Rivercrest: Historic homes that harken back to Fort Worth's cowboy past

Your Expert Guide

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

There are so many great places to live in Fort Worth that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

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Few embody the concept of "cowboys and culture" like Donna Kyle Veale. The real estate agent is the wife of a sixth-generation rancher and descendent of J.J. Ward of West Texas.

She moved from Telluride, Colorado, (where she is still a broker) to live with her husband in Fort Worth and enjoys representing luxury buyers and sellers in North Texas.

Donna Kyle and her husband are members of River Crest Country Club and are quick to tout the Rivercrest neighborhood's proximity to Fort Worth's Cultural District, Northside, and downtown area.

"Rivercrest is a great neighborhood for families, and especially golfers!" she says. "People greet you with a smile and live an active lifestyle. With easy access to downtown and the Trinity Trails, this area is a great location for young couples, families, and those interested in immersing themselves in Fort Worth."

Donna Kyle offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Rivercrest. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
Donna Kyle's absolute favorite place to dine is Paris 7th, where the classic French cuisine reminds her of the year she lived in France. "My favorite small plate is the foie gras de canard au torchon," she says.

Roy Pope Grocery is her favorite place to grab a quick bite with friends, thanks to its comfortable, trendy atmosphere. "It has a fabulous gourmet deli, serving specialty coffees, wine, and beer," Donna Kyle says. "I can always count on fresh fruit from the produce section or a select Angus steak for the grill. The staff is especially friendly and always so helpful."

Where to play
River Crest Country Club offers much more than just a round of golf. "I always feel pampered by the staff, whether I’m hosting a special event or enjoying refreshments from the 1911 Lounge," she says. "Tuesday night is fried chicken night, and it is well attended by Rivercrest families."

What to see
Just a short distance from Rivercrest are the Cultural District museums. "I love visiting the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame," Donna Kyle says. "During the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, it’s a must on my list of places to take our out-of-town guests."

Her favorite specialty shop is PS The Letter, which is where she goes whenever she needs a unique gift. "I especially love sending handwritten notes, and PS The Letter has the most lovely collection of custom stationery," she says. "Their bespoke crystal gifts and custom decor never disappoint."

Where to live
"The historic elegance of the estates in Rivercrest captured my interest when I first moved to Fort Worth," Donna Kyle says. "The homes are diverse in terms of architecture, with styles ranging from Mediterranean to modern. Many of these homes date back to 1910, when Fort Worth was considered the Old West and populated by cattlemen, ranchers, and oil tycoons."

The grandest historic homes are the few that sit along the bluff on Crestline Road. Donna Kyle's personal favorite home in the Rivercrest area is the Baldridge House, a Georgian mansion built in 1910 that has been beautifully preserved and updated. It was designated as a Texas Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission in 1978.

"Its gardens are as opulent as the chandeliers that drape the ceilings throughout the home," says Donna Kyle. "The home rivals many of this era — it is sincerely captivating!"

Some Rivercrest homes are tucked away for privacy yet have expansive golf course views. The floor plans are fitting for growing families, with three-plus bedrooms and ensuite baths — and expect to see large kitchens and dining areas separate from the living areas.

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Donna Kyle Veale works and plays in Rivercrest. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email dkyle@briggsfreeman.com, or call 970-708-1535.

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Overton Park: Great schools make this family-friendly neighborhood shine

Your Expert Guide

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When Margaret Motheral says her neighborhood feels like family, she's not kidding. The real estate agent has lived in Overton Park for the past 34 years, raising her family surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who also chose to put down roots in this special community.

"Now my adult children have chosen to live in the neighborhood, too," she says. "We have so many friends and family who live in the area. The schools here are highly ranked, and it’s centrally located. We knew our investment would be safe here!"

Indeed, Overton Park has a new state-of-the-art elementary school — Overton Park Elementary School — that runs pre-K through fifth grade. The neighborhood is also close to several great private schools, as well as I-20 and I-30 for commuting.

Motheral offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Overton Park. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
Motheral lists Yogi's Deli & Grill, Cafe Bella, and Tavern as tried-and-true favorites.

