Trip to Dallas
Jan 26th, 2007, 04:49 AM
#62
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Dabber... In one of your posts you mention having a few beers. When I'm in Dallas on business, my favorite place to have a few beers is the Flying Saucer.
http://www.beerknurd.com/stores.php
The one in "Dallas" is Addison (14999 Montfort Drive).
Cheers!
http://www.beerknurd.com/stores.php
The one in "Dallas" is Addison (14999 Montfort Drive).
Cheers!
Jan 26th, 2007, 05:27 AM
#64
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dgg.....Glad I'm done with my coffee, otherwise it would have been all over my keyboard...I have seen the first name posted here several times..But WAIT!! Will that work?? I remember one of my TravelAgents best tales...Years ago he had a corporate account headed by "Bonnie"...The secretary would call in trips for Bonnie every day.One day it was late in the day, and just coincidentally the account was located on his way home.There was a very late call from Bonnie's secretary for a trip the next morning.So my TA would drop the ticket off on his way home(pre e-ticket days!!).He found the secretary chatted with her.Then she called out"Bonnie come meet your TA!" Out came a big brawny guy, long tall Texan."Hi, I'm Bonnie"..You dont know till ya know..
Jan 26th, 2007, 11:11 AM
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I think that I have got Sunday after we arrive sorted,breakfast in the hotel courtesy car to the First Baptist Church for the 11 a.m. service(I am not religous but have been told it is an experience)
Then to Adairs Saloon for burgers and beer!!
Need something to do late afternoon,dont suppose much happens on Sundays.
Have been reading a lot about the homeless problem downtown,do they beg for money or what?
The worst place we have been for this is the Gambia in West Africa where you are surrounded every time you leave the hotel but they are quite harmless and are VERY poor
Then to Adairs Saloon for burgers and beer!!
Need something to do late afternoon,dont suppose much happens on Sundays.
Have been reading a lot about the homeless problem downtown,do they beg for money or what?
The worst place we have been for this is the Gambia in West Africa where you are surrounded every time you leave the hotel but they are quite harmless and are VERY poor
Jan 26th, 2007, 11:25 AM
#66
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A lot of downtown Dallas is VERY QUIET on weekends...you'll have to tell US if the homeless folks are out on weekends or if they go somewhere else once the business occupants leave for the weekend. There are a not a lot of homeless folks in downtown Dallas at all (compared to other major cities.) Many will ask for money, but it's a pretty passive scene. In 21+ years of walking around downtown, I think I've had a homeless person follow me a ways only twice, and each seemed pretty seriously mentally ill. I will tell you that there are "guides" at Dealey Plaza who try to give you a "tour" in exchange for a tip. No idea if they know anything at all, but they aren't official guides or anything.
I just double checked where Adair's is...you may encounter a few more homeless folks in that part of Commerce because it's near a big underpass. You can also get a tatoo or body piercing nearby if you're so inclined.
If the weather is nice, I'd head over to the Nasher Sculpture Garden after lunch. It's open until 5 pm. The outdoor part is the best. If the weather is rainy, I'd go to the Dallas Museum of Art instead (which is nearby.) Another option would be walking through the West Village (you'd need a cab to get there), where you could go into a few shops, then find a "happenin'" place for dinner.
I'll have to think about Sunday night. Maybe a restaurant like Bice in the Crescent. Or maybe the best option is dinner at a West Village restaurant and a movie.
I just double checked where Adair's is...you may encounter a few more homeless folks in that part of Commerce because it's near a big underpass. You can also get a tatoo or body piercing nearby if you're so inclined.
If the weather is nice, I'd head over to the Nasher Sculpture Garden after lunch. It's open until 5 pm. The outdoor part is the best. If the weather is rainy, I'd go to the Dallas Museum of Art instead (which is nearby.) Another option would be walking through the West Village (you'd need a cab to get there), where you could go into a few shops, then find a "happenin'" place for dinner.
I'll have to think about Sunday night. Maybe a restaurant like Bice in the Crescent. Or maybe the best option is dinner at a West Village restaurant and a movie.
Jan 26th, 2007, 04:19 PM
#67
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I'd recommend going to the Arboretum on Sunday afternoon. You can take the bus there. The Dallas Blooms event that goes on there in the spring is GORGEOUS! If you've never been to the South and seen azalea bushes and dogwood trees in bloom before, then you will be in for a real treat!
