BIG TEX + BIG SAVINGS


2021 State Fair of Texas | Friday, September 24, 2021 – Sunday, October 17, 2021

Y’all, it’s fall – which to North Texans means pumpkin spice everything, football and the return of The State Fair of Texas! The time-honored tradition kicks off in all its Lone Star glory on Friday, September 24. 

Big Tex + Big Savings = Texas-Sized Fun. We’ve rounded up a comprehensive list of discount opportunities so you can save on admission (which could mean more corn dogs!). Check out the list below to see the many ways Fair Fans can save BIG this year!

STATE FAIR SAVINGS

BIG TEX INSIDER PROMO CODES – Sign up to become a Big Tex Insider and receive exclusive State Fair ticket and merchandise discounts and promo codes straight to your email inbox. Each Monday during the Fair, a special promo code will be released that provides Big Tex Insiders special access to $10 tickets good for Tuesdays and Thursdays.

SEASON PASSES – Trying to get the full State Fair experience can be quite hard to do in one day. With the season pass, however, you can enjoy a full 24 days of admission as well as VIP benefits for just $50.

GROUP TICKETS – Enjoy fun times at the fair with all of your friends or coworkers! When purchased in advance, groups of 25 or more can attend the State Fair for as little as $16 per person. Don’t forget to preload Midway game cards and food and ride coupons to any group ticket order. For assistance in purchasing group tickets, call in advance, 214-565-2979. 

HOMETOWN HEROES

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY IS EVERY DAY – All active military, retired military, and veterans save $5 off on weekdays and $7 off on weekends when they present valid documentation of military service at the gate or online. Spouses of service men and women with a valid Military Spouse ID and accompanying children under the age of 18 also receive discounted admission. For information on how to obtain your Military ID Card before your visit to the Fair, contact your military branch or go to www.cac.mil.

FIRST RESPONDERS DAY IS EVERY DAY – All first responders can save $5 off on weekdays and $7 off on weekends when they present a valid badge or ID card from their department or organization at the gate or online, plus up to three discounted admission tickets for their family members. 

ANY-DAY DISCOUNTS

KROGER – Get $3 off premium one-day admission or $5 off season passes when you buy tickets in advance from your local Kroger. Purchases can be made at the checkout counter or service desk until October 17, 2021.

MCDONALD’S – Discount coupons can be found at any participating McDonald’s locations in the North Texas area. Present these coupons at the fair gates to save $5 off general admission tickets on weekdays and $7 off on weekends. One coupon per person. McDonald’s discounts may not be combined with any other offers. 

AFTER 5 P.M. – No matter your age, all adults pay child’s prices at the State Fair of Texas after 5 p.m. SAVE up to $7 on adult tickets when you arrive after 5 p.m. any day of the week.

DISCOUNTS OF THE DAY

FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 24

NORTH TEXAS FOOD BANK OPENING DAY – On opening day, bring two jars of peanut butter for the North Texas Food Bank and enjoy a discounted admission price of $10 at the gate. 

TUESDAYS | SEPTEMBER 28 & OCTOBER 5 & 12

THRILLING TUESDAYS – Most rides are offered at a reduced price on Tuesdays.

DR PEPPER VALUE DAYS – Dr Pepper Value Days are every Tuesday and Thursday and $10 tickets can only be purchased online. Only Big Tex Insiders receive the promotion code for this exclusive savings so be sure to sign up now at BigTex.com/Insider

WEDNESDAYS | SEPTEMBER 29 & OCTOBER 6 & 13

NORTH TEXAS FOOD BANK, FEED THE NEED WEDNESDAYS – By bringing five canned food items, fairgoers will receive admission for only $5. All canned donations go to the North Texas Food Bank, which helps feed members of the community. $5 admission tickets can only be purchased at the gate on Wednesdays with a canned-food donation.  

THURSDAYS | SEPTEMBER 30 & OCTOBER 7 & 14

THRIFTY THURSDAY FOOD SPECIALS – Thursdays are the best day of the week for foodies, thrifty families, or anyone who can’t get enough fair food! Featured items include State Fair classics like corn dogs, cotton candy and funnel cakes. Participating food vendors also offer one of their signature menu items at a reduced price, ranging from mini versions to regular-size items.

DR PEPPER VALUE DAYS – Dr Pepper Value Days are every Tuesday and Thursday and $10 tickets can only be purchased online. Only Big Tex Insiders receive the promotion code for this exclusive savings so be sure to sign up now at BigTex.com/Insider.

