Photo courtesy of Jennifer Kieta

At the risk of sounding a bit overdramatic, the car you choose to drive can contribute a lot to your life’s story and where the next chapter takes you. It’s one of the ways we see the world, appreciate the people we hold in our hearts, and enjoy the conversations that take place along the way.

After test-driving the all-electric 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge, my driving story is NOT the same. It got more riveting!

Sit in, drive off. It’s that simple. A sensor recognizes when someone is in the driver’s seat, and another detects the key’s presence. So it’s just a question of selecting D (or R), checking the surroundings, and heading out on your journey. And the Volvo C40 Recharge makes even the most mundane trip to the grocery store an enjoyable journey!

If this stunning electric SUV had its way, a lot of trips wouldn’t take long at all. It can giddy-up from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and a driving range of 226 miles on one charge. As I drove around in the C40 Recharge, all I caught was some wind whisper and practically muted road rumble.

As well as glorious, instantaneous torque, most electric vehicles I have driven include the party trick of one-pedal driving. Slowing down and speeding up is performed solely with the accelerator pedal. Even coming to a complete stop doesn’t have to mean touching the brake pedal, unless there’s some urgency required, of course. For a driver new to electric cars, such as me, this may seem daunting, but it’s surprising how easy it is to learn and how quickly it becomes part of the driving experience.

The front seats are very comfortable with optional heating. Clever storage areas are in abundance, and there is a reasonable amount of rear passenger space and legroom. This Volvo comes with a standard panoramic fixed moonroof which includes a protective UV coating as the moonroof does not have an additional shade.

Exteriorly speaking, one of the most distinguishing features of the C40 is its sloping roof. There is no grille, just a panel that is the same color as the car. And there are some gorgeous colors to choose from. “My” C40 Recharge was Thunder Grey which is subtly elegant. Much like me!

Some of the C40 Recharge’s best features include:

• Google/Android Infotainment System
• Digital driver information display
• Navigation System
• Hands-free lift gate operation
• Pilot Assist
• Harman Kardon audio

And what would a Volvo be without its supreme safety features? It’s got everything you need to protect your precious cargo, incuding:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature.

Let’s be honest here. I’ve never written about an Autobahn Fort Worth test-drive that wasn’t about being sincerely thrilled and overjoyed with what I was driving, and the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge is no exception. What can I say? I love cool cars, and I love everything about Autobahn Fort Worth! They are good people who love to give exceptional service and care to their clients. Thank you, Autobahn Fort Worth. This girl is smitten once again.

Are you wanting to start a new chapter, new verse, or new story in driving into 2023? Go visit my friends at Volvo and ask them for a test-drive of the Volvo C40 Recharge. Prepare to fall in love!

The post New Year, New Chapter: Where Will You Go? first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

One of the core character traits of a diva is a certain boldness and confidence. This SUV has that. Boy, does she have that! Embodied with a striking stance, crazy-good performance, dramatic elegance and sublime comfort, this electric SUV easily wears a crown. And, with the ability to go 300 miles on one charge, that crown is one to inspire confidence.

I have had the rare privilege of test-driving several electric vehicles from Autobahn Fort Worth’s vast selection of luxury car dealerships, and while each of them conveys a different design language and philosophy, none of them have had the overall effect on me like the iX has. If you’re reading this and have never driven an electric-powered car, you MUST give it a go. Then you’ll realize what all the fuss is about. The ultra-quiet rides at speed, the minimalistic and tech-forward interiors, and of course, their ridiculous acceleration are truly a rEVolution in the way we will all eventually move around.

That said, the BMW iX was extra-special to me, as it seemed to be a textbook example of the greater thing being the sum of its parts. While sitting in its supportive but comforting driver’s seat, I applauded the uncluttered and well-designed cabin that was (literally) capped off by an electrochromic, panoramic glass roof. What’s that? It’s a glass roof that can go from transparent to frosted opaque at the touch of a button. I’ve only seen this feature in ultra-high-end architectural magazine showcases my husband likes to peruse.

