Dallas, Texas: We are in Texas and it is cold.
Isn't it our choice to be in the desert during January so we escape the frigid temperatures? All bets are off when your school is playing in the first-ever college football championship... no matter that I am a track fan. Dave and I flew out of Palm Springs International on American Airlines - a non-stop flight to Dallas. Our flight was completely normal, except the air hostess discussed the upcoming football game quite extensively with My Driver and brought him free beer. Probably because he is so handsome.
ATT Stadium from our plane
I Ubered a car at the Dallas airport and we were at the Gaylord Texan (the team hotel) in just a few minutes. This Bubbe just loves technology.
The Gaylord Texan is ridiculously huge. It is a carbon-copy (but a Texan Version) of the Gaylord we visited in Nashville in 2009. Massive. Las Vegasesque. Takes 20 minutes to reach your room from the lobby. So many restaurants, shops, bars, pools, spas, etc. A virtual Disney-like city.
We have a suite with a balcony overlooking the atrium. Let's just say this is an Embassy Suites on massive illegal steroids.
Naturally, the Duck Shop has a pop-up in the hotel lobby... except there are no yellow shirts - and fans are requested to wear yellow to the game. Not an issue for me. I only have green Duck gear, so that is what I am wearing. Since the players are wearing WHITE & GREY uniforms, I can't see the color I wear on game day will make a difference.
The Gaylord Texan has gone all-Oregon this weekend. We saw several players and many fans/staff members tonight at the hotel.
Dave and I had a nice meal at the hotel's Italian restaurant, Zeppole. Our server, Mari, was delightful and we were so happy to learn you can find fresh burrata in Dallas.
After dinner, we went to the bar in the hotel lobby and found many old friends - Ducks are gathering from around the world for the game Monday.
Incredible mural in the lobby bar at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, TX
Until my next update, I remain, your Texas correspondent.
You may also like: We visited a Gaylord Opryland Hotel in 2009.