Nestled in between Dallas, Amarillo, and Oklahoma City is a big town with a small town vibe! Wichita Falls, Texas has a population of 105,000+ and has a lot to offer if you know where to look! So if you are new to the area, a tourist, or even a long time local; read on and check out this list of the top 5 places to visit in Falls Town (with a few extra honorable mentions)!

​1. Kiwanis Park!

This park is one of many in Wichita Falls but this 60 acre park has a fun twist compared to the rest! Kiwanis park is the only park in town with a prairie dog neighborhood, also known as Coteries! The park has picnic shelters, a playground, lighted baseball fields, and more! If you are looking for additional information about local parks in Wichita Falls visit the parks page on the city website located here! 

2. Alley Cat Vintage Mercantile!

​Looking for anything and everything? Look no further! Alley Cat is a multi-level local store in downtown Wichita Falls that has a wide array of goods from antiques, rare collectable items, recycled and upscale furniture, vintage clothing, rare books, and even a rocket launcher! Yes, the last time we visited my husband about bought a rocket launcher… Anyways the store is a paradise for thrifters and collectors of all kinds. Don’t forget to stop in and say hi to the kind gentleman behind the register before you leave! You can find them on Facebook here! 

3. Keeno’s Beef Jerky!

Once you are done shopping in Alley Cat, head across the street over to Keeno’s to get some award winning jerky! Keeno's is locally owned and has got to be the best jerky in town! My family loves jerky and I am very picky about the texture, I like my jerky meaty, soft, and easy to chew! Keeno’s is the perfect combination of it all. With such a wide variety of flavors, they are well on their way to creating a beef jerky emporium! Be sure to ask about their monthly jerky memberships + check out their website here! 

4. Gypsy Kit!

Looking for somewhere to grab lunch? Check out this downtown gem that has found a place in the heart of the locals! Gypsy Kit is also locally owned and boasts an eclectic menu that will leave you very satisfied. Their Dr. Pepper tacos are one of my favorites, but anyone who knows me knows tacos = life! Don’t take my word for it though, head out there for lunch and see for yourself what all the fuss is about! You can even check out their food truck at their second location on Kemp at Gypsy Uncorked! Follow them on Facebook here for their specials! 
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5. The Maplewood!

This locally owned bar is probably the trendiest in Wichita Falls. It will give you the feeling of a high end big city bar and allow you to step out into a whole new atmosphere that you can’t find anywhere else around Wichita Falls. The drinks served at The Maplewood are all carefully handcrafted by their bartenders with fresh ingredients. They also host many art events including painting parties! Be sure to stop in for a few drinks, you won’t be disappointed! You can also check out their Facebook page for all of their upcoming events here! 

​Now this list is definitely not a complete list of the best places in Wichita Falls but they definitely top my list! I would also like to add 5 honorable mentions!

• Willie’s Place has been featured on The Texas Bucket List due to their grilled cheese burger!
• Odd Duck Coffee is one of many local coffee shops, they stand apart as they roast their beans in house and offer pour overs! They even make their own vanilla creamer which is amazing! (Other coffee shops worth visiting include 8th Coffee House and Frank & Joe's – all offer something different and exciting!)
• Urban Air is a local trampoline park that is fun for the whole family!
• The Yard is a local food truck park that is open on the weekends! It is a fun atmosphere that you won’t want to miss out on experiencing!
• Wichita Falls Winery is a locally owned winery that sells some great local wines! But my favorite product that they sell has to be their wine infused chocolate syrup! Trust me, you need it.

 
Now that you know some of my favorite places in Wichita Falls, tell me what yours are!

It is strawberry picking season and if you are looking for something to do with all the strawberries your family picked over the weekend, then I have the perfect recipe for you that everyone is sure to enjoy!

I have been making this strawberry pie for over 15 years, I concocted it when I was a teenager visiting family and experimenting in the kitchen. Strawberries have always been my favorite fruit, so if you're like me and you love strawberries; try out my favorite strawberry pink pie!

Ingredients: 

1 regular size container of cool whip
2-3 cups of strawberries (washed and cut into bite size pieces - but not too small!!)
1 package of strawberry jello
1 graham cracker crust (store bought or you can make it yourself!)

Directions:

Place cool whip, strawberries, and strawberry jello packet in a bowl and mix until combined.
Pour mixture over the graham cracker pie crust and cover.
Refrigerate over night.

Voila! Enjoy a delicious strawberry pink pie courtesy of moi! 

Do you ever get the need to just get away with a few of your girlfriends, have a few drinks, and dance? Maybe you had a bad week or maybe you haven’t been out in almost a year because life keeps you busy. I am guilty of the latter. So this past weekend I did just that!

A great friend of mine and I decided to check out Oklahoma City, OK and have a night out in Bricktown! We booked our stay at the Aloft  since it was centrally located to all the nightlife and while we planned to check out a couple different places, we found ourselves staying at the Pretty Please Social Room all night! It was a great night out and allowed us to put our busy lives on hold just for one evening.
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If you are looking to enjoy a fun night out with your girls, check out these 5 simple tips to ensure you ladies have a great night!

1. Make a plan! When it comes to going out as a woman, planning is so important. Know where you are going. Find out if there is a dress code, if there is a cover, do they take reservations, how you will get there, and how you will leave.
2. Dress to impress! One of the best parts of going out is the shopping you get to do prior to going out. Find a girlfriend who is honest and take them with you! Find a dress or cute outfit that makes you feel amazing and that you feel like you could wear all night without having a wardrobe malfunction. Or maybe you have a go to little black dress, pull it out and show it off!
3. Invite your BFF! Going out is never as fun when your besties are not present! Maybe you want a night out with all your girlfriends or just one close friend, regardless invite someone who you can have fun with!
4. Ditch the phones! Our phones are always attached to our hands and we rarely look up for them to actually enjoy the moment we are in. So, with the exception of calling for your ride, put your phones away and enjoy being out!
5. Be thoughtful before you post pictures! This is so important, not everything belongs on social media, but we all like to document when we do something fun and exciting. Be sure to get pictures early in the night and before posting make sure everyone is ok with the photo. No one wants to be tagged in a picture they don’t feel great in!

As always enjoy yourselves, have fun, and stay safe! Sticking with your friends and having a plan on how to leave with each other is the most important thing you can do!