On the iX’s dashboard, you’re greeted with a wide, curved, floating glass panel that houses all instrumentation and the touchscreen controls for all media and climate control. The entire screen is gorgeous and takes center stage the moment you sit down. The rear passengers do not at all feel left out, either, as the back row of the iX is definitely a special place to be, with its fantastic seats, stand-alone climate controls, and multiple AC vents and USB charging ports. Cargo space was generous as well, due to the flatter, lower floor which does not house a driveshaft hump.

At this point, you may be wondering “Cool, but how does it drive?” Well, for starters, she goes from 0-60 mph in 4 seconds flat. How do I know this? BMW told me. But of course, a test-drive is a test-drive, so… While I wholeheartedly trusted what they told me, I had to feel a little bit of it for myself. The result? It was a pin-you-to-the-seat acceleration experience! Driving around Fort Worth, sporting a semi-hexagonal steering wheel, she was much more maneuverable than her size would suggest, being confidently capable in the corners and yet smooth and silent over all kinds of road surfaces. This SUV was born from automotive genius. I expected nothing less from one of my favorite car makers.

Concerning its exterior design, I will say that the iX will probably divide some people who are used to seeing smaller versions of BMW’s signature “kidney bean” grilles, as the face of the iX can appear to some as too large. However, it certainly gives the SUV an unmistakable presence. The overall shape though, is fairly unassuming and carries quite a bit of restraint. Personally, I really was drawn to the headlights and the door handles for the way they were executed.

Both in driving satisfaction and comfort, the iX is a showstopper. Take her for a launch yourself with my amazing and knowledgeable friends at Autobahn Fort Worth BMW. You will not be disappointed.

Thank you, Autobahn Fort Worth, for another amazing driving experience. I look forward to meeting the next one!

The post An Electric Diva first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

This crossover SUV from Land Rover is saturated in elegance and beauty in every single detail. Thanks to my friends at Autobahn Land Rover in Fort Worth, I had the privilege of moving all around the city for the weekend in this gorgeous work of automotive engineering, catapulting into my top three drives of all time.

For over 70 years, Land Rover has built a reputation around creating the most luxurious and capable vehicles in the world, whether driving through the heart of the city or traveling through the countryside on and off-road. Today’s Velar is certainly no exception. It was built to fill the space between the compact Evoque and Range Rover Sport. I found the size of the Velar to be perfect for a family of four, although it can comfortably seat five for jaunts around town. I would classify it as a “Range Rover, Jr.”. Just as good as its bigger brother in most every way, but smaller in all the right ways.

Standard features include perforated, grained leather upholstery, heated front seats, 19-inch wheels, a panoramic glass roof, 14-way power front seats, 12-speaker Meridian audio sound system, and twin 10.0-inch touchscreens that control the infotainment (including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and automatic climate control. The front seats are all-day comfortable, and the airy cabin provides an excellent view to whatever lies ahead on your journey. Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system are standard across the line.

The Velar made me realize it’s possible to have a larger SUV that strikes the perfect balance between sporty responsiveness and that luxurious, plush feeling of floating over large bumps and potholes. The incredible sound dampening and sublime sound system mesh beautifully into an experience that is reminiscent of shooting around town in your own peaceful orb that soothes away the ridiculous and frenetic world we’re currently in. It’s that good.

Don’t believe me? Go drive one for yourself and see. Go see my incredibly knowledgeable and kind friends at Autobahn Fort Worth and tell them Jennifer sent you. If you’re in the market for a new ride in this class, you’ll be glad you made the first move!

The post Distilling the Essence of Movement first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

On an uncomfortably hot afternoon in Fort Worth, I walked into the cool, modern showroom of Autobahn Porsche Fort Worth. Right away I was greeted with open arms by Fort Worth Porsche General Manager, Zoran Gutic.

Zoran has become my friend, along with all the other managers and sales specialists I have worked with over the years since I started test-driving cars for Madeworthy. These opportunities have been some of the most amazing moments for me and my family. (If you’ve been following along, you can understand why.) The 2022 Porsche Macan S is no exception. If you’re looking for a smaller luxury SUV for a family of 4 that is well-built, safe, fun to drive, and ridiculously beautiful, the 2022 Macan could be the one for you!

