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We kicked off winter break with our second visit to the annual 12 Days of Drover at Hotel Drover . This festive event has become a family holiday tradition I look forward to each year and will cherish with my boys for as long as they’ll join us!

My favorite hotel in Fort Worth where luxury meets the untamed spirit of the Wild West—Hotel Drover. As the holiday season descends upon us, Hotel Drover unveils a celebration like no other with the “12 Days of Drover.” It’s a festive experience exclusive to hotel guests through the enchanting traditions and special moments that make this cowboy Christmas a truly unforgettable experience.

Arrival: Cowboy Welcome The 12 Days of Drover kick off with a warm Cowboy Welcome, where guests are greeted by the scent of pine, the twinkle of holiday lights, and the unmistakable ambiance of Western hospitality. The lobby transforms into a festive haven, setting the stage for the magical days ahead.

Room

This year, our room had the best view of the Christmas tree, what a delightful sight to arrive to and wake up to!

The Backyard

Where the Christmas magic happens. The cornerstone of the hotel The Backyard, is a beautiful outdoor oasis situated along Marine Creek surrounded by towering oak, magnolia, cypress and crepe myrtle trees from farms throughout East Texas contrasted with classic Texas cacti. During the 12 Day of Drover, all the trees are lit up and dripping with hundreds of Christmas lights with Hotel Drover’s signature Christmas tree as the centerpiece of the courtyard.

This year’s weather was perfect for sitting outside and enjoying all the holiday festivities and activations taking place in the Backyard of the Hotel Drover.  Hotel guests enjoyed a gourmet hot cocoa bar and s’mores station with all the fixings (my kids LOVED the full-sized candy bars for their s’mores), pictures with Cowboy Santa and live reindeer, and fire pits to roast their marshmallows.

The setup this year looked a little different from past events to make room for a few new features:

  • Discover The Mark – Guests are provided the opportunity to make their own mark with the help of the hotel’s blacksmith by branding a personalized initial into a leather luggage tag keepsake, using the same technique Drovers used to mark livestock. How cool is that?

  • Letters To Santa – an adorable station for kids to write and mail their letters to Santa

  • Also new this year were printed and branded photos by Motus Booth while you visited with Santa and posted for pictures in his sleigh with his reindeer which provided a great keepsake of this event.

Hotel Drover’s 12 Days of Drover encapsulate the true spirit of a cowboy Christmas, blending Western charm with holiday magic. For those seeking an extraordinary festive escape, saddle up and experience the warmth, tradition, and joy that define the holiday season at Hotel Drover in Fort Worth.

What are your favorite or new holiday traditions?

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School’s out for summer! We’re kicked off the kids’ summer break and hit the road on the last day of school to embark on our first ever camping trip in Texas.

We were avid campers when we lived in the Pacific Northwest, but have not had the opportunity to explore any Texas campsites since we’ve moved here until now.

Huntsville State Park, nestled in the Sam Houston National Forest, offers an idyllic setting for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. With its diverse range of activities, including fishing, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife, this state park is a perfect destination for families seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In this blog post, we will delve into the exciting activities and attractions that make Huntsville State Park a great getaway for families with kids.

 

Fishing Fun

Huntsville State Park boasts a great fishing dock accessible from the campsites via a short trail to tranquil lake that’s teeming with fish, making it an ideal spot for a family fishing expedition. Pack your fishing gear and enjoy some quality time with your kids on the water’s edge. Common catches include largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Don’t forget to obtain a fishing license, available at the park office, and familiarize yourself with any size or bag limits. Engaging in this classic outdoor pastime is a fantastic way to teach your kids patience, the art of angling, and the importance of conservation.

 

Hiking Trails Galore

Exploring the beauty of nature through hiking is a must-do activity at Huntsville State Park. The park offers a variety of well-marked trails that cater to different skill levels, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the family. The Prairie Branch Loop Trail, for instance, is a beginner-friendly trail that winds through the park’s diverse ecosystems, offering glimpses of towering pine trees, peaceful meadows, and serene lake views. The Chinquapin Trail, a moderate-level hike, presents a slightly more challenging terrain and rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas along the way. Encourage your kids to become nature detectives as you discover unique plants, animal tracks, and hidden treasures during your hike.

Wildlife Encounters: Huntsville State Park is a sanctuary for a wide array of wildlife, presenting countless opportunities for your kids to marvel at nature’s wonders up close. Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s resident white-tailed deer, squirrels, and rabbits as they meander through the forest. Birdwatching enthusiasts will be delighted to spot an array of feathered friends, including woodpeckers, warblers, and even the elusive bald eagle. Remind your kids to observe these creatures from a respectful distance and to refrain from feeding them, as maintaining their natural behaviors is vital for their well-being.  We did see a couple of alligators in the lake so be sure to watch out and take precaution while in and on the lake!

 

Fun On The Lake

Huntsville State Park Boathouse rents canoes, kayaks and paddleboats by the hour, all day or overnight.

Huntsville State Park Boathouse rents canoes, kayaks and paddleboats by the hour, all day or overnight.

 

Our Campsite

We got lucky booking our campsite so late in the season as we got a really good site facing the lake with lots of trees.