The homeless beg for money. DO NOT GIVE IT TO THEM! Most of the time, the money you give them goes to buy alcohol or drugs. The police officers here will tell you that the ones who beg on the streets will not go to the shelters because the shelters will not allow them to use drugs or drink there.
TTP, the Mustang is mineral gray.
The homeless beg for money. DO NOT GIVE IT TO THEM! Most of the time, the money you give them goes to buy alcohol or drugs. The police officers here will tell you that the ones who beg on the streets will not go to the shelters because the shelters will not allow them to use drugs or drink there.
TTP, the Mustang is mineral gray.
Jan 26th, 2007, 09:17 PM
#68
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The homeless are mostly around City Hall and the downtown library...which are across the street from each other.
Also large groups around the Farmer's Market area...although not in the immediate Farmer's Mkt, but more near the warehouses, etc. There are a couple of shelters between City Hall and the Farmer's Mkt.
Some filter into Deep Ellum. But mostly those in Deep Ellum are scammers/thugs who cross the bridge on Malcolm X Blvd from South Dallas.
Across the highway from Dealey Plaza is the jail, courthouses, etc...and the lovely Industrial Blvd. Lots of homeless looking folks around here. But not in Dealey Plaza - just on the other side of the highway.
We have "dry areas" in Dallas - where alcohol can't be sold in stores. Where the "dry line" is drawn, on the other side are heaps of liquor stores. Lots of homeless in these areas too - Industrial Blvd and the intersection of Gaston/East Grand/Garland Rd.
But...these are mostly areas that you won't be traveling too...but, that's where are homeless live. I think the homeless situation is San Francisco is much, much worse than in Dallas.
Also large groups around the Farmer's Market area...although not in the immediate Farmer's Mkt, but more near the warehouses, etc. There are a couple of shelters between City Hall and the Farmer's Mkt.
Some filter into Deep Ellum. But mostly those in Deep Ellum are scammers/thugs who cross the bridge on Malcolm X Blvd from South Dallas.
Across the highway from Dealey Plaza is the jail, courthouses, etc...and the lovely Industrial Blvd. Lots of homeless looking folks around here. But not in Dealey Plaza - just on the other side of the highway.
We have "dry areas" in Dallas - where alcohol can't be sold in stores. Where the "dry line" is drawn, on the other side are heaps of liquor stores. Lots of homeless in these areas too - Industrial Blvd and the intersection of Gaston/East Grand/Garland Rd.
But...these are mostly areas that you won't be traveling too...but, that's where are homeless live. I think the homeless situation is San Francisco is much, much worse than in Dallas.
Jan 27th, 2007, 11:00 AM
#69
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I think that with all your helpful suggestions I will need another 5 days to see everything!!
Have been watching Chuck Norris as Walker,Texas Ranger as I believe it is shot around the DFW metroplex,I am not sure how old the series is but is it a true picture of what the area is like now??
Have also been watching Dallas Swat which is very good but seems to consist of cops pulling doors off houses and dragging people out!!
Is there such a thing as a gun club where I could go and do some target shooting,I was a qualified marksman when I was in the armed forces,although my eyesight was better then!
We would like to take some souvenirs back for our children,2 girls and grandchildren,3 girls and 2 boys any suggestions?
Have been watching Chuck Norris as Walker,Texas Ranger as I believe it is shot around the DFW metroplex,I am not sure how old the series is but is it a true picture of what the area is like now??
Have also been watching Dallas Swat which is very good but seems to consist of cops pulling doors off houses and dragging people out!!
Is there such a thing as a gun club where I could go and do some target shooting,I was a qualified marksman when I was in the armed forces,although my eyesight was better then!
We would like to take some souvenirs back for our children,2 girls and grandchildren,3 girls and 2 boys any suggestions?
Jan 27th, 2007, 11:19 AM
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The homeless situation in San Francisco is maybe more visible than in Dallas-- but it's not as bad as many breathlessly report. And despite that, it's still San Francisco. A beautiful, fascinating World City. Downtown SF always has people, activity, fun, awesome restaurants, great shopping, culture, coolness. And you can do SF happily without a car. Five days in SF can be as full of activity or as relaxed as you want. And if you get a car, you can head to the Wine Country, the Redwoods, Monterey, Carmel....
Sorry, but I couldn't let the misconception go. And let's face it: where would you rather spend five days as a first-time visitor to the US-- San Francisco or Dallas?
Sorry, but I couldn't let the misconception go. And let's face it: where would you rather spend five days as a first-time visitor to the US-- San Francisco or Dallas?
