Mystery trips can be like trees. Many trees hold secrets within their roots, and they create an atmosphere of wonder and awe. The ones with twisted branches and unusual shapes make them feel like silent observers in nature. They maintain a profound air of mystery.
Recently a group of 73 wanderlusts embarked on an exciting journey of discovery, also known as a mystery trip. This was my second trip, and l looked forward to the stress free planning and surprise reveals. Our expert tour managers were great at keeping secrets. We were told the expected day and night temperatures, and to bring rain gear.
We arrived at our local airport in the wee hours of the morning. We were too excited to be drowsy. We signed up for this trip last year, and the time was finally here. Some were experienced mystery trip travelers and others were newbies. This was my second trip so I fell somewhere in the middle.
At the airport, we learned we were flying to Dallas Love Airfield. I’m sure most of us have been to the “Big D,” but what other hidden gems would we discover? After arriving in Dallas, our two motor coaches were waiting for us. The drivers were sworn to secrecy.
Our first stop was the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (JFK Museum). This was an emotional experience that documents a national tragedy. We walked in silence as we reflected on where we were at that time. Here we were on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository where Lee Harvey Oswald reportedly fired three shots at President John F. Kennedy as he rode in his motorcade.
From the sixth floor, we traced the route of President Kennedy’s motorcade as it traveled down Elm Street. As they passed The Grassy Knoll, a small, sloped are of grass in the plaza, shots rang out. Two hit President Kennedy and Texas Governor John Connally was struck by a bullet. Despite serious injuries, Governor Connally made a full recovery. I was in grade school and remember when our teachers told us President Kennedy had been assassinated. It was a somber day.
The alleged killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, was murdered by Jack Ruby two days after President Kennedy was killed. Ruby was a Dallas nightclub owner and he shot Oswald in the basement of Police Headquarters. The shooting was broadcast on live TV.
Our next stop was to Forth Worth. We kicked off our boots and hung our hats in our rustic style rooms at the beautiful Drover Hotel. It’s also a popular bridal destination. It was chilly, but we were warned of the weather. At the historic and crowded stockyards, we made our way through the chaos in search of briskets. I’ve never seen so many cowgirls and cowboys in one area.
We didn’t miss out on the cattle drive or rodeo. The Texas Longhorns strutted down the streets under the watchful eye of the drovers. The indoor rodeo at Cowboy Coliseum was captivating. The horses were bucking and the cowboys were hanging on for dear life!
I took a picture beside the statue of Bill Pickett, the first Black man inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame. He is known for “bulldogging.” There’s a Bill Pickett rodeo every year in my hometown of Memphis.
No mystery trip to Texas is complete without visiting The Silos in Waco. The Silos are owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines (Fixer Upper). Admission is free at this popular tourist attraction.
Our tour ended in beautiful San Antonio. Our enchanting hotel was on the Riverwalk with views of the river. The Fiesta San Antonio celebration was planned for that week. Beautifully decorated boats were to float down the river and we were prepared for a riverfront view of the parade. Unfortunately, it rained and the parade was canceled. Even with the rain, the views were astonishing.
We didn’t let the rain stop us, our step on tour guide took us to many historic sites. On our last day, we visited the Alamo, the famous site of the 1836 Battle of Alamo during the Texas Revolution. A small group of Texans, including Davy Crockett from Tennessee, fought against a much larger Mexican army and they were defeated. “Remember the Alamo” was a battle cry.
After a heartwarming and memory-making expedition, we arrived back home safely. Until next time I’ve kicked my boots off and hung my hat!
Francie Mae. April 25, 2026.