Quick Trip to Dallas

Quick Trip to Dallas

September 25, 2019

Old Red Courthouse

The Old Red Courthouse is an iconic structure in Dallas that I often planned to visit in the past, but it never seemed to happen.  So, when the opportunity took place recently, Pat and I invested a little time to explore what is now the Old Red Museum.

Visit Dallas

The first stop was to visit the Dallas Visitor's Center on the first floor to search for other events and places we might also experience while in town.  We found out that Phil Collins "Not Dead Yet" tour was performing that evening at the American Airlines Center.  I looked at Pat.  She smiled and shook her head and verified my own conclusion.  So, I guess we will wait till after he is dead.

Welcome

We enjoyed the museum displays about the history of Dallas such as this photo of the first riverboat to make it up to Dallas on the Trinity River.

Harvey Riverboat

We were also reminded of the history of the Texas State Fair -- back to 1890.

After the museum, we booked a room in the Hampton on Commerce Street and spent the afternoon, evening, and the next morning foraging and exploring the downtown area.  Lunch foraging revealed an Indian food restaurant named Spice in the City where I dined on Gosht -- whatever that is.

Indian Steak Gosht

Then there was a happy hour in a very noisy Irish Pub, and an excellent Irish stew washed down with -- you guessed it -- a cold glass of Guinness.

Irish Stew and thick, brown bread

For rent, electric scooters could be found on almost every street corner, and lying in other various places.  I started to rent and ride one -- against Pat's advice -- but when I read the rules it was clear that they were only legal in the street, not the sidewalk.  Of course, many young folks were riding them on the sidewalks anyway so that they were a little scary to us pedestrians.  Anyway, Pat got her wish, and I broke no old bones.

Lyft Scooters

On Main Street, we happened upon this eyeball exhibit that's about 30 feet tall.  Interesting.

Giant Eyeball

I sometimes wonder why we ever visit a big city like Dallas.  After all, we love the country where we live and find city-driving a little nerve-wracking.  So, we sometimes calculate the costs and benefits of city visits.  Of course, cities can be dynamic, energetic places with lots of things to do, -- but at our age, bars, nightclubs, sports, and theatrical events do not hold enough attraction for us to be worth the effort.  However, museums, parks, and some restaurants sometimes suck us into the city.  And, obtaining a TxTag for driving on Texas tollways makes the driving much less complicated, but it's still no great fun.

Guess I feel lucky to still be able to drive city traffic without somebody honking at me more than once or twice on a visit.  So, maybe one reason we sometimes visit the city is to prove that we still can.  Oh well!

Maybe the main reason for writing this particular blog is so that when the itch to visit a city returns, I can re-read these words to assist in the decision-making process.  Yes, the city can be an exciting place.  But, when we return to our woodlands and listen to a pair of Barred Owls excitedly exclaiming their devotion to each other -- then the quiet of the woods returns -- I'll take the peace, tranquility, and nature in my woods over the city any day.

Table of Contents:  https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/6813612681836200616/3382423676443906063?hl=en