Where to play
"Take a bike ride on the Trinity Trails or walk through Overton Park," says Motheral. "Your children will love playing on the playground or even having a birthday party at the park."

The Shops at Clearfork is a must for shopping and dining, and Motheral points out that it's a great place to bowl or see a movie, too.

Where to live
Overton Park consists of one-story ranch-style homes, midcentury modern homes, and two-story Colonial-style homes. Homes are sited on spacious lots that range from a third of an acre to a half-acre or more.

"The winding, tree-lined streets make for a beautiful landscape," Motheral says. "Pride of ownership is evident as you drive through the neighborhood."

"Having moved from California, it was great to have a real estate agent with such experience in the Fort Worth market," says Dave, one of Motheral's clients. "We were able to weigh the pluses and minuses of each area and came out with a great deal in a wonderful neighborhood."

"Margaret was great at helping us prepare, present, and market our home to achieve the best outcome," says Doug, whom Motheral represented as the seller. "She did a thorough job of researching our market, justifying listing it above nearby comps, and getting three offers at and above our listing price the day it was listed. It was the perfect outcome, as we needed every dollar to sink into our next, more expensive home. Thanks to Margaret for saving us thousands."

"Margaret was amazing!" say clients Paula and Floyd. "We were going to go 'for sale by owner' until a friend recommended Margaret. She made the process so easy. We completely trusted everything she suggested, from pricing the home to staging it for pictures. We were thrilled to get multiple offers, and it sold in less than a week."

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Margaret Motheral lives, works, and plays in Overton Park. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email mmotheral@briggsfreeman.com, or call 817-371-0939.

Agent Margaret Motheral

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Agent Margaret Motheral

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Riverhills: A new Fort Worth neighborhood that celebrates community

Your Expert Guide

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Nine years ago, Barbara Schweitzer and her husband, Thurman — both real estate agents — moved to Riverhills, drawn to the idea of building their dream home in a new community.

"We love the central location, the parks, and the shopping and dining in the area," Schweitzer says.

The Schweitzers, along with Shelly Forrest and Trey Young, run the The Schweitzer Group at Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty. They focus on Fort Worth real estate, helping buyers and sellers make cowboys and culture their lifestyle.

Schweitzer offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Riverhills. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
The list of favorites is long (and delicious): Mesero, B&B Butchers & Restaurant, Doc B's, Press Cafe, Malai Kitchen, Rise No. 3, Cru Food & Wine Bar, Fixe Southern House, Piattello Italian Kitchen, and Tavern.

Where to play
Schweitzer advises visiting The Trailhead at Clearfork and walking along the Trinity River, and saying "hi" to the cows lounging on nearby ranch land. It's also relaxing to play in one of the many neighborhood parks.

For a day or night of entertainment, you can't go wrong shopping and browsing the artwork at The Shops at Clearfork, or taking in a movie at the onsite AMC theater. Bowling and bocce ball at Pinstripes is also a can't-fail outing.

Where to live
Riverhills is full of various architectural styles, from French to Colonial, Texas to Tudor, and Mediterranean to Craftsman.

A recent sale of The Schweitzer Group's is 5128 Peach Willow Ln., a five-bedroom French-style home in phase two of Riverhills.

"There is such a strong sense of community here: Kids play in the park together, neighbors entertain on their front porch, and the changes in season are celebrated with gift exchanges, egg hunts, and popsicles in the park," says Schweitzer.

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Barbara Schweitzer, Thurman Schweitzer, Shelly Forrest, and Trey Young all live, work, and play in Riverhills. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email bschweitzer@briggsfreeman.com, or call 817-821-2694.

The Schweitzer Group

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

The Schweitzer Group

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Monticello: Nostalgic charm meets close-by cultural offerings

Your Expert Guide

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Imagine strolling along tree-lined streets, waving to other families who are out with their strollers and dogs, yet still being close to Fort Worth's cultural offerings.

"This is such a vibrant community," says real estate agent Ashley Mooring, who has been working in the Monticello neighborhood for more than a decade.

