GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JULY | AUGUST 2019 37 far and wide for the engaging and educational way it approaches the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Multimedia exhib- its, archival television footage, and the chilling sniper’s lair on the famous sixth floor combine to make a fascinating, thought-pro- voking exploration of that infamous day in 1963. What Locals Know: If you haven’t had a just-greasy-enough cheeseburger at the Record Grill, then you’ve never experienced the real Dallas. Attorneys, construction workers, and students can all be found at the counter of this tiny institution, which stands just across the street from the John Neely Bryan Cabin. Now that’s “old Dallas!” GREEN LINE DOWNTOWN CARROLLTON STATION Staycation Scoop: Downtown Carrollton combines the nostalgic feeling of an old town square with a terrific array of restaurants, boutiques, and a great coffeehouse. Where Tourists Go: Babe’s Chicken Dinner House is renowned the land over for good reason: its on-the-money fried chicken and chicken-fried steak are legendary. This location is a favorite, and after tucking into the signature version of those Southern delica- cies, you’ll know why. What Locals Know: The historic Plaza Theater isn’t exact- ly a “hidden” gem—it’s visible from most vantage points in the square—but many people don’t know about its second life as The Carrollton Plaza Arts Center. Locals will tell you it’s a great spot for handcrafted jewelry and performances. Coming soon: the in- comparable Kraig Parker, spitting image of Elvis and world-class impersonator of the King. He’s even gigged in Vegas. See him on July 23 and August 27. On the way back, hop off at Farmers Branch Station and soak up a little history at Farmers Branch Historic Park and visit one of several rose gardens. ORANGE LINE LAS COLINAS URBAN CENTER STATION Staycation Scoop: Las Colinas is North Texas’ original “new ur- ban” district, and it’s still growing. The Water Street development has a half-dozen or so great restaurants with canal views. Where Tourists Go: The Mustangs at Las Colinas are truly a must- see. These larger-than-life equines are bronze and appear to gallop through a water feature that’s hundreds of feet long and mimics a prairie creek, and not far away, the Toyota Music Factory brings new meaning to one-stop shopping when it comes to entertain- ment, with acts as diverse as the R&B Summer Block Party Festi- val Series featuring Jill Smith on July 5; Yes on July 20; Sublime on August 4; and the Turnpike Troubadours on August 24. What Locals Know: You can also enjoy events in the Toyota Music Factory’s plaza, including the Uncle Sam Jam on July 4 and the Texas Lottery Live series, happening July 11, 18, and 25. Or cool off with a film at the Alamo Drafthouse, the Austin-born favorite that has made going to the movies an art form. Editor’s Note: DART is making major improvements. To create a smoother ride through downtown Dallas and reduce service interruptions, track im- provements are under way and will continue until September. During that time, DART Rail in Downtown Dallas will be discontinued each weekend between Pearl/Arts District and West End stations. Bus bridges will be in operation. DART.org/plus Aloft Hotel Sixth Floor Las Colinas Gondola Alamo Draft House Toyota Music Factory Record Grill