Wonderful WOMEN

Visit The Women's Museum in Dallas, Texas, where exhibits honor notable women throughout history.

This January marks the 10th anniversary of The Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future in Dallas, Texas. In 1996, a woman named Cathy Bonner, longtime president of the Foundation for Women's Resources, dreamed of a place where women's achievements could be showcased and celebrated. She never let her dream die, and in 2000, after contributions from corporations, foundations, governments, and individuals across the country, the museum opened its doors. Today, the 70,000-square-foot building houses exhibit after exhibit featuring accomplished women. The museum celebrates the past, present, and future as it covers the political, spiritual, and social triumphs and struggles of women in our nation's history.

The Women's Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and therefore filled with hands-on, state-of-the-art, interactive exhibits year round, as well as special traveling exhibits. For more information on exhibits and the museum, visit thewomensmuseum.org.

Stroll the SQUARE

Cowboys found Sundance Square way back in the 1800s, but good times still roll in this hot spot.

In the late 1800s, Fort Worth was a favorite stop along the Chisholm Trail. Cowboys blazing trails through Texas chose to rest here and spend some time in the local saloons, gambling parlors, shooting galleries, and dance halls. Today, it's still a place for entertainment, just more of a family-friendly recreational spot.

With fabulous shopping and delicious restaurants, there's always something to enjoy at Sundance Square. Today, there is live theatre, a concert hall, and a comedy club, along with museums and art galleries. And for those who just want a leisurely stroll around town, the turn-of-the-century architecture is enough to wow.

Oh, and the square is named for Sundance Kid, who often visited the area with his partner, Butch Cassidy, in the late 1800s. Other famous cowboys like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday also frequented the red brick streets, adding to its history, character, and good ol' Western charm.

Family DRIVE-IN

Drive on over to the Dairy-Ette in Dallas, Texas, where you'll feel like you traveled back in time. It's the perfect place for a family outing.

In 1956, the Dairy-Ette opened in Dallas. It fit the era then, and although it would seem dated these days in most places, business continues to boom for the little drive-in that could?probably because America never tires of a good old-fashioned cheeseburger, fries, and homemade root beer in a frosted mug.

Owner Bob Prikryl has kept things just the way they were when his parents opened Dairy-Ette back in the mid-fifties. It's a drive-in/diner where teenage car hops deliver your meal right to your car window. Families love to come and eat in their cars for a fun change of pace or go inside the diner to enjoy limeades, root beer floats, and milkshakes with their huge made-to-order burgers and cut-fresh fries in a "happy days" atmosphere.

In a city where good Texas eats abound, the Dairy-Ette has nevertheless made a special name for itself and a lasting impression through the generations. It's casual, simple, and open daily so you can satisfy your cravings for good old-fashioned food just about anytime. Bring the kids, friends, and family for this one-of-a-kind step back in time.

For more information, call 214-327-9983, or visit 9785 Ferguson Road, Dallas, Texas.

Something to PONDER

It's called Ranchman's Café, and it serves some of the best steaks and homemade pies in all of Texas.

Barely a dot on the map in 1948, the small town of Ponder, Texas, had among its small population a local celebrity in the making. Grace "Pete" Jackson was working at the neighborhood grocery preparing meals, and so many townspeople loved her cooking that she opened her own restaurant, which she named Ranchman's Café.

In the early '70s, one of Pete's most loyal customers was Dave Ross, a young student from North Texas State University, just down the road. Dave would admire the Old West memorabilia covering the walls and take in the delicious aroma of grilled and chicken-fried steaks while enjoying a slice of pie and a glass of tea. By 1973, he was working in the restaurant alongside Pete as a weekend butcher, grill cook, and baker. He gained a lot of experience in her kitchen, baking cobblers, pies, and homemade dinner rolls. He also learned how to break down hindquarters into steaks and grill them.

In 1992, Pete sold the restaurant to Dave, and he pledged to keep it exactly the same. The menu hasn't changed in 50 years, and everything is still made from scratch. Pies are still prepared using original recipes. The meat is hand cut and trimmed, grilled to order, and brushed with their special steak butter, just as it was in the '40s. And the friendly staff is encouraged to visit the customers.

Customers come from all around to taste the steaks and pies they've heard so much about, but there's a wealth of other delicious eats on the menu as well?everything from burgers, sandwiches, and ham steaks to pork chops and farm-raised quail. Oh, and don't forget to call ahead to reserve a baked potato. To keep from overordering and having them go to waste, the restaurant reserves just enough potatoes for each night based on their call-ins.

Over the years, Dave has worked hard to preserve that feeling of being at home and Pete's sweet spirit that remains the heart and soul of Ranchman's Café.

Colorful COOKING

Faraday's Kitchen Store is the perfect place to outfit your kitchen or to simply add more fun gadgets.

Faraday's is not just an ordinary kitchen store?it's an experience! Locals and visitors come to this big, bright, fun-filled store in Austin in search of unique products to stock their kitchens. Austin's largest kitchen store, it houses over 5,500 kitchen tools from more than 300 different product lines?everything from basic supplies for the typical home cook to specialty gourmet items for seasoned chefs at fine restaurants. There's no shortage of gadgets, utensils, glassware, bakeware, cookbooks, storage, and much more. Besides items for personal and professional kitchens, customers will find many great gift ideas for friends and family.

Faraday's offers cooking classes and workshops for all ages that cover all types of cooking techniques in a state-of-the-art kitchen area created just for these types of events. Also, ongoing product demonstrations and a knowledgeable, friendly staff help customers find just the supplies they need. Service is one on one, and customers have found prices very reasonable.

Don't really need anything for the kitchen? At Faraday's, you're sure to find something to make time in the kitchen easier and full of fun.

For information, visit faradayskitchenstore.com or call 512-266-5666.