Day Trips: Texas Motor Speedway, Fort WorthPublic tours go behind the scenes for insights into race day excitementBY GERALD E. MCLEOD, FRI., JUNE 2, 2017

Photos by Gerald E. McLeodTexas Motor Speedway tours put you in the winner's circle. If you're lucky, the hourlong van excursion includes a lap around the 1.5 mile track.
You don't have to be a NASCAR fan to enjoy the behind-the-scenes look at the giant speedway. But if you're not a fan, be prepared to field the question of who's your favorite driver from others on the tour.

As soon as it opened in 1997, the track north of Fort Worth became a recognizable backdrop on the televised racing circuit. In person, the track is colossal. With seating for more than 181,000, the grandstand is 10 stories high. Standing in the pit area at the finish line, the empty seats stare back with a big toothy grin.
The tour guide drove our group around the infield, entertaining us with stories and fun facts. For instance, the world's largest HDTV, nicknamed Big Hoss, faces the stands with a surface area of half an acre and broadcasts the races in real time. It's also used to show movies on movie night.

The track hosts only seven major professional races annually, but holds multiple events during the year. There is a driving school that offers laps with a professional driver or on your own. There's drag racing on Friday nights during June and July. And during the summer a series with youths driving cars powered by motorcycle engines races on the track. Some events are free.

Two weeks ago, I was in the beautiful City of San Antonio, Texas for the Texas Economic Development Council’s (TEDC) annual conference. There, 450 economic developers from around the State came together to learn about new opportunities, share updates with one another, and connect in order to discuss the daunting issues that we each face in the journey toward helping our communities to be economically viable and sustainable.

Straight from San Antonio, I flew to Indianapolis, Indiana for the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) annual conference where I was able to accept an award on behalf of the City of Saginaw. This organization is the big brother of TEDC; bringing together more than 1,400 professional economic developers from democratic countries around the world for a four-day marathon of trainings, seminars, roundtables, sessions, a massive exhibit hall, and more.

I’ve returned from these conferences with a few things I didn’t have before I left: new ideas for ways that Saginaw can compete in the North Texas market, new professional colleagues and commercial connections that are interested in learning more about this community, insight into projects and programs that other communities undertook, and a few truths that I think are worth sharing. Over the next few blogs, I’d like to talk about each one of these truths, starting with the big one:

I think it is really important to address the fact that Saginaw is not a small town any longer. Although it might have the small town charm of knowing your next-door neighbors, saying hi to the local business owners when you see them, and feeling quaint and nostalgic- from a numbers standpoint we just aren’t in that category. One of the most experienced advocates of Texas small towns and rural sustainability, Lorie Vincent with Acceleration By Design, spoke at one of the sessions about how to define these terms. Lorie has spent her entire career focused on the unique needs and issues facing small towns.

She pointed out that there are only 285 cities in the United States today that have populations in excess of 100,000. Not only does that include major cities like Dallas (pop 1.341 million) and Fort Worth (pop 895,008), it also includes cities like Frisco (186,000), Plano (286,057), Lewisville (106,586), Arlington (392,772), Grand Prairie (193,837), Denton (136,000), McKinney (191,645), Allen (103,383), Carrollton (136,879), and more. In fact, in the DFW Metroplex there are 14 cities with populations larger than 100,000 people- or almost 5% of all cities of that size in the entire United States. And all of this incredible population wealth is consolidated, along with 200 other cities and 30 unincorporated places, in less than 9,000 square-miles.

For small and rural communities, officially defined as those with populations under 10,000, there are a whopping 16,475 of them in the U.S. Why are some of these considered ‘small’ and others considered ‘rural’? That all comes down to their proximity to other places. A ‘rural’ town is one that is isolated from other communities, amenities, and major metropolitan areas. On the other hand, a ‘small’ town such as Roanoke is definitely not isolated from development. As you can imagine, a ‘rural’ community of 5,000 people in the middle of west Texas likely has VERY different concerns and needs from a ‘small’ community of 5,000 in the middle of DFW. If there isn’t a grocery store in a rural town, residents may need to drive miles and miles to fill those needs. That becomes a serious quality of life issue. On the other hand, if a small town of the same size doesn’t have a grocery store, their next door community likely does. They have access readily available to them for what they need. That is because the small town is operating in a larger market due to its proximity to other development.

