Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Dallas - May 2015


Sorry, I just could not resist linking to the Dallas theme song. It is hard not to think of that iconic TV introduction when driving into Dallas, TX. This was my final stop on my 2015 Baseball & Barbecue Tour of Texas. I briefly visited Dallas during college, but this was an opportunity to explore more of the Dallas-Fort Worth area before heading home. Flying over Texas was a little faster than driving, but far more exciting and gave me an opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people. Landing at the delightful Love Field, it was time to head out for food and fun.

Dealey Plaza with the "Grassy Knoll"
After a brief and uninspiring stop at a highly recommended, but terrible barbecue joint near the airport, I headed downtown to visit the site of the JFK assassination - Dealey Plaza. Even though I did not live through the tragedy, I have seen enough video and pictures to know the place. Being there is just a bit weird. I have been to many tragic sites over the years - Oklahoma City federal building, World Trade Center, Dachau - and this place has a similar energy that something bad happened here. There is a museum that depicts and explains the event from the 6th floor of the former Texas Book Depository, including the conspiracy theories and backgrounds of the main characters. It is not a happy place, but an important place in American history.

Restored Douglas DC-3 at C.R. Smith Museum
After a needed relaxing night, I headed out for a day of museums near the DFW Airport. I used Love Field for my flights, but it was much cheaper to stay near the other airport; go figure! First stop was the C.R. Smith Museum named after the former president of American Airlines. This wonderful museum near the DFW Airport and American Airlines corporate headquarters was established by airline employees to document the history of the airline and its activities. I was surprised by the depth of the exhibits which appealed to the inner aviation nerd in your humble author. Who does not like seeing a DC-3?

Original Norman Rockwell Painting of The Eagle Scout
Just down the road from the Smith Museum was the National Scouting Museum. As an Eagle Scout, I had to stop here! The museum is located at the national headquarters of the Boy Scouts of America in Irving, TX. Most of the exhibits are interactive displays of typical scouting activities clearly designed for young boys in scouting, but they have an extensive collection of artwork and the history of scouting in the United States. The Boy Scouts are still struggling with major issues in modern society, but I think the struggle will make the entire organization stronger and will evolve into a much better group for all boys and adults. They did a good job with me, and I want them to continue for a long time.

Brisket and Ribs with French Fries and Beans
This was the best barbecue on my trip. The folks at Hard Eight BBQ in Coppell, TX are making some excellent barbecue. The restaurant is easy to spot with plumes of tasty smoke billowing into the distance. You stand in line before the great pit with the smoke wafting in every so often with momentary glances of the lucky ones being served first. After you have plenty of time to decide, change your mind, then change back about which meats to get, you tell the pit boss how much of each meat you want or if you want sandwiches or grilled corn. The meats are weighed, then you are tempted by the sides - there are free beans after you pay - and grab a cold drink before finding a seat in the spacious restaurant.

I had ribs and brisket with a side of fries and beans with both BBQ sauces. The brisket was excellent. It was juicy, very meaty, with excellent smoke and bark. I did not need any sauce for the brisket which fell apart even by looking at it! The ribs were also excellent, especially when paired with the house sauce which has a smoky sweet flavor that really compliments the ribs. I will think about this meat for a very long time.

After lunch, one of the more interesting stops was the place where photography and cameras were prohibited - the Bureau of Engraving and Printing near Fort Worth, TX. This factory is literally where the buck starts!  They are responsible for printing most of the United States Currency in circulation with extensive quality and security controls. You are probably carrying their product right now; just look for a little "FW" before the smaller serial number on the note in the corner. No FW means it was made in Washington, DC. Visitors are encouraged to take a free and extensive tour of the factory and museum including a stop at the gift shop to buy uncut sheets of currency and bags of shredded notes. Sorry, no free samples!

3rd Base Entry at Globe Life Park
It was finally time to visit my 27th MLB Ballpark - Globe Life Park in Arlington, TX. This is the home of the Texas Rangers and is right next to AT&T Stadium home of a small group of guys called the Dallas Cowboys. Maybe you have heard of them. It is sports central in Dallas and located smack dab between Dallas and Fort Worth in a somewhat sketchy part of town. At least there is a Six Flags nearby! The Rangers were battling the Cleveland Indians and eventually lost, but not after Adrian Beltre hit his 400th home run. They play the Giants in August, but I felt May was a much better time to visit Texas.

I was not as impressed with this ballpark. It is rather old and starting to show its age. The food and drink options were nice, but it missed the mark with playing "All My Ex's Live in Texas" and having a colored dot race along the bases; most other ballparks have much better in-game entertainment including Houston which played "Deep in the Heart of Texas" which is a much better song. Nevertheless, they pack the stands and everyone is having a good time. I am glad I visited, but I am also glad I have AT&T Park back home.

Old Fort Worth Stock Yards
On my last day in Texas, I was fortunate to spend it with a good friend from college and her family. We caught up on everything while visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards for a Tex-Mex lunch and a mosey through the old town area. It was a nice way to end my trip before heading back to California.

Downtown Dallas
Dallas is a tough city for me to love. It is a very conservative city and has a lot of traffic and people spread out over too much boring suburbia. This trip really stressed my limits dealing with driving through rush hour traffic, planning around massive storms and heat, and seeing and hearing the unique political nature in and around Dallas. I wish them the best and will always remember the excellent barbecue, but I was very glad to see my Southwest airplane ready to take me home to Sacramento and California. Please enjoy the rest of my pictures below.

Former Texas Book Depository
Boy Scouting through the Ages
Pit Barbecue at Hard Eight BBQ
Panoramic Interior of Globe Life Park
Unique Dining Table at Globe Life Park
Main Level Mezzanine at Globe Life Park
Ominous Storm Cloud in the Outfield
View from Seat at Rangers Game
Congratulations Adrian Beltre!
Want to Ride a Longhorn?

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