A native Texan with a BBA from the University of Texas, Mooring cheers for both the Longhorns and her home team, the TCU Horned Frogs.

She is actively involved in her son’s school, Fort Worth Country Day, and supports many local organizations and philanthropies.

Mooring offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Monticello. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
Though Mooring loves to cook at home, she'll never turn down a meal at Michaels Cuisine (the tortilla soup is addictive, she says), the No. 12 Outdoorsman sandwich at The Great Outdoors, the El Capitan tacos at Salsa Limon, or kolaches and a "dynamite" burger from Pearl Snap Kolaches.

Head to Winslow's Wine Cafe for its patio or the bar at Eddie V's, where Mooring enjoys the live music while dining on the "wonderful steak and seafood — the crab fried rice is a must!"

Where to play
You'll always bump into someone you know at River Crest Country Club or the Westside Little League baseball field, which Mooring says is a happening spot.

The Monticello neighborhood park is also a great place for playdates and gatherings, and as an added bonus, "some of the area private schools have buses that pick up the neighborhood kids at the park for school," says Mooring.

What to see
Fort Worth is the epicenter of cowboy culture as well as fine arts, which is very apparent in the city's Cultural District. Pop into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the Kimbell Art Museum, and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.

"All the museums have great gift shops," Mooring says, "and members often get invited to exclusive parties. The Kimbell hosts especially great workshops for kids."

"Dickies Arena is the place to be!" Mooring says. "The venue hosts the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, awesome concerts from a variety of music genres — Chris Stapleton, Parker McCollum, The Eagles, etc. — and a number of sports events like NCAA basketball tournaments, tennis, lacrosse, and more. The Avion Club at Dickies makes for a special evening before any event."

Where to live
"A lot of the traditional-style homes from the 1940s have been beautifully remodeled and added on to," says Mooring, "but there's also some new construction happening, with precautions being taken to preserve the traditional appeal of the neighborhood."

Some of the most popular architecture styles you'll see in Monticello include brick Tudor, traditional two-story, foursquare, Spanish Revival, and Colonial. But above all, residents can expect to enjoy lots of beautiful trees and peaceful, winding roads.

"The upcoming Crescent development on 7th Street will bring a hotel, shops, luxury residential units, and excitement to the area," says Mooring.

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Ashley Mooring works and plays in Monticello. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email amooring@briggsfreeman.com, or call 817-706-6344.

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Westover Hills: Fort Worth's best-kept secret for easy entertaining

Your Expert Guide

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Fun fact: Westover Hills is one of the wealthiest towns in Texas. This incorporated city sits just 4.5 miles west of downtown Fort Worth; has its own town hall, city council, and police department; and boasts generally lower property taxes than other nearby neighborhoods.

"Westover Hills is a quiet community known for its luxury homes with large, landscaped lots that are located on peaceful, tree-lined streets," says real estate agent Caren Parten. "A majority of the homes are larger and ideal for either indoor or outdoor entertaining, and the 'hills of Westover' are the best walking streets in town."

Parten, who lives nearby, has been selling homes in Westover Hills for the past 16 years. She says she typically walks through the neighborhood on a daily basis, enjoying its wide streets and namesake hills.

Parten offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Westover Hills. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
The iconic, completely renovated Roy Pope Grocery Store is just a bicycle ride away, and offers both indoor and outdoor dining.

Parten also hits up Lucile's for American cuisine, Olivella's Pizza & Wine for "the best thin crust pizza," Kincaid's for its great burger, Mariachi's Dine-In for vegan Mexican, and "a special favorite" Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop.

Paris 7th, Righteous Foods, and Cafe Modern are also favorites, though Parten advises that "the best fun is accomplished in a private home with an open patio showing a fabulous view of the sunset."

Where to play
There are also great gyms and the beautiful Trinity Park, with access to the Trinity Trails with walking/cycling paths throughout the area.

The private Shady Oaks Country Club draws members looking to work on their golf, tennis, and swimming.

