Dallas Archives - Our Changing Life

One Day In Dallas

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 10:30:58 +0000

Texas holds a special place in our hearts, so we always enjoy visits to the Lone Star State. With so much to see and do, we find that there just never seems to be enough time. This trip included four unique cities all within striking distance of the Dallas-Fort Worth region. After completing our visit to Palestine, we turned our focus to One Day in Dallas. 24 hours may not seem like much time, but we’ve learned to pack a lot into a short stay. Let’s see how we did.

We want to thank Visit Dallas for hosting our visit. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

The Sixth Floor Museum

Summer is a great time to visit Dallas. The city is pulsing with activity. We landed in town in the late morning. Our first stop was the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. This museum is dedicated to capturing the story of the assassination of President John Kennedy. Crystal and I were too young to remember the exact moment. We grew up realizing what happened, as it became an unforgettable historical moment.

Time Stands Still

This was our first visit to the museum, so there was a lot for us to take in. As we made our way through the exhibits, we learned many details that had escaped us. It’s hard to fathom the draw that this event has 60 years later. We noted a steady flow of visitors to the museum and found even more outside. We even discovered that there are tour groups that are specific to this site. This speaks volumes of the impact this American president had on our nation’s history.

Let's Do Lunch

Daylight was burning, so we knew that we had to keep moving. Our one day in Dallas was focused in the downtown region. A short hop and we found ourselves in the Deep Ellum neighborhood. This area is packed full of unique eateries and shopping opportunities. It took no time for us to choose a lunch location. Hawkers Asian Street Food has a cool vibe and we just had to check it out. We loved the tapas-style dining and sampled a variety of tasty dishes.

An Unexpected Treat

After lunch, we took a few minutes to explore Deep Ellum. Just outside of the restaurant we discovered an art fair in progress. We love local art, so this was the perfect way to walk off a few calories from our meal. It was fun watching the performance art, that was sprinkled in with all of the vendors.

Perot Museum

When I was researching downtown Dallas destinations, I uncovered the Perot Museum. Being a science geek, I couldn’t pass it up. Fortunately, Crystal enjoys exploring all of the cool exhibits we find at science centers. The Perot is world-class, so we were in for quite a treat. The crowds were up, but we still found it manageable, although sometimes we had to wait for our turn to engage with the interactive displays.

Walking with Dinosaurs

The main reason I wanted to see this museum was their focus on dinosaurs. I’ve always been intrigued with prehistoric life, and the Perot Museum has a lot to offer. It’s fair to say that we spent more time in this area than any other. Of course, there is so much to see that it’s easy for time to get away from you. Be sure to plan more time than you expect to spend, as this place has so much to offer.

Taste of Texas

During our one day in Dallas, we were able to squeeze in some time just wandering around. This gave us a chance to check out the shops and sculptures that dot the downtown. One of the more iconic stops is Wild Bill’s Western Store, which has been a Dallas staple for over 40 years. This is a good place to find that cowboy couture to round out your wardrobe.

Sampling the BBQ

By now we were heading into the early evening hours. We headed back to Deep Ellum for dinner. Being lifelong Kansas Citians, we have tried a lot of barbecue. Prior to this journey, I had received suggestions for restaurants, and many noted Pecan Lodge. The descriptions were mouth-watering, so it was added to our itinerary. Stepping through the door, we were greeted with the aroma of smoked meats. That’s a smell that we will never tire of experiencing. Dinner was a tasty event that left us happy with our choice.

Sweet Finish

We had spotted Emporium Pies, during our earlier adventures. While we often look for ice cream, this place intrigued us. The only way to settle our curiosity was to make a visit. It was a great decision that we both enjoyed. Crystal is a huge Pecan Pie fan and theirs was everything she had hoped it would be. I’m not as picky, since I’ve never met a piece of pie I didn’t like. Sure enough, my slice of Key Lime hit the spot and left me with a big smile on my face.

Downtown Destination

It never ceases to amaze us how quickly the day passes. Our one day in Dallas had been packed with fun, food, and Texas flair. With sunset approaching, we made our way to Magnolia Dallas, our downtown lodging. It’s housed in the former Magnolia Petroleum Company Building, which was Dallas’ first skyscraper. We made note of the Flying Horse Coffee Shop located in the lobby. This would come in handy in the morning, since it would make it easy to get our daily caffeine fix.

One Day In Dallas

After settling into our room, we decided to take one last walk through downtown Dallas. Directly across the street from our hotel, we discovered an entertainment district. A movie was playing on the huge media wall and families had assembled to enjoy the show. We took in a little of it but decided to head back to the Magnolia to watch the sunset from our room. High above the downtown streets, we reflected on the day’s activities. It’s hard to imagine a better itinerary, for One Day in Dallas.

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Dinner In Dallas – Pork And Pie

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 09:36:03 +0000

A visit to the Lone Star State would feel incomplete without at least one barbecue meal. After a day full of educational opportunities, we were ready to explore more of the Deep Ellum neighborhood. Being so near to our downtown hotel, this area was convenient and interesting. An earlier visit allowed us to scout out our dinner in Dallas, which looked to be filled with pork and pie.

We want to thank Visit Dallas for hosting our visit. rest assured all opinions are our own.

Pecan Lodge

After our delectable lunch at Hawker’s, we spent some time exploring Deep Ellum. The eclectic vibe reminded us of some other neighborhoods we have seen around the country. When we spotted Pecan Lodge, I remembered seeing other reviews of this BBQ joint. All seemed to point to a good experience, so I made a mental note of its location. Our dinnertime arrival was well-timed, as the crowd was not winding out the door.

Local Love

Once we entered, we found that there was still a wait to order. It was clear that this place was favored by the locals. We had time to scan nearby tables to see what others had ordered. One thing that we like about good barbecue spots is that the menus are much easier to navigate. Too many restaurants have page after page of dishes, which can make deciding difficult. This dinner in Dallas would be filled with our favorites and not a bunch of unwanted add-ons.

Dinner in Dallas

The menu at Pecan Lodge filled with plenty of meaty choices. After all, isn’t that what BBQ is all about? We selected a Three Meat Plate, which includes one side. Our choices were brisket, pork ribs, and pulled pork with a side of Cole slaw. After finding a table, we set to work devouring this Texas barbecue. Their dry rub was spot-on for flavor and the meats had retained a good moistness level. It didn’t take long for the piles to shrink and soon we were fighting over the scraps. This ended up being the perfect amount for the two of us to split.

Getting Our Pie On

With the flavor of barbecue still on our mind, we headed back out on the street for an evening stroll. As we made our way through the crowd, we spotted Emporium Pies. Although our bellies were still full, we knew that there is always room for a slice of pie. It looks like dinner in Dallas comes with dessert. We popped inside to check out the scene. Delicate crusts filled with fruity delights tempted us at each turn. It was quickly decided that we just had to check them out.

Emporium Takes the Cake, errr... Pie

I had a suspicion that Crystal would gravitate to the pecan pie. This one is named The Drunken Nut and comes with the 3 “B”s of baking; butter, brown sugar, and bourbon. You should have seen the smile on her face after the first bite. I went with a seasonal offering of Key Lime Pie. This southern classic had the sweet tartness that only comes with real Key limes. What a fantastic way to top off a wonderful dinner in Dallas.

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Fateful Day In Dallas – Sixth Floor Museum

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 04:00:00 +0000

When we were young, there were frequent conversations that revolved around the fateful day in Dallas. It seemed like everyone could remember where they were when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. While I was just a toddler on November 22, 1963, the impact that this heinous act created has been reviewed over and over again. When one of our trips landed us in downtown Dallas, we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to see the Sixth Floor Museum in person.

