Today's post is from Annie Frank , a librarian at Parr Library in Plano:

If you have time for a side trip while at TLA, here’s a suggested itinerary: The Japanese Garden in Ft. Worth, followed by lunch at Joe T. Garcia’s, and then a stroll through the Water Garden. Total time: 4-6 hours, depending on how enchanted you are with the Gardens.

The Japanese Garden is part of the Ft. Worth Botanic Garden, and is worth visiting in any season. Multi-level pathways of stone and wood wind through Japanese maples, pines, and flowering cherries donated by Ft. Worth’s sister city Nagaoka, Japan. Around each hill or corner is an everchanging landscape of bridges, pavilions, decks, and statuary. Connecting the entire garden is a system of ponds full of giant, colorful koi. These are fun to feed—fish food stations are scattered about the Garden, and the koi will almost eat out of your hand. Any left over fish food is quickly devoured by the tame squirrels. It’s truly an enchanting place, full of peace and serenity. And admission is only $3.00 for adults! For directions and hours of operation: http://www.fwbg.org/japanese.htm. For detailed information on the Garden itself: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Worth_Japanese_Garden.

Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant is a Ft. Worth landmark. It started operation in 1935 and is still going strong. The menu is limited to enchiladas, tacos and fajitas, but the food is handmade and good. It gets a 4 out of 5 on Trip Advisor. And it’s HUGE, so even if there’s a line, the wait is short. More information at www.joets.com.

Finally, end your Ft. Worth adventure by strolling through the Water Garden, next to the Ft. Worth Convention Center. There are three featured fountains: the Meditation Pool, which we call the Wall of Water, because that’s what it is; the Aerating Pool (fun to walk around and spot the rainbows cast by the spray); and the main attraction, the Active Pool. The Active Pool has terraced steps leading down 38 feet, with water cascading all around. By the time you get to the bottom, you are surrounded by thundering water. Address: 1502 Commerce Street, 817-871-5755, Free. For more information on the Water Garden itself: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Worth_Water_Gardens.