Where to play pickleball in Dallas-Fort Worth

Pickle Mania

USA Pickleball/Facebook

In case you missed it, pickleball is big news in Texas. Rockwall hosted a televised tournament this summer and the national championships, scheduled for November, are now located in Farmers Branch. You can even rent people's private pickleball courts by the hour.

If you have yet to get on the court — or are looking for a spot to share your obsession with friends on a night out — here's a quick list of places to play in Dallas-Fort Worth:

Food and fun

Chicken N Pickle
Really amp up the social aspect of the sport with this hybrid, a chef-driven restaurant, multiple bars, lawn games, and several courts. Grapevine and Grand Prairie already have locations, with one planned for Allen next fall.

Courtside Kitchen
The first in Fort Worth, its motto is "carpe drink 'em." You can purchase a membership for priority court booking, or just kick back with some apps and watch others at play — especially during happy hour.

Fieldhouse USA
Find a little bit of everything here indoors in Frisco, including open play pickleball Monday through Friday with a $5 pass.

At Fault
Technically it doesn't open until the spring, but make a mental note now for this "elevated" indoor-outdoor facility that will boast 40,000 square feet of entertainment space.

Just here for the sport

Aaron Family Jewish Community Center of Dallas
Indoor and outdoor courts are available for both members and non-members of this JCC, which also has lessons and clinics. It's bring-your-own-gear, as a heads up.

Cole Park
A little Uptown gem of a park, it has converted some tennis courts into six pickleball courts (that are also lit for night play). You can't reserve the courts, so either get there early or be prepared to wait.

Fretz Tennis Center
Three outdoors courts feature open play Tuesday through Friday, with games on Saturday. Reservations are $5 per person for 90 minutes. The Dallas Pickleball Club also plays games here, if you're looking to join a league.

LB Houston Tennis Center
Another facility where reservations are $5 per person for 90 minutes, but it also offers an unlimited monthly membership and several leagues you can join.

McLeland Tennis Center
Don't let the name fool you — there are two dedicated pickleball courts and four hybrid courts at this Fort Worth faciity, plus free entry-level paddles and only $3 for professional demo paddles.

Oasis Pickleball Club
With 42 outdoor courts, eight covered courts, and two championship courts, it's no wonder this Rockwall club hosts lots of pickleball tournaments.

Samuell Grand Tennis Center
Clinics and open play abound on these four outdoor courts near White Rock Lake, and a family of four can purchase an unlimited multi-club membership for only $36 a month.

The Courts of McKinney
Monday through Wednesday, anyone — both members and non-members — can play pickleball on the six painted courts and also take advantage of onsite instructors during open play.

Tower Club
This may be a private, members-only club located on the 48th floor of the 50-story Santander Tower in downtown, but non-members can rent courts by the hour on "the highest pickleball court in the world." A nice bonus is that part of the rental proceeds benefit Bonton Farms, which is committed to combating the effects of poverty in South Dallas.

Don't forget to check your local recreation center website — chances are your area has pickleball courts now!

The Katy Trail/Facebook

On your mark for fab fall races and runs this September in Dallas-Fort Worth

Ready, Get Set

A surefire way to know that summer in Texas is winding down? The 5Ks return. Now that it's not nearly as scorching as, say, July, you can take your workout outdoors — at least some of the time.

Here are but a few of the big races set for September:

Katy 5K, September 7
Run and have fun on a unique course that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Dallas, including Turtle Creek, Uptown, and Katy Trail. Post-race, celebrate at the Picnic Party with DJ Poizon Ivy, free Michelob Ultra (for those 21 and over), free food from more than 30 local eateries, sponsor swag, and selfie stations.