With a population of over 23,500 (according to ESRI demographic data for 2019), the City of Saginaw is more than double the size of which is defined as a small town. Due to the proximity of Saginaw to Fort Worth, the 13th largest city in the nation, and as part of the massive DFW Metroplex market, we certainly aren’t rural by any stretch. In fact, other than man-made city boundaries that were established at the time of Saginaw’s incorporation in 1949, there is nothing economically that points to Saginaw being small by any means! Our market area is one of the largest and most robust in the nation!

We already have amenities and opportunities within a reasonable commuting distance that most cities in the nation (and across the globe) would be THRILLED to have. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 97% of the nation’s land mass is considered rural, yet only 19.3% of the nation’s population lives in these spaces. Talk about low density! We may feel discouraged that the closest IKEA is 33 miles away from Saginaw, but most cities in the U.S. wish they even had a hospital within that same distance.

When most people say, ‘small town,’ what they mean to say is ‘hometown.’ Being a ‘hometown’ has nothing to do with size, population, market pull, etc. A ‘hometown’ is all about the feeling you have by living in the community and feeling welcomed, valued, noticed, and impactful. It is about neighbors dropping food off to welcome you or when you’re going through life’s ups and downs. It is about communal events and celebrations where you and your neighbors come together to enjoy family, friendship, and kindness. A ‘hometown’ is one that is both familiar and proud- safe and never lonely. And if that is your definition of what being a ‘small town’ is all about, then Saginaw most definitely fits that category.

There are communities all over North Texas, the State, and the nation- cities of ALL sizes- that embrace a hometown mindset and celebrate their hometown pride. Take, for instance, the Town of Flower Mound, where I previously served: In a community of over 73,000 people, we still had neighbors dropping off food to one another and throwing potluck block parties. In Lewisville, with its more-than-100,000 residents, they still have music and movies in the park and people wave and honk at one another everywhere you go. When you go to the grocery store in Keller (47,266) you are almost sure to run into people you know- same for playgrounds or in the line at the Post Office. In the City of Grapevine (53,982), their Main Street is vibrant and often bustling with families and friends catching up and enjoying fresh air. It is certainly true from real examples all around us, that the feeling of comradery and local pride a hometown has comes from the willingness of neighbors to interact positively with one another – not because of the number of people or acreage your community may boast.
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If you have a hankering for a different kind of vacation – a place that is not a typical sun, sand and beach destination, then Fort Worth Stockyards could be what you are looking for. This historical district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, transports you back in time to the late 19th and early 20th century when Fort Worth played an instrumental role in the cattle industry. Today the Fort Worth Stockyards are the last standing stockyards in the U.S. However, for visitors of all ages, the area offers much more than just original and renovated buildings from the era.
Cowboy Nirvana:Cattle DriveEvery day at 11:30 am, and again at 4 pm, visitors are ushered to the sidewalk to witness more than a dozen head of Texas Longhorns make their way down East Exchange Avenue.
RodeoWant to see what it takes to be a real cowboy? Then head on over to the Cowtown Coliseum for the Stockyards Championship rodeo, complete with bull riding, barrel racing, lasso tricks and mutton tag (where children try to touch [tag] a sheep).
Cowboy MuseumWhile not a huge facility, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame houses the world’s largest collection of wagons and it is fascinating to walk among them and witness how milk and groceries used to be delivered, not to mention how laundry, photography and dump truck services used to all be handled from the back of a wagon. Also inside the museum are tributes – in the form of small, personalized stations – dedicated to Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees.
Cattle Drive
Entertainment:Steak DinnerWhen in Texas, especially a location whose history is centered around cattle, it seems only right to head out for a good steak dinner. And Cattlemens Steak House certainly delivers – just ask to sit in the rear of the restaurant so that you can watch the chef work his magic on the various meat cuts.
Honky Tonk

There’s a reason people are moving to Fort Worth. Here’s what you need to know about this Texas city including tips for new residents, where to live and activities to enjoy.
If you’re considering moving to Fort Worth, you’re not alone. The Dallas-Fort Worth area adds more than 250 residents per day—more than any other U. S. metropolitan area. Between its top-notch restaurants, world-class museums, live music venues and some of the friendliest residents in Texas, you’re going to love everything Fort Worth has to offer.
For those who enjoy a true taste of Texas and Western heritage, there’s nothing that embodies where the West begins quite like the Stockyards National Historic District. For those who are just looking to get a feel for one of the best downtown districts in the nation, there’s plenty to do year-round in Sundance Square. Few downtowns have achieved the cohesion between cowboy culture and urban sophistication that Fort Worth has—and that’s what makes it so incredibly unique.
Aside from its historic culture and vibrant nightlife, Fort Worth offers quaint neighborhoods, endless things to see and do, affordable living, and world-class opportunities for business. And it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Whether you’re moving for a career or just eager to get a taste of a new city, you’ll soon find out why Fort Worth is one of America’s most livable cities. Here’s what you need to know before moving to the Lone Star State.

