Okay, time for a trip review. I had the pleasure of visiting Texas - The state of the good ‘ole boys! Now if you live in Texas none of this will come as of surprise to you. It’s awesome. If you’ve never been you simply must go, at least once.

You may be like me…a little on the slow side and expect to see cowboys rounding up cattle every few blocks. It’s just something about that place that makes you automatically think of horses and leather boots. Don’t get it twisted, I did see a ranch hat wearing fellow or two but it’s nothing like you’d expect…especially Dallas.

Let’s start with the airport. O. M. G.!!! Are you serious?! You could get lost, found and then lost again in the Dallas Airport. So here’s like my mini review on DFW (Dallas Fort/Worth International Airport).

A. Huge! Wear sneakers – the terminals are a bit spread out & you may have to run to catch your flight - there is no time to try and look cute prancing around in 6 inch heels, Hun

B. Security is a breeze. No problems getting in and out. Yes, you have to take off your shoes, belt, jewelry and anything that sets off the alarm so if you don’t want to deal with the hassle – wear slip ons or flip flops and either put your jewelry on later or wear pieces that aren’t much of a bother. (Oh and quick tip – try checking in online if you don’t have much luggage. You’ll still have to go through security but you’ll get where you’re going much faster)

C. Service Agents at your disposal – I can only speak of my experience. The agents were very friendly. I had lots of questions and the employees and service agents at DFW were extremely helpful. Also it helps to try and approach someone who doesn’t seem very busy.

D. Food for Days! Like seriously…wandering through the Dallas airport is like being in a small city. Shops – all kinds. Jewelry, clothing, books and did I mention food? Oh, I did… didn’t I? Food! There’s a lot of greasy and fast food joints but I did spot a few salads here and there.

What to do in Texas – Well, once you’ve arrived there are a plethora of activities to get caught up in and many cities to check out. The Galleria Mall is just one of the reasons why the trip would be worth it. I know all of my favorites are there; Saks, Banana Republic and Nordstroms. (Quick tip- shop like a star but spend less. Visit online coupon sites for 50 percent off deals. Make sure the site is reputable. You can always call the store a head of time and ask if they’ll accept the coupon and don’t walk in, see the prices and freak! With a keen eye you’ll get lucky and catch some terrific sales.) This mall is major cool and I mean that in every sense of the word. Besides being a shopper’s dream they also house an indoor ice skating rink. A friend of mine said it was no biggie but for a small town gal like me it made the trip a B+

If the Galleria isn’t enough for you check out the NorthPark Center mall or if you do want to conjure that image of Texas that you’ve always imagined visit Billy Bob’s Texas. They’ve got live bull riding shows, concerts and an indoor gift shop. They’re open daily and offer delicious steaks, catfish and jalapeno sausages but don’t worry they have soups, salads and fried green tomatoes for the veggie lovers - you’ll have to specify your preferences- but the dishes are delightful.

…And if you’ve got time visit some of the smaller towns surrounding Dallas. I spent the night in Kilgore, Texas. Small – very! But certain areas of Kilgore reminded me of the Little House on The Prairie episodes. You can still see one or two oil land drilling rigs in common places like across the street form the local Wal-Mart. This town has a variety of history all warped together from past crimes to being the home of the annual Texas Shakespeare Festival. (Quick tip- rent a car! There are normally only one or two taxi companies in small areas and besides you, they’re picking up everyone else in town).

By the way I stayed at the Courtyard by Marriot Hotel in Dallas and the Comfort Suites Hotel owned and operated by Choice Hotels International while in Kilgore. My two favorite temporary homes away from home - The Courtyard is nice and cozy but modern and they have a nice eatery available so you don’t have to go out if you don’t want to. (Quick tip – The name of their restaurant is called the Bistro. You can go online and order dining certificates before your stay at discounted prices. You’ll save big on their food which can be a bit pricey) or stay at the Comfort Suites Hotel. They offer free full breakfast! Eggs, sausage, waffles, biscuits, pastries, orange juice, coffee…okay you get the picture – If I’m traveling alone I tend to pile my plate with food and take it back up to my room…speaking of rooms, every room has a microwave and fridge.

Keep in mind towns, hotels, stores and airports are different everywhere you go and your experience may differ from others. I’ve heard various opinions and reviews on Dallas and Texas in general. Some were good and some not so much. Speaking for myself – It wasn’t all that flashy but it was huge and I don’t know if I can do big cities – I love the secluded life out in the country, still… overall my trip to Texas was a good one. I don’t have time to go on and on about all my experiences during my short stay but by golly on a scale from 1 to 5 with five being the best I give Texas 3 and half stars.

Your turn; Have you ever been to Texas? Which part? I gave Texas 3 and half stars. Am I being too generous or not generous enough?

Dee H.P. Diva Café Contributor http://www.deehp.info/