I love Texas. Well, I should say I love Dallas. I’ve not been to other parts of Texas to be able to say the same about the rest of the state. I’ve been here a handful of times and each time, I am always amazed by so many things.
First and foremost, in case you’ve never been to Big D, it’s a very urban, cosmopolitan city. So many people I speak with in Ohio, think Dallas is full of men wearing Stetsons and Cowboy boots, driving pickup trucks. Well there are an awful lot of pickup trucks, but probably an equal amount of SUVs and BMWs. The only people I saw wearing cowboy hats or boots were pretty much tourists. I think you have to go further out into Texas to get taste of that cowboy lifestyle.
It’s a very wealthy city too. That’s one thing that always intimidates me slightly. It’s not exactly like I grew up in the hood or that Cincinnati is some hick town in the sticks. I just think people in the Midwest are probably a bit more conservative in their spending habits. Plus let’s face it, Ohio has one of the worst unemployment rates in the nation, along with Michigan and Indiana; while the Texas economy is booming. Another thing that helps is that the cost of living is not as expensive here as other places I’ve been to such as Chicago, LA or Toronto.
There’s a lot of money here in Big D but there is also a lot of really nice, wonderful, hospitable people. With all of this money, status and power swirling in the air, you might be inclined to think that the people here would be snobby or rude. You would be dead wrong with that assumption. The people here have all been so warm and friendly. There is still a sense of southern hospitality that you don’t see in the North. When you walk past a stranger and smile, he smiles back. Men hold the door open for you and help you with your luggage instead of just glaring at you to move quicker through the security checkpoint.
My friends here were laughing because every time we were outside I would comment on how bright it is. Maybe it’s because Texas is closer to the equator or that Cincinnati is stuck in a hazy river valley, but seriously the sun is stronger here. I am half tempted to put my sunglasses on here in the airport, it’s so bright. I think all of this sunshine helps keep people happy here. Now I don’t mind winter so much but one thing that is horrible about winters in Cincinnati is that its usually so gray and cloudy. Even in the summer, I think Cincinnati has a lot of hazy, cloudy days. The sunshine is awesome. There’s just something about it that lifts your spirits and raises your energy.
Another misconception I’ve heard some of my Ohio friends say is that Texans eat only Tex Mex or Mexican food. I’m sure you can get some great Tex Mex food here but there are so many other great restaurants with amazing food. I always eat BBQ when I am here. This time I went to Riscky’s in Fort Worth. For $5.99, I had an amazing chopped beef brisket sandwich and potato salad. I also had the best ever Chocolate S’mores Cake at Hully & Mo Tap Room with Myra and her husband Dave. The server heard it was my birthday and put a little candle in it for me, <– southern hospitality. We sat right below an autographed Troy Aikman jersey that said “To Brett and Mike – don’t drink all of the profits.” The restaurant is owned by former Dallas Stars players Brett Hull and Mike Modano. Troy must be aware of how much those two boys enjoy an adult beverage or ten. My entrée, chicken parmesan was good too. Everything was very fresh, home made and piping hot! They make a stiff drink there too. The hotel I stayed in, the Hilton Anatole, even has a five star restaurant, Nana, that serves a variety of fish and steak entrees and an amazing tomato fennel soup. I’m going to have to try to recreate that one.
There is so much to do and see here and I am sad to say I didn’t have time to do all that I wanted. But I did do the important things, seeing two Dallas Stars games and attending a Stars practice. I can’t say enough wonderful things about the Stars organization. You know, professional athletes and sports teams can get a bad rap and a lot of them deserve it. But I think hands down, no other pro league caters as much to its fans than the NHL. How many other leagues have open practices. Any person can just show up to the Dr. Pepper Center in Frisco, and watch the Stars practice. You can take photos. The players come out after to sign autographs and have their pictures taken with the fans. The Stars interact with the fans too. They thank them for coming out, ask the little kids questions and smile back at you. I know Brad Richards tends to be a quiet guy, he doesn’t like being in the spot light. But he came out and signed and talked to every person there. His face lit up when a little girl took a picture of him with her younger sister. It’s obvious how much he loves interacting with the kids. It’s really heartwarming to see that. Maybe other sports do this but I’ve never heard of the Cincinnati Reds or Bengals having open practices. I know the NHL itself takes a beating from its fans, but I really think it does really try to make the game and the players as fan-accessible as possible.
Anyway, all I can say is that if you ever have the chance to go to Dallas, definitely do it because you’ll have a fun time. And to all of my friends in Big D and in Austin (I need to make it down to Austin at least once), I love you all so much. If you’re ever in Cincinnati, let me know and I’ll certainly return the hospitality. I haven’t even left yet but I miss you Dallas already.
A real Texas Longhorn
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