We want to thank Visit Dallas and the Sixth Floor Museum for hosting our visit. rest assured all opinions are our own.

Texas School Book Depository

The Texas School Book Depository looks like any other commercial building, but holds a sinister connection to one of America’s most memorable events. We arrived in town after a couple of days spent in nearby Palestine, Texas. We decided that this should be our first stop, as we weren’t sure how crowded it would be on a Sunday. By the time we arrived, a line had already formed outside the entrance. Within a few minutes, the doors opened and we followed the crowd inside.

A Charismatic Leader

While we were too young to remember John Kennedy, stories of that fateful day in Dallas were retold throughout our youth. Kennedy’s tales of heroics as a PT boat commander added bravo to his charismatic style. After serving in the U.S. Senate, he set his eyes on the presidency. A hard fought campaign allowed him to narrowly defeat Richard Nixon. When he took office, in January 1961, he became the youngest person elected as president. It is possible that his interest in politics stemmed from his father’s role as U.S. Ambassador to England in the late 1930s.

The First Family

President Kennedy, along with his wife and two children, brought a breath of youthful spirit to the White House. The country was enamored with their every move. They opened up their new home to visits from writers, scientists, artists, actors, and athletes. Jackie Kennedy restored the White House room-by-room and television allowed America to keep up with the changes. At the same time, the president faced a growing list of world concerns. The Cold war was creating a rift between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. To add to this, the Space Race found America falling behind. Kennedy also found many issues closer to home. Racial tension was at an all-time high, as desegregation was being met with resistance in many southern communities.

That Fateful Day in Dallas

With all of these issues swirling around him, Kennedy set about trying to alter the path towards the future. He had created the Peace Corps, which made a way for Americans to volunteer around the world. He pushed Congress for funding to create Project Apollo, which would land an American on the moon. In the summer of 1963, JFK sought approval of a new Civil Rights bill to end racism in America. That fall he would travel to Dallas to deliver a series of political speeches. On November 22, his motorcade made its way past cheering crowds along Dealey Plaza.

A Moment in Time

What transpired next has been the subject for discussion ever since that fateful day in Dallas. Kennedy and his wife were riding in a car with Texas Governor John Connally and his wife. An attack by Lee Harvey Oswald was carried out from the Sixth Floor of the Texas School Book Depository. As shots rang out, the president was struck with a mortal wound. The motorcade rushed to Parkland Memorial Hospital, where Kennedy would be pronounced dead. The images captured that day left a permanent mark on the memories of many Americans. We found that following the exhibits at the Sixth Floor Museum walked us through these fateful moments.

Oswald's End

While Kennedy had the charismatic role in this tale, Oswald brought his own drama to the story. An ex-Marine who defected to the Soviet Union, he had fought mental illness from an early age. His sympathies for Cuba brought him into the spotlight in New Orleans. Oswald made a visit to Mexico with the intentions of gaining access to Cuba. When his plan failed, he returned to Dallas and took a job at the Texas School Book Depository. One of his co-workers testified he last saw Oswald on the sixth floor about 35 minutes prior to the shooting. After firing the fatal shots to the president, he killed a Dallas police officer, before hiding out in a movie theater. A couple of days later, Oswald would be shot by Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby. Oswald was pronounced dead at the same hospital as the president.

A Country in Shock

President Kennedy’s funeral was held on November 25, 1963. Hundreds of thousands lined up to pay their respects, as they shuffled through the Capitol Rotunda. The newly sworn in Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed a national day of mourning. On the morning of the funeral, approximately one million people lined the path of the funeral procession. After the assassination, FBI investigators began gathering films and photographs from people who were in attendance. A total of 169 agents worked the case. Chief Justice Earl Warren was appointed by President Johnson to deliver a report of the conclusions.