Camping Delights: After an eventful day of fishing, hiking, and wildlife encounters, unwinding at one of Huntsville State Park’s campsites is the perfect way to cap off your adventure. The park offers a variety of camping options, from tent sites nestled in the shade of towering trees to RV sites with modern amenities. Gather around the campfire to share stories, roast marshmallows, and bask in the tranquility of the outdoors. Our kids enjoyed the simplicity of nature, stargazing, and simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance of our campsite.

Conclusion: Huntsville State Park is a family-friendly haven that offers an abundance of activities for kids and adults alike. From fishing escapades to invigorating hikes and memorable wildlife encounters, this Texas gem has it all. So, pack your camping gear, don your hiking boots, and embark on an adventure that will create cherished memories for the whole family. A trip to Huntsville State Park is a gateway to reconnecting with nature, fostering a sense of exploration, and creating a bond that will last a lifetime.

What are your favorite state parks and campsite in Texas?

 

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Happy Earth Day 2023!

Photo courtesy of Gather and Gab

With the lovely spring weather in Texas and Mother’s Day around the corner, there’s no better time to enjoy a picnic outside!

Earlier this month, I took my youngest kid to the park for a park playdate and doubled the fun with an Easter Mommy & Me pop-up picnic, hosted by Gather and Gab. Gather and Gab is a Dallas based luxury picnic business designed to help women cultivate their closest relationships.

Gather and Gab also hosts a few seasonal pop-up picnics throughout the year, so you’ll definitely want to snag a ticket to the next one! These pop-up picnics are a great way to experience Gather and Gab’s services on a smaller scale. Since the pop-up picnics are ticketed events and open to the public, anyone can purchase seats and join in the fun. The pop-up picnics are not only adorable, but they are a budget-friendly activity you can enjoy with your kids and friends! Tickets for this picnic included admission for 2, charcuterie boxes for 2, one activity, one craft, a private Easter egg hunt, and a gift basket. A great value for a curated event!

Our little picnic was a delightful experience and perfect down to the last details. Whitney of Gather and Gab thought of everything and all the little touches and attention to detail made for a special morning out with my kiddo.

When we arrived, a beautiful table setting for our group was already waiting for us at Heritage Park as the perfect location and outdoor environment. We had a large grassy field all to ourselves surrounded by large mature trees for shade and breeze. Our table was decorated with an Easter theme and festive spring elements. Next to the grassy field was the stellar playground so kids could play there after. The picnic started with a slime making activity for the kids using fun spring colors, followed by a DIY bird feeder craft that us moms could participate in with our kids.  While we let our painted crafts dry, picnic foods were served with individual charcuterie boxes by Board and Brie!

 

Our hostess Whitney also had a couple of lawn games set out so kids could get up throughout the picnic and play. After grazing and crafting, our kids were treated to a surprise Easter egg hunt with eggs filled with little toys and trinkets strategically hidden throughout the park. This worked out very well with our small group as each kid was given a limit of finding and keeping 12 eggs and wandering at their own pace. No competition, no racing for eggs.

 

The finishing touch; we loved the gift baskets filled with Easter activities for each kid to take home!

Photo courtesy of Gather and Gab

Gather and Gab also specializes in other luxury picnics (without kids!) if you are looking to host a special gathering with girlfriends, family members, or even a date! You can customize and add-on other services to any of their packages.

Check out their packages here: (pricing and availability can be found on their website)

 

If you simply want to attend one of Gather and Gab’s pop-up picnics, which are ticketed events, check out their Facebook and IG pages for upcoming events around DFW!

Thank you Whitney for a lovely morning!

 

 

 

 

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My family and I enjoyed a holiday staycation to celebrate the start of the kids’ winter break and my husband’s milestone birthday.  Now in its second holiday season offered, the 12 Days of Drover is a unique, elevated holiday experience exclusive to all overnight Hotel Drover guests to enjoy holiday activations featuring live reindeer, photos with Cowboy Santa, a festive hot cocoa station, boozy hot cocoa for grownups, and fire roasted s’mores tucked away in The Backyard.

Opened in March 2021, Hotel Drover is a new(ish) luxury Autograph Collection hotel by Marriott in downtown Fort Worth. This stunning hotel is built in the middle of the revamped Mule Alley in the Fort Worth Stockyards and Marine Creek. Mule Alley is now filled with shops, upscale saloons, new breweries and restaurants, the beautiful Hotel Drover, and Tannahills Music Hall. The area sparkles with lights at night, and the Hotel Drover neon pop cowboy lassos you into its modern Fort Worth ambiance and design.

In December, The Backyard at Hotel Drover transforms into an intimate, rustic-luxe, Western winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and elegant family holiday experiences during the 12 Days of Drover. As you wander through the stunning patio dripping with Christmas lights, a charming courtyard with a massive Christmas tree welcomes you. Past the lit oak trees, the outdoor covered bar and heated pool, you’ll make your way to The Backyard where the holiday magic awaits.

