We get to see our kids grow and learn, figure out the little ins-and-outs of the world, and find their place in it. We get to shape and mold a new generation of society in the best hopes of making the world a better place for future generations. We get to see ourselves writ small and innocent, exploring the world for the first time and seeing wonders we take for granted through a fresh set of eyes. It’s magical. It’s transcendent. It is among the wonders that I have witnessed in my life.

photo credit: Heather Hughston, Hutson Creative

Being a dad, I have received Father’s Day gifts ranging from nothing to a gift card. Dads tend to get what they need to get along. The best gift you can get your dad is one that he would never, ever get for himself. Now is your chance.

Fort Worth’s WestBend is celebrating Father’s Day with a series of events where Fort Worth local and internationally-known artist Sunflowerman will illustrate a photo of a dad in your life for a stylish and unique Father’s Day gift. Illustrations will be painted on vintage Sherlock Holmes book pages and completed while you watch the piece come to life. People will enjoy the unique experience of seeing a custom piece of art being illustrated live in as little as 15 minutes combined with the delight of taking home their piece to gift for Father’s Day. The custom illustrations are available on a first come, first serve basis with a limited number of spots available via sign-up sheet. The sign-up sheet will be available at 12 pm inside the store for each event.

Sunflowerman will be creating these incredible, custom illustrations of the father figures in your life at Pax & Parker on Saturday, June 9, and at BONOBOS on Saturday, June 16. Present a pic of your dad, grandfather, or anyone that you feel deserves to be a work of art by the cutoff time (only 14 portraits will be made in the noon- to 5 pm period).

photo credit: Heather Hughston, Hutson Creative

Gifts have special meaning if they are given with thought and emotion. Among the greatest gifts ever received was a sad dandelion clock handed to an exhausted man that had just finished working in the garden by his 2-year-old child. While the substance of the gift is transitory, the love and appreciation behind it is timeless. The illustrations that Sunflowerman creates embody feeling as well as perception. There is an elusive “happiness” that seems to flow from the art. These are, in my opinion, pieces that any father would be overjoyed to have. I feel confident in saying that even if a person could not secure one of the select spots at the event, arrangements could be made with the artist.

Even if you cannot attend this event and procure one of these incredible items, wish your dads a happy Father’s Day. In person, e-mail, text, or just think it really often. Dads know.

Originally from Oklahoma, David Geurkink is a recent transplant to Fort Worth. A former zookeeper with Fossil Rim and recently married to TWM’s Lee Virden Geurkink, he is enjoying learning about all that his new city has to offer.

The post Give Dad a One-of-a-Kind Gift first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

It was the thought that counted, but I’m sure the lackluster gifts didn’t exactly thrill him. Several locally owned businesses offer handcrafted products that will thrill dad on June 17.

The historic O.B. Macaroni Company (3066 SE Loop 820) is home to W Durable Goods, a retail store that makes handmade leather bags, wallets, and accessories for men and women. The products are “inspired by nostalgia and made with new and vintage materials.” Owner and craftsman Daniel Wright greeted me on a recent visit. His boutique shop opened late last year after a previous stint in the West 7th area, he said. Zipper bags, knives, and hats are some of the more popular items his store sales.

We put together a gift basket that included a leather business card case ($24), French Opinel Knife with ebony handle ($88), vintage handkerchief ($8-$20), vintage Stetson hat ($140), and a “If Lost” key chain ($22).

Fort Worth Barber Shop was bustling when I stopped by. The independently owned business offers old fashioned cuts and shaves in a relaxed vintage setting. The shop also sells unique shaving accessories that dad will love: shaving creams, artisan soaps, beard balms, aftershave, styling pastes, and more.

