Touring in Texas

 Wednesday-Thursday, October 9-10, 2024

Wednesday was a driving day...it was quite a challenge driving through Dallas during rush hour, surrounded by construction!  

We made a mandatory stop at Buc-ees the super-size travel stop/convenience store.  Bucees started in Texas but is expanding, and Indiana will soon have a Buc-ees!   It's always fun to see how big the place is, how many gas pumps there are (and how cheap the fuel is--only $2.95 for diesel!) and how much stuff there is to shop for!  My only purchase was a brisket sandwich. 

Dallas is a confusing system of highways, but has pretty bridges!

Our tour on Thursday was the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. In typical Texas fashion, the Center is HUGE at 207,000 square feet!  It is the second largest presidential library (behind only Reagan's.)

It sits on the SMU campus, which is a beautiful area.  One of the guides told us the Bushes were looking for a location, knew they wanted to stay in the area, Laura Bush graduated from SMU, property was available, so it all fell into place!  The guide also shared that all presidential libraries are built with private funds.  The Bush Center cost $250 million to build and was dedicated in 2013. 
The entry hall was breathtaking--a 67-foot-high atrium, with wood-paneled ceiling and dramatic lighting.

Along the walls were cases that displayed gifts from around the world given to the President and his wife.   One could go jewelry shopping in these cases!

This is an excellent museum.  It provides an overview of the eight-year Bush presidency including major events during that time.  There was so much that went on during that period.  I remember it, and now it's part of history! (Makes me feel old....)  There was a large exhibit devoted to the 9/11 attacks and the response of the country in the aftermath.  9/11 occurred just 9 months into Bush's presidency.  On display were two girders from the world trade center.

It was ironic to see information on 2005 hurricane Katrina, just one day after the hurricane Milton scare.

It was also fun to meet Katherine, a guide that went to school at ISU in Terre Haute!  Small world!

There were a number of short videos narrated by Bush himself, Laura Bush, and a video by his twin daughters Jenna and Barbara (named for their maternal grandmothers) that explained life in the White House from the personal side.  

Bush was managing general partner of the Texas rangers before he became governor.  You can tell he was proud of his personal baseball collection.

This museum also had a replica of the Oval Office.  It was interesting to see the differences between this one and Clinton's. Each president is able to choose the pictures that hang on the walls, the fabric of the couches and the rug.  Bush had a painting of the Alamo hanging on the wall.  They said Laura Bush wanted to brighten up the room so chose a yellow rug, which has the Texas lone star in the border. 

The lower level of the Bush Presidential Center is devoted to archives.  There are over 70 million documents, and 80 terabytes of electronic records stored in vaults in the 65,000 square foot basement! (We didn't really have time to do research today....)

We had lunch in the cafe. And guess what!  It is called Cafe 43! (Bush was the 43rd President)  

It was another nice restaurant with a nice outdoor space.

But the day wasn't over and we aren't done touring!   We met up with Texas cousins Marian and Steve who showed us around the Arlington area. 

Just two days ago, it was announced that the IndyCar Grand Prix of Arlington will be held here in March 2026.  The track will weave between the Cowboy's football and Ranger's baseball stadiums and through the sports and entertainment district. Should be exciting!

We went to Texas Live in the entertainment district.  I've never seen tv's this big! (Only in Texas).  I can only imagine what it's like on game day.