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Photo by Trish Rawls

Fredericksburg reigns as the Hill Country’s wine and tourism hub, with both industries pouring millions of dollars into the regional economy. So it’s no wonder, then, that Fredericksburg now ranks among the country’s most “dynamic” micropolitan areas.

A new study from the nonprofit think tank Heartland Forward places Fredericksburg at No. 21 among the 25 most dynamic micropolitan areas in the U.S. The study look at economic data for the country’s 536 micropolitan areas.

A micropolitan area is a cluster of communities anchored by a town with 10,000 to 50,000 residents. Fredericksburg itself is home to about 11,000 residents, while the entire micropolitan area comprises 27,297 people.

According to the study, the key figures for the Fredericksburg micropolitan area include:

  • Per capita personal income of $75,442, the second highest number among the top 25.
  • 2015-20 employment growth of 4.8 percent.
  • 2015-20 growth in GDP (growth domestic product) of 12.6 percent. GDP is a major indicator of economic strength or weakness.

“Close to both Austin and San Antonio, Fredericksburg is a sophisticated small town, a community that welcomes and supports newcomers. The climate is mild, the location and lifestyle ideal, and our robust economic climate is tailor-made for a number of kinds of businesses, which will benefit greatly from all the area has to offer,” says the Gillespie County Economic Development Commission.

Several factors contribute to Fredericksburg’s status as a standout micropolitan area. These include:

  • More than $241 million in direct spending on travel in 2021.
  • Popular attractions such as the LBJ State Park and Historic Site, the National Museum of the Pacific War, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, and Wildseed Farms.
  • A full-bodied wine industry.

Los Alamos, New Mexico, stands atop Heartland Forward’s list of the top 25 micropolitan areas. The West Texas area of Pecos sits at No. 4; it’s the only other Texas micropolitan on the list.

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2 Dallas suburbs unlock new rankings among best cities to live in America

SUPREME SUBURBS

Homebuyers and families searching for their next place to call home should take a look at Plano and Richardson, which were just named among the top 15 Best Cities to Live in America by Niche.

Plano ranked No. 11 and Richardson, No. 12 in the 2023 report.

Niche is an online platform that connects families to schools or colleges; their 2023 report’s data was collected through resident reviews in combination with information from the Census and the FBI. This latest release is their ninth annual report, with rankings determined after a study of 228 American cities and nearly 18,000 towns and neighborhoods.

Plano and Richardson are no strangers to this prestigious list. Last year, Plano came in at No. 9, and Richardson, at No. 12. Richardson also came in at No. 12 in the 2021 list, while Plano was No. 7 that year.

Breaking down the 2023 report:

Plano (No. 11 overall) ranked in the top 10 in two categories in the report. It was named the No. 8 best American city to buy a house, and ranked No. 10 on the list of best cities to raise a family. Niche gave the city an A+ rating for its public school selection, diversity, and family-friendliness, and an A rank for its jobs, nightlife, and health and fitness.

Richardson (No. 12 overall) ranked No. 13 for best cities to raise a family. Richardson earned an A+ for its diversity, and an A grade for its family-friendliness, public schools, nightlife, and health and fitness. In the list of best cities to buy a house, it ranked No. 19.

Only one Texas town beat them out: Houston's northern neighbor The Woodlands, which made it at the top of the list in several categories. It was named theNo. 1 best city to buy a house in America, and No. 2 in the ranking of best cities to raise a family. The city has an A+ ranking for its family-friendliness, public schools, and job market, and an A- rating for its diversity, housing availability, and outdoor activities.

In the overall best American city to live in category, The Woodlands ranked No. 3. Cambridge, Massachusetts (No. 1) and Arlington, Virginia (No. 2) took the top two spots in the ranking.

Niche founder and CEO Luke Skurman says in a press release that the company is proud to be “a trusted resource for families, homebuyers” and many other professionals.

“For almost ten years now, our Best Places to Live rankings have helped people find a new neighborhood to call home based on what matters most to them, whether that’s affordable housing, easy access to amenities or excellent local schools,” says Skurman. “Families wondering about an area’s school district can also use our comprehensive school profiles and rankings to get a feel for their child’s potential school.”

The full report and its methodology can be found on Niche's website.

Venerated English rock singer Peter Gabriel adds Dallas date to long-awaited 2023 tour

Bring the Sledgehammer

English rock singer Peter Gabriel has added 13 new North American cities to his worldwide "i/o - The Tour," including a stop at Dallas' American Airlines Center on Thursday, October 19.

The massive tour, Gabriel's first solo jaunt since the "Back to Front Tour" that took place from late 2012 to early 2014, kicks off in Krakow, Poland on May 18. The Dallas concert will be one of the three final dates on the 48-city tour, alongside Austin on October 18 and Houston on October 21.

The tour is in support of the new album, i/o, Gabriel's first new release since 2011. Although an exact date for the album's release has not been announced, new music from the album is being released on the full moon of each month in 2023; the now-available song for March is called "Playing For Time."

On the tour, fans will get to see Gabriel playing new material from the new album, as well as hits, fan favorites, and the unexpected. Gabriel will be joined by regular bandmates Tony Levin, David Rhodes, and Manu Katché.

Gabriel got his start as the original lead singer of the band Genesis, with which he released six albums in the early 1970s. He left for a solo career in 1975, releasing his first album in 1977. The pinnacle of his career came with the 1986 album So, which contained the indelible hits "Sledgehammer," "In Your Eyes," and "Don't Give Up" with Kate Bush.

The general onsale for the newly added shows will start on Friday, March 24 at 10 am at LiveNation.com. Fans will have access to a special presale through Peter’s Fan Club mailing list, starting on Tuesday, March 21.

Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning on Wednesday, March 22 at 10 am until Thursday, March 23 at 6 pm through the Citi Entertainment program.

Fans can also purchase VIP packages, which may include premium tickets, access to the pre-show lounge, limited edition gift items, and more

Peter Gabriel - i/o – The Tour North American Dates

  • September 8 Quebec City, Quebec Videotron Centre
  • September 9 Ottawa, Ontario Canadian Tire Centre
  • September 11 Toronto, Ontario Scotiabank Arena
  • September 13 Montreal, Quebec Bell Centre
  • September 14 Boston, Massachusetts TD Garden
  • September 16 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wells Fargo Center
  • September 18 New York, New York Madison Square Garden
  • September 20 Washington, D.C. Capital One Arena – NEW SHOW
  • September 22 Buffalo, New York KeyBank Center – NEW SHOW
  • September 23 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania PPG Paints Arena – NEW SHOW
  • September 25 Columbus, Ohio Nationwide Arena – NEW SHOW
  • September 27 Cleveland, Ohio Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse – NEW SHOW
  • September 29 Detroit, Michigan Little Caesars Arena – NEW SHOW
  • September 30 Chicago, Illinois United Center
  • October 2 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Fiserv Forum – NEW SHOW
  • October 3 St. Paul , Minnesota Xcel Energy Center – NEW SHOW
  • October 7 Vancouver, British Columbia Rogers Arena
  • October 8 Seattle, Washington Climate Pledge Arena
  • October 11 San Francisco, California Chase Center
  • October 13 Los Angeles, California Kia Forum
  • October 14 Palm Springs, California Acrisure Arena – NEW SHOW
  • October 16 Denver , Colorado Ball Arena – NEW SHOW
  • October 18 Austin, Texas Moody Center – NEW SHOW
  • October 19 Dallas, Texas American Airlines Center – NEW SHOW
  • October 21 Houston, Texas Toyota Center – NEW SHOW

Meat palace Fogo de Chao expands its menu with new plant-based options

Vegan News

Well, here's a twist: Fogo de Chão, the churrascuria-style restaurant concept from Brazil known for its dedication to meat, is expanding its menu in an unprecedented new direction:

They're adding tofu.

Effective immediately, the restaurant will offer new plant-based and nutrient-dense dishes, alongside an enhanced Bar Fogo beverage list that has new non-alcoholic craft cocktails made with low-proof spirits (less than 0.5% alcohol).

Fogo CEO Barry McGowan says in a release that they're responding to demand from their younger, more health-conscious customers.

"Our young and dynamic guests consider themselves food explorers who seek new culinary discoveries with each visit,” McGowan says. “For nearly 45 years we’ve had nutrient-dense and plant-forward dining options for every occasion and dietary tribe throughour Market Table. With the rollout of our new dining choices and clean cocktails, we continue to offer our guests the variety and discoveries they crave while doing it in a wholesome and flavorful way.”

The Market Table is their famed salad bar, which has sated many a vegetarian diner or else those just not up for the whole skewered meat thing that is a trademark of Fogo and other churrascuria-style places.

Entrees
Two new plant-based innovations will join Fogo's existing Vegetarian and Pescatarian dishes such as the Cauliflower Steak, and will be available on the main dining menu available for lunch, brunch, and dinner as an alternative to the Full Churrasco Experience, as follows:

  • Seared Tofu with Miso Black Bean Pasta - Chimichurri-marinated tofu served atop black bean pasta sautéed with green onion, Napa cabbage, pickled onions and carrot ginger-miso dressing. Vegan and gluten-free.
  • Roasted Power Vegetable Bowl - Roasted eggplant, marinated mushrooms, roasted zucchini, asparagus, and baby peppers served with chimichurri spinach rice. Vegan and gluten-free.

togo power bowlRoasted Power Vegetable Bowl at Fogo de Chao.Fogo de Chao

They're also rolling out new dishes on the Market Table which for the past 45 years has showcased nutrient-dense and flavorful choices including seasonal salads, micro greens, natural and plant-based proteins, imported charcuterie, and more.

New items on the Market Table are as follows:

  • Spring Hummus - Fresh hummus blended with herbs, roasted garlic and citrus, topped with radish, fresh mint, edamame, and olive oil.
  • Baby Kale & Mango Salad - Fresh baby kale, Napa cabbage, red radish and mango, tossed in a lime honey dressing.
  • Miso Black Bean Pasta - Gluten-free black bean pasta tossed with green onion, Napa cabbage, pickled onions and carrot ginger-miso dressing.
  • Apple Manchego Salad - Granny Smith apples and Manchego cheese tossed with honey, cracked pepper and black mission figs.
  • Power Greens - A seasonal mix of vitamin-rich greens, fresh herbs and micro-shoots

The Bar
The Bar Fogo menu now features five new cocktails, including three made with Clean Co’s non-alcoholic spirits with less than 0.5% alcohol, as follows:

  • Yellowbird - Desolas Mezcal, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Cointreau, La Marca Prosecco
  • Espresso Martini - Diplomatico Reserva Rum, Caffe Borghetti and Licor 43
  • Clean Cosmo - CleanCo V (Vodka) Apple, Cranberry, Fresh Lemon
  • CleanR Sour - CleanCo R (Rum), Passionfruit, Pineapple, Aquafaba, Bitters
  • Clean Cucumber Martini - CleanCo V (Vodka) Apple, Cucumber, Basil, Lemon Twist

Founded in southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo has eight locations across Texas including Addison, Uptown Dallas, Plano, Austin, Friendswood, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands.