Downtown Big D (Dallas, TX)

2013.06.09 - Ever been a tourist in your own town? It can be done and it can be enlightening. Just never know what is out there ready to be discovered.

Our first stop was at the old cabin in Founder's Plaza. It marks where it all began for this sprawling metroplex. Amongst the cold steel skyscrapers is this warm wooden structure still standing in contrast as a reminder of how much we progressed. An interesting fact on the plaque: George Mifflin Dallas was elected the 11th Vice President of the United States.

Downtown Dallas is well known for what happened on November 22nd 1963. There is a monument in honor of our president who died. 'It is a memorial to the pain and sorrow of death, but stands as a permanent tribute to the joy and excitement of one man's life.' Walk around and walk into this cube while remembering John F. Kennedy.

We make it to WFAA Plaza, which is private property for public enjoyment. From here we can get a good view of the Belo Building and Reunion Tower. From the standing markers with faded text, we learned that WFAA radio was the first newspaper owned radio station in June 1922.

Lubben Plaza was developed in 1985 to commemorate the centennial of The Dallas Morning News. Here moves 'Harrow', a motorized cone that completes one revolution in 24 hours within a circular sand pit. There are chairs where one can sit and watch the sands of time get plowed during the park hours. 'Journey to Sirius' incorporates two structures formed of welded steel plates each diagonal across a bed of black rocks.

Near the Dallas Convention Center is the famous cattle drive sculpture. It depicts cowboys herding cows up the Chisholm Trail to Dodge City and Abilene, KS, two rail stops for packaging plants. We tried to calculate how long it would take to get up there on horseback and how open the plains were back then. Nowadays, it would be impossible with the fences and traffic. 

Walking through the nearby cemetery, the confederate roots can be felt by those that settled and served in the early Dallas Days. James Latimer caught my eye as he founded the first newspaper in town, the 'Cedar Snag' in 1849. Plus, many of those honored by street names are resting here in center of one of the busiest cities in our country.

If there was ever a question about the amazing architecture around this town all one has to do is come to the Dallas City Hall. It slants upward and at the right angle, the Dallas skyline reflects off the windows. A reflection pool glistens in the plaza creating a bit of urban utopia. Check out the 'The Dallas Piece' by Henry Moore, it sits on the plaza as well resembling a 3-D puzzle piece and inspired by Stonehedge.

When the water is flowing at Thanksgiving square, the powerful sound transforms the place. This Sunday morning, like others I am sure, an assembly was gathered highlighting the spiritual roots that have sprang throughout Dallas. 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' is written on a tile piece displaying people from all walks of life.Words to live by as I can be found guilty of not appreciating them at times. 

The Dallas Museum of Art Sculpture Park is an amazing walk through full of creative pieces. For a couple of them, I wasn't sure if we could sit on or not. It is good place to rest, refuel, and reflex. And it is free!

Kyle Warren Park is new and sits on top of Woodall Rogers Freeway. Today it is festive. Full of pups in the dog park and folks playing badminton, ping pong, and Foosball. Jane's lane is a series of arches stretching the length of the park. If hungry, try out one of the numerous food trucks. There were lines when we passed through. For a moment, it almost feels like New York or Chicago.

Next up is the West End, but along the way we stopped for lunch at one of our favorite places that has wings, fried pickles, and the Rangers game on. From there we went by the Dallas Holocaust Museum on our way to the Grassy Knoll. Before leaving, I had to see the 'X.' I had not noticed it before and seeing it triggered the reality that things just weren't the same after the shot. It was before my time, but I believe it had the same effect as the Towers at the World Trade Center.

Today, we hiked 4.07 miles in 3 hours : 04 minutes averaging 39 minutes : 12 seconds while sight seeing. Our fastest mile was the fourth at 25 minutes : 39 seconds.

Total blogged miles : 62:08 miles.