Anyone who knows me knows that I am a Native Texan, born and raised in the greater Dallas area. I love being a Texan, and I love being from the greater Dallas area—Region 10!

For anyone outside of Texas, Dallas evokes images of a particular family on a particular ranch, and telling someone that you’re from Dallas is followed with the question, “Have you ever been to Southfork?” My answer is always yes! In fact, my mom actually worked at Southfork as a tour guide in the 80s. The next question is “What’s it like to be from Dallas?” While the television drama is a fun part of my personal history, the oil families and vast homesteads portrayed in the show are hardly the greater Dallas area I call home.

Excellent shopping is certainly one of the things we are known for in Region 10, but it is not all we have to offer! In my experience, the best thing about this area is the diverse culture that stretches from Grayson County to Waxahachie! There are big towns, little towns, and cities of varied history and experiences. There is literally something for every area of interest in Region 10. Here are just a few of my favorites.

The Dallas Arts District—Dallas has some of the best art museums in the country. From the Nasher Sculpture Center to the Dallas Museum of Art and the Crow Collection of Asian Art, there is an award-winning museum experience for any taste. Don’t forget to include a stop of the Dallas Arboretum for some of the most exquisite floral and landscape displays ever created!

Lake Texoma—It is not all concrete and high rises in Region 10! We have many naturally beautiful outdoor spaces. Lake Texoma is one of Region 10’s greatest examples of pure Texas beauty. Folks can enjoy any number of awesome outdoor adventures, such as boating, fishing, camping, equestrian trails, and hiking trails, just to name a few. 

Lone Star Park—This is one of the most action-packed entertainment venues in Region 10! Lone Star Park hosts two live horse racing seasons—Spring Thoroughbred racing season and the Fall Meeting of Champions. Whether you are a novice spectator or a dedicated fan, this is one equestrian racing experience that delivers excitement with every visit.

Mesquite Championship Rodeo—This is a family-friendly, pure Texas experience! The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association delivers an action-packed, adrenaline-filled, competitive rodeo with each and every event. Rodeo clowns, horses, and bulls provide a safe but intimate evening of fun like no other. No wonder the Mesquite Championship Rodeo can brag about hosting notable guests like Prince Rainier of Monaco, Former President Ronald Reagan, and Former President George W. Bush!

State Fair of Texas—Since 1886, Dallas has hosted the Texas State Fair, a unique, one-of-a-kind, can’t-miss experience! With quality entertainment, football, thrill rides, the midway, and auto shows and shopping, there is plenty to keep visitors busy for hours. The real treats can be found with the food vendors. Anything you have ever imagined can be found here—and it is probably deep fried! Visitors will also want to stop by and see the livestock and animal shows. Don’t forget to visit your 55-foot host, Big Tex! He has been greeting guests since 1952.

Reliving history and heritage—We have a huge mix of fun ways to experience the historical sites and the different heritages across the area. From the Sixth Floor Museum to Deep Ellum, there is no shortage of things to experience! Some of my personal favorites are the Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano and Dallas Heritage Village. Region 10 is an amazing place to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Texas! Regardless of your interests, Region 10 has something to offer. It leaves visitors wanting to come back time and time again.

Becki Girouard is ATPE’s regional representative for Region 10. Becki is a proud Texas native and Texas State University alumna.