First on the list is O.H. Ivie Lake, a 20,000-acre reservoir near San Angelo smack dab in the middle of nowhere. While West Texas is not known for fishin’ holes, this year the lake has produced seven ShareLunkers (a largemouth bass over 13 pounds recognized by the Texas Parks and Wildlife program). Come knowing you’ll need to bring a camper. Due to the popularity of this lake and its location, lodging can be scarce. This is a trip for experienced anglers; if you want to catch the bass of a lifetime, this is the place. From what used to be just a puddle in the desert, due to record rainfalls and all the stars aligning, it is considered one of the best lakes in the US right now. There may not be much else to do here other than fish, but it is the place to go if you want to catch a record-breaking bass. 

For thrill seekers, a Brazos River kayak trip is a must do. Starting at the dam on Possum Kingdom Lake, this 20-mile float can be the adventure of a lifetime. Rochelle’s Canoe Rental rents canoes and kayaks and offers shuttle service and take out. A family of four can do this trip with two canoes. Kayaks are best suited for one person, and an unusually an adventurous middle or high schooler can handle their own kayak. This two-day trip requires camping gear. Because most of the trip is through private lands, you’ll need to find an island with old fire rings to set up camp. It’s highly recommended to go at least 10 miles your first day, or you’ll be miserable on the second day trying to make up for lost time.  

A quick track down I-35 will take you to the Guadalupe River for trout fishing. The winter is the best due to reduced college crowds on the water. Think October through April. Trout up to 26 inches are being caught on the fly. Due to the cold, spring-fed river and water from Canyon Lake, the trout, though not native to Texas, have been surviving year-round in the river. This can easily be a DIY fishing trip combined with a visit to Gruene Outfitters, who can recommend a guide to take you out. This is the state’s number one trout fly fishing destination due to the fabulous scenery and the flowing river, a rare commodity in the Lone Star State. Don’t skip out on staying in Gruene, one of Texas’ most charming towns, and make sure you check the concert calendar at Gruene Hall while you’re there.  

On to the coast! Port O’Connor is a six-hour drive from Fort Worth where you can easily find a great house or condo to accommodate any size group at any level of luxury. Port O’Connor offers a wide variety of fishing: inshore fishing for trout and redfish in shallow flats, while a ten-minute boat ride gets you to one of the larger jetty systems on the Texas coast. It’s only accessible by boat, which keeps the fishing pressure low. Don’t expect spring breakers and bad t-shirt shops. There’s a gas station in town that has the world’s best grocery and tackle store, and every restaurant in town will cook your catch for you. Tarpon, snook, and other Gulf species which have been nearly extinct for decades have been increasing recently.  

Fishing for striper is the most fun I’ve ever had fishing. (It’s close to Cameron’s heart, too.) Lake Texoma has been known as the Striper Capital of Texas with hundreds of guides accommodating thousands of anglers per year. And don’t forget the Brazos lakes: Possum Kingdom, Granbury, and Whitney. Although these lakes suffered huge fish losses due to the golden algae a decade ago, recent gillnet sampling by Texas Parks and Wildlife show they’re as healthy as they’ve ever been. With these lakes only being an hour and a half from DFW, they all make a great weekend getaway. To be successful at catching stripers, a guide is recommended who all the guess (and dirty) work out of the equation.  

Angela Weaver is a native Texan, raised in Keller, but she got to Fort Worth as soon as she could. At 17, she joined the Marine Corps and served four years active duty. After her military service ended, she went to work for a hedge fund and then a whiskey distillery, both in Fort Worth. Her most important role started in 2009 when she became a mom. She lives with her two boys in Fort Worth and spends as much time as possible on fun adventures with them. She loves to spend her time with her boys outdoors getting the full Boy Mom experience, even if that means being covered in dirt, catching fish, or shooting BB guns. She loves the sense of community she has found in Fort Worth and can’t wait share that with our readers.

The post Angling Through Texas first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Photo courtesy of Double F River Ranch

The Double F River Ranch is a working cattle ranch on the banks of the Brazos River. Owner Bill Fuller has erected a luxurious safari tent, handmade in Africa and mounted on a deck in an oak glade on Comanche Creek, which feeds into the Brazos. He calls the tent Sundancer on the Brazos.

For those of you who are not outdoorsy, rest assured that this is not a little nylon pup tent. This is a glorious canvas affair with three lovely rooms and a hardwood floor. On one end is the master bedroom, with a beautifully appointed queen-sized bed. On the opposite end of the tent is a full bathroom (it is bigger than our bathroom at home), complete with an oversized shower. In between the bathroom and the bedroom is the living room with high end western furniture, a gorgeous chandelier, and a kitchenette (coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator). Oh, did I mention that the tent has central air-conditioning, heating, and wifi?

Photo courtesy of Double F River Ranch

On the deck surrounding the tent are a propane grill for cooking meals, a dining table and chairs, and two lounge chairs overlooking the creek, which has its own waterfall! I spent a goodly part of the afternoon in one of the lounge chairs, reading and listening to the sound of the waterfall, and it was heavenly! There is a hammock and a fire pit. And there is a wood-fired hot tub, ready for soaking. (The armoire in the bedroom has robes, and there are flip-flops available for use.) My husband and I made dinner on the grill and then ate around the campfire, talking and drinking adult beverages while the stars came out overhead. We heard coyotes singing and owls hooting at night. It was hard to believe we were less than an hour from home!

Photo courtesy of Double F River Ranch

For the more energetic among you, the Double F River Ranch has all sorts of activities to entertain. There are several miles of hiking trails that wander over the 350-acre ranch. Inner tubes and kayaks are available for use on the Brazos, and the ranch staff are happy to take you a couple of miles up the river to let you float or paddle back to the ranch. There is fishing on the river and a Fairy Forest near the tent – build a house for the fairies out of twigs, so they stay on the ranch!