The Best Neighborhoods in Fort WorthWith a hot housing market and great cost of living, it’s no wonder families are moving to Fort Worth over other popular urban destinations. Out of 125 metro areas, Dallas-Fort Worth ranks 21st on the list of U.S. News Best Places to Live. Whether you’re looking for high-rise condos and lofts or southern suburbia landscapes, you’ll easily be able to find the perfect home for you and your family.
“The city and region offer significant employment opportunities, diverse and affordable housing options, and a wonderful quality of life,” says Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, assistant director of economic development for the City of Fort Worth. “All of this has been recognized nationally, and continues to draw people to our city and the region.”
Contemplating where to live in Fort Worth? There of plenty of spots to plant some roots. Here are some of the best Fort Worth neighborhoods:
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1. uthlake. Located only a half-hour commute from downtown, Southlake offers plenty of things to do for young professionals. From its outstanding public school systems to daily events at Southlake Town Square, you’ll never run out of things to do in this family-friendly neighborhood.
2. Keller. Named one of “America’s Best Small Towns” three times in the last decade, Keller has gained national attention for its big-city conveniences and small-town roots. The area offers an excellent school system, multiple award-winning sports facilities and historic charm.
3. Arlington Heights. Arlington Heights is a quaint suburb with close proximity to downtown, giving residents convenient access to everything they need. Safer than 93 percent of Texas cities and offering plenty to do, this is known as the most livable neighborhood in Fort Worth.
4. Downtown. With more than 25,000 residents, downtown Fort Worth is an active and vibrant setting (and among the best downtowns in the nation). While there are endless shops, restaurants, live music halls and events to visit in the area, it’s also recognized for its cleanliness and safety.
5. Wedgwood. With a population of around 86,000 residents, this vibrant neighborhood is both comfortable and friendly. Wedgwood offers an abundance of schools, parks, grocery stores, restaurants, libraries and gyms all in close distances. This is the perfect neighborhood if you and your family have an appreciation for urban living.

Where in the World is Haslet, Texas?Most people are at least somewhat familiar with the largest, most recognized cities in Texas. For example, plenty of people have heard of – and even fallen in love with – the Fort Worth area for the city’s perfect blend of sophistication and quiet Texas charm. With the big cities in the DFW metro area seeming to get all the attention, there’s an undercurrent of irresistible energy flowing through the surrounding areas. Not far from Fort Worth you’ll find amazing growing communities that are earning their own accolades – like Haslet, Texas.
At Taylor Morrison, we strive to choose the locations for our communities that we know residents are going to love. That’s why we chose Haslet as home to our new homes in our Caraway community. Let us introduce you to Haslet and show you why you’re going to enjoy the community just as much as we do.
Where Is Haslet, TexasHaslet, Texas has the odd distinction of being located within two separate counties – Denton and Tarrant. Being just a short 15 miles outside of downtown Fort Worth has made Haslet one of the most attractive communities for professionals that work in the DFW metro area, but want to escape to someplace a little quieter at the end of their workday.
The short distance between Haslet and the business center of Fort Worth make it easy to slip away from the always-on energy of the city and relax into a quiet community that feels thousands of miles removed from the congestion.
For people looking for a community that they can grow with, Haslet offers just the right opportunities. With a growth rate that’s exceeding other communities in the area, Haslet is still relatively small with a population that’s barely scraping the 2,000 mark.
It’s truly a community that you can make your own.
Opportunities in HasletWe have an endless list of reasons why we’re so enamored with Haslet, but at Taylor Morrison, we’ve discovered that one of the features that new home buyers love most about the area is that they’re not restricting their career opportunities by choosing small town life over big city chaos. Even during the busiest travel times, the relatively short commute between Haslet and the DFW metro area is better than what you’ll find in other growing communities in the area. This is great for professionals in all industries, especially since the Dallas Fort Worth area has a thriving economy and employment market.
Top job opportunities in the Haslet area include:

• Aviation and aerospace, with American Airline, Bell Helicopter and the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Division having facilities close by.
• Careers in both healthcare and education are on the rise in the area as well.
• Major employers like Amazon, General Mills and AT&T in the area.