9/11 Heroes Run, September 16
Be a part of this race, which happens all over the country and is organized by the Travis Manion Foundation, to honor veterans, first responders, civilians, and military who jumped into action on 9/11. The Dallas race takes place in Arlington

Guts & Glory Zombie Experience, September 16
Zombies are taking over Rorie-Galloway Day Camp in Mesquite — do you have what it takes to escape and survive? Humans (runners) will run through the woods and compete in team-building challenges to test strength, speed, problem-solving, and teamwork. Collect survival essentials along the way to ensure your team's safe passage to the finish. If you choose to be a Zombie, come dressed in your appropriately gory best and try to grab the runner's flags as they zoom by.

Fort Worth Oktoberfest Run und Ride, September 21-23
Within this three-day celebration of German culture, you'll not only find competitions like stein-hoisting and bier barrel-rolling but also 5K and 10K runs along the Trinity Trail and 20-mile urban bike ride. All race and run participants receive a free three-day pass to the fest, and dressing in lederhosen is recommended!

The Garland Guzzler, September 23
The "physically demanding" and "mentally strenuous" race known as the Garland Guzzler 0.5K is coming back for its sixth year. Race to the Granville Arts Center parking lot from 6-10 pm and cheer on the “athletes” as they run the 0.5K route (546 yards or 1,638 feet, to be exact), enjoy the after-race Oktoberfest festivities, food, beverages from Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery, live music from The Dogensteins, and much more.

Oaktoberfest, September 24
Oak Cliff's take on the traditional German celebration includes a 1.128-mile fun run around Tyler Station, with beer samples for each lap completed. Stay for more beer, brats, and live polka music.

Rock of Ages Run, September 30
Get ready to rock your way through a 5K, 10K, or half marathon in Forth Worth, where rock music will be blaring throughout the course and everyone can enjoy the race's famous pancakes at the post party.

Photo by Patty Brito on Unsplash

Texas earns healthy rating as 2nd best state for nurses, Forbes says

healthcare industry leaders

As the United States emerges from a global pandemic and watches its workforce reach retirement in larger proportions, strong healthcare is becoming increasingly crucial.

Nurses are in great demand throughout the nation and can make significant impacts in a state like Texas, which was just named the No. 2 best state for nurses in a study by Forbes Advisor.

Texas currently employs more than 231,000 nurses, the second-highest number in the country behind California's 325,620 nurses. Florida rounds out the top three with more than 197,000 nurses employed.

There are several factors to keep in mind when considering a career as a nurse, but one has been in a lot of recent discourse: the salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says nurses in the U.S. earn a median salary of $81,220 per year. While healthcare company Trusted Health places a Texas nurse's annual salary at $74,540 - lower than places like Florida and California, adjusted cost of living can make Texas more attractive.

"Salary is a significant factor in any professional’s career decisions, but it’s not the only one to weigh when deciding where to work," the report's author wrote. "You should also consider job availability, economic demand, and licensing processes before settling on a place to grow your career."

Regarding job availability, Projections Central estimates there will be a demand for more than 16,000 nursing positions in Texas between 2020 and 2030 - the second-best job outlook in the U.S.

Texas is also part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which can help nurses transfer their licenses from other states.

"NLC members grant RNs multi-state licenses, which allow them to practice in any NLC-participating state without jumping through the hoops of meeting a new state’s specific licensing guidelines," the report says. "NLC nurses can offer their skills to another compact state in the event of a crisis and provide telehealth services across compact states."

The full report can be found on forbes.com.

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

Go inside Texas' top medical cannabis facility to see how the life-changing medicine is grown

From Seed to Solution

Did you know that medical cannabis is legal in Texas? It offers a natural solution for alleviating symptoms of over 150 conditions approved under the Texas Compassionate Use Program.

Texas Original, the state’s first dispensary and leading medical cannabis provider, offers 15 medical cannabis pickup locations and statewide delivery so patients can access the medicine no matter where they live in Texas.

Texans interested in getting a prescription can visit their website and fill out the form to be connected with a medical cannabis prescriber.

But how is the medicine made? Texas Original uses a combination of leading-edge growing techniques and state-of-the-art technology to maintain the highest quality, purity, and consistency.