Photo courtesy of the Collective Brewing Project

I spend at least one evening a week at The Collective Brewing Project. The Near Southside-based brewpub specializes in sours, wild ales, and other food-inspired brews (ramen noodles and Peeps being two recent ingredients). From gift cards and merchandise to take-home growlers (large cans), Collective Brewing should be at the top of your Father’s Day list. If he likes craft beer, of course. In the same vein, Lone Star Taps & Caps is the perfect pub and growler fill station for the craft brew enthusiast. Besides gift cards, I recommend looking at several growlers they sell. The beer storage devices are designed to preserve draught beer’s quality and carbonation. It’s a great way to stock up on beer at a lower price, and Taps & Caps has several fancy high-tech metal growlers that will give dad bragging rights at his next dinner party or sports-watching event at home.

Edward Brown is a writing tutor and piano teacher. He is also an award-winning writer for the Fort Worth Weekly and volunteers for numerous Fort Worth nonprofits.

The post Father’s Day 2018 Gift Guide first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

I’m not the “woe is me” kinda guy (usually), but I do get a bit down from time to time when advocating for the arts. It’s true, classical music/theater/visual arts don’t get the big bucks and public attention that Hollywood, professional sports, and pop culture enjoys.

Fortunately, Fort Worth is an exceptionally generous city when it comes to culture. Several world class, multi-million dollar museums and galleries in the 817 attest to that fact: Bass Performance Hall, Kimbell Art Museum, and Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, to name a few.

But with so many distractions out there, how the heck do you get busy Fort Wortheans to experience the fleeting moment of transcendental beauty that is chamber music? We were pondering this question recently at a Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth board meeting. My suggestion was simple: put the music in one of Cowtown’s hip, new craft beer breweries. The spaces have already been embraced by the community through weekly taproom tours and events. To my knowledge, no group has brought classical music to a Fort Worth brewery. Yet.

We needed to find the right brewery, though. A large, cavernous space would dilute the concert’s acoustics, while a room that was too small wouldn’t hold a large enough crowd. Wild Acre Brewing Co.’s pristine taproom seemed like the perfect compromise. We decided to have fun with the marketing and gave ol’ Ludwig van Beethoven a hipster makeover, complete with lumberjack beard and thrift store coat. And so Beer, Beards, and Beethoven was born. Without a large marketing budget, we’ve been excited to see the Facebook invite draw hundreds of curious locals. Our concert will feature 30 minutes of chamber music. Admission ($20 for one, $30 for two) includes three pints of Wild Acre brews following the event. We plan to have a food truck on site, as well.

If you’ve never been to a chamber music concert, you are the audience we are looking for! Lots, if not most, of the TanglewoodMoms.com bloggers will be there. How many more reasons do you need? So come out to Wild Acre Brewing Co. on Wednesday, October 19, from 7 to 10 pm, and enjoy the best of Fort Worth culture!

Edward Brown writes about music, arts and news for a variety of publications. He’s an award-winning writer for the Fort Worth Weekly and blogger for Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau. He has published articles in Musical Opinion (U.K.), Canadian Music Educators Journal, and Clavier Companion, among others. When Brown isn’t writing about music, he’s actively involved in the local music scene as an educator, performer, lecturer, and judge for student music competitions. His professional affiliations include the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth, where he volunteers as education director, and the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, where he serves on the board and artistic committee. Brown was born in Bowling Green, Ohio in 1982. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas and currently resides in Fort Worth. His favorite leisure time activities include local music concerts and perusing Fort Worth’s growing gastropub scene.

The post Beer, Beards, and Beethoven – Bringing Together Ft. Worth Culture at Its Finest first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Beer. It’s no longer that adult beverage associated with beer pong, frat parties, and the Super Bowl. OK, it’s still a part of all those things, but it has become so much more in recent years. Fort Worth’s craft beer breweries are community spaces that welcome folks of all ages. Most are kid/pet friendly. With all the new breweries and beer-related events in town, you might find yourself feeling lost and adrift in the microbrewery ocean. Here’s the first in a three-part series that might help.

Part One: Relax. It’s Just Beer.