After catching up with my friend Zoran for a while, it was time to take this sporty new set of wheels for a weekend journey around Fort Worth with the Kietas. I slid into the front seat and reveled in that wonderful new car smell. The interior of the Macan S is an elegant space, a refuge from the scorching summer sun and Texas traffic. The leather seats are supportive and adjustable in 14 ways; it’s hard to imagine anybody would be unable to be comfortable up front.

There are so many features in this SUV that I absolutely love, but one of my very favorites is the ventilated seats for heating and cooling in the front with an option for heated seats in the back. This is a must-have for the unpredictable weather we experience in Texas. Other favorite features include the haptic response buttons lining the center console – it’s just one of the millions of little touches that make the overall driving experience so sublime.

The amazing Bose sound system through a 10-speaker stereo pumped out all my jams in all the best ways. The sunroof was large enough for everyone in the car to see the birds and count the stars. The steering was well-weighted and as responsive as expected, making it not just easy to place the Macan on the road, but genuinely fun to drive. (It’s amazing how much difference a good steering wheel makes in the overall driving experience.)

The powerful Porsche engine ensured every one of those 375 ponies under the hood were put to work as I drove. The Chisholm Trail may or may not have been my favorite place to test out the punch of the gas pedal and listen to the song of a Porsche engine. I admit nothing.

Safety is always a priority for me, and Porsche has left nothing out in the 2022 Macan. All the safety features you would expect in a Porsche are present, including surround view cameras and lane assist.

There are so many other features to this amazing SUV that you just need to test-drive it for yourself!

If you don’t see one that you immediately fall in love with, your Macan can be built to your exacting requirements. All the special additions can be tailored to meet your specific budget and needs. My friends at Fort Worth Porsche Autobahn will sit down with you to make sure your Macan is precisely what you want.

The goal of these Madeworthy test drives is to give you, dear readers, a glimpse into what Autobahn Fort Worth is all about. Yes, I LOVE test driving these works of automotive art. My family adores our adventures around town, and they have become knowledgeable backseat reviewers. But at the start of every single one of our experiences is the people of Autobahn Fort Worth. They aren’t just about selling quality cars. They want their customers to be fully involved in choosing the car of their dreams. They are about giving the absolute best customer service in North America, and we are so fortunate to have them in our beloved Fort Worth.

Thank you, Autobahn Porsche Fort Worth for making the summer heat a lot more bearable by getting to drive your cool 2022 Porsche Macan. I look forward to the next driving adventure!

Test-drive music suggestion:

• Piece Of Your Heart (Alok Remix) 2:46 Meduza, Alok & Goodboys
• Piece Of Your Heart (Alok Remix) – Single Dance

The post A Piece of Your Heart first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Traveling for summer vacations is on the horizon, Fort Worth! As the 2021-2022 school year draws to a close, you might be considering several options for not only where you will go, but how you will get to your destination.

While flying is time-efficient, it can also be expensive. If you’re going to do more driving than flying, we all know how important it is to have a safe, comfortable, and reliable family hauler.

Hello, Volvo XC90!

Once again, my Fort Worth Autobahn test-drive does not disappoint. Rob Schwiezer, the Volvo General Manager, was more than eager to hand me the key to his favorite car on the lot! As he gave me a quick but thorough overview of the car’s features, I was in awe of the beautiful interior details, such as the blonde leather seats and wood paneling along the interior door and dashboard. Rob told me he loved this car for its ease of driving and comfort. As I started away from the dealership lot, I could tell I would agree.

“Quiet” and “classy” were the two words that came to mind as I drove around Fort Worth. A panoramic roof brought the outdoors into this spacious seven-seater SUV on a gorgeous Texas spring weekend. The backseats were spacious, and it was a thrill to be able to add a few more kids to the drive than I normally would in my personal five-seater SUV. Even with so much space to hold precious humans, cargo space was not a problem. There was still plenty of room for backpacks, gym bags, and a few groceries! Despite its large size, the XC90 was also easy to maneuver in everyday traffic.