Sixth Floor Museum

As we continued through the museum, we came to a model that shows the trajectory of the three shots fired by Oswald. Supporting documents note that two bullets struck the president. The first passed through Kennedy and also struck Connally. The second was the fatal blow to the head. Hundreds of thousands of pages of documentation were produced, as well as the 27-volume Warren Report. Never in history had a crime been so thoroughly investigated.

Weighing the Evidence

In subsequent years, a variety of conspiracy theories have surfaced. The Sixth Floor Museum offers up information on some of the most notable theories. It leaves it to the visitor to make their own determination based on the evidence collected. Since the original Warren Report, there have been suggestions of possible connections with the CIA or Organized Crime. As we observed other visitors, we could see how engrossing the subject still is 60 years later.

Still Drawing Crowds

After wrapping up our visit inside the Sixth Floor Museum, we headed outside to view the site of the tragedy. Tour groups are commonplace and we listened as each offers their own conclusions. A second shooter, from a nearby grassy knoll, is the most common theory we heard. Over time, more and more of the original documents have been made public. By June 2023, about 99% of the files were unsealed. Over the years, there have been an untold number of books written on the subject. It’s safe to say that fateful day in Dallas will remain a hot topic for years to come.

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Hawkers Asian Street Food – Artful Eats

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 03:30:00 +0000

It’s no secret that a good meal begins with presentation. We’ve all heard that dining begins with our eyes and some restaurants really embrace that idea. While exploring the Deep Ellum neighborhood, in Dallas, we made a lunch stop at Hawkers Asian Street Food. We had heard good things about this place, so we wanted to see if they held up to the hype. With hopeful attitudes, and hungry bellies, we headed in for some artful eats.

Funky Find

The Deep Ellum neighborhood has its roots as an old commercial district. Established in 1873, it has been home to one of Henry Ford’s earliest automobile plants. By the 1920s, this area had become a hot spot for jazz and blues music. Like many cities, it saw a decline in the 1960s and 70s. It was music that brought a rebirth to the district. These days, Deep Ellum is filled with pops of color and unique businesses. It has turned into an entertainment hub with a vast array of dining options. Hawkers Asian Street Food fits in perfectly with its artistic design.

New Tastes

We discovered the bright colors and fun design continued on the inside. Our server walked us through the menu, which is filled with tapas-style dishes. Our first selection was one that we have never tried. Roti Canai is an Indian flatbread commonly found in Malaysia. The best way I can describe it would be soft and flaky. Hawkers Asian serves theirs with a curry dipping sauce that brought some heat to the table. If I had to describe this dish in one word, it would be “addicting”.

First Bites

Now that our appetites were in high gear, it was time to toss in some savory bites. We decided to just keep ordering items until our bellies were full. The Coconut Shrimp and Chicken Egg Rolls were next to arrive. These classics were well prepared and gobbled up quickly. They each had their own dipping sauce (Curry for the shrimp and Duck for the egg rolls) but we weren’t against mixing them up. A simple game of Rock, Paper, Scissors helped determine who got the extra shrimp (It was Crystal).

Bao Buns

We were introduced to Bao Buns by our daughter at a local Asian cuisine eatery. Hawkers Asian has an assortment of fillings but the Pork Belly Baos sounded best for us. Besides the thick slices of pork belly, they also pack them with pickled mustard greens, roasted peanuts, and hard-boiled egg. a mixture of cilantro and brown sugar brings a savory-sweet accent to each bite. The creative display really added to the overall appeal of this dish. Good thing there are two per serving, as I wasn’t willing to risk losing another game.

Artful Eats

We were beginning to get full, but there was still one more dish coming. Satay Chicken Street Skewers is one of our favorite tapas foods. Hawkers Asian prepares there’s with a blend of fennel, lemongrass, cumin, and turmeric. This spice blend is the perfect mix when combined with the spicy peanut dipping sauce. Even though we were starting to feel the effects of so much food, we couldn’t stop noshing. Once this dish was polished off, we knew we needed a stroll.