It’s true. When it comes to beer, there’s no pressure to be an expert, even if your spouse and/or friends are. I spend a good part of my week chatting up professional brewers and brewery staffers. They take pride in their work, but I wouldn’t describe any of them as snobby about it. Sure, they can tell you a million aroma and flavor profiles that come from this or that beer. That’s part of the fun (kind of like sport fans spouting off stats). But the professionals don’t expect everyone to be an expert and neither do most people. In fact, part of the fun of describing beer lies in how creative you can be. If that pint of suds reminds you of a chocolate cupcake, say it tastes like a chocolate cupcake. Not everyone understands “hopped up chocolate stout with roasty notes of (insert word here).”

That barrier aside, a lot of people get overwhelmed simply by the large variety of beer styles. And there are lots. There are dozens in fact, according to the Beer Judge Certification Program, and that doesn’t even include sub-genres. But mercifully, most Americans only drink the more popular ones. Here’s what you need to know. Think of this as CliffsNotes for beer.

Lagers and bocks: These are some of the most ubiquitous beers in the United States. They can generally be thought of as “safe” beers that have a clean profile, light body, and minimal bitterness.

IPA: The Indian Pale Ale can generally be thought of as a hoppy (bitter) beer, although not everyone agrees on what is too bitter. The distinguishing ingredient here is basically the hops. For certain “hopheads,” chasing the latest strain of citra or Amarillo beer is part of the fun. Give it a try, but don’t be discouraged if it isn’t your thing.

Stouts: Think Guinness, although most of us have moved on from that venerable Irish import by now. Stouts are dark and heavy most of the time. Even more importantly, the complicated brewing process and generally longer list of ingredients makes this style the Cabernet Sauvignon of beers.

Sours and lambics: Sours aren’t officially a beer “style.” But it generally refers to brews with a highly acidic flavor profile. Locally, The Collective Brewing Project has cornered this market with its Golden Petite Sour. These beers tend to be lighter colored and often have floral or funky notes. Sours are also highly popular right now. So if you’re trying to impress someone with your craft beer prowess, keep these tart brews on your short list.  Lambics, originally from Belgium, are wild yeast fermented beers (more on that below) that come in several styles. The ones you typically see in the US are fruit lambics. These include kriek (cherry), framboise (raspberry), peach (pêche), and blackcurrent (cassis). They are light and typically sweet.

Wild ales and Saisons: Someone is going to get mad at me for grouping these two together, but I’m fine with that. Wild ales and saisons are rather nebulous terms. What binds them is a complex flavor profile (midly musty, funky flavors, not unlike aged cheese), light body, and variability year to year. Yes, that last one is actually a good thing. These beers are generally brewed in the pre-industrialization tradition with wild yeast and an adventurous, often barrel-aged, spirit. Wild ales are, like the lambics mentioned above, fermented with wild strains of yeast, rather than with specific strains of brewer’s yeast. American wild ales are all over the map, flavor-wise, but they are usually interesting and fun to try.

Session beers: I frequently get this question. “What’s a session beer?” Basically, a session beer means a lighter, easy to drink beer that faithfully represents a traditional style. You won’t find a session beer that tastes like bacon or siracha sauce, for example. At least, you shouldn’t. Brewers will label their beers “session” this or that. If you’re in a hurry, it basically means you won’t be too surprised by what you get.

And again, relax. It really is just beer. Just the other night I ordered a red ale, calling it an IPA. I knew it had the hop profile of an IPA, but it apparently wasn’t an IPA because I was corrected. There’s always something to learn I guess. Part Two in this series covers what to buy that special (beer drinking) someone. Stay tuned…

Edward Brown writes about music, arts and news for a variety of publications. He’s an award-winning writer for the Fort Worth Weekly and blogger for Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau. He has published articles in Musical Opinion (U.K.), Canadian Music Educators Journal, and Clavier Companion,among others. When Brown isn’t writing about music, he’s actively involved in the local music scene as an educator, performer, lecturer, and judge for student music competitions. His professional affiliations include the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth, where he volunteers as education director, and the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, where he serves on the board and artistic committee. Brown was born in Bowling Green, Ohio in 1982. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas and currently resides in Fort Worth. His favorite leisure time activities include local music concerts and perusing Fort Worth’s growing gastropub scene.