Feel like shopping? Head to Birdie, Hale House, You Are Here, Initially Yours, PS The Letter, Lawrence's, Zoe & Jack, Babies on the Boulevard, and Toy Works.

What to see
The nearby Cultural District includes Fort Worth's world-class museums: Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and "a special hidden gem," as Parten calls the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

A major highlight of the area is Dickies Arena, which hosts great touring entertainment and the famous Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

Where to live
"Homes in this neighborhood come in so many different styles, including soft contemporary, Tudor, Mediterranean, French Provincial, Colonial, Georgian, and — my favorite — Spanish Colonial," Parten says.

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Caren Parten works and plays in Westover Hills. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email cparten@briggsfreeman.com, or call 817-229-9826.

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Montserrat & La Cantera: Luxury living in 2 desirable communities

Your Expert Guide

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Though Montserrat and La Cantera are fairly new neighborhoods — both sold their first lots in 2007 — they've quickly become some of the most desirable areas in Fort Worth.

Real estate agent Adrianne Holland attributes the popularity of both communities to their topography and accessibility.

"There are rolling elevation changes and natural limestone elements that can be experienced on the walking trails," she says. "Their location is also outstanding, as both Montserrat and La Cantera are just off Loop 820 which has access to Interstates 30 and 20. Loop 820 provides quick and easy access around Fort Worth's central business district."

Born and raised in Fort Worth, Holland graduated from All Saints' Episcopal School before earning her bachelor's in business administration from the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University.

Holland offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Montserrat and La Cantera. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
Holland can often be found at Atico or H3 Ranch in the Stockyards.

Where to play
"I love history! I always tell my out-of-town guests to book a historical tour at Thistle Hill," Holland says. "Period architecture is so fascinating, and seeing how homes change over time makes me feel like an anthropologist."

Holland also names Mutts Canine Cantina as a top spot for spending time outside with furry family members. TCU has year-round sports, meaning you can always catch a game on the weekend.

A true neighborhood gem is Grissom's Fine Jewelry: "Jewelry makes everything better. The custom service is outstanding, and they can redesign a family heirloom into a new piece you will cherish," Holland says.

Where to live
Holland says these neighborhoods are the ultimate in luxury living, with gated and guarded entrances but also "a warm vibe — it is not uncommon to see children playing games in the cul-de-sacs."

Fort Worth does not have a lot of modern Texas vernacular architecture, but Holland says you will find some beautiful examples in both neighborhoods, along with Mediterranean, French, New American, and transitional homes.

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Adrianne Holland works and plays in Montserrat and La Cantera. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email aholland@briggsfreeman.com, or call 817-988-7955.

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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.

That is one Effin Egg breakfast sandwich restaurant opening in Fort Worth

A fresh new breakfast-and-brunch spot with a sassy name is opening near Fort Worth's Medical District: Called Effin Egg, it's a small chain founded in Florida, and will open on a buzzy restaurant strip at 1305 W. Magnolia Ave., in what was previously a location of Great Harvest Bread Co.

Effin was founded by Jeff Martin, who also founded Smallcakes Cupcakery, the hugely successful cupcake chain with more than 200 locations across the U.S.

His idea with Effin Egg was to create a fast-casual concept that specialized in breakfast sandwiches. There are locations in Georgia, New York, and New Jersey; Fort Worth will be the fifth.

"Effin Egg is for the person on the go that needs that morning pick me up and a great cup of coffee," Martin says in a statement. "It’s for the person that partied way too hard and needs an amazing breakfast sandwich or cheeseburger at noon; it’s for the everyday person wanting quality food on the go."

The menu features gourmet breakfast sandwiches, breakfast tacos, burritos, and breakfast bowls. The restaurants are generally on the small side, with the majority of business being take-out.

The signature is the breakfast sandwich with an over-medium egg on a brioche bun, in various combinations:

The OG, with bacon, egg, cheddar, and Mexican sauce
Sausage, egg, & cheese
Turkey bacon, egg, cheddar, and chipotle ketchup

They also do biscuit sandwiches; burgers using Angus beef; a Beyond burger with spicy guacamole; grilled cheese; and a bagel with avocado spread.

