Roadtrip: Day 4: Dallas, TX to Baton Rouge, LA

We packed up the car and and drove from Dallas to Baton Rouge. It was a long and boring drive, but we made it by watching movies and playing games. Eventually, we did make it to Baton Rouge though.

Dinner: The Chimes Highland
3357 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA
They are located pretty close to LSU so I'm sure it can get pretty rowdy during game days, but since we were there during the summer, it wasn't crazy at all. We got alligator, hush puppies, and crawfish etouffee. Everything was very good. They have some great options here. Plus, they have a pretty good kids menu so it's definitely family-friendly.

Dessert: Insomnia Cookies
It's located right around the corner from The Chimes Highland
I know this is a chain company, but we just really wanted some cookies! They're all so delicious. It is a little on the pricier side for just a cookie, but they're just so darn good.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express
400 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA
This was a really nice hotel. We enjoyed it a lot. The only downside was that our room was right next to the breakfast area so it was kind of loud in the morning. Also, the only parking they offer is valet. It was $16/night.

It was a long day, but we ended up not doing anything super exciting while we were in Baton Rouge. I'm sure it has more to offer than what we did, but were more excited to get on our way to New Orleans the next day.

Roadtrip: Day 3: Dallas, TX

The first thing we did that morning was drive out to Fort Worth to watch cowhands drive a herd of Texas longhorns down Exchange Avenue. It was actually pretty cool. These are very well behaved cows. They still ask that you hold onto your children and make sure that you stand on the sidewalk at all times. And this is apparently a very big deal. It was surprisingly busy! We had no idea there were going to be that many people that would show up for this parade of cows.

After they were done, we walked over to the cattle viewing area and saw some longhorns close up. It's a very neat experience that I would definitely recommend.

Lunch: Pecan Lodge
2702 Main St, Dallas, TX
We parked behind the building which costs $5. We then waited in line for about an hour. But don't worry. It was worth it! We ordered burnt ends and brisket and mac and cheese and 3 rolls. And everything was so juicy and delicious. That was some seriously good mac and cheese. It was a little spicy, but I really enjoyed it.

After lunch, we stopped to take some pictures.
1. American Flag Mural
2730 Commerce St
It's about a block away from the parking lot behind the Pecan Lodge.

2. 30 ft eyeball
1601 Main St
You can't actually get up close to this one because it's located inside of a private fenced off area. But you can still take a picture with it outside the fence.

We thought it would be fun to ride the trolley around town. We got off at a stop to see the Spiral Cathedral in Thanksgiving Square and then rode the trolley back to our car.

Dinner: Dallas Grilled Cheese Co.
310 W 7th St, Dallas, TX
Parking was a little difficult to find, but we eventually found a place really close. We each chose a grilled cheese from their menu and they were both super good! Our son got the chili. It was a little spicy, but he still really enjoyed it.

Dessert: JOY Macarons
There are 2 locations. We went to 839 W Davis St, Dallas, TX
We ordered a mint chip ice cream macaron. It was really tasty. And we weren't that hungry after dinner so 1 was plenty for the 3 of us to share. It hit just the right spot in that hot Texas heat. We also got a 6-pack of macarons to take with us that we ended up eating at the beach on a different day of our trip. They were also super good. This little shop is just so cute! There's basically a glass box inside so that you can watch them making the macarons. It's very modern-looking. It's a little on the pricey side, but that is to be expected with any high-end bakery. They have some normal and abnormal flavors so there should be plenty to choose from regardless of how picky you are. They're open 'til 9pm and when we showed up around 7:30pm, they still had all of their flavors available which I feel like is a big deal for most bakeries.

Overall, we had a great day in Dallas.

Roadtrip: Day 2: Sikeston, MO to Memphis, TN to Dallas, TX

On the first half of the 2nd Day of our road trip, we travelled from Sikeston, MO to Memphis, TN.

First Activity: Gibson Guitar Factory Tour
145 Lt. George W Lee Ave, Memphis, TN
We parked behind the building. It cost $10 to park, but we left our car there the whole time we were in Memphis so it worked out well. We bought our tickets online which guaranteed us a spot first thing in the morning for the 10am tour. It was a Saturday, so the workers weren't there. If you prefer to see the factory when they're actually making the guitars, you'll need to go during the week. We were more than happy to see it during this off-time since we had our 7yo son with us. The factory can be pretty loud when operating, but since it wasn't, the factory was very quiet. The tour was very cool and informative. We loved learning about how Gibson guitars are different from other guitars. Plus, we just loved how they pass around pieces so you can see how it's made throughout the process. Definitely take this tour if you're in Memphis. I only found 1 downside to this whole tour: You can't take pictures inside the factory. And that's not even a huge downside! Lots of factories have that rule.

(To get this picture, you need to go to the West side of the building. It's a great photo op!)

Lunch: Pig on Beale
167 Beale St, Memphis, TN
When you walk in, it looks like kind of a dive bar, but don't be fooled. We ordered the BBQ sampler and it was simply the most delicious BBQ I've ever had! It's a small little place on Beale Street that serves amazing BBQ. I mean, if this is what Memphis BBQ tastes like, I feel like I've been missing out my entire life! I've been eating all the wrong types of BBQ. But now I know better.

Second Activity: Old Dominik Distillery
305 S Front St, Memphis, TN
We ordered these tickets online in advance as well. This tour was actually way cooler than I expected. We started with a taste of Memphis water which is apparently the key to any great Memphis alcohol. Then we were shown around the distillery and told how vodka and whiskey and Memphis toddy are made. It was very cool. Plus, there was a tasting at the end. And that toddy was the best! It is truly a drink that I could have frequently.

Overall, we had a great time in Memphis. And I learned that I really enjoy Memphis BBQ and Memphis Toddy.

Then, we drove to Dallas. We stopped at a couple roadside attractions along the way.
1. The Half-n-Half Post Office
500 Wood St, Texarkana, AR
There's a cute little photo op where you can stand in Texas and Arkansas at the same time.

2. 15 Foot Cows
1200 W Houston St, Sulphur Springs, TX
These cows are huge! And so much fun to take pictures with. Who doesn't love a big cow? Especially in Texas.

Hotel: Best Western Cityplace Inn
4150 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX
It wasn't really convenient to anything, but it wasn't out of the way. The entrance felt dangerous every time we entered because it was only 1.5 cars wide, with a sharp right off a busy highway onto a sharp incline with a speed bump at the top. And there was no elevator. I mean, we were only on the second floor, but it would have been way easier to carry all our stuff to our room. Also, there was no working ice maker. To some, no big deal. But the most annoying part about that was that my husband called the front desk and asked where it was and they said there was one by the lobby (which was out of order) and behind the pool area (which no longer existed), but they failed to mention both of those facts. So clearly the hotel staff was not very knowledgable. The room itself was okay, but nothing special.

Overall, we had a great day.