Checking off a Texas Rite of Passage at the State Fair
Ever since we moved to Texas nearly ten years ago, the Texas State Fair has been on our short list of things to experience. Clearly that short list has taken us a little longer to complete, but in our defense this is a REALLY big state.
Like many other things, Texas does their state fair BIG. It lasts nearly a month and boasts 2 million visitors each year. Per usual, we did our research and planned ahead - although when we were booking the weekend that we had available to go, we failed to register the fact that it was during the Fairs conerstone event; the Red River Rivalry, or the annual game between Oklahoma and Texas. Once we figured this out we planned for the worst and were pleasantly surprised when we got in early and everyone was already at the game. Crowds were actually pretty good until the game ended at which point we were ready to head to the hotel anyways.
We left Katy early Saturday morning and made it to Dallas a little before noon.
The fair has all the typical fair “things”, just on steroids. We could have spent multiple days there and still had things to do.
One of the things we were most excited about was the food, and it didn’t disappoint!
After nearly an hour of maneuvering through the crowds and exits we made it to our hotel and checked in before exploring the area and heading to dinner.
We booked a night at a Stay Alfred Hotel. It’s a new concept that gives guests more of an immersive feel in the city they’re staying in. We basically stayed in a high rise condo along with permanent guests. Isla was ecstatic and this visit cemented her desire to live in a big-city high rise. If it’s available in the city you’re visiting, we would highly recommend it - it was a very affordable and comfortable way to enjoy a night in Dallas.
After dinner we headed back to the hotel and got ready for bed. Isla and I had fun walking around and exploring the building while Holden and Jordan relaxed back at the room.
The next morning we woke up and headed to the Botanical Gardens for a little “Pumpkin Patchin”.
The gardens themselves were beautiful, and the Harvest installation was really well done. It’s a great place to visit if you’re ever in the Dallas area.
We headed to Fort Worth to finish our trip with the famous longhorns and some BBQ.
It was a really fun trip and one I’m sure we’ll make again!