The little city of Dallas made the headlines almost 45 years ago on November 22nd, 1963 when President John F. Kennedy was shot in its streets. As we remember presidential history of the past and witness history in the making with the newly elected Barack Obama, tripatlas.com/new is taking you to discover today’s Dallas.
There has never been a more exciting time to visit Dallas to experience “the Dallas difference.” What’s so great about Dallas, you ask? In Dallas, you can live large and think big. From shopping, dining, arts, events, golf and hundreds of sights and activities, Dallas is more than just the fourth largest metropolitan city in the United States!
Love the wild, wild west? Then check out Discover Arizona: 5 Travel Highlights of the Wild West or travel to the world’s largest outdoor rodeo to the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada.
5 Reasons to Visit Dallas, Texas: the Heart of America
There’s no better time to visit Dallas than in the next few years. With what’s being heralded as the “Dallas Renaissance,” the next 3-5 years has 14 billion dollars of new renovations and development in store for the city. That means bigger shops, better restaurants and hundreds of new activities, events and sights for everyone in the family.
Read on to find out why it’s worth the visit to new Dallas, Texas!
1. Experience the Old West at the Fort Worth Stockyards near Dallas
What’s a trip to Texas without experiencing the classic “Old West” of cowboys and stirrups? You’ll find rodeos, cowboys, longhorn cattle herding, saloons and gun slinging when you visit the Fort Worth Stockyards. This National Historic District offers shops, entertainment, historical tours, accommodations, activities for the whole family and of course, authentic Texan eats. Don’t forget to try bull riding or picking up western-style hat!
For more information, visit www.fortworth.com.
2. Dallas Has the Largest Liberal Arts District in the United States
Thought Texas was just for the cowboys? Think again!
In fact, Dallas boasts the largest liberal arts district or neighborhood in the United States. From small boutique galleries to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, there’s so much art, music and culture to take in.
Visit the Dallas Museum of Art from now until May 2009 to see the “Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs” exhibit featuring King Tutankhamun – or, King Tut. Be sure to check out the Trammel Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art or the Nasher Sculpture Center for a taste of Renoir, Van Gogh and Degas.
Be sure to visit the Women’s Museum in Fair Park, the first museum of its kind in the United States, affiliated with the Smithsonian. The museum showcases art, videos and various installations featuring “the voices, talents, achievements, aspirations and stories of women in the past, present and future.” Go to www.thewomensmuseum.org for more information.
Of course, a visit to Dallas isn’t complete without visiting the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, one of Dallas’ busiest tourist attractions. The Sixth Floor Museum examines the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy through films, photographs, artifacts and programs. Go to www.jfk.org for more information.
3. Innovative World-Class Dining & Unending Shopping Possibilities in Dallas, Texas
If you’re looking for the height of contemporary Dallas and the “New West,” then pay attention. For the best of shopping, be sure to check out Galleria Shopping Mall and NorthPark Shopping Mall. For something more extravagant, be sure to stroll through Highland Park Village – the United States’ first planned shopping center and historical district – for Chanel, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren.
Foodie? Both Bon Appétit and Esquire magazine voted restaurants in Dallas, Texas as some of the top dining establishments in the United States. Dallas is definitely on the cutting edge of innovative cuisine, creating “fusions” and blends of southwestern, French, Tex-Mex and Asian flavors.
Be sure to visit Chef Dean Fearing’s restaurant: Fearing’s, located at the Ritz; Chef Tim Love’s the Lonesome Dove, found in the Fort Worth Stockyards; and Abacus Restaurant features Chef Kent Rathbun. More? Try Stephan Pyles for modern southwestern cuisine, the French Room for a European/French flavor, and the Mansion on Turtle Creek Restaurant for inventive American delights.
4. Dallas is a Land of American Spirit & Sports Fans
There’s so much to see and experience that’s genuinely and unique Dallas-esque that you’ll never be bored when you’re visiting Dallas. American football doesn’t get any more exciting than watching the Dallas Cowboys playing football at Texas Stadium.
You don’t want to miss the Dallas Mavericks sinking baskets at the American Airlines Center, or feel the energy from college football teams playing in the Cotton Bowl. If you’re interested in hockey, there’s the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers for a good ‘ol American baseball game.
Don’t miss a round or two around the track at the Texas Motor Speedway, the most modern speedway in the world.
Then there’s the classic sports event that Texas is known for – the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, taking place from April to September every year. Go to www.mesquiterodeo.com for more information.
5. Dallas is at the Heart of America: Less than Four Hours to Every Major US City
Dallas not only encapsulates everything that represents the American dream and the American lifestyle – but it also is very literally, one of the biggest hubs of the United States and the heart of America. In fact, from the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW), you can reach any major US city within just four hours!
The newly revamped DFW airport boasts of five terminals with over 35 carriers from all over the world; a high speed SkyLink train taking passengers from terminal to terminal; and post-9/11 airport security technology.
Rest assured. Travel to and from Dallas, Texas has never been easier or more accessible!
So what are you waiting for? Go to www.visitdallas.com for more information on visiting Dallas today.