Dallas Love
Last weekend I took a spontaneous trip to Dallas, TX after University of Kentucky (UK) men's basketball team made it to the Final Four tournament. Having gone to art school, I was never fully immersed in what Division 1 college sports were all about, so I was lucky to meet a friend that is a huge UK fan who was also willing to get me up to speed on the topic (read: I now know what "March Madness" is all about). I've never followed a team that's made it to the championship game of any sport, so watching this team play the whole season, many of them just Freshmen in college, was really impressive.
Purchasing a plane ticket just four days before the tournament is something I never would have done if it weren't for my Kentucky friend's passion for UK basketball, and my Dallas-based long time friend, who I've have been dying to visit.
"Dallas Kate" is born and bred Texas. Which means, she knows a little something about southern hospitality. One of the highlights of our weekend together was getting takeout from "Del's Charcoal Burgers" - an adorable Richardson, TX based burger joint. This place had me swooning the minute I stepped out of the car. They've been in business over 60 years and their authentic "Texas-proud" decorations let you know you've landed somewhere special. The tables inside were filled with older local gentlemen enjoying a quiet Saturday lunch. We ordered a little of everything (which included a fried twinkie!) and were handed homemade rootbeers in frosted glasses while we waited. I felt like a kid in a fantastically Texas decorated candy shop. This is the kind of small town, good food, great service, spot I relish when on a NYC getaway.
Love the old signs
Rootbeer refills - only 50 cents
Of course there was a shot gun hung above the door...
In the end, UK made it to the Championship game, but didn't win, which only means I'll need to find a new lucky something for next season. Apparently my faux Princess Di ring wasn't lucky enough.
I loved visiting Dallas, if not for all the basketball excitement, but for all the friends I got to visit while I was there. It's great to have people in your life that encourage you to step outside your comfort zone, try something new, and be spontaneous! You never know what kind of adventure you may end up on!
...I didn't mention I scalped my ticket. SCALPED. Good thing my friend, "Kentucky Miller's" dad showed her the ropes at a young age, I had floor seats!
So NOT the typical RaeChild scene... AT&T Stadium is where the Dallas Cowboys play! That scoreboard monitor, folks, is the 2nd largest TV in the WORLD!