Tacos contain scrambled eggs combined with options such as chorizo; bacon & hash browns; and brisket tacos with avocado crema.

There are also pancakes, waffles, and burritos with options such as brisket and vegan chorizo.

Effin is coming to Fort Worth thanks to husband-and-wife Nick and Ana Valdez, who are fulfilling a dream to have their own restaurant. They've been diligently working on the space, and hope to be open within the next two weeks.

Working with a franchise operation has helped them cover the daunting checklist of opening one's first place, but Valdez says they also liked the fact that the food is cooked to order, and everything's prepared fresh daily.

"And the name does catch your attention," he says.

Nick is a former logistics professional, and Ana is a nurse — which helped steer them towards the Medical District.

"We love the idea of being here to make sure our medical professionals are fed and ready to go," Nick says. "I love the hustle and bustle, the energy in the morning, where you can help turn people's day around. If you have a good breakfast, it can pave the way for the rest of the day."

WBAP's Hal Jay shares powerful story of life-saving transplant with Tarrant Heart Ball

The gift of time

What: 2023 Tarrant County Heart Ball

Where: The Worthington Renaissance Hotel

The 411: On January 10, 2023 popular WBAP morning radio host Hal Jay collapsed from an irregular heart rhythm. On February 3, he underwent a heart transplant. By April 4, he was back on the air, and on April 22, he was sharing his story in person as keynote speaker for the American Heart Association's Heart Ball.

In his brief but powerful remarks, Jay thanked his wife, Ann Harbuck, his family, and medical providers, and God for saving his life. In keeping with the gala's theme, "The Gift of Time" Jay said he had a new-found appreciation for "giving your heart and body time," emphasizing, "I will never NOT exercise again."

The 2023 gala - chaired by Stephanie and Michael Klein - brought together hundreds of Heart Association supporters, philanthropists, and medical personnel. They were seated alongside heart disease survivors and their families, who shared their harrowing stories to inspire fellow guests.

The evening's proceedings were led by mistress of ceremonies, CBS News anchor Nicole Baker, under the guidance of AHA executive director Corrie Harris.

After a cocktail reception and multicourse (heart-healthy) meal of mixed greens salad, pan-seared jerk chicken, and berry tart and chocolate mousse, guests had the opportunity to give through an "Open Your Heart" appeal.

Those holding out with bigger bucks bid fast and furiously in a live auction. Up for grabs were trips to Broken Bow and Big Sky; packages for the Charles Schwab Challenge and Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo; Duke basketball tickets; Ginger Walker Art; and a De Boulle necklace.

Those who wanted to continue the celebratory evening took to the dance floor while the Mitchell Ferguson Band entertained.

In all, the night raised $300,000 to further the American Heart Association's work in Tarrant County.

Who: Aimee Plummer, Robin Carson, Melinda Bronstad, Allison and Tug Rix, Becca and Johnny Cheng, Lori and Brad Bruce, Trey and Kristin Carmichael, Angela and Rick Bettinger, Arturo Ruiz, Mercedes Cruz, Ava Beach, Allen Beach, Elaine and Shawn Tubre, Emily Howard, Hatice Dalton, Marcia Jacobs, Eric and Shannon Benink, Anthony and Cynthia Villagran, Nancy Murphy, Sarah Harbuck, Emily Avila, Robert Luera, Shehla Shah, Syed Nayyar Shah, Thomas Williams, Suzy Pratt, Lou Martin, Jennifer and Kenneth Willingham, Tammy and Heath Middleton, Kassy and Jacob Flesher, Chrissy and Jordan Long, Matt and Katie Foust, Treanise Owens, Joel and Lisa Mohrman, Michael Tilley, Denise Castle, Georfe Terrazas, Boozaziel Chavez, Tim Dohse, and hundreds more AHA supporters.

Photo by Stacey Brooks

Sarah Harbuck, Emily Avila, Robert Luera, Ann Harbuck, Hal Jay, Shehla Shah, Syed Nayyar Shah

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