The post Beer 101: Relax. It’s Just Beer. first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

As I sit here typing a gift guide for you all, I’ve yet to purchase anything for the amazing dads in my life!  I need a gift for my dad who has everything and one for my amazing husband! In creating this article, I hope to come up with the perfect unique idea of a gift for them as well.  Here are some man categories that can narrow down our options.

The Sports Lover

These types are usually pretty easy to buy for.  You could find a vintage sports magazine with an article on one of his favorite players of all time!  Here’s a link to a “Sports Illustrated” from 1972 with a Dallas Cowboy cover story.   Another option is an autographed ball or sports memorabilia of some sort. This website carries all kinds of collectibles. If you’d rather purchase an experience instead of buying stuff, you could surprise him with tickets to a game.  Stub Hub has great options available and any price range!

The Adventurer

Gunn & Hook has everything you need for this category! If the father in your life enjoys fishing, hunting, shooting, or is just an adventure seeker, this is a great store that will help you find the perfect gift at various price levels.  They have trips you can purchase close to home or on the other side of the world. They can take you on a full-day moose photo safari in Maine, skydiving near Corpus Christie, or fishing in Cabo!  Shooting classes are available as well.  There are so many choices, and they haven’t forgotten anyone.  Gear is also available in the store. (They even have Yeti Tumblers, and I know how much Tanglewood Moms love to give those!!!) Gunn and Hook actually created a gift guide on their website to help us out!  The Dads and Grads Gunn & Hook Gift Guide features a variety of items any true adventurer would appreciate!

The Animal Lover

When I was 17, I brought home a half golden retriever and half yellow lab puppy.  We named her Pavlov, and when I left for college, she became my Dad’s dog.  He loved to put her in the front seat of his Ford Bronco and take her everywhere. She died many years ago from cancer, but her memory lives on. The perfect gift for my dad would be a way to remember his beloved Pavvy, and there is a local artist here in Fort Worth that will take a photo of her and create a beautiful watercolor image.  Her name is Angela Gilmore-Lendzioszek.  She has an Etsy website you can order from, and you can follow her on Instagram – @angelalendz .  She paints all kinds of animals and has even painted a client’s pet donkey.  We are so lucky to have this talented woman in Fort Worth!

The Beer or Whiskey Lover

Fort Worth, there is a new brewery in town.  It’s called Wild Acre Brewing, and it would be an amazing gift to be one of the first to try this new Brew!  Grab a six-pack, a hat, and a t-shirt, and voila, you have the perfect gift! Whiskey lovers everywhere need the new glasses that separates the ice from the drink so that it doesn’t get watered down.  Another option is to buy a giant ice ball mold that would be perfect paired with his favorite bottle!  My kids love making the giant ice balls! We found the mold at Williams Sonoma.

The Science and History Lover

My dad loves new inventions, Tesla cars, Space X, and coin collecting.  One year I got my dad an old Roman coin to add to his collection.  It is really cool to look at and imagine that this little amazing coin was around soooo long ago.  Fort Worth Coin Co. should be able to help with that idea or something similar.  Another year I bought him a book about Elon Musk.  There’s a new locally owned bookstore in town called The Last Word.  Check it out. I bet they have some great advice for you.  Another possibility is a telescope to look at the stars and planets or even the space station at it occasionally goes by.  I also highly recommend the DVD box set of the mini-series “From the Earth to the Moon”.  You can’t go wrong with that one.  My dad loved it so much that he purchased one for each of his children so that they would then share it with all his grandchildren.

Well, I’m so glad I took the time to think of different options. I’m pretty sure I’ve figured out my gifts for this year! If you still are unsure, you can always give him a new tie, or new grill accessory.  I saw a really cute needlepoint belt of Fort Worth symbols being advertised as well.  Visit our local shops around town they will for sure help you find exactly what you need.  Happy Father’s Day everybody!

