For the month of March, we decided to feature the top up-and-coming cities in the U.S. Dallas is by far one of the most rapidly expanding and growing cities I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. When most people think Texas, they think cattle ranches, flat land, BBQ, and beer, but Dallas is far more Metropolitan that people think. The City-Planners have big ideas to expand Dallas into a walking city, with more pop-up gardens and parks around every corner of the big D.
If Dallas isn’t on your radar to visit, think again. We have also included a great packing guide for Dallas at the bottom of the article! Here are some of our favorite places, experiences, and things about Dallas.
Thursday:
2:00 pm- Check-in to our favorite hotel in Dallas, The Joule. It is a renovated 1920’s landmark building in the heart of Downtown Dallas. The Joule has a modern luxury with contemporary art from artists such as Andy Warhol, Tony Cragg, and Adam Fuss. Helpful hint: Ask to stay in the new tower.
For another more contemporary option, The Ritz-Carlton is located on upper Mckinney Street, walking distance from some of the best bars and restaurants in Dallas. Stay at The Crescent if you are in town for business given that their location is prime. However, their rooms need a little facelift. The Crescent also has my favorite clothing store, Stanley Korshack, just a few steps away.
5:00 pm- Take a stroll around Downtown Dallas, there are many cute little shops and funny art pieces scattered around the city. Their newly opened Klyde Warren Park is the perfect place to people watch and have a delicious meal. If you are feeling a little more active, join their free weekend yoga classes, they are amazing.
If you still have time on your side, head over to my two favorite museums just a few blocks away from the park, the Ritz and the Crescent: The Nasher Museum and the DMA.
8:30 pm– Looking for a delicious spot for dinner? If you’re ready to hop right in to Texan cuisine, dine at CBD Provisions, located in The Joule Hotel. Their infused cocktails are superb. Order the chili.
If you are looking for a more casual all american menu, try their new restaurant Americano. I cannot stop going and ordering their meatballs, fried olives, their pepperoni pizza and branzino.
11:00 pm- For some after dinner drinks downtown, head to the Midnight Rambler for some craft cocktails, also located at The Joule Hotel.
If you’re looking to take the party to a more upbeat place, Thursday nights’ at The Candle Room go till 3am.
Friday:
9:00 am- Stop for coffee and a delicious breakfast at Mercat, my favorite French Bistro in all of Dallas. Their latte’s and quiche Lorraine are mouth-watering.
11:30 am- Check out the Dallas Museum of Art downtown. It has some of the most forward-thinking and rare art exhibitions around.
If you’re in the mood for something more interactive, my favorite place to be enlightened is the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Be forewarned, this place gets packed quickly, by tickets ahead of time.
1:00 pm- In the mood to shop? Forty-Five Ten has been rated nationally as some of the best shopping in the US, if you’re willing to pay the price. They also have a tiny restaurant in the back called T Room, and it is where most of the Highland Park socialites hang out. Their Asian Noodle Salad is yummy!
4:00 pm- Its tea time! Head back to The Joule for some high-tea at TASCHEN library in the lobby. The cute decorations and tiny decorated cake are straight of out Alice in Wonderland.
7:30 pm- For dinner head over to Le Bilboquet, it is the hottest restaurant in town. The restaurant is the first expansion from their New York location, mixing French charm and Texan vibes.
If you couldn’t get a reservation at Le Bilboquet, Fearing’s is great second option for an upscale experience, located in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
Lastly, if you are feeling adventurous head over to Bishop Arts and dine at Lucia. This is the best Italian in town. If you cannot get a reservation, try walking in and sitting at the bar. The restaurant only seats 30!
10:30 pm- No trip to Dallas would be complete without a pub crawl down McKinney Ave. Check out some of the most famous watering holes such as Renfield’s Corner, The Standard Pour, Trophy Room (ride the bull!).
Saturday:
10:00 am- You cannot come to Dallas without trying Chicken and Waffles. Gross, I know, but it is actually one of the weirdest and most delicious combinations I’ve ever had. Oddfellows in Bishop Arts is the favorite breakfast among the locals. If you still have a little bit of space, try a slice of an Emporium Pie, known as the best pies in town.
12:00 pm- A trip to Dallas would not be the same without a little day-drinking, a Texan’s second favorite past time! Star by walking the Katy Trail on down to the Katy Trail Ice House where all Dallasites will be on a Saturday afternoon, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
If you’re more of a music-lover and less into sports, head to The Rustic for some live music and some great cocktails!
7:00pm- After freshening up at the hotel, wander around Highland Park Village for some window shopping. A few of my favorite stores are Carolina Herrera, Vince, Rag & Bone, and Stella McCartney, to name a few.
8:30 pm- Enjoy the fine-dining of one of the best restaurants in Dallas, Bistro 31. Known for its class and refined dining, there is no better way to end your stay in the beautiful Dallas.
If you want a restaurant that is equally elegant, but want a little more daring cuisine, head to Abacus and order the lobster shooters, it’s what their famous for.
10:30PM- After dinner, walk upstairs to Bistro 31’s 31 Lounge, an exquisite champagne bar with over 20 types of champagne. You will be rubbing shoulders with Dallas’ elite.
Sunday:
10:00 am- Breakfast at Pecan Lodge, you better get there early or the line will be out the door.
12:00pm- Walk over to Klyde Warren Park, one of the most fun places to be on a warm sunny Sunday afternoon. Listen to some free live music and watch performers in the park. If you have time before you leave, grab a bite to eat at at one of the many food trucks surrounding the park.
If you’re in the mood for something a little fancier, grab some food at Lark in the Park.
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