In case you haven't heard, country legend Garth Brooks is coming to Dallas to a massive run of shows -- seven concerts between September 17 and 22 at American Airlines Center in downtown. He gets the day off Monday, Sept. 21, so here are 10 ways we propose Brooks get a lil' country while in North Texas.
Sign the wall of Adair's Saloon
It's a tradition as old as the Deep Ellum honky tonk itself. For decades,patrons of the beloved establishment -- it opened in 1963 and moved to Deep Ellum 20 years later -- have been leaving their John Hancock on the walls from floor to ceiling, even in the bathrooms. There's not any blank space left, but bartenders won't stop anyone from scribbling over the writing on the wall, especially if they sport a fly cowboy hat.
Suit up at Luskey's Western Stores
What's a cowboy without the proper attire? Since 1919, Luskey's has been the go-to place for quality western wear, from hats to boots to belt buckles. It is also, in part, a saddle and ranch supply store. Yeehaw!
Get a BBQ stain on that white T-shirt
Barbecue is its own food group in the Lone Star State, and there are plenty of places to indulge. Atop the bucket list: Pecan Lodge (Dallas), Hutchins BBQ and Catfish (McKinney), Smoke (Dallas and Plano) and Lockhart Smokehouse (Dallas and Plano).
Snap a picture between Dallas' "B" and "G"
The tourist trap that even locals have adopted. Snapping a photo between one of Big D's iconic "B" and "G" setups is a candid way to prove you been there, done that. The giant fiberglass letters are part of a Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau promotion that encourages folks to pose as the I between the B and G. And wouldn't you know, there's a cowboy-themed display outside of Wild Bill's Western Store in West End.
Eat a Chili Willie Burger from LSA Burger Co.
Denton's buzziest burger joint bleeds Texas pride down to the burgers, which are each named for an influential Lone Star musician. Those looking for a side of Texas twang with their meal should head for the Chili Willie, a beef patty topped with cheddar, onions, serrano peppers and chili before jumping on the road again.
Hang out with Rowdy at AT&T Stadium
One of the most famous cowboys 'round these parts is Rowdy, the esteemed mascot of the Dallas Cowboys. No one knows the ins and outs of Jerry World better, from the centerfield star to the owner's box.
Saddle up at the Fort Worth Stockyards
Perhaps the most quintessentially cowboy thing to do in North Texas is visit the Fort Worth Stockyards. And there's plenty of horsing around to do, like boot-scoot at Billy Bob's of Texas, watch the cattle drive, take an old timey pic at the photo parlor, or visit one of the many restaurants and watering holes on-site.
Drink a Texas beer
Texas is all about pride, so we'll suggest the Pride of Texas Pale Ale from Rahr and Sons Brewing Co. in Fort Worth. But choices abound in the region, which now boasts more than 35 craft microbreweries.
Hit the original Babe's Chicken Dinner House
The quaint, wood-decked location in Roanoke only offers two options: Fried chicken or chicken fried steak. Rest assured it's some of the best in town. Better still the meal comes with bottomless fixins, including creamed corn, mashed potatoes, gravy, salad and biscuits.
Karaoke at Round-Up Saloon
A day off shouldn't mean letting the pipes rest. How about a go at karaoke at Cedar Springs' resident gay country bar? The song archive isn't limited to country music, but out of the thousands of choices there are bound to be a few from Garth. The party runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Mondays in the Parlor at Round-Up.
