Dot's Hopin' House

Here in Denton, we tend to get some nostalgia with our bars and eateries, a new blended with historic, a natural way of letting old grow with the new. One person that does this well is John Williams, owner of Oak Street Draft House and Eastside. He tends to take a space and create a historic yet inviting atmosphere that is uniquely Denton, until now. Dot's Hop House, located at 2645 Commerce St in Dallas, TX in the Deep Ellum area, is a sight. Personally, this is a place that when I heard about it, I was excited, because this is exactly what I like to see as the Denton Traveler, that laid back feel of Denton in other places. 

Some Dallas venues tend to be a bit uptight, but Dot's is the exact opposite of that, with a huge beer garden and a fully stocked beer and drink list, John has brought a taste of Denton to the Dallas scene, with a food menu to match. Bringing some people that we know here in the Denton scene to help provide the extra friendliness that we know here in Denton, and that will hopefully spread out to the Dallas Area. 

The original space was home to a Ford dealership back in the days, and John has paid homage by using some unique items to adorn the space. As you walk in you have a pub feel on the inside, cozy and warm with rich dark wood. As you walk outside, there is an homage to the Dallas music scene with a mosaic portraying Blind Lemon Jefferson and other music greats in Dallas's history, out in the back of the beer garden, a stained glass window of Dallas sporting legends- including Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson, The Stars Stanley Cup win, and others, and you are met with a colossal chandelier adorning the back area with 65,000 glass beads. 

If you thought this place was only about the drinks, think again, John has also collaborated with Rodman Shields of Common Table, then hiring Common Table's own Nick Wells as head chef, so, food is not just a run of the mill menu.

With the initial visit there, we shared some drinks with friends and found it to be worth the trip, plus anyone not wanting to drive, the Elm St Station of DART is just a half mile walk, not far. 


So, go head out and see the big bearded man, John Williams, addition to the Deep Ellum scene, Dot's Hop House, you will not be disappointed. 

Hidden Pools of Splendor

I know it has been a while, for that, I apologise, I am still here for you Denton. Anyways, on to the good stuff. I have recently come back from the Texas hill country and have been to some interesting places. I would recomend checking out a few places if you have a chance to get that way. Here they are!

     1. Krause Springs- Spicewood, TX

What can I say about this place that would bring it justice, one word, beautiful. With a haven of people hanging out and having a good time, this place, for the money, is one of the best. Fed by natural springs that go from a spring fed pool, dropping down into a lagoon of hill country beauty, this is the place to go, yes I did try the rope swing, and it was awesome. Head that way and have some fun on one weekend in the warm summer months to cool off. At $7 per adult and $5 per child 4-11, it is a great place for everyone, and family affordable!

     2. Pedernellas Falls- Spicewood, TX

With a natural beauty of the hill country going into natural falls, this place is pretty cool, they have a swimming hole near the bottom of the falls. Grab some water shoes or some that you mmight not mind getting wet, because there is a little bit of a hike to it, but worth it. You have to pay for entrance, but still, cheap considering all the high priced water parks out there. Plus you can hike all arround, but keep watch, the walls are unpredictable and can get dangerous, and they warn you about it.

There are more comming, check back to see what else is out there!
Have some fun and be careful. 

The Tastes of North Texas

If you have not had a chance to sample all the food here in Denton, you are not the only one, though your local Kiwanis chapter is here to help. Every year they host the Taste of North Texas where ou can sample all the good stuff. From some new places like Upper Park Cafe to some that have been here for years like Candy Haven and Milpa's Mexican Restaurant and Cantina. That will at least help with most of your taste buds right there. There are many others that help this local event that benefits the Kiwanis Children's Hospital.

Now starting out, I was taking it slow, about half way through I was full. When they do an event, it is an event. With multiple vendors and restaurants volleying for your vote of the People's Choice and Kids Choice, there was so much to choose from. TWU Catering had a lettuce wrap with chicken or tofu, while you had Palio's and Mellow Mushroom with their fares which included a safe flavor and something a little different. Plus with a little music and some good conversation with the people there, it was a great time.

There were some vendors out that were giving a taste of things to come as well. Upper Park Cafe is taking over the space where Samone Lounge, Gerheart's, and Muddy Jake's tried to fill. With a breakfast and lunch fare that will give the square another option for some upscale yet home style feel. 

Once you were done with the main course there was so many sweet options to choose from. The local favorite Beth Marie's Ice Cream, Candy Haven, and opening in the new Denton Location in June was Sprouts to fill out your sweet tooth favorites from ice cream, cake, and jellybeans to win the Kid's vote over. 

So, to say the least, my first time at The Taste of North Texas was one that filled me up. From the local barbecue to tacos, and ice cream to truffles, it was something I believe everyone should experience. You feel like you have done some good by helping a local charity and helping your hunger out by getting some good staples here in Denton.