Howdy y'all!

It's Greg Wright again. Let's talk a little bit more about Grapevine Texas, the site of our next amazing annual Scientific Session. In previous additions of "Heard It From the Grapevine", we have talked about beer, barbecue, shopping, boots, hats and steaks. Is there more?  You bet there is. We have culture here in Dallas/Fort Worth so let me share with you my favorite museums, and other things.

In my opinion, one of the most unique historical museums in the nation is in Dallas. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, otherwise known as the JFK museum. This museum, located within the former Texas School Book Depository building  chronicles the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. If you had time to do one thing in Dallas while you were here, this would be my recommendation. If you wanted to make a day of it, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is nearby as well. Having dinner in downtown Dallas? Campisi's Italian in downtown Dallas is good and it's located next door to the Joule Hotel's garden which features the iconic 30 ft tall Giant Eyeball sculpture. Yep, Google it. Where else can you see that! 

It's not every city that has the privilege of hosting a presidential library. The George W Bush, (43, not 41) presidential library and museum is located in University Park on the campus of SMU. 

Personally, I am more of a Fort Worth guy. Located in Fort Worth's cultural District is the Kimbell Museum. The Kimbell is a world class international museum. Also in the cultural district is the Amon Carter Museum of American Art and the Bass Performance Hall. Not too far from the Ft. Worth Museum of Science and History you will find the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Just down the street you will find the Ft. Worth Zoo, recognized as one of the top 5 zoo's in the nation.  Dinner?  Catch the patio at Joe T Garcia's. Bring cash, they won't take a card. Joe T's is located near the Historic Stockyards district, as mentioned in the boots and hats addition.

Sports!  Did anyone mention sports? 

AT&T Stadium, home of the  Dallas Cowboys has something for both the art and the sports lover. Located in Arlington, the  tour of the stadium itself is outstanding, but did you know that the stadium is also home to a large art collection?  For more information go to www.attstadium.com. 

Globe Life Field is adjacent to AT&T and is the home of the Texas Rangers. Stadium Tours here are more fun than you would think, and I believe games will have started when you all arrive. www.globelifefield.com.

Hockey and Basketball fans can search the web to see if the Dallas Stars and Dallas Mavericks are still playing as well.

For the true baseball nerd, Nokona Texas, located about an hour and a half north west of DFW is the location of the only true handmade from hide to end product baseball factory in the world.  No other baseball glove in the world is truely made by hand. I have toured the factory and it is amazing.  www.nokona.com

That's enough rambling for now. Our annual scientific session is going to be amazing. The Professional Education Committee has worked very hard to make this not only an outstanding educational event, but a memorable social event as well. I hope you have signed up to attend. You haven't? Quit reading and go sign up now.

I do hope you have time to tack on a few extra days while you are here. I hope you can take advantage of some of the things I have suggested for you to try or do. If not on this trip, maybe I've inspired you enough to come back and visit us again.

I'll become president of our Academy at this meeting. I look forward to having you all there at our Scientific Session to celebrate with me. You are going to miss something truely amazing if you are not there. Still are not registered?  What are you waiting on?

It's been a pleasure sharing some local insight with you about my home. Review what I wrote before. If in any way I can assist to make your time in Texas more memorable please let me know. I look forward to welcoming each and every one of you to our meeting and to the great state of Texas.

See you soon,
Greg Wright, FAACD
AACD President Elect