Tricia Schniederjan is a Fort Worth girl born and raised. Tricia is a runner, scuba diver, snow and water skier, hiker, and kayaker.  Her love of exploring has taken her on many adventures with her 5 children which has led to her becoming an expert at traveling with children. She is a UT Austin graduate, an optimist, a peace keeper, and an enjoyer of life.

The post Father’s Day Gift Guide 2016 first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, a national holiday to honor mothers. Here we are, 102 years later, and to continue to honor the mothers in our lives, I’ve pulled together some ideas to help show your appreciation to your wonderful mother.

Jewelry

Rings, necklaces, or earrings – there are so many options! You can’t go wrong with a gift from Grissom’s Fine Jewelry.  They are one of the few locally-owned jewelry stores left in Fort Worth.  Grissom’s carries the best quality jewelry and always has a wonderful selection of new and antique pieces. Many years ago, I went up there with my dad and found a really pretty antique diamond necklace for my mom.  It is a memory I’ll always have, and it was the perfect present which she still treasures to this day.   Give that extra special mom out there a gift that will blow her away! She deserves it! From now until Mother’s Day, Patrick Grissom is offering all Tanglewood Moms readers 20% off all in stock jewelry items!!! (Rolex watches and loose diamonds excluded.) Just mention you heard about this from Tanglewoodmoms.com, and the deal is yours!

Another fabulous Mother’s Day gift would be a gorgeous and thoughtful piece from Wishing Well! I was so happy to get my necklace at Christmas, and I have been eyeing a stunning turquoise ring lately.  I love the way the pieces open and close magnetically.  The charms really do keep your intentions close as a reminder of what is important to you.  Wishing Well is offering Tanglewood Moms readers this deal – enter the code MothersDay2016 at checkout for 50% off!

Handmade with Love

I like to take my kids up to Van Grow Art Studio and paint their sweet little hands and put them all over a serving platter or a large popcorn bowl.  The people who work there will help you, and I had them write a message for me on my piece, as well.  This will then need to be fired in the kiln, so it will take time. Don’t delay! They have open studio in the afternoons from 12-6 and on Fridays. They are offering all of our Tanglewood Moms readers a Buy 1 Get 1 Half Off discount on Saturday, April 30, from 12-6 as well! The deadline to create is April 30^th at 6pm to have your gift ready in time for pickup the Friday before Mother’s Day.  Take advantage of this extra day and mention Tanglewood moms to get the discount! Follow them on Instagram @vangrow for future discounts and schedules!

Bags/ Totes

I saw this shopping tote on the Facebook Shop Small Fort Worth site and thought that they would be a perfect Mother’s Day gift for a lucky lady!  They are usually priced at $38; however, right now they are on sale for $30, and the price includes the monogram!  Amanda Miller is selling these, and here is a link to her Facebook page – Miller’s Boutique. If you want a monogram, you will need to order quickly to ensure arrival for Mother’s Day!

If you haven’t seen Funky Wright Designs’ gorgeous watercolor pieces, you have to check them out!  I love the soft watercolor paintings, and now it is on a clutch! I can take it with me everywhere.

Gift Baskets

Hurley House has some beautiful and delicious Mother’s Day Gift Baskets that are sure to please any mother on your list!  You can decide between the prearranged baskets shown on the Hurley House website, or they can customize one just for you! The Hurley House will also deliver; however, orders need to be received by Friday, May 6!  Call 817-343-4483 to place your order.

Flowers

Who doesn’t love flowers, either cut and arranged or growing in a garden?  If you take your children to Archie’s Gardenland, you will find some beautiful options, and the great thing about these flowers is that they will continue to grow and be a reminder of this special gift that will last a long time.   I was there a couple of weeks ago and fell in love with the Mexican pottery.  Pick out one of these planters, grab a bag of potting soil, let the kids find some flowers, and you are ready with the perfect gift!

Gifts That Keep on Giving

Dooty Free lawn service for a year!  With 2 dogs, my yard can get smelly, and if I don’t keep it picked up, surely a foot is going to step in the mess. Yuck!  Dog-loving moms everywhere will appreciate this service! Call 817-269-9637 to make this happen.  The first 2 callers that say they heard about this through Tanglewood moms gets 1 month free!