SENIOR DAYS – Every Thursday, anyone age 60 and older gets into the Fair for only $5. $5 admission tickets can only be purchased at the gate on Thursdays. Seniors must present ID to receive the discount.

For more information on this year’s State Fair of Texas, visit bigtex.com. All discounts for the State Fair of Texas will be posted to BigTex.com/discounts.

Special thanks to Ebby Halliday Companies Core Services Team for providing the research for this post.

Photo credits: Kevin Brown/State Fair of Texas

Cozy Fall Fireplaces


The cooler weather approaching presents the perfect time to warm up by a crackling fire.

Whether indoors or outdoors, relaxing by these fireplaces is the quintessential way to spend a cool, crisp evening. And, they’re all currently on the market. (Chestnuts not included.)

1250 Shady Oaks Drive in Southlake, Texas

1250 Shady Oaks Drive | Southlake | $3,299,000

3007 Ridgecrest Drive in Southlake, Texas

3007 Ridgecrest Drive | Southlake | $2,150,000

4919 Swiss Avenue in Dallas, Texas

4919 Swiss Avenue | Old East Dallas | $2,100,000

308 Kings Lake Drive in McKinney, Texas

308 Kings Lake Drive | McKinney | $1,899,000

14800 Winnwood Road in Addison, Texas

14800 Winnwood Road | Addison | $1,775,000

4901 Buena Vista Drive in Frisco, Texas

4901 Buena Vista Drive | Frisco | $1,775,000

7171 Helsem Bend in North Dallas, Texas

7171 Helsem Bend | North Dallas | $949,999

3236 Koscher Drive in Grand Prairie, Texas

3236 Koscher Drive | Grand Prairie | $869,900

3416 Pheasant Court in Flower Mound, Texas

3416 Pheasant Court | Flower Mound | $849,000

7120 Yardley Lane in Plano, Texas

7120 Yardley Lane | Plano | $775,000

566 Moonshiner Springs Trail in Broken Bow, Oklahoma

566 Moonshiner Springs Trail | Broken Bow, OK | $750,000

8935 Vista View Drive in Dallas, Texas

8935 Vista View Drive | Lake Highlands | $730,000

1809 Waterford Lane in Richardson, Texas

1809 Waterford Lane | Richardson | $649,500

7248 Walling Lane in Dallas, Texas

7248 Walling Lane | Northeast Dallas | $559,500

18509 Gibbons Drive in Dallas, Texas

18509 Gibbons Drive | Far North Dallas | $554,900

To view more delightful homes for sale, visit the award-winning, mobile-friendly ebby.com.

Fabulous Fall Patios


Looking for the perfect place to enjoy this fall weather? We’ve got you covered.

Backyard patios are the ideal spot to cozy up with a blanket, sit by the fire, light up the grill – or all three. Enjoying nights and weekends in one of these patio spaces would be a fall dream. 

Patio at 4611 Bobbitt Drive in Dallas, Texas

4611 Bobbitt Drive | North Dallas | $3,600,000

Patio at 3007 Ridgecrest Drive in Southlake, Texas

3007 Ridgecrest Drive | Southlake | $2,300,000

Patio at 1116 N Canterbury Court in Dallas, Texas

1116 N. Canterbury Court | Kessler Park | $1,395,000

Backyard patio at 911 Woodview Drive in Prosper, Texas

911 Woodview Drive | Prosper | $1,329,000

Patio at 1506 Main Street in Southlake, Texas

1506 Main Street | Southlake | $1,147,500

Patio at 979 Private Road 1562 in Stephenville, Texas

979 Private Road 1562 | Stephenville | $959,900

Patio at 3416 Pheasant Court in Flower Mound, Texas

3416 Pheasant Court | Flower Mound | $849,000

Patio at 17133 Club Hill Drive in Dallas, Texas

17133 Club Hill Drive | Far North Dallas | $795,000

Patio at 566 Moonshiner Springs Trail in Broken Bow, Oklahoma

566 Moonshiner Springs Trail | Broken Bow | $750,000

Rooftop patio at 1016 Liberty Street, No. 7 in Dallas, Texas

1016 Liberty Street, No. 7 | Bryan Place | $674,900

Backyard patio at 2829 Montreaux in The Colony, Texas

2829 Montreaux | The Colony | $549,900

Patio at 2717 Lakesedge Drive in McKinney, Texas

2717 Lakesedge Drive | McKinney | $429,000

To view more exceptional homes currently on the market, visit the mobile-friendly ebby.com.

