It’s film festival weekend in Fort Worth, so Destination Diaries packed our bags and headed to the great state of Texas for a couple of days filled with fun, adventure, and, of course, films. Our journey began in Dallas, with our first stop at the historic Dealey Plaza.

At Dealey Plaza, we visited the remarkable Sixth Floor Museum, housed within the former Texas School Book Depository. This museum offers a deeply moving chronicle of the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. With a collection of over 90,000 items, it provides a comprehensive look at the assassination, its impact both locally and globally, the legacy of Kennedy’s presidency, and the turbulent culture of the 1960s. It’s a must-see for history buffs and anyone interested in this pivotal moment in American history.

After exploring the museum, we took a leisurely stroll through Dealey Plaza itself, a city park nestled in the West End Historic District of downtown Dallas. The warm Texas day made it an ideal time to enjoy the scenic views, making this area a top recommendation for any Dallas visitor.

For lunch, we couldn’t resist indulging in some authentic Texas BBQ, and there’s no better place in Dallas than the iconic Pecan Lodge. The mouthwatering aroma of smoked brisket greeted us as we walked in, and the menu did not disappoint. We savored every bite of brisket and nachos, all washed down with a perfectly swirled margarita. If you’re a BBQ lover, Pecan Lodge is an absolute must-visit.

Next on our itinerary was Deep Ellum, one of Dallas’s most historically and culturally significant neighborhoods. Established in 1873, Deep Ellum was one of the first commercial districts in Dallas for African-Americans and European immigrants. But for Karen, it was the candy store that caught her eye. After lunch, we indulged in unique drinks and sampled hundreds of crazy candy varieties, satisfying even the most persistent sweet tooth. With its eclectic atmosphere and delightful residents, Deep Ellum is a vibrant area that should be on every traveler’s list.

From Deep Ellum, we made our way to Irving, Sandy’s birthplace and hometown for over 20 years. This visit was a poignant walk down memory lane, filled with nostalgia and emotion.

Our next stop was Angelo’s in Irving, a beloved favorite of Sandy’s. This spaghetti and pizza house, established in 1966, is a charming step back in time. Not much has changed over the years, including the prices, and the classic spaghetti and pizza reminded us that some things in life don’t need to change. Karen enjoyed a true Southern glass of sweet tea, and the steak and spaghetti pie became the highlight of our afternoon dining experience. Angelo’s is a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of the past.

Of course, we can’t forget the adventure with our rented “BEAST” – a vehicle so large it took both of us to navigate. A quick note to future travelers: in Texas, this is considered a midsize rental!

We wrapped up the day in Hurst at the Panther City Film Festival, held at the Hurst Conference Center. Our film, My First Breath, and subsequent interviews were on the docket. But then there were the blinds—oh yes, the infamous backward blinds, Sandy! After a few frustrating attempts to figure them out, we finally gave up and headed to the bar.

Here’s to a fantastic day in Dallas! More adventures are on the horizon, y’all, so stay tuned!