Nothing lasts forever, right? It sure seems that way when it comes to some great memories of places that are long gone in Dallas - Fort Worth. If you grew up in the Metroplex, you'll undoubtedly remember these once-popular landmarks and places, and perhaps enjoy a sentimental journey when seeing pictures or hearing about them everu now and then. Here are nine places every local misses:
1. Mrs. Baird's Bread on I-30 in downtown Fort Worth.
There was something about driving downtown on Interstate 30 with the family. The waft of freshly-baked bread permeated the car, even when windows were rolled up. Did you know that Mrs. Baird's bread is a local company? From its humble beginnings as a small bakery in 1903, the business now has plants all over. The location here moved to a bigger one on I-35 in south Fort Worth in 1972. But the smell somehow has never quite been the same there. Sadly, public tours and the free bread at the end are no longer held there either.
2. Steak and Ale chain, with locations throughout the Metroplex.
Steak and Ale was an American chain of casual dining restaurants, operated by S&A Restaurant Group. Steak and Ale was founded as an independent restaurant chain in Dallas in 1966. While the chain is no more, there continue to be rumors there will be a comeback!
3. Fotomat drive-thru locations across Dallas - Fort Worth.
Back when everyone used film to take photos, they had to get their photos processed and printed somewhere. For a while, Fotomat was THE place to go. Fotomat was chain of photo development drive-through kiosks located in shopping center parking lots.
4. Texas Stadium in Irving.
This stadium held the glory years so far of the Dallas Cowboys before they moved to their fancy new digs in Arlington in 2009. No one disputes the new stadium is better, but driving past the location where the stadium once was is bittersweet.
5. The Six Flags that actually flew over Texas at the theme park by the same name in Arlington.
In 2017, in the era of political correctness, Six Flags. Corp. removed the six flags that flew over Texas and replaced them with six American flags.
6. Reunion Arena in Dallas.
Before American Airlines Center opened in 2001, the Dallas Mavericks and Stars played at the nearby Reunion Arena.
The now-gone facility hosted some pretty killer concerts through the years, such as this David Bowie concert in 1987.
7. Johnny High's Country Music Revue in Arlington.
This place is where numerous music legends got their start, including LeeAnn Rimes, who performed there 423 times!
8. The Bronco Bowl in Dallas.
The Bronco Bowl was multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue located at 2600 Fort Worth Avenue in Dallas. The establishment, which occupied the site of the former Mustang Village federal housing project, was built as a bowling alley for oilman and sports team owner Lamar Hunt. The Bronco Bowl opened in 1961 and was attended by actress Jayne Mansfield. The building was razed in 2003.
9. Valley View Mall in Dallas.
Remember when malls were THE place to hang out? The once thriving Valley View Mall was the one everyone loved to go to. This glass mosaic artwork appeared on the now demolished Macy's. It was originally the signature design of Sanger-Harris department stores in Texas.
How many of these places do you miss? What other long gone establishments would you add to this list? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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