From seed to solution, the team focuses every effort into make sure patients get the best Texas-made medicine available.

1. Growing high-quality cannabis plants
Texas Original’s high-quality cannabis plants are grown utilizing a strict nutrient management program, integrated pest management systems, and horticultural techniques to ensure the plants receive the proper elements, nutrients, and care for optimal growth.

At Texas Original's indoor cultivation facility, they adhere to strict sanitation guidelines and utilize high-tech controls and sensors to monitor the environment and conserve energy during the growth process.

2. Creating industry-leading cannabis medicine
After the plants are harvested, the feedstock is extracted, processed, and purified into a concentrated cannabis oil that is added to Texas Original’s suite of medical-grade cannabis products, including the state’s first fast-acting medical cannabis gummies.

Texans can try their products with a medical cannabis prescription, which can be obtained in a few simple steps. To get started, visit Texas Original’s website and fill out the form.

3. Ensuring safety and quality
Unlike over-the-counter hemp products, Texas Original’s medical-grade products are strictly regulated and thoroughly tested to ensure safety and purity in every batch. Their analytical testing lab is outfitted with advanced lab equipment and utilizes state-of-the-art instrumentation and analytical methods to ensure quality, consistency, and purity — so patients don’t have to guess about what is in their medicine.

4. Making medical cannabis available across Texas
After receiving a prescription, you can place an order for pickup at one of Texas Original’s locations across the state or schedule a home delivery.

In addition to its Austin dispensary, Texas Original offers several locations to make receiving high-quality, Texas-made medicine easy:

Austin
Waco
San Antonio
Houston
Fort Worth
Dallas
Lubbock
Nacogdoches
Tyler
And more

How to become a patient: It only takes three simple steps to see if you’re eligible for treatment and receive a medical cannabis prescription. Get started here.

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

Only high-quality cannabis plants are grown.

Zyn22/Facebook

Where to cycle like a pro — both indoors and out — around Dallas-Fort Worth

Find Your Next Ride

Though the Peloton craze has (somewhat) died down, cycling is still high on most people's fitness lists.

Whether you prefer to sweat indoors alone or with a roomful of strangers, or outdoors with nature as your riding buddy, hopping on a bicycle is one of the most versatile ways to work out.

Indoors
We get it: It's still really hot. Pedal in that air conditioning for as long as you want by joining one of the classes at Terlingo Cycle, just east of the Dallas North Tollway and north of I-35. The 45-minute experience is rhythm-based and incorporates weights and core exercises, with instructors who are trained to be inspirational and encouraging about both your body and mind.

Drop into SoulCycle at either its Preston Hollow or Uptown studios for a party on a bike. With high-intensity interval cardio and focused toning, the flow is designed to raise your heart and metabolic rates.

There's a Cycle Bar class for every vibe, with each instructor bringing their own playlists and themed rides across Dallas, Fort Worth, Southlake, and Denton. Here, you'll find high-performance custom bikes, amphitheater seating, enhanced lighting, concert-quality sound, and two massive high-def flatscreen TVs. Every bike comes with built-in CycleStats technology, so you can track calories burned, RPMs, watts, and class rank.

Plano's Neon Cycle + Strength offers more than just bikes, with HIIT, sculpt mat pilates, and yoga, but perhaps the best amenity is the childcare that's available while you're riding to the beat. A smoothie bar to refuel after is just an added bonus.

Co-founded by Sabrina Roy and Marisa Wayne — daughter of film icon John Wayne — Coast Cycle touts the benefits of exercise as therapy. "Turn doubt into drive" is one of its missions, and inclusivity is a high priority for this studio on Henderson Avenue.

ZYN22's motivational classes strike the perfect balance of speed, resistance, and choreography to keep you engaged and challenged. The Fort Worth studio is a ClassPass favorite, and devotees call themselves the trYbe.

