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What's one thing you wish you knew before moving to Texas?

Been here about a year now. There were things I expected — the heat, the big trucks, the BBQ obsession. All true.

[AIW] for not letting my mother-in-law stay in our guest room for 3 months

My mother-in-law (MIL) is 67 years old. She lives in Houston. She has been hinting for months that she wants to "spend more time with the grandkids." My wife and I have two kids, ages 4 and 7. We live in a 4-bed house in Allen.

Free things to do in Rowlett this weekend with kids

Not everything has to cost money. Here are genuinely free things to do with kids in Rowlett any weekend, plus some rotating free events.

• Rowlett Community Centre open swim — $5/person
• Fishing bait at Walmart — $3 for a container of worms
• Kite flying at Community Park — $1 kite from Dollar Tree

Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival 2026: The best free art event in DFW

The Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival is one of the largest curated art festivals in the country. And it's FREE.

• Date: April 16-19, 2026 (usually third weekend in April)
• Location: Main Street, downtown Fort Worth (Sundance Square area)
• Admission: FREE

Adult education and continuing learning in DFW

Education doesn't stop at 22. Here's what DFW offers for adult learners.

• Dallas College adult education — free GED prep, ESL classes, citizenship prep. Source: dallascollege.edu/cd/ce
• Tarrant Literacy Coalition — free tutoring for adults. Source: tarrantliteracy.org
• Literacy Instruction for Texas (LIFT) — free ESL and literacy. Source: lift-texas.org

Remote work in Texas -- anyone else never going back to office?

I've been fully remote for 2 years. My company just announced a "hybrid" return — 3 days in office. Which means I now need to commute 45 minutes each way, pay for gas, buy lunch, and wear pants.

Austin music scene in 2026: What is actually happening on 6th Street and beyond

Austin is the "Live Music Capital of the World" (self-proclaimed, not verified, but not wrong). Here's the current state of the scene.

• Continental Club (South Congress) — Live music since 1957. Blues, country, soul. The Tuesday night residencies are legendary.
• Antone's — The blues club. Stevie Ray Vaughan played here before he was Stevie Ray Vaughan.
• C-Boy's Heart & Soul (South Congress) — Blues, R&B, soul. Small room, loud music, great cocktails.

BBQ beyond Franklin: Austin spots with no line that are still excellent

Franklin is great. The line is not. Here are Austin BBQ spots where you walk in, order, and eat within 15 minutes.

• Leroy & Lewis (South Lamar) — New-school BBQ truck. The beef cheeks and brisket burger are creative and outstanding.
• Stiles Switch (North Lamar) — Walk-up counter service, no crazy line. The sausage is house-made and the sides are above average.
• Kerlin BBQ (East Cesar Chavez) — Small operation with big flavors. Their pork belly is a sleeper item.

You're invited to Texas Pie Fest - NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

You're invited to Texas Pie Fest NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth --- Drop your thoughts below.

Source: news.google.com

Texas drivers... let's talk about it

I've driven in a lot of states. Texas is on another level.

After decades in downtown Abilene, Texas Star Trading Co. owners look to pass the torch - BigCountryHomepage.com

After decades in downtown Abilene, Texas Star Trading Co. owners look to pass the torch BigCountryHomepage.com --- Share your experience.

Source: news.google.com

Took my parents to a comedy show and my dad laughed harder than I've ever seen

My parents never go out. They've lived in Plano for 20 years and their idea of a night out is Chili's.

Summer camps in DFW 2026: The complete guide

Summer camp registration opens early in DFW. Here's the breakdown.

• YMCA Summer Camp — multiple DFW locations. $150-250/week. Swimming, sports, field trips. Sliding scale available. Source: ymcadallas.org
• City Parks & Rec camps — every major DFW city offers them. $75-200/week.
• Dallas: dallasparks.org/summercamps

how to pick a gym in DFW — the questions you NEED to ask before signing a contract

i talked to 3 different people this week who signed long-term contracts at gyms they regret. dont be that person. here are the questions you need to ask BEFORE you commit.