Savor Culinary Services!  Give your hard working mom a break in the kitchen!  Take the “What’s for Dinner?” out of the equation.  This AMAZING gift will be truly one of the best things you could do for a busy mom! Savor is offering Tanglewood Moms readers a chance to win 3 customized meals!  Visit the Savor Facebook Page to enter.  They will announce the winner on Sunday, May 1^st.  Good luck, everybody!

Hints for the Dads out There!!!

Make her day extra special by stopping into The Fresh Market and picking up some of her favorite breakfast items and a bouquet of flowers! Get the kids and surprise her in the park with a picnic. Or better yet, let her sleep in and help the kids deliver her a special breakfast she will never forget! The Fresh Market is offering Tanglewood Moms readers 2 dozen Mother’s Day Roses for $25!!!

Being a mom is the hardest job there is, so celebrate them and enjoy your day! Happy Mother’s Day everybody!

Tricia Schniederjan is a Fort Worth girl born and raised. Tricia is a runner, scuba diver, snow and water skier, hiker, and kayaker.  Her love of exploring has taken her on many adventures with her 5 children, which has led to her becoming an expert at traveling with children. She is a UT Austin graduate, an optimist, a peace keeper, and an enjoyer of life.

The post Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2016 first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

For some reason Tuesday nights are always the craziest night of the week for us. Its not that we are objectively busier than any other night with soccer practice, baths, and homework. Its just that on Tuesdays we are always running a little more behind than usual.

Armed with that knowledge I decided last week to get a head start on Tuesday night by preparing dinner ahead of time. I decided to do slow cooker something or other so that when we got home from soccer we could basically just sit down and eat. I’d been craving some yummy tacos so I looked up a few recipes and settled on these brisket tacos.

When we got home we warmed up some tortillas, shredded the meat, and were blown away. Not only were these the best homemade tacos we’ve made (all the kids asked for seconds) but they were so super simple. The best part though was that we had enough left over for another round of delicious, tangy tacos a couple days later.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (4 pound) beef brisket
• 3 poblano peppers (or Hatch green chiles if in season)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 12 flour or corn tortillas
• Chopped cilantro
• Mexican cheese
• Tomatillo salsa
• Sour cream
• Lime slices

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix salt, pepper, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder and cumin in a small bowl.
2. Rub the spice mixture on the beef brisket. Make sure you completely cover the entire brisket with seasoning.
3. Place seasoned beef brisket in a large slow cooker. Add the 3 poblano peppers and water to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Remove brisket from slow cooker and shred.
6. Heat tortillas then add some shredded meat to each tortilla. Top with Mexican cheese, cilantro, lime juice, tomatillo salsa and sour cream.

The post Easy Slow Cooker Brisket Tacos first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Fishing is a pastime you can enjoy practically anywhere there’s water. Whether it’s a town creek, a park pond or a remote mountain stream only accessible by helicopter, sometimes it’s more about the experience than the actual fish.

With that in mind, here are 10 amazing destinations you simply must add to your fishing bucket list. Some of these places feature breathtaking vistas, others boast truly incredible fish, and some have both. All of them are awe-inspiring experiences.

10. The River Finn, Ireland

The Finn is a river that flows through County Donegal in the heart of Northern Ireland, holding some of the best salmon and grilse fishing in the Foyle catchment. Finn Valley is also home to several small country villages surrounded by wild Irish foothills, making for a perfect fishing getaway if remote and basic are your flavors.

Fly fishing adventure on the River Finn >>>

9. The Everglades

Know as the River of Grass, the Everglades run south from Lake Okeechobee down to Florida Bay. Here you’ll find some of the most diverse fresh and saltwater fishing in the world. One-third of Everglades National Park is covered by water, creating excellent fishing opportunities for snapper, trout, redfish, bass, snook, tarpon, grouper, black drum and more.

