Travel Guide: Dallas
Latiste Printed Set (c/o Riffraff, s/o, similar here) | Seychelles Wedges (s/o, similar here) | Kendra Scott Earrings | Kiel James Patrick Pearl Bracelet | OPI Kiss me on my Tulips Nail Polish
I don't know about y'all, but I'm still super into matching sets! I feel like I'm lucky, because Dallas isn't as crazy as New York fashion, but I can still get away with wearing crop tops and people don't look at me funny. If you follow me on Instagram/are signed up with Like to Know It, you can actually shop some of my other favorite sets via this picture and/or this link!
I love Dallas. I love traveling, but depending on where I go, I'm often reminded how spoiled I am. Dallas is the concrete jungle of the South. A renaissance man, if you will. We are known for business, art, shopping, and good food and drinks, just to name a few. A Mecca of creatives, combined with white and blue collar jobs alike, brought together by a passionate hatred of traffic, with a deep love of tacos and an extreme urge to be nice to everyone. I might be biased, but there isn't another place like it.
I've had a "What to do in Dallas" post in my draft folder, since last summer. I think what is finally prompting me to post it, is our upcoming nuptials. We will have a lot of people coming to town - some of whom have never been to Dallas. Along with getting asked what to eat in Dallas, I frequently get asked what to do here. It's hard to answer, because we just have so much and it is constantly increasing! I'll give you mine and Nick's top picks, then give you a more in depth list to choose from.
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Our Top Picks
-Eat Tex Mex. We frequent El Fenix, Chuys, and Mi Cocina. We also love Meso Maya, but it is more authentic, than Texican.
-Visit Reunion Tower. It is an iconic building that makes the Dallas skyline what it is. If it's only a silhouette, you know it's Dallas, by the ball. Instead of paying to go to the Geo Deck, go to the bar at Five Sixty (the Wolfgang Puck Restuarant, in Reunion Tower) and pay $10 for a drink and/or app, with the same view.
-Tour ATT Stadium. No, technically not in Dallas, but it belongs to the Dallas Cowboys - a brand based on this iconic city. People come from all over and all different team alliances just to see it. If you can tour it, I would! It is a piece of art, for sure.
-Play at Klyde Warren Park. This place is so cool and fun for all ages. It's a park in the middle of the city/highway 75. It is a walkable distance to a lot of other sights, but they have their own activities there, too. From free yoga on Saturday morning, to movie screenings at night, they have you covered. There are a lot of surrounding restaurants, but food trucks, are available too, so you could camp out all day here, if you wanted.
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So, like I said, those are the things that I would do if you have a limited time, but here are some other things to do if you don't like those or want more options!
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Architecture:
Reunion Tower - I mentioned why, above.
Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge - A new piece of Dallas, that is fun to drive on and to walk. There is a side bridge area, with playground and a fantastic view of the city. This is in the Trinity Groves District.
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Shopping:
Highland Park Village. People in Dallas abbreviate this as HPV, so don't be alarmed if you see it around. It was America's first "mall" and has amazing stores that don't just set up shop anywhere. Chances are you won't be going on a shopping spree here, but it is still fun to visit.
Neiman Marcus Downtown. Again, another iconic spot. The original Neiman Marcus store is here and it is a beauty. Look around and head to the Zodiac Room, when you get hungry. You won't be disappointed.
Northpark Center. This is my favorite mall. It has all of my favorite stores and is in a good location. It's also a good mall if you are a mall walker ;)
Sam Moon. If you like fun, cheap items, you have to go here. I used to get my birthday party favors from here. It has everything from bracelets to luggage. There is also another location in Frisco. This one is on Harry Hines. If someone asks you if you are visiting this street, just say no ;) It is notorious for hookers.
Boutiques: Milk and Honey, Riffraff Dallas, Rio Ritz, and Forty Five Ten are some of my favorite local boutiques, if you are looking for more of an original flair.
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Nature:
Klyde Warren Park. I mentioned this in my top picks, above.
White Rock Lake. If you are a biker, a runner, or even just a walker, this is your spot. It stretches over 9 miles and has surrounding trails, as well. The lake is frequented by sailboats, paddle boarders, and kayakers, alike.
Dallas Arboretum. Near White Rock Lake, this is fun for all ages and makes for a great picture spot. They have a couple of food stations there, but you are able to bring in picnics. It's a great place to watch the sun set and crack open a bottle of wine, paired with a cheese board, not to mention they have beautiful, seasonal flowers!
Trinity River Audubon Center. This place often gets overlooked, but it is fun to walk in. It is an event space, but a great place to explore, as well. They often have events like bird watching and dinners, too.
Katy Trail. This is one of my favorite trails to run on, in Dallas. It is kind of short, but it connects to fun areas of town, like Knox/Henderson.
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Educational Places:
Perot Museum. This is my favorite museum and will keep you entertained for hours, no matter your age. Buy your tickets in advance and make sure to allot several hours for it.
George W. Bush Presidential Center. Located on Southern Methodist University's campus, this is a great exhibit, no matter your affiliation. I went when they had the Oscar de la Renta Collection, and it was awesome!
Dallas Museum of Art. A classic museum, that's for sure. They have great shows come through and put on events like Late Night, where you can enjoy the property longer.
Texas Discover Gardens + Butterfly House. We came here on field trips, as kids. That being said, it can be a fun day out for any age, but you will mainly see families here.
6th Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. I had to list this one, just because Dallas is where JFK was killed. It is a major tourist attraction. No wonder when I travel to foreign countries, this is one of the main things they mention, upon hearing Dallas. Side-note, if you haven't watched 11-22-63 with James Franco, on Hulu, you need to. It is fantastic and is about the JFK theory.
The Holocaust Museum. We visited this when I was in high school. It is very sobering.
Nasher Sculpture Center. This is my dad's favorite museum. It's modern and easy to visit.
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Food:
Dallas has a lot of good options. I am very much a foodie, so I actually have blog posts on different districts in Dallas, and where to nosh. Here are some of my posts, that will help you out, for sure!
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Sports:
ATT Stadium. I mentioned this at the top. Go Cowboys!
The American Airlines Center. Home of the Mavs and the Stars, this venue also hosts concerts. You can tour the Mavs' locker oom and training area, which is fun, especially for basketball lovers. It's also in a very walkable area.
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Hotels:
The Joule. This hotel is super chic and very much a boutique hotel. Located in Downtown, it is right across from the giant eyeball and is surrounded by good restaurants. Even if you don't stay there, try Weekend Coffee, CBD Provisions, and/or Americano.
The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Put on your fancy pants and at least dine/drink here. It is an experience, for sure!
The W. Located near the Design District, this hotel has a great pool and a fun, funky feeling. I would eat in surrounding areas, instead of their in house restaurant.
The Omni. Famous for lighting up Dallas nights, with pictures or phrases, they are also known for their dining and drinks, which is available to anyone.
The Stoneleigh. Also called Hotel Le Meridien, this is kind of a landmark.
Four Seasons. Located in Las Colinas, this isn't technically Dallas, but it has a great golf course and is near DFW airport. You will be away from the action, but can't go wrong with choosing to stay or dine here.
The Ritz. It's the Ritz. Why not? I mean, at least walk through it.
Magnolia. Another fun hotel in Downtown. It has a great view and is a great location.
Hotel Zaza. This is a quirky hotel that is located in the heart of Uptown. It is a very lively night scene, with themed rooms, an awesome pool, and interesting in house dining.
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Have you ever been to Dallas/are you a native? Did I leave anything off? Let me know, so I can update it! Feel free to email me with any other questions, before you visit here. I am happy to help you enjoy my city.
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