Family Weekend kicks off Friday, but the Mustangs don’tkick off until Saturday evening. So what is there for you and yourparents to do until tomorrow’s game and after?

Since most parents will be footing the bill for the excursions,take advantage of it.

The Eats

First, check out Tony’s Wine Warehouse & GourmetRestaurant. Offering a wide selection of wine as well as a broadmenu, including grilled blackened chicken pasta and stuffedhalibut, Tony’s is a dream for wine connoisseurs and foodcritics. Tony’s is a blend of a bistro and a winery. It islocated at 2904 Oak Lawn Ave. Pricing for Tony’s isreasonable and will leave some cash on your parents to cover therest of the weekend. For more information, call (214) 520-WINE.

For dessert, head over to Milwaukee Joe’s. Featuring icecream, custard, gelato and sorbet, Milwaukee Joe’s has adessert for everyone. In addition, Joe’s offers a new flavoreveryday. Top sellers include Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups withfudge and Andes Mint Chocolate Chip.

The Fun

Before the game on Saturday, make the trip to the State Fair ofTexas. This trip is more advisable for out-of-towners. Obviouslyfor food, corn dogs are a must, but also try the Belgian waffles,potato twisters, fried alligator, kettle corn and a fried Twinkie.Since parents will be on this trip, relegate the rides to The TexasStar Ferris wheel or whatever suits them. Events like the circus,animal shows and acrobats are scheduled daily. General admission is$12. Check out the official Web site at www.bigtex.com.

For a quieter, less crowded excursion, go to The DallasArboretum. With over 66 acres of foliage, the arboretum can be anall day excursion. With great weather predicted for Friday andSaturday, take advantage of it and head over to enjoy the naturalautumn scenery. For more information on The Dallas Arboretum visitwww.dallasarboretum.org.

The Wind-down

Sunday, take advantage of a local brunch. A great brunch at areasonable price is offered at the Blue Mesa Grill located acrossfrom Northpark Mall on Northwest Highway. Brunch is $13.95 perperson and includes unlimited champagne or mimosas. Traditionalbrunch foods and a mix of Southwest foods make up the menu. Suchfoods as eggs benedict, waffles, steak quesadillas and otherfavorites are served up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday.

The Game

After brunch, there’s another big football game in Dallas.Emmitt Smith returns to Texas Stadium as an Arizona Cardinal whenthe Cardinals take on the Dallas Cowboys. For ticket informationvisit www.dallascowboys.com.

Entertaining parents is not as difficult as it seems. Going tothe cheer on the Mustangs Saturday is the only must-do forparent’s weekend, but the suggested events and opportunitiesshould make the weekend more enjoyable.