Up your cycling game by heading to one of the 10 DFW locations of Spenga, where each class is divided into 20 minutes of spin, 20 minutes of strength training, and 20 minutes of yoga. The classrooms each have space dedicated specifically to each element of the workout, plus invigorating aromatherapy and energizing DJ-inspired beats.

Outdoors
Gotta feel that wind in your hair? We got you. Here are just a few bike-friendly trails to check out:

Allen Station Park (Allen)
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve (Plano)
Bonnie Wenk Park (McKinney)
Bachman Lake Loop Trail (Dallas)
Chisholm Trail Greenbelt (Plano)
Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt Trail (Frisco)
Gateway Park (Fort Worth)
Katy Trail (Dallas)
Northaven Trail (Dallas)
Trinity Trails (Fort Worth
White Rock Lake Loop (Dallas)

Scope out these trails in advance and get helpful tips by visiting the sites for Dallas Parks & Recreation and Fort Worth Parks & Recreation.

The Village/Facebook

From pools to parks, your summer guide to water fun in Dallas-Fort Worth

Splash Attack

How are we all getting through this scorching Texas summer? Water. Lots and lots of water. Not only chugging it, but swimming, plunging, and luxuriating in it all season long.

It's an added bonus that exercising in the water is easier on your joints, so take this opportunity to burn a few calories while being kind to your body — and keeping it cool.

Surf
Goodsurf doesn't open in Deep Ellum until next year, but you can still raise your adrenaline in the water all across DFW.

Start with amusement park standbys NRH20 in North Richland Hills and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor for big-time thrills, or combine your pool time with a staycation at Great Wolf Lodge.

Catch a wave at Hawaiian Falls in The Colony and Garland or hop onto the Flowrider at Epic Waters to boogie board or surf.

Dallas-area teens can score free passes to Bahama Beach Waterpark (and other fun spots around town) this summer with the Teen All Access Pass program. For Dallas residents 13 to 17 years old, the Dallas Park and Recreation Department made 10,000 passes available on a first-come, first-serve basis, beginning July 3.

Several neighborhoods also sport tricked-out community pools, from Jack Carter in Plano to Water Works Park in Denton, WetZone Waterpark in Rowlett, and The Center in Bedford (also known as Bedford Splash).

And don't overlook The Village, which hosts water aerobics classes in the morning and the Deep End Pool series every Saturday and Monday and includes DJs and other live entertainment.

Swim
Hoping to work on your backstroke or get in a few laps before or after work? Sign up with a gym that offers pools for serious swimmers and take advantage of instructor-led classes to brush up on your swim skills.

Equinox, LifeTime Fitness, and LA Fitness all include water access at certain locations throughout DFW.

Dallas staple Cooper Fitness Center offers several different levels of swim coaching, from infants to adults, and covers everything from basic summer camp testing to triathlons and open-water swimming.

If swimming to you means lounging by the pool, look into ResortPass, a way to book a day (or weekend) access to pools, spas, and amenities at the area's swankiest hotels.

Spa
Maybe your mind needs the exercise more than your body, and in that case consider saunas, cold-plunge pools, and float tanks.

Take it to the extreme at Haven in Dallas, SweatHouz (with four locations across Dallas), or Fort Worth Float Company, which claims to boost immune systems and reduce swelling and inflammation with a cold exposure plunge you can book in advance.

You can also float in a tank filled with epsom salt there, as well as at Riviera Spa in Knox-Henderson and The Float Spot in Frisco.

Dive
Whether you've been inspired by The Little Mermaid or just can't be contained in a man-made swimming situation, now might be the perfect time to try scuba diving.

There are several places around DFW that will get you on the path to open-water certification, including Dive West, Lone Star Scuba, Scuba Bruce Diving, and International Scuba.

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'Yellowstone' stars to greet fans at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Yellowstone news

Yellowstone fans, get your comfy shoes ready - there'll be a long line for this one. Cole Hauser a.k.a. "Rip Wheeler" on Yellowstone, and Taylor Sheridan, the show's co-creator, executive producer, and director of the series, will meet fans and sign autographs at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 pm only on Friday, February 3. Location is the 6666 Ranch booth near the south end of Aisle 700 in the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall.

