My Texas Takeover To Do List
Every time I meet new people they often ask where I’m from. (Because literally no one in Washington, DC is from DC…not really…but really) When I tell them Texas, it’s usually followed up with one of the following 3 statements/questions: 1. OMG, I’ve always wanted to go! 2. Is everything really bigger in Texas? 3. I’ve always heard that the food is good there, is it? Every time I fly home I always fly into Dallas so here’s a few of my photos, tips and must do items from my own Texas takeover routine!
I always fly into Dallas Love Field (DAL). For overall aesthetic, cleanliness of bathrooms and entertainment options while waiting for a flight DFW Airport is for sure my favorite, but the view you get when flying from DC into DAL of the Dallas skyline is one of my absolute, all time favorites! It’s literally beautiful all times of the day. You can catch it in the middle of the day with a clear view of everything, at dusk with the sunset in the background or even at night with the skyline lit up and Omni Dallas showcasing their latest message across their hotel and it’s ALWAYS gorgeous. I love the view so much that I literally grab the same seat every time. Only once have I not been able to snatch my row and seat…so I went 3 rows back! If you’re going to make a trip from the east coast to Dallas and want a chance to take in this view, the key is to sit on the left side of the plane when inside facing the front. (The side that has seats A-C.) Below are two photos I took from my usual window seat flying into DAL.
You for sure need a car! There’s Uber but that will escalate super quickly as surge prices are high and common so just journeying from downtown to uptown could add up depending on how much riding you need to do. I always go to Fort Worth when I’m in Dallas and despite popular misconception, they aren’t overly close. They aren’t necessarily far, but depending on WHERE you are in Dallas and where you’re trying to go in Fort Worth the ride could be a travesty due to traffic. Pizza Snob is a MUST! They’ve now added a second location in Denton, but the Fort Worth location is the first and my favorite. Think of Pie Five in the sense that you build your own…but just waaayyyyyy better!
Even if I only drive through to grab a brisket sandwich and a fountain Big Red, or Luzianne sweet tea if I’m cutting back, from Pecan Lodge I always ride through Deep Ellum and see what new murals and random art installs I can find. Klyde Warren, another stop on my list. If I can squeeze at least 30-45 min in (Because I always hit the ground running when I’m home.) I go to Klyde Warren Park and relax. There’s literally everything you need in one area, food trucks, nearby attractions, an outdoor library, shade, seating, entertainment depending on what day you’re there and it’s just a great place to kick back, relax, enjoy good Texas air…and people watch! It’s also super kid and pet friendly for your babies with 2 and 4 legs!
Two more must dos I have that you can squeeze in as well if you have a tight schedule but want to take a moment to admire Dallas and get a quick isolated Texas experience. The first thing you can do to really take in and appreciate the skyline is frolic along Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. The views, both day and night, of downtown Dallas are so beautiful! You can go for a walk/jog along the bridge or just sit down and soak it all in. Once you’re done appreciating the view…GO. TO. BUC-EE’S. If you google it, you’ll see it’s listed as a “Convenient store company” but don’t be fooled. Buc-ee’s isn’t just a convenient store, it’s a full blown EXPERIENCE. I mean you can literally get gas from one of the 84 gas pumps, get brisket, Blue Bell ice cream (You can’t leave this earth properly until you’ve had some!) fudge, Yeti coolers and cups…because how else would the south survive, quilts and of course, gun and bullet shaped shot glasses and ceramics for your home…naturally. The B in Buc-ee’s literally stands for so many things, brisket, Blue Bell, bigger, better, brittle (cause you can get more than just peanut) bacon and of course beaver because…well…that’s just what Buc-ee is. Texas is so BIG and there’s tons to do, see and eat but I’d have to create a series on Texas city’s and their attractions and eateries to even put a dent in all there is to do. If you’ve only got a couple of days to browse and are trying to just get a general feel for Texas, aside from eating Tex-Mex and drinking sweet tea…these are some great options to get you started!
What’s your favorite city in Texas?