Volvo has designed this SUV to protect those driving and riding by including all the safety features that will give you peace of mind:

• review camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert
• Forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Forward automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning with lane keep assist
• Road sign recognition
• Adaptive headlights with automatic high beams

The steering was quick and nicely weighted; it’s funny how you never think of the steering wheel until you find one that fits you perfectly. Infotainment included a 9-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, wireless device charging, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and satellite radio. The model I drove was all-wheel drive, and if I owned it, I have a feeling we would head for the mountains and never return!

My dear readers, this is an SUV that I believe was designed for the journey, not just a destination. Its comfortable and quiet cabin allows you to immerse yourself in the music, the people around you, or your own thoughts. If this car were a song it would be “Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra. It’s classy and cool, with a vibe that manages to be old school elegant and hip at the same time.

If you’re in the market for a luxury SUV that has a solid history of reliability and safety, the 2022 Volvo XC90 is worth a drive with my friends at Fort Worth Autobahn Volvo. Their kind and knowledgeable staff are unmatched, in my humble opinion.

Thanks again, Fort Worth Autobahn! Until next time!

The post Come Drive with Me first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

On a beautiful Saturday in February, I met up with Derek Singhass, the New Car Sales Manager at Autobahn BMW of Fort Worth. As always, the Autobahn team made me feel completely comfortable and at ease being surrounded by all the amazing cars BMW had to offer. Derek took me to the X5 and gave me the full rundown of how everything worked, and he made sure I felt completely comfortable taking the X5 for the next few days.

At the risk of sounding a bit overdramatic, the X5 is completely brilliant. Forget design. This is art. I love the overall aesthetic of the X5. The exterior paint on “my” X5 was a gorgeous midnight blue that sparkled in the sun. The interior leather seats were a dark tan and possibly most comfortable car seats I’ve ever ridden in. This is saying a lot, my friends, because I have fond memories of riding in my parent’s 1982 Cadillac DeVille, cocooned in leather seats the size of a couch.

Derek wished me all the best and I drove off the dealership’s lot, ready for the X5 to show me what it can do. An easy touch on the gas pedal, and I could tell this luxury SUV is, at heart, a high performance sports car. It maneuvered around the street corners with ease and precision and came to a solid stop at every red light and stop sign. The crisp and cleanly styled interior, more understated than flashy, fit the X5’s sportier nature.

The BMW X5 has five seats as standard. A third row is optional, which raises the seating capacity to seven. The first- and second-row seats were spacious for adults. It was easy to find a comfortable driving position as well, and outward visibility was good to the front and sides of the SUV. The cabin felt solid and well put-together, and the interior was quiet and serene, with little road noise. The X5 comes packed with standard driver assistance features and an easy-to-use infotainment center. There was a generous amount of cargo space to load up all you would need for a long road trip for spring break or summer vacations.

Windows down, panoramic sunroof revealed, and an amazing sound system made for a fantastic driving experience not just for me, but for my two teenage daughters and husband. We enjoyed the smooth drive as we bounced around our lovely city, taking turns on who got to connect to Apple CarPlay next so we all could hear our favorite songs.

The 2022 BMW X5 is a terrific piece of automotive design. It deserves to be on your shortlist if you’re shopping for a new luxury midsize SUV. The X5 is as enjoyable to drive as it is practical, and being a BMW, there are plenty of options if you want upgrades to make this vehicle even more luxurious.

As I drove back to the dealership, I was reminded, once again, of the incredible driving experiences I have continued to have through Fort Worth Autobahn. I haven’t come across a manager, salesman, or automobile that I haven’t liked. If you haven’t met my friends at the Autobahn dealerships yet, do yourself a favor and take a stroll one day. The knowledgeable staff understands the art of a fine car, but, more importantly, they know the art of great customer service!

Thank you, Autobahn Fort Worth, for trusting me with your amazing cars! See you next time!

The post Art That Works first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Yes, friends, I’m in love!

