It’s 140 days until the 2019 State Fair of Texas and it will go by in a flash! We get mighty excited around here as the Fair gets closer, as we’re sure you do too, and counting down the days until our favorite time of year begins – Fair season – is serious business. In anticipation, we decided to have some fun with the number 140 and find out just how far it can take us.
140 Steps from Big Tex
He’s everyone’s favorite 55-foot tall cowboy and it’s a Texan tradition to pay him a visit while at the State Fair of Texas. But after snapping your yearly Big Tex selfie, where do Fair goers typical go from there? You can literally go in any direction from Big Tex circle but what’s unique about the direction you choose is the different sights and sounds you’ll behold.
For instance, if you head north on Lone Star Boulevard and walk exactly 140 feet, you will reach the beautiful fountains that sit between the Esplanade and the Hall of State. This is a great spot to sit, eat a corny dog and people watch during the Fair. Plus the sounds of the rising and falling water is soothing, no matter what time of year it is.
Walk 140 feet Northwest from Big Tex Circle and you’ll reach the southern staircase leading up to the Hall of State. Another great spot to sit and admire the fair from a slightly raised vantage point. Plus the entrance to the Hall of State is just a few more steps away and there is always a stellar exhibit waiting inside every year. FYI – check out the Bear sculptor in middle of this 140 step walk. It’s a gift to the City of Dallas from the people of Berlin sent during the Cold War area.
Walk 140 feet South East from Big Tex circle, including up a wooden ramp, and you end up directly in the boarding area for a gondola ride on the Midway’s Texas Skyway. Aboard the Skyway, you’ll experience spectacular views of the Midway and the surrounding Fairgrounds from high above on this leisurely, one-of-a-kind ride.
Head 140 feet south, while taking a slight veer Southeast and you’ll find yourself smack dab in the middle of the shopping mecca that is Grand Place. Only at Grand Place can you receive a complimentary water massage fully clothed, sample some delicious Texas fudge and purchase hand-crafted, Native American jewelry all in one shopping area. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Official State Fair of Texas Merchandise shop located in Grand Place.
Veer to the west while walking 140 feet south of Big Tex circle and you’ll find yourself at the entrance of the Old Mill Inn. Built as a flour mill exhibition for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition, the Old Mill Inn is now a restaurant that serves food year-round, including during Fair season. The working water wheel located outside of the building is definitely a sight to see. Fun Fact: the entire second floor of the Old Mill Inn is designed specifically for Murder Mystery dinner parties!
Finally, travel west from Big Tex Circle by foot and in 140 steps you’ll find yourself in the Truck Zone, the outdoor portion of the Texas Auto Show. Auto manufacturers like Chevy, Ford, GMC, Toyota, RAM, and Nissan construct stunningly elaborate exhibits to show off their newest trucks and SUVs. It’s an exhibit unlike any other in the auto show world and you’re likely to find everything from an impromptu concert to family style games all throughout the area.
No matter what direction you take from Big Tex circle, you’re bound to discover more State Fair fun to be had and we encourage you to take all the possible paths when the Fair opens in the fall. In fact, strap on your walking shoes and come on out to Fair Park this summer to map out the paths you’ll take when you visit the 2019 Fair. You’re sure to take many more steps than a 140 but sometimes 140 is all takes to experience something new at the State Fair of Texas.