slaves.

So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo: An examination of race in America with each chapter addressing an issue about race in our contemporary society.

Black-Owned Outdoor Gear Shop:

Lastly, if you’re looking for some camping and outdoor gear, check out slimpickensoutfitters.com. Recognized as the first Black-owned outdoor gear shop in the country, the business is owned by Jahmicah Dawes, who said in an article with Men’s Journal that his initial experiences with outdoor life through the Boy Scouts was “terrible” but that later in college he learned to love the outdoors. Dawes has said outdoor activities brings people together and believes “change happens around a campfire.” Shop from the website, or if you’re visiting Lake Whitney, the brick-and-mortar store is located in Stephenville, which is about 70 miles from the campground.

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Glamping with Good Intentions

In the last several years, the Danish word hygge has gained popularity in cultures outside of Denmark and people have embraced the concept behind the word’s meaning to make their lives cozier and more content. On the heels of hygge, a few more words have crept up that can be applied to life in general, and definitely when it comes to the best way to glamp.

Tiny House Otto at Leavenworth Tiny House Village in Leavenworth, WA

Niksen: In short, the Dutch concept of niksen translates to doing absolutely nothing, and without purpose.  So, for those of you who schedule every minute of your vacation time, this might be a difficult one to swallow, but we think the idea of lounging around a tiny home, with nothing to do but enjoy the solitude and scenery sounds pretty good coming off of a year like 2020. It’s a bit different than practicing mindfulness because what niksen wants you to do is feel the joy of just being – not focusing on how or where, but just being! We think a perfect setting to get all into the niksen way is to head to the Leavenworth Tiny House Village, set up a comfortable chair outside your favorite tiny, and just sit there. Yes, there are trees surrounding you and the sounds of wildlife as a white noise soundtrack, but in reality, it’s just you, being you, in this perfect setting.

Tiny House at Sunshine Key Tiny House Village in Big Pine Key, FL

Friluftsliv: This Norwegian term is just perfect for any lover of the great outdoors because it translates to “open-air living.” How about that for a perfect match for any upcoming glamping trips you’ve got planned. First, before we embrace it, let’s learn to pronounce it – so let’s all say it together – “free-loofts-liv.” Now that you can say it, let’s figure out where to practice the concept. The point here is to get out into nature and appreciate what it can bring to us – happiness, tranquility, a clear mind. Norwegians practice it all year round so don’t let weather stop you. If you want to glamp in the winter climate, go ahead, but we’re gonna find our friluftsliv in sunny Florida. The Keys are the perfect location and the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village is a great place to start living life the friluftsliv way. Hike, bike, scuba dive, snorkel, beachcomb, frolic with dolphins, and visit the tiny Key deer. Take on all the outdoor experiences that can be found in the Keys and you’re on your way.

Cozy yurt at Pacific City Cloverdale, OR

Koselig: Another one from the convivial Norwegians, but this one wants you to bring the gang. Similar to hygge, koselig (“koosh-lee”) is all about being comfortable and cozy but tosses in the social aspect by adding in friends and family when it’s time for comfy and cozy. Studies have shown there is a clear link ] between social connections and well-being, so it’s important to get the friends and family involved when practicing koselig. “Kos” requires the same things as hygge, such as warm lighting, softer music, cozy fires, and a low-stress environment. And all that is to be enjoyed surrounded by the people who make you laugh, bring joy to your life and check the box when it comes to perfect traveling companions. Of course, there is nothing cozier than a cabin, so check out our cabins when you plan your next koselig-inspired glamping trip. Options include locations in California, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Rent several cabins, bring the whole gang and koselig like it’s 1999!

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