Unexpected Treasures

While approaching the restaurant, we spotted a local art fair. With lunch completed, this was the perfect activity to help us walk off some calories. As we strolled, we could see how public art has been used to create a vibrant style in Deep Ellum. It’s always encouraging to see how other cities move their cities forward, especially after years of decline. It was getting close to the time for us to head to the Perot Museum but we knew we would be back in this area for more exploring in the evening.

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Perot Museum – A Walk On The Science Side

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 03:30:06 +0000

Our first visit to Dallas, Texas would have been incomplete without a stop at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. This world-class science center offers visitors a wide range of experiences. When I found out that they have tons of hands-on exhibits, it was put at the top of our list. To add to our excitement, they have an impressive number of fossils and skeletons from dinosaur days. Let’s take a walk on the science side.

We want to thank Visit Dallas and the Perot Museum for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Unusual Architecture

Landing in downtown Dallas, several skyscrapers make it challenging to see some of the shorter structures. When we got closer to the Trinity River, the Perot Museum popped into view. The unusual architecture lets it stand out from the crowd. After parking, we made our way toward the entrance. Before making it to the front door, we found ourselves passing through an outdoor play area. Outdoor musical instruments enticed visitors to pause. There are also some sculptures designed to be crawled and climbed upon.

Land of Giants

Okay, I’m going to skip a few of the exhibits to get right to the dinosaurs. Don’t think that the areas are not worth exploring, it’s just that I have always been interested in understanding more about these ancient creatures. We passed through Expanding Universe, but being near the entrance, the displays were all pretty busy with visitors. We hoped that moving beyond would land us in a less crowded exhibit. With 11 different galleries, all with different themes, we knew our time wouldn’t allow deep dives into each one.

Dinosaurs Galore

It makes perfect sense that the Perot Museum would have a significant dinosaur exhibit. After all, 21 different dinosaurs have been uncovered across the state. Like our home state of Kansas, Texas was at one time almost completely covered with water. Once the waters receded, the lands of Texas would see dinosaurs traversing the landscape, especially south of the Fort Worth area. The exhibit is filled with a ton of interesting and interactive displays. We walked through the family history of today’s birds and even attempted to soar like an eagle. Watching others in the area, we saw that everyone seemed to be enjoying the exhibits.

Texas Tea

The T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall was impressive. I would hope so since it’s named after a Texas powerhouse who made his fortune in the oil fields and boardrooms. With his name included, it was fitting that this gallery was named the Energy Hall. We were greeted by a gigantic drill head that moves. Here visitors can compare combustion and electric engines. Interactive tables let us attempt to connect pipes to move oil. It moves you through the history and future of energy.

Hands-On Fun

The Sports Hall takes hands-on to the next level. Here we had opportunities to use our entire bodies to meet the challenges. We were getting into the groove, as we trained like athletes. I tested my strength by hanging on a bar for as long as my arms would hold me. Crystal had to move a marble through a maze by balancing on a table. Nearby, others were attempting to make their bodies match the changing patterns.

Wild Texas

We had time for one more gallery and found ourselves in the Discovering Life Hall. The interactive displays in this section included testing your senses against other mammals. Here we were learning some science behind many of the other species on the planet. We tested our senses, as we sniffed some potent animal scents. A portion of the gallery is dedicated to environmental impacts on wildlife. Wild Texas taught us details about the region we were exploring. It also introduced us to some of the native wildlife we may get to spot during our travels.

Loving the Perot Museum

Looking back at some of our favorites from the Perot Museum, it started with a dinosaur skeleton at the top of the escalator. It’s a great start for an impressive science center. There were far too many kids for me to get photos of the Engineering Hall, but we enjoyed watching the robot battles and making our own music. We also skipped pictures in the Children’s Museum, but it’s worth noting this space is designed for the youngest crowd. This is a museum that we would visit again when in Dallas. There are so many interactive displays that it would be a new experience each time.

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