According to a February 2 announcement from FWSSR, "fans will have the opportunity to snag an autograph as well as purchase some distinctive Yellowstone and 6666 Ranch merchandise while also enjoying all the features the Stock Show offers."

The event is free to attend (with paid Stock Show admission) and open to the public.

It's the second year in a row for Hauser to appear at FWSSR; in 2022, he and fellow cast mates drew huge crowds.

Sheridan, a Paschal High School graduate, is no stranger to Fort Worth; he lives in a ranch near Weatherford and filmed 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone, in and around Fort Worth. Currently, another spinoff, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, is filming in North Texas.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is winding up its 2023 run on Saturday, February 4.

Denver pizzeria to debut in Fort Worth with New York pies and craft beer

Pizza News

A pizza concept from Colorado is coming to Fort Worth. Called Parry's Pizzeria & Bar, it's a Denver-based restaurant group known for its New York-style pizza and commitment to craft beer, and will open its first Fort Worth location at the Victory Shops at Heritage development at 2801 Heritage Trace Pkwy.

It's going into the former Rachel's Mediterranean Grill, the New York-based chain that opened there in 2022 and which closed in July.

According to a Parry's spokesperson, the pizzeria will open in spring 2024.

Parry's was founded in 2007 outside Denver by David Parry, a native of New York who wanted to bring a New York-style pizzeria to the Denver suburbs. They currently have 21 locations in Colorado, Texas, and Arizona, with additional coming-soons slated for Las Vegas and Houston.

Though Parry's started out as a small New York-style pizza joint with wings and beer, their menu has expanded to include sandwiches, appetizers, and more. Fans love their wings and fried dough.

Dishes at every location differ but might include curly fries, fried mac and cheese bites, calamari, and bruschetta.

Pizzas include familiar combos with a twist such as pepperoni with jalapeños and cream cheese; a white pie with steak, peppers, mushrooms, onions, and garlic; buffalo chicken with blue cheese crumbles; and a "loaded potato" pizza with potato, bacon, cheddar, and green onions.

There are calzones, wraps, and sandwiches including chicken parm, cheesesteak, meatball sub, sweet Italian sausage, fried chicken, and a huevos rancheros steak sandwich with green chili and fried eggs.

Desserts include fried dough, cheesecake, churros, and cannoli.

They offer a daily special as well as lunch deals with combos such as a personal size pizza or sandwich with choice of wings or a salad. A happy-hour-style deal from 3-6 pm features wings, pizza, and other items for $10.49.

Parry's is also heavily into craft beer, with lots of fun beer events. At their location in The Colony, which opened in 2019, they feature more than 75 taps, including numerous local Texas brews. They also have a location in McKinney, plus two in San Antonio and two more in South Texas.

These are the 8 best food and drink events in Fort Worth this week

This Week in Gluttony

Outdoor events are prominent this week just in time for the arrival of fall (-ish) weather. There’s a rooftop luau for a good cause, a patio clam bake, a stadium-size barbecue, and an outdoor cooking competition featuring a slightly scary main ingredient. Also on the list – one more opportunity to partake in Oktoberfest-themed fare and fun.

Wednesday, October 4

Ohana Luau Fundraiser at Rooftop Cinema Club
Enjoy dinner and a movie at The Worthington Renaissance Hotel’s Rooftop Cinema Club and help support Maui fire relief efforts. Guests will partake in a Hawaiian-style barbecue dinner before an outdoor movie screening of 50 First Dates. Tickets are $25 per person, $10 of which will be donated to the Marriott Disaster Relief Fund. Additionally, 50 percent of all alcohol sales will go the fund. Doors open at 5 pm before the 7:15 pm movie start time.