Vinson Garcia, my Autobahn Volkswagen Sales Consultant, graciously walked me through the details of how the ID.4 operated and made sure I was fully comfortable to drive it off the showroom floor. I honestly don’t think there was any question I could have asked Vinson about the car that he could not have answered immediately, leaving me feeling fully prepared for this electric car revolution.

I drove the 1st Edition of the ID.4, a single motor, rear-wheel drive SUV with strong yet aerodynamic lines that sets it apart visually from other SUVs on the road. You can customize it with different color options for the exterior trim pieces – something I’ve never seen before on any of the previous cars I’ve tested. Volkswagen says the ID.4 interior is designed to be minimalist, but with high technology at its core. The dashboard looked pleasantly uncrowded, in part because so many of the controls were handled by the buttons on the steering wheel or the large central touchscreen.

Adding to the clean, ultra-modern feel to the whole car is a huge panoramic glass sunroof that comes standard with a retractable shade, allowing open-sky views for everyone taking a ride. The overall aesthetic was impressively futuristic while being firmly grounded in the present. There was plenty of both head and leg room for those adults who will be riding in the back seat, as well as ample cargo space out back.

While you’d of course expect an electric vehicle to be quiet, VW engineers clearly spent a lot of time isolating any hint of road and wind noise. One only needs to open the door to hear the outside world and then quickly close it again to hear just how well VW has done that job. The driver’s seat was a serene place for me while I moved around town, which was accentuated by the white steering wheel and other highlighted areas of the car’s interior.

It really was a peaceful and wonderful place to be.

I am a woman who appreciates creative details, and this dream of an electric car had several. For example, the 1st Edition has fun pedal covers – the one for the brakes has a “pause” button symbol, while the one for the accelerator has a “play” button, just like the remote for your TV. A heated steering wheel and heated front seats come standard on the ID.4, with voice activation commands being integrated into their operation. As soon as I said, “Hello, ID!” I could then say, “My hands are cold” and my new electric friend would start warming my steering wheel within seconds. Nice!

The ID.4 glides along with the futuristic purr of a modern electric vehicle. It can accelerate to 60 mph in about 7.7 seconds and gets about 250 miles on a full charge. No need for “range anxiety,” as they call it. Charging at home while you sleep is easy, and more and more charging stations are popping up now that America is becoming more aware of the benefits of owning an electric car. And speaking of charging, Autobahn Volkswagen offers free charging for 3 years from Electrify America when you purchase the ID.4!

Safety features are always important to car owners. The ID.4 comes equipped with every safety feature you would expect from a Volkswagen which includes:

• Travel Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Active Blind Spot Monitor
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Front Assist
• Emergency Assist
• Lane Assist

Driving a machine that functions like something out of a science-fiction movie completely thrilled my inner child. This thrill is just one more thing that makes an electric car such a desirable purchase.

Recently, I read this quotation: “I want to get into my car and drive until I find what I’m looking for. Maybe it’s a purpose, or maybe it’s a new start, or maybe it’s just a sky with unclouded stars.” I think this resonates in some way through all of us.

Cars are a necessity in our lives, and we choose to drive a car that fits our personalities, goals, and budgets. If what I have said resonates with you, you need to test drive the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4. The warm and friendly staff at Autobahn Fort Worth will always do what they can to help you make the best decision in making your car dreams a reality.

Thank you, Fort Worth Autobahn and Autobahn Volkswagen, for another memorable car-driving experience. Your team is amazing, and I look forward to driving through 2022 with you!!

The post Drive Until I Find What I’m Looking For first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Allow me to introduce you to my latest Autobahn Fort Worth car crush: the 2021 Volvo XC 40 Recharge!

(Cue crowd cheering)

Because I had never driven an electric car before, it was imperative that the knowledgeable and caring staff at Autobahn Volvo accompany this newbie on her first test-run of this electric dream. The first and most obvious thing that struck me as an entirely new feature in a car was the accelerator pedal. It acted both as the “gas” and the brake. This was weird at first, but after I got used to it, I loved it. Because the pedal is controlling the electric motors, when you begin to take your foot off it, the motors slow down naturally, which slows the car down very quickly.

