I’ll be the first to admit Dallas and the surrounding areas weren’t on the top of my travel list, but when you have a best friend that moves all across the country, you don’t pass up a girl’s trip. And even though in some ways the pandemic has stopped our lives and made the ability to travel quite hard, it’s also offered great flexibility and the chance to work safely in remote places — a luxury we might not have in the future … so why not book a plane ticket?
Frisco (a suburb of Dallas) and the many places nearby truly had so much to offer. In fact, if I had a penny for how many times I mentioned the vastness of the metroplex, the unlimited shopping malls, six-lane highways (with very limited traffic signage — and that’s putting it nicely), I’d be rich. Plus, I’ll take wearing shorts in October and a good ole country vibe any day. Let’s just say Texas brought my childhood memories of belting Garth Brooks “Friends in Low Places” with my sister and attending my very first concert (Brooks & Dunn) with my parents back to life. Here are the highlights from my trip and recommendations of where to go and what to eat if you ever make it to this part of Texas!
Day Trip to Waco
You’ll encounter biscuits in most restaurants down South (can we please make that a thing up North?), but if you want melt-in-your-mouth biscuits with the fluffiest strawberry butter, you have to eat at Magnolia Table in Waco. Pic for proof, but trust me, they’re incredible:
Waco itself is pretty small and I was actually surprised at how little there was to do outside of visiting the Magnolia Market at the Silos. That said, it’s fun to see, and of course, has the cutest vibe along with a bakery, coffee shop, and several stores. I bought a leather sign for my wall and I can’t wait to hang it up. Plan for long lines and be sure to enjoy a cupcake and lemonade while you’re waiting. We didn’t make it over to the Little Shop on Bosque, the original home of Magnolia Market, but it was recommended to us by several people and offers last chance and discount items.
Line Dance at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth
All it took was one night at Billy Bob’s and my heart was sold on Texas. If you want to channel your inner country vibes, this is THE place. Trust me, they don’t call it the world’s largest honky tonk for nothing. The live music is awesome and it’s ideal for people watching. The cowboys have some serious dance moves and after a few drinks, we were confident enough? drunk enough? to brave the dance floor. Regardless if you participate in the dancing, you’re bound to have a good time. Disclaimer: If you’re not a country music fan or at least a little redneck, this one might not be for you (but that’s a damn shame). If you’re in Fort Worth beforehand, check out the stockyards. The cattle walk down the street twice a day. It’s super quick, but very Texas.
The Truck Yard at the Colony
I really did enjoy many of our adventures, but I think this place takes the gold medal. It’s so chill, has great drinks, and even better live music. I mean, who doesn’t want to sit inside the back of an old Ford truck and have a drink under the dreamiest lights? We visited twice during my trip but it wasn’t enough. I could’ve went back every single night. If you need a place to relax and waste a few hours, this is your spot. It’s the junk turned into a creative space for me.
The Dallas Arboretum
This place was the best seasonal find. It had pumpkins on pumpkins on pumpkins. And it was nice to get some fresh air. The arboretum was pretty massive and I know they also have a Christmas display. Check out what they’re offering when you’re in town; it’s a good sight-seeing activity.
Eat Your Heart Out
I love eating new food almost as much as I love traveling. We didn’t have a bad bite of food the entire time I was there and we ate out a lot. It was all top notch. Don’t miss these places if you’re in town:
- Mexican Sugar: It’s at the top of the list for a reason. If you know Alex (my husband) and I at all, you know we love Mexican food. We try any place we can and it’s hard to beat some of our favorite places in Pittsburgh, but this did it for me. It currently holds my spot for best Mexican food to date (!). You have to go! Get the queso, enchiladas, and pineapple margarita.
- Hutchin’s BBQ: You aren’t doing Texas right if you’re not eating BBQ. Their sauce was phenomenal (I even bought some to bring home) and the banana pudding was bomb.
- The Biscuit Bar: Again, proof that biscuits are everywhere in Texas. Find me a better chicken sandwich and tater tots … I’ll wait:
- Deep Ellum Brewing: Good beer is just as important as good food to me and Deep Ellum had both. The Dallas Blonde was a smooth beer. The mac was everything and so were the tater tots (not pictured).
Places also worth trying: Pizza Snob and Gnome Cones in Denton, Legacy Hall in Plano, and Torchy’s Tacos.
As much as I loved everything we experienced (per usual when you travel with Laryssa TBH), I know it’s the people I’m with who make the memories so special. I met some of Laryssa’s Texas friends/family and they were honestly the sweetest hosts and best people to hang out with (thanks for being so awesome Elisabeth/Dylan/Kayti)!
My spontaneous week and a half trip to Texas also brought many firsts for me, which seems to be a personal theme when I travel. Because … why not? Texas firsts included:
- Avocado toast (sourdough bread only, please)
- Chili (I know what you’re thinking but I really don’t like beans)
- Whataburger (sorry to any fans, but it really doesn’t compare to In-N-Out)
- Line dancing
- Banana pudding
- Blue bell ice cream (I have very high ice cream standards and this was gooood)
- Bachelorette bing (Never watched an episode before; probably never will again … but girl’s night was fun lol)
One of my all-time favorite shows, Friday Night Lights, put it best: “Texas forever.” Thanks for keeping up!
Keeping Up With Kate 