Piroshky Piroshky Bakery Pop-up at Martin House Brewing
Bakery founded in Seattle will stop in Fort Worth on a Texas-wide tour, offering their signature Russian hand pies in delectable fillings such as beef & cheese, cabbage & onion, and vegan-friendly mushroom & potato. The full menu is online, and pre-ordering is required by October 2 at 4 pm. There's a minimum order of $50. Pickup at the brewery is 5-7 pm.

5-Course Whiskey Pairing Dinner at B&B Butchers & Restaurant
A powerhouse lineup of premium whiskeys will be served at this five-course pairing dinner at B&B, including brands like WhistlePig, Horse Soldier, and local Blackland Distilling Rye. Menu highlights include baked oysters with truffle butter and Roquefort crust, Colorado lamb lollipops, and 28-day dry-aged A5 Japanese ribeye. Dinner is $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and will begin at 6:30 pm.

Thursday, October 5

Clam Bake at Grace
Grace’s annual outdoor clam bake is back. Set to take place on the fine dining restaurant’s streetside patio, the menu will feature a selection of littleneck and chowder clams, Diver scallops, Maine lobster, jumbo prawns, Moosabec mussels, and king crab. Save room for New England apple cider doughnuts. The $195 per person ticket price, plus tax and gratuity, comes with a reception of bubbly and canapes starting at 6:30 pm. Dinner will start at 7 pm and is expected to sell out.

Port Tasting at Texas de Brazil
Savor the Brazilian steakhouse’s signature churrasco bites paired with an array of ports during this tasting for a good cause. All proceeds from the $54.99 per person ticket price will go toward Warrior Rising, an organization that helps mentor and coach veteran entrepreneurs. Guests will start with a reception cocktail followed by four ports, including a 20-year tawny. The tasting starts at 6:30 pm, and those who stay for dinner afterward will receive 25 percent off the regular dinner price.

Friday, October 6

Rattle Battle hosted by Tim Love
Chef Tim Love is hosting a cooking competition in the Fort Worth Stockyards featuring one of his signature ingredients: rattlesnake. A who's who of Fort Worth chefs will compete, and guests judge whose bites are best. Participating chefs include Jon Bonnell (Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine, Waters), Graham Elliot (Le Margot), Blaine Staniford (Grace, 61 Osteria, Little Red Wasp), Rodrigo Cardenas (Don Artemio), Juan Rodriguez (Magdalena’s), and Travis Heim (Heim BBQ). Tickets are $125 per person and include open bars and a token for voting. The Rattle Battle will take place in Mule Alley from 3–5 pm in conjunction with PBR Rattler Days to be held at Dickies Arena and the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Saturday, October 7

Q BBQ Fest at AT&T Stadium
Arlington will get a little smoky when more than 30,000 pounds of brisket, chicken, pulled pork and ribs are dished out over two days at AT&T Stadium. Hosted by the Dallas Cowboys and Miller Lite, Q BBQ Fest will feature pitmasters from across Texas and throughout the nation. Indulge in all-you-can-eat with tickets starting at $69 (alcohol not included). Or go VIP ($129) and enjoy an open bar along with access to exclusive lounge areas and VIP-only pitmasters. Tickets are $35 for young adults ages 13-20, and children under 13 get in free. The event runs Saturday 11 am-8 pm and Sunday 10 am-2 pm. Note that tickets are sold in three- and four-hour time blocks.

Oktoberfest at Rusty Nickel IceHouse
The South Fort Worth indoor-outdoor restaurant, beer garden, and live music venue keeps the Oktoberfest celebration going with a party on the patio. Patrons can purchase a table ($180 for a six-top and $240 for an eight-top), which comes with food and drink for everyone. Each person will receive brats, sauerkraut, and potato salad along with a beer-filled stein and two buckets of Alstadt’s or Shiner Variety for the table. Games with prizes will include stein-hoisting, Dachshund races, and a bratwurst-eating contest. Table reservations will be good from 3-10 pm for the duration of the event.

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