I recently joined several reunion planners for a FAM of the “Dallas Metroplex”. It was arranged by not one but
THREE Convention Visitor Bureaus that partnered to showcase all they have to offer. It was refreshing to see such teamwork and support coming from three different organizations. To our military reunion planners, a FAM Trip is an event created just for you. It allows you to “test drive” a destination before committing to bring your reunion. Your hotel accommodations are covered as are your group meals.
Our thanks to
Melissa Perez, with Visit Garland
Scott Poland, with Visit Grand Prairie
Adriana Huizar, with Visit Arlington
(And three cheers to our bus driver Pam from Roadrunner Charters!!!)
Thursday:
We were welcomed to the Drury Plaza Hotel Arlington, by Adriana and Hotel Rep Brandon Batchelor. The Drury Plaza
Hotel located in the heart of the Arlington entertainment district. The evening kicked off with a welcome reception, giving
attendees the opportunity to connect with fellow planners and begin building relationships that are a key part of every
successful reunion.
Friday:
The day began with breakfast and a full tour of the host property, allowing planners to evaluate guest rooms,
hospitality space, and overall amenities—critical elements in choosing the right hotel.
From there, the group explored one of the region’s most significant new attractions, the National Medal of Honor
Museum, offering a powerful and meaningful experience for Veteran groups.
Our tour guide highlighted many of the displays adding colorful anecdotes and stories.
Lunch at Hurtado BBQ showcased authentic Texas flavor before the group visited Top O’Hill Terrace, a historic site rich in storytelling and character.
Top O’Hill Terrace was one of the most surprising places we visited. The story of a tea room evolving into the gambling hot spot of North Texas that was then fought by a fiery gospel preacher, who foretold its transformation into
a Baptist seminary and ultimately a Bible University, is stranger than fiction yet absolutely true.
A unique aspect of the Top O’ Hill Terrace was the tunnel. To the west of the casino a small room led to a set of double doors
which hid a 50′ long, 4′ wide, 10′ high underground concrete tunnel that opened to the densely wooded country side. During
a raid, the patrons could quickly exit the casino and make their way along well-groomed walkways to the tea garden or simply
hide in the underbrush. Once in the tea garden, they could be found by law enforcement officers casually visiting and sipping
some harmless beverage. While the patrons were making their exit, the employees busied themselves with converting the
casino into a dining room.
The evening highlighted Arlington’s entertainment appeal with a visit to Texas Live! and a Texas Ranger baseball game at Globe Life Field.
Saturday
Saturday shifted focus to Grand Prairie, beginning with visits to the Grand Prairie Farmers Market, Traders Village, and Asia Times Square—highlighting diverse cultural and shopping experiences available to reunion groups. If your reunion group has families and shoppers, Trader Village should be part of your reunion. They have been open
every weekend since 1973. There are rides for the kids, and over 3,500 vendors for the hard-core shoppers.
Scott with Grand Prairie CVB introduced us to Matthew Loh head of Asia Times Square. It was an unexpected and humbling surprise. The ATS website sums it up best.
“A Quest for Freedom
That’s the story of the late Grant Loh, who struggled to find a way to a better life away from repression by the communist regime. In 1977 he and his wife attempted to leave Vietnam with their six children. At last reaching an American refugee camp in Malaysia, the Lohs spent nine months awaiting passage to the U.S. before a sponsor, Aunt
Bonnie Minatra, helped them reach freedom. “She is our angel”, says Grant’s son Matthew.
Grant Loh’s journey to financial independence in the new country was an arduous one. Having settled first on the High Plains, in 1985, when a snowstorm forced Loh to abandon his plans to travel home to his family in Kansas, he stopped into an Asian market in Arlington for a meal, and to purchase gifts for a friend he was going to visit. The owners of the market were looking to sell out. The very next day Grant and his oldest son returned to the store to close the deal. The family owns two markets with locations in Grand Prairie and Dallas. Occupying a glittering corner of a colorfully lighted Asia Times Square, the Pearl delights tourists as well as Vietnamese looking for a taste of home. “We were blessed to have the support we had, and the business continued to grow,” says Matthew, the youngest son. “When you talk about the land of opportunity, there is no greater land than the U.S. We went from absolutely nothing to what we have now.” The Lohs hold a deep love for Texas – and for Texans, on account of their kindness and spirit of hospitality.”
We then visited Lone Star Park on extreme racing day. In addition to traditional Thoroughbred Racing, there were zebra, ostrich, and camel races. You can enjoy extreme racing when you hold your reunion in late April. Did we bet on the ponies? Yes! Did we win? Planners never tell.
The afternoon included a site inspection and dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites Grand Prairie. Two
hotels under one roof. The hotel is located at Epic Central. Restaurants, TopGolf, an indoor water park, and even pickleball are within walking distance.
After dinner Saturday night, we checked into the Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland for a restful sleep (after pie compliments of Melissa, with the Garland CVB…so so good)
Sunday:
Sunday provided a deeper dive into the Garland area. A driving tour introduced planners to the local community before lunch (and a tasting) at Lockwood Distilling Company. We were impressed by the art around Garland. There were murals and sculptures everywhere we looked. The most recent addition was the Cowboy Hat which celebrates what the
area is known for. The Lockwood Distilling Company menu is extensive with something for everyone. They have space for groups if you call ahead.
The afternoon featured visits to the Frontiers of Flight Museum. They have over 35,000 rare and unique artifacts, and 70 docents to answer any questions. The exhibits encompass the history of flight from hot air balloons to space craft.
Our last stop was to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. It is the 13th Presidential Library administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). NARA serves as the nation’s official keeper for records of the Federal Government. NARA’s Presidential Libraries and Museums are repositories for textual, electronic, and audiovisual Presidential records as well as domestic and foreign Presidential gifts. The Bush Library promotes an understanding of the American presidency, examines eight years in American History during which President Bush served, explores important issues of public policy, and provides access to official records and artifacts from the George W. Bush Administration.
The FAM concluded with a farewell dinner, giving us time to reflect on the experience and discuss how the destination could fit future reunions.