10 Fall-ready Porches


October is in full swing and fall weather can’t come fast enough.

From enjoying the crisp autumn air and watching colorful leaves fall to spending afternoons with coffee and a good read, consider these front porches for every occasion.

Front courtyard and porch at 11515 Hillcrest Road in Dallas, Texas

11515 Hillcrest Road | North Dallas | $2,990,000

Front porch at 1600 Shady Oaks Drive in Southlake, Texas

1600 Shady Oaks Drive | Southlake | $1,897,000

Front courtyard and porch at 4000 Hanover Street in University Park, Texas

4000 Hanover Street | University Park | $1,595,000

Front porch at 1116 N. Canterbury Court in Kessler Park, Texas

1116 N. Canterbury Court | Kessler Park | $1,395,000

Ranch-style home at 979 Private Road 1562 in Stephenville, Texas

979 Private Road 1562 | Stephenville | $959,900

Craftsman-style home at 5247 Miller Avenue in Dallas, Texas

5247 Miller Avenue | Vickery Place | $949,000

Front porch at 505 Heard Street in McKinney, Texas

505 Heard Street | McKinney | $875,000

Front porch at 7905 Three Forks Trail in McKinney, Texas

7905 Three Forks Trail | McKinney | $599,999

Front courtyard and porch at 1421 S. Travis Circle in Irving, Texas

1421 S. Travis Circle | Irving | $595,000

Charming home at 1911 Greenhaven Drive in Richardson, Texas

1911 Greenhaven Drive | Richardson | $399,900

To view more delightful homes currently on the market, visit the mobile-friendly ebby.com.

Pick your Pumpkins from the Patch


Pumpkins on a farm in the fall during harvest time.

With more breezy mornings and somewhat cooler weather in North Texas, the time is now for iconic fall traditions.

Whether you’re planning a delicious dish or adorning your porch with festive décor, these seasonal spots offer endless options for your perfect pumpkin search.

DALLAS

Autumn at the Arboretum
8525 Garland Road, Dallas
Open: September 19 – November 1

Green Meadow Petting Farm
6400 W. Red Bird Lane, Dallas
Open: October 9 – 31

DFW Pumpkin Patch at the Dallas Farmers Market
1010 S. Pearl Expressway, Dallas
Open: September 12 – October 31

St. James Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch
9845 McCree Road, Dallas
Open: September 26 – October 31

ALVARADO

Sunset Hill Tree Farm Pumpkin Patch
3400 County Road, 206, Alvarado
Open: October 2 – 31

ARLINGTON

St. John the Apostle UMC Pumpkin Patch
5450 Mansfield Road, Arlington
Open: October 12 – 31

AUBREY

Aubrey Pumpkin Patch
1042 W. Sherman Drive, Suite 201, Aubrey
Open: September 26 – November 8

BEDFORD

Pumpkin Hollow
209 Harwood Road, Bedford
Open: October 2 – 31

CANTON

Canton Pumpkin Patch Yesterland Farm
15410 Interstate 20, Canton
Open: Select dates, September 19 – November 8

CLEBURNE

Mainstay Farm Family Pumpkin Days
1004 W. Bethesda Road, Cleburne
Open: September 25 – November 1

DENISON

Elves Christmas Tree Farm
601 Harvey Lane, Denison
Open: October 3 – 31

GUNTER

The Big Orange Pumpkin Farm
15102 TX-289, Gunter
Open: September 26 – November 25

FAIRVIEW

Creekwood Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival
261 Country Club Road, Fairview
Open: October 4 – 31

FLOWER MOUND

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch
5100 Cross Timbers Road, Flower Mound
Open: October 3 – 31

FORNEY

The Gentle Zoo Pumpkin Patch
12600 FM 2932, Forney
Open: October 1 – 31 (while supplies last)

FORT WORTH

The Green Space Pumpkin Patch
3005 East Belknap Street, Fort Worth
Open: October 1 – 31

Arlington Heights UMC Pumpkin Patch
4200 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth
Open: October 11 – 31

