By Vincent Runyon
Dallas is one of the largest and richest cities in the
United States, both economically and culturally. It makes sense that this incredible metropolitan area is chock full of things to do, whether it's to simply enjoy downtown, take off to Six Flags for some roller coasters, or go to the zoo and check out the incredible habitats for penguins, giraffes, gorillas, cheetahs, and Galapagos tortoises. However, there is another side of the city, places the locals go to hang out to have some fun in their free time or catch a little piece of Texan culture. Dallas has a lot to offer to those who want to go off the beaten path.
Sixth Floor Museum
Located in historic Dealey Plaza, this museum is dedicated to both the life and death of President John F. Kennedy. It was from the sixth floor of this book depository that Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated the then president as he was on a parade route through the plaza. Soon after, Oswald was captured by the police, and later killed by Jack Ruby when in transit for trial. Besides Kennedy's assassination, the museum shows Kennedy's impact as a president and all the good he did. Up until 2006, this assassination was also featured across the street at the Conspiracy Museum. However, the museum was replaced by the sandwich shop chain Quizno's.
Adair's
Dallas has its fair share of chain restaurants and bars dotted throughout the city. However, when in a city, it's best to be local and experience the things that can't be experienced anywhere else in the country or in the world. One of the great examples of this is Adair's, at 2624 Commerce Street in Deep Ellum. This burger and beer joint has one of the simplest menus in Texas and also one of the best. It originally consisted simply of burgers, cheeseburgers, and fries. Lately, it's moved forward with chicken sandwiches, too. Beyond that, Adair's is one of the great music spots in the whole city, showcasing up-and-coming acts and one of the greatest jukeboxes in the world (as it advertises justly).
Mesquite Rodeo
Every weekend from April through September, people from all over flock 11 miles east of Dallas to witness one of the most Texan of all sports: the rodeo. The Mesquite Championship Rodeo at 1818 Rodeo Drive in Mesquite is an ideal place to get an authentic memory of Texas. The riders are at the top of their sport, and the animals are, too. It makes for a great Texan evening.
About the Author:
Vincent Runyon is a writer working out of Portland, Ore. His work has been featured in "The Oregon Voice" and "Portland Monthly." Runyon received two bachelor's degrees from the University of Oregon. His greatest passions are traveling to new and different places and enjoying a good basketball game. Usually the two are mutually exclusive.
