Each year the town of Dublin, Texas turns into Dr. Pepper, Texas (legally) for one week in June. Dublin, is the home of the oldest Dr. Pepper bottling plant – beginning in 1891. The Dr. Pepper in Dublin isn’t your ordinary Dr. Pepper. Before I came to Texas, I thought there was only one Dr. Pepper. To be honest, I wasn’t that crazy about it. The Dr. Pepper in Dublin is made with Imperial Sugar Cane and man oh man is it ever DELICIOUS! I’ve become spoiled, it’s the only Dr. Pepper I will drink.
The Dr. Pepper Birthday Celebration is something to experience and is bigger than I initially thought. Located in the heart of the Hill Country, the drive to Dublin is beautiful in itself.The only problem is that it takes place in June… in Texas… it’s HOT! (Bring water and sunscreen.)
I attended this festival in 2009 and there is something for everyone in the family. Take part in the 10-2-4K Run, check out the vendors, crafts, live music, family friendly games and activities and of course – CAKE! Be sure to check out the exhibits – I got some great George Boutwell prints a couple years ago and LOVE them! Make sure you get some for yourself.
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| George Boutwell, “Hye” Print |
More importantly, check out the bottling plant. This is a must (even though there will be a line). Go in and see the souvenir museum and tour the bottling plant to see how it all goes down. At the end of the tour, swing by the gift shop. Treat yourself to a float and you won’t want to leave without grabbing a case or two (or four) of the Dr. Pepper with Imperial Sugar! I would fill the back of a pick-up if I could.
Steak – a prerequisite for my parents visit.
Destination – Traildust Steak House, Arlington, Texas.
This was a first for me as well.
I learned a few things that should be taken note of: :
1. If you wear a tie, they will cut it off and hang it on the wall. This is one of their namesakes. One area is dedicated for celebrities.
2. Bring socks. Why? There is a slide in the middle of the restaurant, where kids and kids at heart can slide down. Note: I didn’t have sock 🙁
3. Bring dancing shoes. There is a live band that plays country tunes until 9:30pm. Not only do you get great food, you get great entertainment.
4. Bring an appetite.
If you enjoy a good steak, this is a place you should definitely check out.
If you have a family, this is a great family restaurant where every member of the family can be entertained and fed for a reasonable price. Actually, when we were there the majority was large groups of families.
Traildust has quite a few steak cut options. The four of us loved our steaks and even had so much food we brought home leftovers. It was delicious!