SouthFork Ranch

If you are a fan of "Dallas" the TV drama which was a big hit in the late 1970's through the late 1980's you will love this! The first episode of Dallas aired on April 2, 1978 as a five part miniseries. And soon became an instant hit.

Dallas entertained us with such characters as JR Ewing, Sue Ellen Ewing, Ellie Ewing Farlow, Jock Ewing, Ray Krebbs, Donna Cluver Krebbs, Willard 'Digger' Barnes, Rebecca Barnes Wentworth, Pamela Ewing, Cliff Barnes, Lucy Ewing Cooper, Jenna Wade Krebbs, Pamela Barnes Ewing, Bobby Ewing, Claton Farlow, Jenna Wade, Sly Lovegren... just to name a few.

Wow. I was just a kid when this show aired and I clearly remember the excitement and hype over the night "Who Shot JR?" I decided to visit the Ranch because of the historical, classic, slice of Texas that comes with the setting, and the glamour of Hollywood. I thought to myself, "how can I live in Dallas, and not visit Southfork? "

Admission is $10.00, and if you are a AAA Member they honor a 10% discount. They give you a tour of the grounds, where you are able to see over 300+ Acres of land. You take a ride on a tram from the entrance pass stable areas, gift shop, and deli. Once you have arrived at the home, then you are allowed to take a self-guided tour throughout the home. (You introduced to the history of the home, and the 3 owners.) And then you are allowed to roam free through the mansion.

The home is well preserved, and remolded. There are a few changes made here and there, but the spirit of the decor remains. I remember seeing the famous living room, kitchen, and I was really drawn to the balcony, JR's bedroom, bathroom (gorgeous!) and of course the pool. The interior is elegant, traditional, and preserves that "Texas Cowboy" style.

They have a conference center where they hold lectures and events; as a matter of fact Frito Lay Co. was having an event and guided tour of the Ranch at the same time I was there. The guided tours are daily, there is a western themed Visitor center, a Dallas Legends Exhibit, Miss Elllie's Deli, and a shopping if you would like to pick up a few things from the show (or) the region.

While taking the tour I could hear fans exchange memories of clips from the show, and conversations the characters exchanged over dinner, in the pool and on the balcony. I then began to think about dialog between my grandmother, mother, father, and sisters which took me back. Ahhhh... those were the days. :D

They have facilities available to the public such as: ten ballrooms, western themed events, rodeo arenas, weddings can be held there, motor coaches, and a Southfork Hotel.

If you are a true fan of the show, this will be such a treat. The tour lasts for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, and a wonderful place to add to the list when you are visiting Dallas.