FAMOUS TEXAS DESTINATIONS-- Delicious ribs, cole slaw, fried okra and barbecue beans at Hutchins BBQ in Frisco, Texas.

Elements of home in the form of Mississippi State University alum Dak Prescott’s large presence in the Dallas Cowboys’ world headquarters in Frisco, Texas, and hearing stories about Jackson native LeAnn Rimes’ formative years in nearby Garland added special touches to the final part of a recent trip to Texas.

Additionally, enjoying world-class cuisine, including exceptional Texas barbecue; a shopping mecca attached to my hotel and slipping into a private room filled with rare books were unforgettable experiences.

First, a stop in Garland set the tone for 36 hours in Frisco. Known as “Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas,” the “Pho Real Trail” is another big draw. Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a Vietnamese soup made of broth, rice noodles and sliced beef. Pho fans can visit 18 small, locally owned businesses on the trail. Sampling Texas-size bowls of pho at 286 Noodle House was the perfect fuel as we set off for adventures in nearby Frisco.

Upon arrival with other travel writers, I quickly learned Frisco is a mecca of premier sports venues. These include The Star, ice hockey, basketball and baseball arenas and championship golf at Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Training Center. PGA’s impressive headquarters opened on the grounds in 2022; unlike adjacent facilities in the complex, this building is not open to the public.

There’s so much to see and do in Frisco, named at or near the top of international and national “best of” lists, including safe place to visit and best place to live. It’s impossible to list all the interesting aspects of one of Texas’ fastest-growing cities located less than 30 miles from Dallas. Instead, here’s a brief recap of my favorite things about Frisco:

Dining – A delicious pancake breakfast at Ryder Cup in the Fields Ranch Clubhouse at PGA Frisco was followed by lunch at family-owned Hutchins BBQ. Thick and juicy ribs were sliced before my eyes, then paired with some of the best sides I’d ever tasted. This hearty meal adequately satisfied my desire for authentic Texas ‘que.

That evening, upscale Frisco eatery J. Theodore featured some of my favorite things: a built-in coffee bar, bakery and books. Rare Books, a hidden speakeasy/bar, requires a literary phrase password to enter through the sliding bookcase wall. Two favorite appetizers - truffle parm fries and crispy Brussel sprouts - set the stage for dinner; a delectable serving of, you guessed it, my favorite grilled chicken pesto pasta.

Books, books…I was impressed to learn Frisco loves its books. Besides the Rare Books room, touring the cavernous Frisco Public Library, built in a former rocket parts factory, and finding a satellite library branch just off the lobby of the Hyatt Regency were trip highlights.

The Star – A tour of the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility should be on everyone’s bucket list. The Star features displays of players’ and cheerleaders’ uniforms through the years; Super Bowl trophies and rings and the outdoor practice field. There’s also the Ford Center, a12,000-seat indoor athletic facility shared by the Cowboys, City of Frisco, and Frisco ISD’s 12 high schools. The state-of-the art Ford Center was the site of this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards.

Last, seeing Cowboys quarterback Prescott’s recognition as a recipient of the prestigious Walter Payton (another beloved Mississippian) Award for advocating mental health and cancer research was icing on the cake.

Stay and shop - A short walkway connects Frisco’s Hyatt Regency to the Stonebriar Centre filled with 208 retail stores and restaurants. There’s also indoor skydiving, a movie theatre and the nation’s only KidZania. This one-of-a-kind “city” is built entirely for kids and allows them to experience careers ranging from firefighting to medicine.

Thirty-six hours was not enough time to explore this amazing city; a return trip is definitely necessary. In the meantime, I’ll have memories, hundreds of photos and a recipe based, as much as I could remember (and with a few tips from the restaurant) of the delicious cole slaw at Hutchins BBQ.

Hutchins BBQ Copycat Slaw
1 cup Miracle Whip
1/2 cup granulated sugar
½ cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 cup yellow onion (very finely chopped)
8 cups cabbage (finely chopped)
2 carrots, shredded or finely chopped

In a large bowl combine oil, vinegar and sugar. Add in onions and celery salt. Stir in Miracle Whip. Toss the cabbage and carrots together. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, stir well. Add additional toppings and seasonings to taste.

Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving for the best result. Drain excess liquid and serve!