After reading that, you’re now probably wondering “So does it actually have a brake pedal?” Yes, indeed it does, but I only found myself using it if someone or something moved in front of me a little quicker than I was comfortable with. That said, I hardly ever touched the brake pedal, which was kind of a mind-blow for me and took some perspective-bending indeed.

I was certainly not used to the insane amount of immediate torque this electric SUV provided the second I pushed down on the accelerator. It’s not a stretch at all to say that if you’re into severe acceleration and driving around town like a buzzing bee, shooting to and fro with incredible swiftness, an EV is the type of car for you. The power was so immense and yet… totally silent. The all-wheel drive enables the compact SUV to reach speeds of 60mph in under 4.7 seconds! (I know that, ahem, because I researched it.) Overall, because it is electric and very well dampened, it’s also super quiet. On the highway, conversations and music can be heard mostly free and clear of car and road noise.

The next important feature I needed to be familiar with before I left the dealership was where and how to recharge. The range of the XC 40 Recharge is 208 miles. This is approximately how far you can go before the car won’t go anymore. Ideally, the owner of a car such as this one has the ability to charge their car overnight in their garage. I, on the other hand, did not. Our garage is tiny and only holds seasonal decorations, camping gear, and tools, so I certainly needed a backup charging plan! Piers Morfey at Autobahn Volvo showed me where I could hook up and charge at the dealership. He also explained to me that there were differences in speed at the various charging locations around town. Depending on the kind of time I had, I had to make sure I hooked up to the right one. I actually never NEEDED to recharge before I returned the car but decided to give it a little charging love one afternoon at a location just one mile down the road from our house.

Now, let’s talk aesthetics. This SUV is incredibly classy inside and out! I was fascinated by the lack of a traditional grill design, where it was instead replaced by a single piece of material that was the same color as the body. The seats were comfortable and spacious and upholstered with Alcantara, which feels like the softest suede you can imagine. The huge amount of cargo space was a dream, especially when I folded the rear seats. As a mom who acts as an Uber most days for my sweet children, I didn’t mind the driving at all when it came to getting behind the wheel. It had all the safety features expected from Volvo as well as an infotainment system that was completely user-friendly.

One of the discussions my husband and I had about the Recharge was the fact that maintenance for this amazing driving machine would not be like our gas-operated vehicles. No belts, hoses, or gaskets would need replacing down the road. In addition, Volvo offers a well-rounded warranty package on its new cars to keep them in the best performance mode they can be.

The 2021 XC 40 Recharge reframed my whole paradigm for how a car works and caused me to think about it from another perspective. If I had the means to own one today, I absolutely would. It’s so much cleaner for the environment, quieter for a more peaceful driving experience, and peppy in its acceleration to give this woman all the happy feels of a well-made car! I also have peace of mind knowing that my friends down the road at Autobahn Volvo Fort Worth would take exceptional care of “watt-ever” issues arose.

Thank you, Autobahn Fort Worth and Autobahn Fort Worth Volvo, for an incredible driving experience! As usual, the Boulevard of Car Dreams never disappoints!

The post Recharge Your Paradigm first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

The past two years have thrown us some curveballs. But when so many parts of our lives are changing in ways we never fathomed, music has become a common way to cope with such changes. 2021’s River and Blues Festival takes place on November 12th and 13^th, and believe me, this is the place you want to be to reconnect your soul to the healing power of what music has to offer!

River & Blues Festival

The Festival’s founders Jennifer Ellison and Omar Ortiz met at Abilene Christian University (which just happens to be a sponsor for the event) and were inspired to create this festival after watching a Ken Burns documentary on country music. In the documentary, Burns compares music to a river: he says that country music and the blues flowed together until they reached a fork in the river. Country music went one way, while the blues went another way. Country music and the blues also wind through the history of music in Fort Worth, so what better place to have the event than at the literal fork of the Trinity River at Panther Island Pavilion?

There is no doubt that the founders love music. Ellison and Ortiz have worked hard to create an authentic and inclusive musical experience with an impressive lineup of artists. In addition, there will be lots of Fort Worth-based food and vendors. The hope is that this family and date night-friendly event will allow music lovers from all walks of life to feel like part of the River and Blues family.