There’s ample opportunity to find the career of your dreams.
Living the Small Town DreamHaslet isn’t like your typical small town in America.
While you’ll enjoy getting to know your neighbors and all the perks of living in a small town, Haslet is also infused with the type of culture and amenities that you often only find in larger cities. When you head out to spend a leisurely day in the community, you won’t be disappointed in your options.
Thinking about doing a little shopping and then lunch with friends? Haslet has you covered with its unique shops and restaurants that the local rave about – like Lee’s Bar-B-Q, which has a well deserved following.
When you’re in the mood for a day of outdoor exploration, you’ll want to head over to John Gammill Park and the Haslet Community Park. The two recreational areas are connected to each other, and between the two of them, they provide everything you could ever want for enjoying a perfect Texas afternoon. With lots of open space and plenty of shady trees, John Gammill is the place for large gatherings or even a quiet picnic with someone special. Wander next door to the Haslet Community Park, and you’ll find a completely new energy where residents will be enjoying the disc golf course, playing sand volleyball and taking full advantage of the beautiful walking trail. It’s amenities like these that make Haslet stand out as an exceptional small town community.

Maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle while practicing social distancing can be difficult. Check out these area gyms and organizations offering ways to stay fit and focused. 


COWTOWN MARATHONLive BootcampOur friends at The Cowtown Marathon are offering a Live Bootcamp every Wednesday at 6 p.m. CST via the Cowtown Trailblazer Facebook page. You must follow the and request to be a member of the page to gain viewing access. The class is free to join and is geared towards those already in a daily work out routine. Workouts last approximately an hour and are full body with short internal HIIT.

Cowtown 5k-9 Virtual Run      Combine your exercise with giving back. The Cowtown Marathon is offering a 5-K9 virtual run that encourages participants to walk/run a 5K (3.1mile) distance at their own pace, at a location of their choosing, any time before May 31st. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of North Texas as well as the C.A.L.F. Program, which is a direct community give back program that goes to promoting lifelong fitness for area kids. Through this grant program, low-income children are fit properly with a new part of running shoes and entry fees for a training program to run a 5k race. Proof of participation in this virtual race results in a medal with a detachable dog tag and a branded bandana. Cost is $35 per person.
thecowtown
March 24, 2020


Are you seeking a goal to train toward? Missing your typical training schedule? Check out our VIRTUAL SPEED TRAINING CLASS! Learn how The Cowtown Trailblazers ..
The Cowtown Virtual SpeedThis virtual speed class runs now thru May 21 challenging runners to get fast and stay active while minding proper stretching, cadence, run form and more. The course is for serious runners looking to improve their time and costs $75. Detailed weekly schedules and virtual speed coaching sessions (held Tuesdays and Thursdays on Facebook) will be provided.

TABLE TENNIS

Fort Worth hosted the USA Table Tennis US Open in December 2019 with over 750 players from over 12 countries. If you aren’t familiar with table tennis, the International Table Tennis Federation has several tips that you can learn with their virtual videos for beginners. Additionally, Joola Pro Athlete Matt Hetherington has several videos for some tips that can be used to improve your game during COVID-19. Check out his Facebook page.

About Flying Pig: Flying Pig RV Park is a newly constructed, family-owned RV park that is minutes from Fort Worth, TX (Near Eagle Mountain Lake). 
We offer nice, quiet, clean, safe living just minutes from the big city. 
Not to mention our competitive pricing, FREE WI-FI,  and friendly staff.
Once you stay with us, we know you won't want to stay anywhere else!

Heading north out of Keller, Texas on US 287 you can enjoy a scenic ride and make your way into the town of Decatur, Texas.  Named after naval hero Stephen Decatur, the town was originally set up in 1856 and eventually was a stopover for ranchers and herders on the Chisholm Trail.

The old Eighter from Decatur SignBy 1882, the railway came into Decatur from Fort Worth.  It was apparently at that time a gambling railway worker was talking about a female from Decatur and coined the phrase an “Eighter from Decatur,” which has stuck around ever since.

Welcome to Decatur signToday, the peaceful little town still draws traffic from ranchers and railway folk, but also from tourists trying to relive the olden days…like me.