FRISCO

Pumpkins on the Prairie
3521 Main St., Frisco
Open: October 17 – 31

GRAPEVINE

Hall’s Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze
3420 Hall Johnson Road, Grapevine
Open: Beginning October 2

MANSFIELD

St. John Youth Ministry
1218 E. Debbie Lane, Mansfield
Open Daily: September 21 – October 31

MCKINNEY

Storybook Ranch
3701 Custer Road, McKinney
Open: September 26 – November 1

MIDLOTHIAN

Shadow Creek Pumpkin Farm
1530 Indian Creek Drive, Midlothian
Open: October 3 – November 1

PLANO

Pumpkin Patch on the Corner
3101 Coit Road, Plano
Open: September 28 – October 31

RICHARDSON

Arapaho United Methodist Church
1400 W. Arapaho Road, Richardson
Open: October 3 – 31, 2020

ROCKWALL

Blase Family Farm
1232 E. Fork Rd, Rockwall
Open: September 26 – November 1

SOUTHLAKE

The Patch at Southlake
101 E. Highland St., Southlake
Open: September 27 – October 31

STEPHENVILLE

Lone Star Family Farm
4199 U.S. Highway 67, Stephenville
Open: September 26 – November 7

Be sure to visit each pumpkin patch website for specific times, cost and safety information.

Prep Your Home for Fall


Cozy autumn evening on a modern designed patio

Cool breezes and colder months call for necessary upkeep. Now is a good time to be proactive about protecting your home against cooler temperatures. Follow these steps to prepare your home for fall.

Exterior

Roof – Inspect for missing, loose or damaged shingles. Make necessary repairs to keep cold air and precipitation out.

Gutters and Downspouts – Clear leaves and debris. Check alignment to ensure water can flow through and drains away from your home and foundation.

Plumbing – If you’ve noticed issues or leaks, get them checked. Winterize pipes that are exposed outdoors.

Trees – Inspect your property for damaged branches, and trim limbs at least 2 feet from your roofline.

Interior

Heat – Inspect furnace, water heater and air ducts. Fix any issues and replace air filters.

Windows – Check for cracks, gaps, damaged trim and broken glass. Caulk, weather strip and repair as needed; the same goes for doors.

Detectors – Test and replace batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that keep you safe.

Fire Extinguisher – Test your fire extinguisher and replace or recharge if necessary.

Backup – Have working flashlights and spare batteries for potential outages.

Attic – Check for moisture or leaks and repair immediately; same for basements, where necessary.

8 Feast-Worthy Dining Rooms


With winter holidays around the corner, we’re getting in the spirit with some of our favorite dining rooms on the market. No matter the size of your gathering, these dining rooms serve as the perfect backdrop for spending time with family and friends.

 

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3625 Ranchero Road | Plano | $6,750,000

 

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2204 Plantation Lane | Plano | $4,300,000

 

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5102 Montclair Drive | Colleyville | $3,450,000

 

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2221 King Fisher Drive | Westlake | $3,250,000

 

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6164 Cove Creek Lane | Frisco | $2,250,000

 

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18716 Wainsborough Lane | Far North Dallas | $1,300,000

 

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8171 San Leandro Drive | Forest Hills | $850,000

 

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2028 Burnside Drive | Allen | $534,900

 

To see more beautiful dining rooms currently on the market, visit Ebby.com.

Fall Wishes and Fireplace Dreams


As fall approaches, we’re anticipating warming by the fireplace, rather than baking under the Texas summer sun.

 

These relaxing fireplaces will leave you wishing for fall and dreaming of a cozy fireplace scene. Plus, they’re all currently on the market.

 

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25 Braewood Place | Dallas | $7,995,000

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5300 Spanish Oaks | Frisco | $1,999,000

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5516 Roberts Drive | Plano | $1,349,800

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647 Lake Point Drive | Irving | $1,175,000

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255 Whistling Duck Lane | Double Oak | $999,900

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6707 Istina Drive | McKinney | $879,400

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717 Boardwalk Way | Little Elm | $484,000

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4617 Portrait Lane | Plano | $424,900

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11543 Las Polamas Drive | Frisco | $359,000

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5816 Birchbrook Drive, No. 224 | Dallas | $279,000

 

To see more homes currently for sale, visit the award-winning, mobile-friendly Ebby.com.

6 Feast-Worthy Dining Rooms for Thanksgiving


Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and what better way to get in the spirit than to round up some of our favorite dining rooms on the market? No matter the size of your gathering, these dining rooms will serve as the perfect backdrop for spending time with family and friends.
 