Jan 27th, 2007, 11:31 AM
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Oh, and the French Room at the Adolphus is fine for what it is-- high-end Continental eatery with a healthy helping of pretentiousness, and quite good food for a hotel restaurant. But really-- what's its competition in downtown Dallas? Its super-high Zagat scores would be much, much lower in a more competitive food town like Manhattan, Chicago or San Francisco.
Jan 27th, 2007, 12:17 PM
#72
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DFW Gun Range on Mockingbird just east of I-35 will rent you a 9mm pistol and let you shoot on their indoor range. It's not cheap, but that is probably your best option.
Please do not judge Dallas by what you see on Dallas SWAT or Walker Texas Ranger. Walker is well over 10 yers old now, and it was never really an accurate portrayal of Dallas...
Please do not judge Dallas by what you see on Dallas SWAT or Walker Texas Ranger. Walker is well over 10 yers old now, and it was never really an accurate portrayal of Dallas...
Jan 27th, 2007, 12:22 PM
#73
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rjw lgb ca
I dont think that there is a Dealey Plaza or JFK museum in San Francisco which is the purpose of my visit!!,and I can assure you that I wont be using the French Room,I picked the Adolphus after reading many travel reviews and it scored very highly
I dont think that there is a Dealey Plaza or JFK museum in San Francisco which is the purpose of my visit!!,and I can assure you that I wont be using the French Room,I picked the Adolphus after reading many travel reviews and it scored very highly
Jan 27th, 2007, 04:34 PM
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dabber -
I think you have some great suggestions listed here for your Dallas trip. At the risk of offending your knowledge of the US, I want to put Dallas in context.
Dallas is a regional hub of commerce and life. In the southern region of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and maybe New Mexico and Louisiana, Dallas is a place where people move to in order to find better jobs, and one of the main commercial centers.
It is not a place that we would consider a "must-see" for a foreigner. We take special pride in places like New York, Chicago, the Rocky Mountains, our Pacific Coast, and San Francisco.
Dallas, like Denver, Seattle, Minneapolis, Pittsburg, Charlotte, and many other cities, is a place where you'll see a real slice of day-to-day American life.
I just want to make sure that is what you're looking for. Coming to America and just seeing Dallas is a bit like going to Italy and never leaving Milan. There is nothing wrong with it -- Dallasites have much to be proud of in their thriving city. Just not a place that would even be in my Top 10 of must see's.
But, I respect and appreciate your interest in JFK and our history. I've been to the JFK museum, and it gives you an appreciation for the man and the high office of The Presidency in general.
I think you have some great suggestions listed here for your Dallas trip. At the risk of offending your knowledge of the US, I want to put Dallas in context.
Dallas is a regional hub of commerce and life. In the southern region of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and maybe New Mexico and Louisiana, Dallas is a place where people move to in order to find better jobs, and one of the main commercial centers.
It is not a place that we would consider a "must-see" for a foreigner. We take special pride in places like New York, Chicago, the Rocky Mountains, our Pacific Coast, and San Francisco.
Dallas, like Denver, Seattle, Minneapolis, Pittsburg, Charlotte, and many other cities, is a place where you'll see a real slice of day-to-day American life.
I just want to make sure that is what you're looking for. Coming to America and just seeing Dallas is a bit like going to Italy and never leaving Milan. There is nothing wrong with it -- Dallasites have much to be proud of in their thriving city. Just not a place that would even be in my Top 10 of must see's.
But, I respect and appreciate your interest in JFK and our history. I've been to the JFK museum, and it gives you an appreciation for the man and the high office of The Presidency in general.
Jan 27th, 2007, 08:53 PM
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dabber -
There has got to be a driving tour of some sort about the events before and after the JFK event. My brother-in-law used to know all the sites.
*There's Jack Ruby's club near South Side on Lamar that's just been turned into lofts/condos.
*The Texas Theater on Jefferson has been going through a renovation.
*Marina Oswald used to work at the Army/Navy store on McKinney before it was bulldozed. Roti Grill and Cretia's are there now.
If you're looking for a highend dinner (closed Sunday) or weekday lunch - Stephan Pyles Restaurant was just rated the #1 restaurant in Texas by Texas Monthly magazine. It's on Ross Ave between the Dallas Museum or Art and the Fairmont.
We used to watch Texas Ranger...usually to see if our car was in an episode. One day we were driving RIGHT NEXT TO the truck that Chuck Norris drove on the show (he was actually behind the wheel)...being pulled on a trailer while they were shooting the show.
