The Great Wolf Lodge - Grapevine (Dallas) TX

If you are into grand, luxurious resorts, than a must see in Dallas are the Great Wolf Lodge and the Gaylord Texan, both located in Grapevine Tx, just across from each other, a few miles north of the Dallas Fort Worth Airport.
Today, my visit took me to the Great Wolf Lodge which did not disappoint and surpassed all my expectations. There is something for everyone, not just kids.  Parking was free and it wasn't hard to locate a spot on my morning arrival.
Not only does it has a great atmosphere, there were plenty of entertainment. An impressive, huge indoor waterpark was viewable through glass from the lobby area. A spectacular view , although the waterpark is reserved exclusively to the hotel guests.  There are gift shops, a Starbucks, several restaurants, a huge arcade area of games for every age. They even have several types of 4D theater simulation rides for $6. I tried the Haunted Mine, which was a roller coaster like simulation ride and it did not disappoint. The Great Wolf Lodge is a must see in Dallas!

 

 

Costumed characters come out for the kids.

 

 

 

 

Weekend in San Antonio, TX

I decided a weekend in San Antonio TX would do me some good and for a $2 Greyhound bus ride from Dallas it would not break the bank for a vacation. The Riverwalk is a favorite place for early morning joggers and walkers and was a walkable distance away from downtown entertainment so I decided to forgo the all day $10 Rio taxi and took a walk from the Riverwalk's Crown Plaza north end to the downtown southend Rivercenter Mall. Passing through was the La Vita area including miscelleanous shops but wasn't open until 10 am. There were many restaurants and a few hotels along the Riverwalk.

 

Very picturesque. Great for photo taking.

 

 At the downtown far west end was the Rivercenter Mall and adjacent to the Mall was the Alamo Plaza which was a popular area for tourists. Horse carriage rides and tourist buses could be seen in this area . Also convenient was the trolley stop in front of the Alamo Plaza, for about $1.50 fare to take you around the downtown area. After I finished my tour of the historic Alamo and its museum, gift shop and its gardens, I went right across the street to the assorted Ripley's museums and attractions. I tried Ripley's Odditorium and Louis Tussaud's Wax Museum- not enough likeness for me . Next time, I would love to try Ripley's 4D Moving theatre ride or Ripley's Haunted Adventure. Overall, my visit to San Antonio was a worthwhile experience that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime.

 

 

 

Gaylord Texan Resort & Grapevine (Dallas) TX

Just a short distance north of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Resort in Grapevine TX. Its proximity to other entertainment such as  Lake Grapevine and Grapevine shopping center makes it a must visit area in DFW. My day started with a visit to this grand hotel, the Gaylord Texan. Afterwards, a visit to Bass pro Shops made it a memorable day.
The Gaylord Texan combines a rustic Texan style, with elements of San Antonio and natural elements of Arizona with it's canyons and plants.
The hotel is a must see and is the most spectacular hotel in DFW. From its opulent lobby opening up to a large courtyard atrium with acres of garden and natural elements, it's winding artificial river streams and facade of the Alamo is reminiscent of San Antonio TX. The stone cliffs and cactus adds elements of Arizona. Water fall and water spout shoots up in the air. With plenty of sitting areas to relax and enjoy the natural elements,plenty of shopping, and various restaurants, I could spend the whole day here. I hear that the Christmas season is a great time to visit, the place is nicely decked up and ice sculptures abounds Even though parking was quite expensive ( $12+taxes for parking up to 4 hours and $17 over), it was a worthwhile visit.

 

 

 

 

 

Faux Riverwalk replica

 

My next stop up the intersection was the Bass Pro Shops, from its rustic huge sized building and touted as the largest outdoor sporting equipment store in the southwest, so I had to see. It was almost as impressive as the Gaylord Texan, from its grand rustic lobby, I was in awe and had to take a picture of everything. Some animal rights persons opposed to hunting for sport might be deterred to going to such a place as realistic looking animal trophy heads and full size animals -bears, deers, tigers, etc. abounded on the walls and aisles. It also had an artificial waterfall and indoor aquarium , food/snack area with artificial river stream. It had every activity from food sample tasting, bass fish indoor aquarium feeding, an outdoor Koi fish event, to carrying everything from boats, outdoor gear, food/snacks and clothing. Where else can you go and sit on a +$25K boat and dream that you could perhaps own one. Perfect start for my labor day weekend.

WinStar World Casino - Oklahoma

    My first time at this casino near the TX/ OK border and I brought home $50 in winnings!  Pretty good considering that I'm a novice at slots and don't know how to play!  A $10 motorcoach bus ride earns $20 in gaming credits is all that I played.  Might try my luck again another weekend.

 

The various countries represented in the casino includes China, France, Spain, etc.

There are a number of restaurants in this casino as well as free self service refreshments bars.

Obzeets Restaurant and Bar in Dallas

I've lived in Dallas for so long but just stumbled on this quirky place and they have been around for a long time. They have free evening music entertainment on certain days out in their outdoor patio and a small cover charge on other days when there is a band. They also have a gift shop with interesting artsy glass wares and a koi water fountain on their patio. Best of all, their food is affordable with these entertainment offerings.

Dallas Buddhist Center

Who would have thought there would be a Buddhist temple in urban Dallas. I drove by this area hundreds of times on Forest Lane but had no idea that right behind the main street tucked a Thai temple. Its lovely garden with Koi pond and outdoor sculptures is so picturesque.

I got to visit a few of the Dallas Buddhist Center's festivals this year and experience a little of Thai culture.

There was a Thai Songkran -New Years festival in April! 

Then in May they had a celebration for an new building  addition to their temple. I enjoyed the cultural experience and complementary food and drinks provided!  It was very crowded that day with cultural activities and a parade of people carrying money trees.

Parade with people carrying money trees.

An inside tour of the temple revealed a spectacular view! 

From the stain glass windows to the art adorned walls, it must have been a lot of detailed work involved.

Atlantis Paradise Hotel and Resort in Nassau, Bahamas

On my cruise to the Bahamas, our second stop was Nassau. Just a ferry boat ride away is Paradise Island. A must see is Paradise Island's Atlantis Paradise Hotel and Resort. The hotel was very lavish. Just love seeing their indoor aquarium and glass art pieces in their lobby and casino areas. Also, there were many shops and restaurants encompassing the hotel and its marina area.

 

Cococay, Bahamas

The Bahamas is a wonderful place to visit. Their beaches are lovely and the crystal blue waters are uncomparable to any other place.  On my very first cruise, our first stop was Royal Carribbeans' private island, Cococay. We were tendered from our ship to the island.  It was very laid back, lots of beach chairs, hammocks, and some beach activity such as boating and parasailing. We had an all you can eat barbecue lunch on the island and then it was a lot of sunbathing and relaxing.

 

Hello.

I like to find interesting places near and around Dallas to visit. Outside of Dallas, I love Florida and cruising around the Carribbean. I hope to share some of these places with you.