There are several upgrades to this year’s Festival. VIP tickets include a dedicated Festival entrance, exclusive stage-front seating, a premium bar, and private restroom facilities! Another addition to the festival is Tacos and Tunes. Local taco restaurants/trucks will, including Taco Heads and Magdalena’s, will compete for “Best Taco” bragging rights in a street taco throwdown. There will also be a happy hour each day which will include discounts on drinks and merch!

Bart Crow Band

While taco competitions and private restroom access are all well and good, what really sets the River and Blues Festival apart is that they give back to our community. A portion of the proceeds and $1 of every ticket purchased will be given to the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth. The Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth is celebrating its 40^th anniversary. Ortiz has a personal connection to this amazing organization: his grandson, Mason, was born with a heart defect, and his family was able to be close as Mason was receiving treatment at Cook Children’s. Today, Mason is a healthy preteen boy, but the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth remains close to Ortiz’s heart. It’s this kind of passion and authenticity that makes this festival something to continue taking place for years to come!

Finally, we must mention the incredible lineup of artists again. No matter what your musical preferences, there is something for everyone. Taking the stage will be Larkin Poe, King Solomon Hicks, Aaron Watson, Summer Dean, and American Aquarium, just to name a few. Seasoned performers and up-and-comers will delight and keep you dancing the night away!

Fort Worth just keeps getting better! River and Blues Festival is another great contribution to our amazing city and bringing our community together through music (and food)!

For more details on times, tickets, and general questions, about River and Blues Festival, click: Here!

Southern Avenue

The post Celebrating Country and the Blues on the River first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

I pull out of the dealership with Willie singing “On the Road Again” in my head because I cannot wait to get on the road again in another car that I know I’ll fall in love with. Well, friends, let me introduce you to the 2022 Volkswagen Taos! I promise you’ll want to take to the highways and byways in this peppy compact SUV!

Volkswagen says the name “Taos” refers to the rugged and picturesque town in New Mexico, and the name is absolutely fitting because of its sporty handling and artistic exterior. From behind the wheel, the Taos proves it’s worthy of a spot on the shopping list of anyone searching for a small, easy-to-maneuver, and affordable SUV. If you routinely need to negotiate through tight spaces or squeeze into small parking spots, go test drive this petite VW SUV. I discovered the Taos is perfect for crowded Fort Worth streets because I could make quick U-turns thanks to its tiny turning radius.

While the Taos feels small when you’re spinning the steering wheel, it certainly doesn’t feel cramped in the cabin. There was plenty of legroom in the back seat, and my tall daughter and her two friends agreed that it was very comfortable as we carpooled to school. Cargo space also will not disappoint. Yes, you can do your weekly Costco or Sam’s Club visit and can fit everything in just fine.

The Taos was impressive from the moment I sat inside. All Taos models come standard with an LCD instrument cluster that can be customized to display anything from the song that’s playing to turn-by-turn directions using either the in-car navigation system or your phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

All my techno-nerd friends MUST check out the Volkswagen Car-Net app! Just a few perks of the app include a map to show you your last parked location if you forget where you parked (not that I would EVER need that! [cough]) or to show where the car is when someone else is driving. The app also has speed alerts, curfew alerts, and boundary alerts, as well as many other awesome notifications. In addition to the app, all the necessary safety bells and whistles come standard to keep you and your family at ease on your daily journey to and from Wherever, USA.

I truly enjoyed driving this little SUV, and I absolutely encourage you to take it for a test drive. But, as always, the absolute best thing about all my Fort Worth Autobahn experiences is the people who work there. After a year and a half of working with this amazing group of car dealers, I consider them friends. They are knowledgeable, kind, and eager to make their clients’ car dreams come true.

Gratitude, once again, to Fort Worth Autobahn for a fantastic driving experience. And…

“I just can’t wait to get on the road again!”

The post On the Road Again! The 2022 VW Taos from Autobahn Fort Worth first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.