I think Chuck Norris now lives in/around Tyler and patrols the highways as an officer (I'm not sure of his capacity). I've heard of him pulling over folks for speeding and they think it's a joke...no joke, they got a ticket!!
I'll have to think about the good souvenir bit.
Right now Prison Break is being filmed around Dallas. If you see signs with arrows and a PB on them...that's where they are. Last week they were behind my son's preschool.
rjw - That's it...they are much more visible in SF because they are all over the city and not just in certains areas like in Dallas. I wasn't trying to start an arguement...just pointing out that I saw A LOT more homeless throughout SF.
There has got to be a driving tour of some sort about the events before and after the JFK event. My brother-in-law used to know all the sites.
*There's Jack Ruby's club near South Side on Lamar that's just been turned into lofts/condos.
*The Texas Theater on Jefferson has been going through a renovation.
*Marina Oswald used to work at the Army/Navy store on McKinney before it was bulldozed. Roti Grill and Cretia's are there now.
If you're looking for a highend dinner (closed Sunday) or weekday lunch - Stephan Pyles Restaurant was just rated the #1 restaurant in Texas by Texas Monthly magazine. It's on Ross Ave between the Dallas Museum or Art and the Fairmont.
We used to watch Texas Ranger...usually to see if our car was in an episode. One day we were driving RIGHT NEXT TO the truck that Chuck Norris drove on the show (he was actually behind the wheel)...being pulled on a trailer while they were shooting the show.
I think Chuck Norris now lives in/around Tyler and patrols the highways as an officer (I'm not sure of his capacity). I've heard of him pulling over folks for speeding and they think it's a joke...no joke, they got a ticket!!
I'll have to think about the good souvenir bit.
Right now Prison Break is being filmed around Dallas. If you see signs with arrows and a PB on them...that's where they are. Last week they were behind my son's preschool.
rjw - That's it...they are much more visible in SF because they are all over the city and not just in certains areas like in Dallas. I wasn't trying to start an arguement...just pointing out that I saw A LOT more homeless throughout SF.
Jan 28th, 2007, 01:22 AM
#77
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HonestAbe
of course I would like to see San Francisco but as I have said I have wanted to visit Dallas since I was 15 years old when JFK was assassinated as it had a profound affect on me.
Many peple in the UK think that New York or Florida are the only destinations in the States and once I have been to Dallas I want to see other places too,I understand your comment that it would not be in your top 10 places to visit and if it were not for the events of 1963 it would not be mine either.I hope you can understand my reason for visiting now.
of course I would like to see San Francisco but as I have said I have wanted to visit Dallas since I was 15 years old when JFK was assassinated as it had a profound affect on me.
Many peple in the UK think that New York or Florida are the only destinations in the States and once I have been to Dallas I want to see other places too,I understand your comment that it would not be in your top 10 places to visit and if it were not for the events of 1963 it would not be mine either.I hope you can understand my reason for visiting now.
Jan 28th, 2007, 03:54 AM
#78
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Don't worry dabber, you don't need to justify your trip to Dallas! I think it is very interesting that you are going there because of JFK. And as you said, beyond that everything will be new to you so it's bound to be interesting. You've gotten a lot of great advice on this board.
I really think that anywhere can be interesting if you have a bit of curiousity and do a little research like you are doing.
Not every place can be San Francisco or New York or London or Paris....else they wouldn't be as special would they
Have a great trip, it sounds like you have it well outlined now.
I really think that anywhere can be interesting if you have a bit of curiousity and do a little research like you are doing.
Not every place can be San Francisco or New York or London or Paris....else they wouldn't be as special would they
Have a great trip, it sounds like you have it well outlined now.
Jan 28th, 2007, 04:30 AM
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dabber -
As I said, I appreciate and respect your interest in JFK, so I hope you have a great trip.
Dallas is also a slice of American life, like many other cities across the nation. For some, that is a more interesting vacation than going to a tourist destination.
I hope you thoroughly enjoy your trip.
As I said, I appreciate and respect your interest in JFK, so I hope you have a great trip.
Dallas is also a slice of American life, like many other cities across the nation. For some, that is a more interesting vacation than going to a tourist destination.
I hope you thoroughly enjoy your trip.
Jan 28th, 2007, 06:52 AM
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Hi Dabber! I don't know if you get the History Channel in the UK, but if you go to www.history.com, and type Kennedy in the search box, you'll see some videos that you can buy about the Kennedys.