• long-term contracts with no cancellation option
• belt promotions tied to testing fees ($100+ to test for your next belt)
• instructors who cannot verify their lineage or credentials

PSA: Fake code enforcement officers going door-to-door in Plano demanding payment

Multiple Plano residents are reporting people in official-looking uniforms going door-to-door claiming to be city code enforcement. They say your property has violations and demand on-the-spot payment via Zelle or cash.

• Real code enforcement NEVER collects payment at the door
• Real notices come via mail on official city letterhead
• They are wearing generic polos, not official city uniforms with ID badges

Best affordable areas that aren't sketchy?

Looking for a new apartment or maybe renting a house. Budget is around $1,200-1,400 for a 1BR or small 2BR. I know that's tight.

gym etiquette 101 — the unwritten rules nobody tells you before your first class

walked into my first martial arts class knowing zero etiquette and accidentally committed about 5 social crimes. nobody told me the rules. so here they are for everyone starting out.

• shower before class. not that morning. before class. nobody wants to roll with someone who smells like their lunch
• trim fingernails and toenails. check them before every class. scratching someone is a rookie mistake
• wash your gi/gear after EVERY session. not every other. EVERY. staph infections are real and they start with dirty gear

Best first date spots in DFW by budget — from broke to baller

First dates are stressful enough without worrying about where to go. Here is the definitive DFW first date guide organized by how much you want to spend.

• Klyde Warren Park — walk, talk, grab free food from a food truck if one is giving samples. The vibe is relaxed and there is always something happening.
• White Rock Lake — 9-mile trail. If you both like being active, a walk around the lake is the best free date in Dallas.
• Fort Worth Water Gardens — stunning, unique, free 24/7. Nobody brings a date here and regrets it.

South Congress food truck guide: Every truck worth your time and money

South Congress Ave (SoCo) is Austin's most iconic street and the food truck scene here is one of the best in the country. Here's the current lineup.

• Hey Cupcake! (Airstream trailer) — Giant cupcakes from a silver Airstream. The red velvet is famous. Tourist trap? Maybe. Still delicious? Yes.
• Mellizoz Tacos (South 1st, close to SoCo) — Street-style tacos that compete with anything on the East Side. The al pastor with pineapple is perfect.
• Pueblo Viejo (South 1st) — Voted best food truck in Austin multiple times. The Tres Amigos plate is massive.

Tech meetups and networking events in DFW: Where to level up your career

DFW has a strong tech meetup scene. Here's where to connect.

• DFW Tech Happy Hour — monthly, rotating locations. No agenda, just networking. Source: Meetup.com
• Dallas Startup Week — annual. Panels, workshops, networking. Source: dallasstartupweek.com
• Launch DFW — startup community events, pitch nights. Source: launchdfw.com

Coyote sighting warning: pack spotted near schools in Plano

A pack of 3-4 coyotes has been spotted multiple times near Hughston Elementary and Jasper High School in west Plano.

• Monday 6:30 AM: spotted crossing Legacy near the school
• Tuesday 7 PM: seen near the baseball fields behind Jasper
• Wednesday 5:45 AM: pack of 4 running through Spring Creek Trail near Coit

Is now actually a good time to buy in Texas?

Interest rates are still elevated. Prices haven't really come down. Insurance costs are through the roof — literally, because of all the hail and storm claims.

The Alamo is... smaller than everyone expects

Every tourist I've ever brought to the Alamo has the same reaction: "That's it?" It's right there in the middle of downtown surrounded by shops.

Deep Ellum isn't dead. You just stopped going to the right shows.

Every time someone says "Deep Ellum is dead" I know they haven't been to a show at Trees or Club Dada in the last 6 months.

Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville: Austin suburbs compared honestly

If you work in Austin and want affordable housing, you're looking at the suburbs. Here's the honest comparison of the big three.

• Schools: Round Rock ISD is consistently top-rated. Westwood, Round Rock, and McNeil high schools are excellent.
• Commute: I-35 into downtown Austin is 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. The 45 Toll is faster but costs $4+ each way.
• Vibe: The most established suburb. Downtown Round Rock has actual character — the Kalahari resort, restaurants, antique shops.