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9226 Hathaway Street | Dallas | $6,600,000

751 Amber Lane | Little Elm | $2,725,000
140353683-3064973
4430 Taos Road | Dallas – Bluffview Estates | $3,229,000
148192623-3324943
11805 Green Knoll | Dallas – Crestway Forest Estates | $1,595,000
180014053-3996733
5306 Glenwick Lane | Dallas | $1,395,000
173716943-3987163
5604 Fairfax Drive | Frisco | $975,000
 
To see more beautiful dining rooms currently on the market, visit Ebby.com.

Local Fall Etsy Finds


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There’s no shortage of talented artists and artisans in Dallas, and now, shopping local is easier than ever. Add some festive fall flair to your home this season with these Etsy products made by local sellers.
 
Item: Grateful Sign, $38
Seller: Our Signature Swag
 
This adorable sign is a perfect reminder to hang up in your home this holiday season. Place it above a door or on a wall, or prop it up on a shelf for a classy Thanksgiving (or year-round) sentiment.
 
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Item: White Calligraphy Pumpkin, $17-$20
Seller: Rachel Carl
 
These faux pumpkins with handwritten lettering are a chic and simple alternative to traditional gourds. Pick from sayings like “give thanks” or “hello fall,” or request your own phrase.
 
 
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Item: Thanksgiving Sign, 10×12 for $53, 16×16 for $63
Seller: Six Eleven Co.
 
Celebrate the season with this fun wooden Thanksgiving sign. It’s hand-built using quality wood, hand-painted with warm, orange lettering, and hand-distressed for a perfectly rustic look.
 
 
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Item: Pomegranate Cider Natural Soy Candle, 4 oz. for $11, 8 oz. for $15
Seller: The Tiny Collection
 
This small-batch soy candle blends the scent of warm spices with sweet pomegranate for a tantalizing fall home fragrance. It’s non-toxic and made from all-natural soy wax, a cotton wick, and essential oils.
 

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Item: Halloween Typography Print, prices vary depending on size
Seller: Letter B Studio
 
Add some humor to your Halloween décor with this fun print. Professionally printed on cardstock paper, this durable print can be ordered in 5×7, 8×10, or 11×13. If you’re located in Dallas, message the seller for free shipping!
 
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Item: Thankful Wood Slice Décor, $50
Seller: You Me Happily

Brighten up a tablescape or mantel with this lovely decorated wood slice. Painted with metallic gold modern calligraphy, it’s finished with a matte protective coating to ensure a spot in your home’s décor year after year.
 
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Item: Fall Farmhouse Throw Pillow, $25
Seller: Mugg + Co.

 
Whether your home’s décor is shabby chic, modern, or traditional, this charming printed pillow is a perfect addition to any cozy space. The faux-linen, zippered pillow cover is off-white and measures 18×18 inches. Pro tip: Pillow covers are a great decorating option for those tight on storage space; they fold up and can easily be stored until next year without taking up much room.
 
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Item: Spiced Pinecone & Pear Soy Candle, $20 for 8 oz.
Seller: Turquoise and Lake
 
This 100 percent soy candle smells of clean, crisp pinecone and fresh, juicy pear. Additional notes of sandalwood, vanilla, and sugared cinnamon make this warming scent perfect for fall. The small-batch candle is poured into a mason jar and features a chemical-free WoodWick that will create a slight, soothing crackling sound.
 
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Item: Fall/Autumn Dog Collar, $13.95 to $17.95 (depending on size)
Seller: Coley’s Collars
 
Customize a festive collar for your pooch on Coley’s Collars Etsy shop. Pick your choice of pattern, size, collar width, and buckle color for a one-of-a-kind collar for your furry friend.
 
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Item: Fall Wreath, $95
Seller: Tricia’s Treasures 11
 
Celebrate fall with this beautiful monogrammed grapevine wreath. Each one is handmade with care, so no two are exactly alike.
 
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Item: Velvet Pumpkins with Natural Stems, $50
Seller: Wood Drift Designs
 
Matching your existing décor with the colors of fall can sometimes be tricky. This Etsy seller has the solution to that, with these trendy fabric pumpkins. Available in a variety of colors, the handmade pumpkins have rice at the bottom to keep them upright and beautiful on any table or shelf.

 
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