Sumoflam at the Petrified Wood StationOne of the really nostalgic points is the old Petrified Wood Gas Station as you come into town.  In 1927 a keen businessman named E.F. Boydston purchased a former feed lot in order to build a wooden shed and a gas station.   Boydston allowed people to stopover and camp there and eventually even built some cabins. As the highway was widened in the mid-1930s, Boydston added more cabins, a garage and other buildings and then made them sturdier by adding petrified wood as a facing on the buildings. Auto News Center offers upgrade and makeover ideas to help you create a clean and well-functioning garage.  The entire complex was eventually named Texas Plaza.

Fort Worth is among the State of Texas’ most iconic destinations. Located in the northern section of the Lone Star State, Fort Worth is often overshadowed by her much bigger and flashy neighbor, Dallas, just 30 miles east. However, as any traveler will quickly realize, Fort Worth is a truly unique city packed with Texas charm.
Longhorn Cattle Drive © Alex Butterfield/FlickrThe cultureDuring your visit to Fort Worth, you’ll find Texans to be among the kindest and most welcoming people on earth. They are very proud of their history and take pride in once being a country for nine years before becoming a state. Fort Worth was a center for cattle drives and the ranching industry and has since embraced its western cowboy heritage. You will not be hard-pressed to find plenty of cowboy hats, boots, Texas belt buckles and ‘howdy y’all’ greetings as you explore the 23-day long Stock Show and Rodeo.
AttractionsFort Worth has many diverse and unique attractions that will suit even the pickiest of travelers. If you’re into the arts, the Kimbell Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum, Modern Art Museum are highlights, plus there are many more galleries to explore. History buffs should take note; the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is filled with cowboy history, daily cattle drives, live music, food, rodeos, historical reenactments, and more. Music lovers will find some of the best indoor and outdoor music concerts in the state. If you want a real cowboy experience, check out Fort Worth’s legendary Stock Show and Rodeo.

Ft. Worth Rodeo © Lorie/FlickrCuisineFort Worth’s geographical position in the Southwest, historical cattle industry and Mexican influences have made it a regional go-to for barbecue, steaks, and the best Tex-Mex around. Beef is king, and the city has a unique mixture of Southern, Western, and Texas cuisine. You will definitely need to loosen your belt after you eat your way through the best restaurants Fort Worth has to offer.

Summer in Texas is, in a word, hot. There are those occasional bearable sunny days and on those days we have to take advantage and hit the great outdoors. One of the best places to get out is Eagle Moutain Lake Park in Fort Worth. The park is 8,694 acres and has so much to discover, it'll be hard not to keep going back for more visits.
Inside their Eagle Moutain Park, you'll find 400 acres designated just for hiking. On their trails, you'll find plenty of outlooks and cliffs that give visitors astonishing views of nature. There are several benches hidden in the park where you sit down and have a nice picnic. The trails may be frequented by visitors but there is plenty of wildlife all around so who knows what furry creatures you might run into!
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At the lake itself, you can swim, waterboard, and boat. There are vendors inside the park that offer boat rentals and you can take those boats to "Party Cove" where the party never stops! Party Cove is where all the boats happen to hang out, and yes, alcohol is allowed. The giant lake is always the center of the fun and you can pretty much get to any of the smaller lakeside parks from anywhere on the water.

The park is free to enter any day of the week but all restaurants and camping sites are privately owned and will have fees depending on the business themselves.

LOS ANGELES – It looks like any holiday weekend: a fleet of motor homes filling the lot at Dockweiler State Beach, a popular destination for RVers.
But in this case, there are no happy families, smoking barbecues or coolers filled with beer and soft drinks. Rather, the units have a far more somber purpose: a place to quarantine people suspected of exposure to the coronavirus who either need to be separated from high-risk family members or who have no place else to go.
The recreational vehicle or RV – trailers and motor homes – may be a symbol of America's love of the open road and the pleasure of getting away. But in recent months, this state has been putting them to work to solve serious social problems – first as a temporary solution to the burgeoning homeless problem and now as part of the war against COVID-19. 
The motor homes parked at Dockweiler, a stretch of asphalt for RVs where the din of jets taking off from Los Angeles International Airport can drown out the roar of the surf, were set up as an emergency measure by Los Angeles County.
"We need places where people can be safely isolated from the public and even from their families," said County Supervisor Janice Hahn in a statement. "We are using the Dockweiler RV Park for this purpose and we are actively identifying more sites like it for quarantine and isolation housing across the county."