Day Three Hundred Fifty-Seven: The Magnolia, A Coffee Giveaway, and A Giant Eyeball

A friend if mine was bartending for the evening at the historic Magnolia Hotel in downtown Dallas, so I popped over to say hi and to check out the building with the iconic neon pegasus perched on top, which I never had been in. It was a fun experience!

The Magnolia

On my way out of the hotel, I grabbed a complementary cup of coffee in the lobby and quickly had an opportinity for another First. Almost immediately, I was approached by a homeless woman, who told me all she needed was a cup of coffee. I offered her the cup in my hand, and she happily took it and began drinking it as she walked away. I have certainly not had an experience like that before.

Only a block away from the hotel, there is a fascinating giant eyeball sculpture, which is a landmark of note in Atlas Obscura, making it a must-visit attraction if you're already in the area. Since I was, in fact, in the area, I added that to my lists of Firsts for the day.

Interesting things are everywhere;
you just have to keep an eye out for them!

Day Three Hundred Forty-Eight: Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

Jeff and I took advantage of all our kids being with grandparents to go out for a a fancy meal at The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, which is a place we have always wanted to visit. We decided to try the seven-course tasting menu with wine pairings. The food was so delicious, and the atmosphere was very elegant without feeling stuffy or pretentious. We loved the experience!

Salmon ceviche, compressed watermelon with goat cheese,
avocado cannoli stuffed with crab, smoked foie gras,
scallop with tomato basil barley, red snapper in lobster bisque, beef tenderloin with roasted tomato and corn,
lemon panna cotta with peach sorbet, cappuccino, and
signiture green tea and milk chocolate turtles

Day Three Hundred Forty-Seven: Katy Trail Ice House

A few months ago, while hiking on the Katy Trail in downtown Dallas, we learned about the Katy Trail Ice House and vowed to come back sometime to enjoy a burger in the expansive outdoor eating area. At the time, I didn't imgine we would choose one of the very hottest days of the year for that little outing. But, we did. It really wasn't that bad since the patio is very shaded and the restaurant runs mister fans everywhere. We had a great time, though we missed having our younger guys with us!

Day Two Hundred Thirty-One: Urban Hike and Cidercade

We wanted to enjoy this beautiful day with a hike, but we wanted to try a trail we had never done before. Our research revealed the Katy Trail in downtown Dallas, which we were eager to try since we had never really done a true urban hike. It was such a lovely day and a wonderful trail, and we took our sweet time getting from one end of the three-mile trail to the other and then back again, stopping for a picnic and some play time along the way.

Fun along the Katy Trail

After our hike, we headed over to the Bishop Cider Co. which is better known as Cidercade. Talk about a unique venue! This brewery only serves cider, but they have about 30 choices. They also have more than 100 vintage arcade games. For the price of the $10 cover charge, you have unlimited access to all the games. We had a blast sipping cider (and non-alcoholic drinks for the kids) and playing all the games, some of which Jeff and I haven't played since we were kids.

Bishop Cider Co. (Cidercade)