Where to Go and What to Do with Your Tween in Dallas, Texas

Guest blogger: Julie

Today's guest blogger, Julie, is an eleven year old who spends her summers in Dallas, Texas.  On Monday, tween blogger, Julie, shared her restaurant recommendations.  Today she is blogging about her favorite things to do and places to go in Dallas.

My name is Julie and I am eleven years old. I visit Dallas every summer. Tweens always have to be entertained, or we’re dying of boredom. These are a few of the things I like to do in when I visit Dallas.

If you love to shop like I do, the Neiman Marcus store in Downtown Dallas is a great place for you. As soon as you walk in the door, your jaw will drop when you see how amazing it is! My Aunt and I went there to pick out a dress for my cousin's wedding. I loved everything I saw there! I love the Neiman Marcus store, and I know you will too! [Neiman Marcus: 1618 Main Street, Downtown Dallas]

Neiman Marcus' flagship store in Downtown Dallas

An interesting museum in Dallas is the Sixth Floor Museum. I love it there because it has so many of President John Kennedy's belongings. From his pictures all the way down to his tableware! It is interesting to go outside and sit on the grassy knoll because I know it has a story behind it. The 6th Floor Museum is on street that President Kennedy was shot. I definitely recommend putting the JFK museum on you places to go list. [The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza: 411 Elm Street, Downtown Dallas]

Dealey Plaza, site of President John F. Kennedy's assassination

The Sixth Floor Museum in the old Book Depository in Dallas

If you are in the mood for fresh and tasty fruits and veggies, it is always fun to go to the Farmers Market just south of downtown Dallas. It is so cool to go to because I always see something new. I love it there! [Dallas Farmers Market: 1010 S. Pearl Expressway, Downtown Dallas]

The Dallas Farmers Market

My favorite place to go of all time is the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Wax Museum! It's so cool because everything in it is made of wax. My favorite character that's made out of wax is the witch from the Wizard of Oz! The Wax Museum is located in Grand Prairie Texas. You will have great family fun there. [Ripley's Believe It of Not: 601 East Palace Parkway, Grand Prairie, Texas]

Julie poses with Bella and Edward from "Twilight" at the Wax Museum

The Katy Trail is my favorite walking trail. It is safe, free, and 3 ½ miles long. I can’t do 7 miles, so I stick with 5. It’s our favorite place to go on family walks. The spirits are always bright at the Katy Trail. And it is dog-friendly. [Katy Trail: entrances vary, but the trail runs from the SMU campus to the American Airlines Center; visit the Friends of the Katy Trail website to download a trail map.]

Thank You!  Julie (age 11)

Thank you, Julie!  Great suggestions!  

Note: All photographs courtesy of Julie and her dad.  

Dallas, Texas: Where to Eat with Your Tween

Guest blogger, Julie, at Henk's -- her favorite bakery in Dallas.

This week I have a guest blogger, Julie. Julie is eleven years old, and she spends her summers in Dallas, Texas.  She also writes her own blog as a way of keeping up with her family and friends while she is on the road.  I know many of you make your way to Dallas for work or for pleasure, and Julie has some great restaurant recommendations for you today.  

Hello, my name is Julie, and I am eleven. When most people think of Texas, they think HOT! And it is, that's why it's a great place to go for a vacation. When I'm in Texas, these are the places I love to eat at!

Henks: 5811 Blackwell St.

Even though the Netherlands lost the world cup, The spirit is still bright at Henks European Deli and Black Forest Bakery. (214-987-9090) When I go there I always get there famous wiener dish! And I never forget to stop at the bakery at the back of the restaurant!

Peggy Sue's: 6600 Snider Plaza

Next is Peggy Sue BBQ. At Peggy Sue you get barbecue ribs Texas style. And don't forget to get the fried okra! The number for Peggy Sue is: 214-987-9188. You will not be disappointed with Peggy Sue!

If you are in the mood for pizza, i Fratelli is the place to go. On every Wednesday in April if you kiss your dog you get a free large cheese pizza! Cool huh? I love their pepperoni pizza. It's to die for. The number for i Fratelli is: 214-891-0600.

There are nine i Fratelli locations in Dallas.

Fuddruckers: 5500 Greenville Ave.

Lastly, if you want a hamburger, Fuddruckers is a good choice! Whenever I go to Fuddruckers, I always get the Hamburger and fries. What will you get? There's so many choices, and at the end of the meal, kids get a free cookie! I love their cookies. The number for Fuddruckers is: 214-360-9390.

Hope you enjoyed my post! Check back next time when I talk about great things to do in Texas! See you next time,
Julie (Age 11)

Thanks, Julie! 
Later this week, Julie will be blogging about what to do and where to go with your tween in Texas.  If you have questions for Julie, leave them in the comments.

Note: All photographs courtesy of Julie and her dad.   

Florence in the News

The Duomo in the heart of Florence

I've been reading a lot about Florence lately which only makes me wish I was there.  If you are headed to my favorite Tuscan city soon, you should check out these articles:


36 Hours in Florence by Ondine Cohane (New York Times): recommendations on where to go, what to do, where to stay, and what to eat on a short trip to Florence

A Weekend in Florence (New York Times): a photo essay by Dave Yoder that accompanies Ondine Cohane's article

A Museum Display of Galileo has a Saintly Feel by Rachel Donadio (New York Times): review of the newly-renamed Museo Galileo in Florence and their exhibit of Galileo's remains. 

Hotels in Florence by Jessica (Why Go Italy): a roundup of hotel recommendations at a variety of prices

Famous Gardens in Italy (My Melange): includes both Boboli Gardens, near the Pitti Palace in Florence, and Villa Gamberaia, found in the hills outside of Florence.

Florence: A Visit with Michelangelo by Angela Nickerson (EuroCheapo): free or nearly-free places to see Michelangelo's work in his hometown. 

Are you headed to Florence? What are your plans?  And what resources have you found most useful lately?