Everglades fishing excursion >>>

8. Prince of Wales Island

Just a little off the beaten path, America’s third largest island (known as POW by the locals) is surrounded by seas rich with salmon, halibut, cod, rockfish and two types of crab. POW’s freshwater rivers and lakes are some of the best salmon and trout fisheries in existence, making this place a smorgasbord for any angler. When your line isn’t wet, the beauty of the island’s rainforest of towering spruce, pine and cedar trees, accented by rolling hills and rising mountains, will take your breath away.

Boardwalk Lodge fly fishing trip >>>

7. Venice, Louisiana

The Delta National Wildlife refuge, one of the most unique places on earth, is home to an astounding variety of fish species, making it a Mecca of sorts for saltwater fishermen. Whether chasing massive yellowfin out near the oil rigs or hunting for monstrous reds in the endless maze of flats, there’s something for everyone around Louisiana’s southernmost point.

Fishing for monsters in Louisiana >>>

6. Pyrenees, Spain

Even without a fly rod, the mountains that separate the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of Europe hold enough adventures for 10 lifetimes. The remote glacial lakes, mountain streams, flora, fauna, local cuisine and Romanesque art are more than enough to fill your stay, to say nothing of some of the finest trout fishing in the world. This is as wild and unspoiled as it gets.

Guided fly fishing in the Pyrenees Mountains >>>

5. Patagonia

If there’s one place every fly fisherman has on his or her bucket list of experiences, it’s Patagonia. Vast and varied in both terrain and fish, the southern frontier of South America is barren and beautiful. Sitting in silence just to experience the jagged peaks, pristine rivers and dusty backwater oases is an adventure by itself.

Patagonia fly fishing adventure >>>

4. Costa Rica

The waters surrounding Central America hold some of the biggest and meanest billfish in the world, and Costa Rica is by far the best place to stage a bucket list adventure. When you’re not off shore fishing the deep blue waters of the Pacific, the jungles and rivers of Costa Rica provide opportunities for everything from whitewater rafting and swimming to rock climbing and zip-lining.

Bucket list fishing adventure in Costa Rica >>>

3. Isla Holbox, Mexico

Just off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula sits Isla Holbox. This quiet, laid back island stands in stark contrast to the touristy city of Cancun just a few dozen miles to the south; remote and largely undiscovered, Holbox is for serious anglers seeking a hook up with monster tarpon, jacks, barracuda, permit and more.

Isla Holbox fly fishing adventure >>>

2. The Amazon

Cutting through the heart of South America, the Amazon River stretches across three countries (4,000 miles), and discharges 7,381,000 cubic feet of water per second, creating the largest river basin in the world. Home to dozens of exotic game fish like peacock bass, arapaima, golden dorado and redtail catfish, this otherworldly river offers virtually unlimited, and unmatched, freshwater angling experiences.

Amazonian peacock bass fishing excursion >>>

1. The Seychelle Islands

Your new obsession lies a thousand miles off the eastern coast of Africa, in the coral and granite islands of the Seychelles. This pristine hideaway of white sand in the Indian Ocean abounds in tropical fish and topical luxury, bimini tops and bikini bottoms. All those angling pioneers who are fortunate enough to visit her shores call it a paradise. Nowhere else in the world offers the diversity of species that can be found and targeted on the fly; from tailing triggerfish to giant trevally, the Seychelles offer more angling adventure than one could experience in 10 lifetimes.

Fly fishing package on Alphonse Island in the Seychelles >>>

AUTHOR

The post 10 Fishing Destinations You Must Add to Your Bucket List first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

TanglewoodMoms.com isn’t just for moms, ya know. It’s for families. And for dads. Once a week or so we’ll run a blog post from a dad’s perspective on things. It might be a product review. Or maybe an attempt to make something happen on the grill. Or maybe just a rant about how kids cause our hair to turn grey, or turn loose altogether. This week though we’re gonna start it off with some fun things dads can do with their kids.

