Everyone is “Dude” in Dallas

After three days at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Colinas for a work event, I stayed an extra two days on my own. I had never been to Texas, so I was looking forward to exploring Dallas to get a little taste of the state.

There are so many little nooks and crannies in Dallas, I wasn’t sure where to start! My cousin recommended Deep Ellum, so I set my sights there. Without an agenda, I planned to just walk around.

Overestimating the weather, I was pretty bummed to discover that Dallas winters are in the 40s and rainy. Coming from Ohio, I didn’t mind too much. I had my raincoat, so it was fine! One thing I notice traveling is that you can avoid the tourists by visiting a place in its off season.

One thing I appreciate is that everything outdoors is still accessible. Dallas sure has it’s fair share of investment in heaters. And rightly so! I was able to sit outside most places despite the seemingly inclement weather.

As a sucker for breweries, bookstore, bikes, coffee, and concept shops, this was the land of plenty! Some highlights:

• Deep Ellum Hostel – super cool place! I hung out in the lobby more than most people would, but I couldn’t help it! Read my book, drank kombucha, watched some people, played vinyl records.
• Deep Ellum Brewing Company – sour beer and live music
• Braindead Brewing – A solid IPA and pickled buffalo veggies, yumm!
• Local Hub Bicycle Company – Cool little spot! Good thing I’m on a strict buying diet; otherwise, there were quite a few shirts, hats, stickers, and, of course, bikes, that I would have shipped home.
• Emporium Pies – Perfect late night snack!
• Houndstooth Coffee – a Tweed Vixen Americano (and I bought the coolest t-shirt for Sarah, the only souvenir from the trip)

“How was it?” everyone asked. I didn’t quite know how to answer. I had a good time, don’t get me wrong. Unlike other places, though, it is difficult for me to put my finger on the area, to properly define it. There isn’t a central theme the runs through the city. It’s kind of a hodge podge of half-assed.

For example, as long as one piece of apparel checked the Texas box, it seemed fair game. There were a lot of guys in a Patagonia top, jeans…and cowboy boots. There were others in jeans, Vans… and a plaid shirt. Girls, the same. As long as boots OR plaid were donned, it was safe. Not sure I agree, but it’s not my place to say.

Also, music was pretty inconsistent too, but I mean that in the best sort of way! I heard everything from bluesy jazz to indie rock. I can count the number of country sounds one hand. And I did not once hear a Top 40 hit. Kudos, Dallas, for bucking the system!

There was one cultural consistency, though, that I am glad lined up with the Texas stereotype. This in itself sums up my two days and pretty much makes the story of the trip worth telling:

“Hey, Dude!” That’s the most common greeting of choice. Anywhere. Everywhere. Man or woman, child or adult, friend or stranger… everyone is “Dude” in Dallas.