We got to be guinea pigs for Bill’s latest addition to the ranch’s fun – a drone experience flying the river and the ranch. The drone comes with virtual reality goggles that put you right in the cockpit for a true flying experience! I have to say, getting to fly up and down the Brazos and over the ranch was amazing! I highly recommend adding this to your stay.

Sundancer can accommodate up to four people. In addition to the amazingly comfortable queen-sized bed, there is a queen-sized sofa bed in the living room. If, however, your group is larger, Bill has updated the farmhouse on the ranch. There are two bedrooms at the house with a total of eight beds, as well as two baths. In addition, the 100-year-old barn next to the farmhouse has been converted into an indoor/outdoor space – with tables and chairs – that would be wonderful for hosting weddings, corporate gatherings, scout trips, and family reunions!

Photo courtesy of Double F River Ranch

There is something magical about a river. Sitting in the chairs on the bluff overlooking the Brazos, talking to Bill, I remembered the stories John Graves told in Goodbye to a River, which tells of his canoe trip down the Brazos. We get so few opportunities in our lives to unplug, relax, and truly enjoy being in nature. Sitting by the creek, listening to the waterfall as I read, was more rejuvenating than a day at a spa. Sitting around the fire pit, watching the stars come out, and being serenaded by the wild inhabitants of the forest, my husband and I got to focus solely on each other with no distractions from children, phones, or screens. Getting to experience the beauty of Texas while looking forward to soaking in the hot tub, sleeping in a comfortable bed, and a taking a glorious shower the next day is, to my mind, one of the best ways to spend a couple of days unplugging and resetting around. My husband and I will be back to enjoy Sundancer on the Brazos and the Double F River Ranch!

The post Sundancing on the Brazos first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Let’s begin with an Urban Adventure Quest scavenger hunt.  I have mentioned this option before in one of my Fun in the Fort articles; however, Spring Break is the perfect opportunity to go.  Children of all ages will enjoy taking part in this exciting and educational activity.  Learn the history of our great city, and have fun at the same time.  You can complete the scavenger hunt at your own pace, so feel free to stop and grab a cup of coffee, dinner, or lunch. Take as long or short as you want.  Urban Adventure Quest is offering our readers a 20% off discount!  Use the promotion code TANGLEWOOD at checkout.  Here is the link to learn more and get started.

If you prefer to roll around town to running, the Cowtown Segway tour is for you!  I’ve never been on a Segway before but have been told that almost anyone can be taught to ride.  On Saturday and Sunday nights, you can book the downtown sunset cruise.  The only downside to this option is that they require the participants to be 14 or older!  Here you can find times and make reservations.

In my Spring Break Guide from last year (linked here), I focused on exploring different parts of the world from right here in North Texas.  If you didn’t get a chance to try some of these, maybe this will be your chance.  I’d like to suggest an addition to exploring worldly culture and share with you a chance to experience a touch of Thailand.  Visit and tour Wat Buddharatanaram.  This is a beautiful monastery that is so interesting and unique to our area.  Everyone is welcome.  I must ask that if you go, please be respectful and follow the etiquette guidelines while visiting.  Here is the website for more information and directions.

You may want to visit the Stockyards like never before and ride the Chisholm Trail just as the cowboys did back in the day!  The stockyards have a stable where you can book trail rides, arena rides, or a ride in a horse-drawn 1800’s Concordia stagecoach.  Riders must be at least 11 years old to go on the trail ride, but the younger horse lovers are in luck, as 3-year-olds and older are able to ride in the arena.  The Stagecoach is open to all ages, and 4 and under are free! Here you will find more information.

While you are down in the Stockyards, don’t forget you can tour the biggest Honky Tonk in the world.  Billy Bob’s opens at 11am and is fun to do during the day. You can eat lunch, view the celebrity handprints in the cement, try bull riding, and play some video games.  Kids are welcome, and the Bloody Marys are delicious.  I’ve wanted to try chef Grady Spears newest restaurant too, which is located down in the Stockyards.  It’s called Horseshoe Hill, and I’ve heard they serve up the best chicken fried steak in town, so check it out.

Finally, if you need to leave the city limits and the stress behind, I’d recommend a canoe trip down the Brazos River.  Rochelle’s Canoe Rental in Graford, Texas is the place to start because they will drop you in at point A and pick you up at point B.  No need to lug a boat around yourself and worry how you will get back.  They will set you up.  Visit their website here to read more about the different options.  They have a 1-day, 2-day and even a 4-day canoe trip option.

Spring Break Ideas Just for Kids (No Parents Allowed!)

Benbrook Stables Spring Break Camp is fun for all ages, boys and girls.  You can sign up for one day’s riding or the whole week. Van Grow Art Studio always puts together some fun camps, as well.  Older children ages 8-16 might want to try out the SiNiCa glass studio camp.  It’s only on March 11 and 12^th and the classes are small.  They will create some pretty amazing pieces! March 14^th -17^th the Amon Carter Museum of American Art has planned a spring break camp.  It is geared toward kids ages 10 and up.  From 1pm-3pm, they will participate in gallery games, creative challenges, and create some art projects.  Children under the age of 10 can come; they just need to be accompanied by an adult! All of these options will be a chance to get your kids away from all electronic devices at home at least for part of the time!

It’s springtime in Texas! If you are having a Spring Break staycation, take this week to get exploring and enjoy all that Fort Worth has to offer.  Have fun and stay safe 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 Being a Hometown Tourist first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.