 

 

Highlights from our holiday experience at the 12 Days Of Drover:

Decadent Hot Cocoa

A beautiful hot cocoa station with all the festive fixings made with real hot chocolate, real rich whipped cream, chocolate shavings, sprinkles, and marshmallows.

 

 

Deluxe S’Mores and Fire Pits

An elevated s’mores station serving up bags filled with all the goodies and supplies you’d need to roast s’mores at the fire pits, followed by a self-serve candy bar tower if s’mores aren’t your thing. For adults, there is a coffee truck serving up boozy hot cocoa.

Take your s’mores kit and grab a seat and gather around the cozy fire pits to roast your marshmallows, enjoy your cup of cocoa and take it all in.

Photos with Cowboy Santa

Cowboy Santa makes an appearance each night during the 12 Days of Drover for complimentary photos and a chance to visit and pet real reindeer. Cowboy Santa did a great job of posing for photos in a stylish branded sleigh while interacting with kids.

Traveller Tip: Be sure to scan the QR code immediately after your photo is taken so you can access and download your photos for a keepsake souvenir of your visit!

 

Christmas carolers provided fun, lively musical entertainment throughout the night.

 

Dining at 97 West Kitchen & Bar

We celebrated my husband’s milestone birthday with a dinner reservation at the hotel’s on-site restaurant 97 West Kitchen and Bar. We dined outside on the patio overlooking the lushly lit backyard and the creek where we could still hear the carlors singing just steps away from our table. I ordered the pecan smoked salmon served with a purple potato puree, while John had the grilled ribeye with fingerling potato hash and we all shared a family fixin’ of fried brussels sprouts with pork belly burnt ends cooked in Round Rock Honey and an apple cider vinaigrette. Our dishes paired well with the Pinot Noir. The kids were easy and ordered the kids Mac & Cheese and the 97 Texas Burger.

We finished with John’s birthday dessert, a 97 West chocolate ganache cake sent from the kitchen. Thank you chef!

Chocolate Ganache birthday cake from 97 West

 

 

 

Christmas Moments Throughout the Property

As stunning as the Hotel Drover already is, they take it up a notch with their Christmas installations and holiday moments (aka instagrammable moments) throughout the property. The installations are modern and witty, rustic and luxe, and subtly branded with the hotel’s stylish logo design. The best time to enjoy the grounds and explore the property and amenities is early in the mornings before guests show up and go about their day.

Front Courtyard

 

Lobby Library Display

 

An assortment of children’s Christmas books are available in lobby areas

 

Lobby Fireplace

 

Elevator Moment

 

 

Back Patio

 

Bar Patio

 

Extras

I love hotels that go the extra mile and offer extras to make your stay memorable and inspiring. Hotel Drover was designed with the whole family in mind. The Lil Ropers package add-on makes your child’s stay at Hotel Drover in the Fort Worth Stockyards extra legendary.

LIL ROPERS*

– Traveling with a Lil Roper Includes –
Child size robe & stool in-room (Upon Request)
Plush Horse Companion
Drover Style Wild Rag
Library of books and games
Family concierge with local recommendations for kids of all ages
Children’s menu at 97 West Kitchen & Bar

*Contact concierge for package pricing.

 

In conclusion, the service, staff, well-appointed rooms and amenities, and overall experience at Hotel Drover was superb. Staying during the 12 Days of Drover made it even more festive and memorable. I look forward to making this an annual holiday staycation tradition with my family. If you’re looking for a special, intimate, and unique experience to celebrate the holidays, this is it!

I enjoyed our stay at this hotel so much that I will have to write an entirely separate post on the amenities itself.

 

There are still several dates of 12 Days Of Drover packages available!  To book your stay:

Photo: Hotel Drover website

Stay between Tuesday, December 13 and Saturday, December 24 to enjoy 12 Days of Drover, open only to overnight Hotel Drover guests and patrons of 97 West Kitchen & Bar. Book the 12 Days of Drover special package to enjoy rooms starting at $399 on select dates plus four tickets to first annual Stockyards Rodeo Rink AND $100 resort credit (USD) redeemable in the New Year.

Featured dates for rooms starting at $399 include Tuesday, December 13 and Sunday, December 18 – Wednesday, December 21. Blackout dates apply and rates subject to change at any time. Book HERE

 

Merry Christmas!

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There’s a new ice skating rink in Fort Worth for the 2022 holiday season and my kids were excited to check out Rodeo Rink during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The location is excellent being at the stockyards, and not having to drive as far into DFW for holiday activities.

The Fort Worth Stockyards and Mule Alley, together with Hotel Drover, has introduced the first-ever Stockyards Rodeo Rink in November and will be open from November 25, 2022 to February 5, 2023.

What we loved:

An outdoor winter wonderland with a covered ice skating rink, festive programming such as photos with Cowboy Santa, live music, (hot) Cocoa Corral, a picnic area, firepits, a beautiful holiday lights display, and a 40-foot Christmas tree for all your holiday photos needs.

 

Rodeo Rink hours:

Monday – Thursday has 5 sessions: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, and 7pm.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday has 6 sessions to choose from: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and 9pm.

 

You can buy tickets here:

Stockyards Rodeo Rink – NOW OPEN!