Summer is usually about family vacations and pool time. But vacations take up a week or two and hanging by the pool day in and day out can get redundant. So, I’ve pulled together a few things that are as fun for us dads as they are for the kids. Let’s face it we’re all big kids at heart anyway.

Old picture, but Hicks Field has been a favorite brunch destination for close to 7 years now.

1. One of my favorite places to take my kids in Fort Worth is Hicks Field. Hicks Field is a tiny little airport about 10 miles north of downtown. From our house it’s about a 20 minute drive and worth every second. When you pull in the south gate of the airport you’re gonna want to drive up the taxiway that runs parallel to the runway on the east side. Aircraft have right of way here, so yield to anything with wings that’s driving around, and stay off the runway. Make your way to the north end of the runway and you will see The Beacon Café on your right. Find a parking spot and make your way inside to order the BEST pancakes in town. Then you and the kids go sit on the patio and watch loads of small planes take off and land. Lots of pilots know about The Beacon and they fly in from all over to have breakfast or lunch, and they will park their planes right in front of the restaurant. You and your kids will have a front row seat to a great little airshow. Pilots tend to be a friendly bunch and are always willing to let kids take a look at their rides and sometimes they might even offer to let a little one sit at the controls for a photo. Best times to go are Saturday and Sunday mornings before it gets too hot.

2. How about urban fishing? We live in Tanglewood and the little creek that runs through the park holds plenty of small perch in the deeper pools. A little bacon or a bit of hot dog is all you need, but if you want to really get into it you can always dig your own worms on the banks. A little patience will pay off with a ton of fun. I consider this a catch and release only stream though. Also, the Trinity River holds all kinds of fish and there are plenty of spots you can access the river. The fishing is a little trickier and the pay off might not be as quick but you can certainly get it done. The point is you don’t have to go to Colorado or even your buddy’s ranch. You can just grab your kids and some gear and be catching fish in ten minutes. The look of joy when your kids catch a fish is one of the best things in life. As usual, best times to catch fish are morning and evening.

3. Next up is Airfield Falls. Haven’t heard of it? You’re not alone, though it has gotten more publicity lately and most people refer to it as the Fort Worth Waterfall. This is a really fun way to kill a couple hours with the kids and see something that is beautiful and unique. The falls used to be a part of Carswell air force base and when the land was divided up between the new Naval Air Station and Westworth Village the falls became accessible to the public for the first time in ages. To get there you’ll need to find where Westworth Blvd (TX-183) crosses the Trinity River in Westworth Village. You can park on the shoulder of the south bound lanes next to a green gate and the blue Tarrant Regional Water District sign that says “Airfield Falls Trailhead”. Hop on the bike trail and head west. After a short leisurely stroll you’ll be there. You literally can’t miss it. Take a camera because your kids are going to have a blast splashing and climbing and skipping rocks. Pro tip: you used to be able to access the falls from upstream as well off of Pumphrey Dr. but that way is fenced off for some reason.

4. I know its Texas and its summer and its hot and you don’t’ want to be outside all day every day, so now I’m gonna give you my favorite indoor activity. You like movies, right? Of course you do. Especially on a hot summer day. It’s cool and dark; you get to stop sweating for a little bit. But, most movies aren’t that great and good kid movies are few and far between. But what about a movie at the Omni Theater in the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History? Oh yes. I love the Omni Theater. It’s a movie but its better. It’s bigger and louder and there are really steep steps like you’re climbing a mountain and then you feel like you’re actually in the movie because it’s all around you and the mind blowing helicopter ride over Fort Worth in the beginning. It’s just so freakin’ cool. Some kids get a little tweaked out the first time but that’s ok. You’re a professional dad doing something awesome with your kids. You can handle it. Right now they are showing some amazing films but I think for older kids, Tornado Alley might be the movie of the summer. It’s basically Twister but real and without Fort Worth native Bill Paxton.

There ya have it. 4 cool things for dads to do with kids next weekend. It’s not a far flung adventure to New Zealand or even South Padre Island, but its all close, convenient and loads of fun for the kids and the kid in you.

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