Local's Guide: Dallas Done Right

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Advisor - Sara Wilcox
Curated By

Sara Wilcox

  • Domestic Travel

  • USA

  • Dallas

  • City Travel

  • Couples Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Foodie

  • Sightseeing

  • Museums

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Curator’s statement

Everything's bigger in The Big D, including the talent of the local chefs and the service at the hotels! A business destination for some and weekend getaway for others, there is plenty to see, do, and eat (!) around Dallas.

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Where to stay in Dallas, Texas

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Things to do in Dallas, Texas

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1. Visit the Dallas Arboretum on White Rock Lake. Its 66 acres are covered in pumpkins in the fall, offer an incredible "12 Days of Christmas" display in the winter and are covered in over half a million tulips in the spring!

2. Highland Park Village - Even if you're not in the market for a new Chanel handbag or Tom Ford suit, it's fun to stroll around and people watch.

3. Walk or bike the Katy Trail, then make up for it with a beer and a burger on the picnic tables at the Katy Trail Ice House.

4. Shop the latest trends at Cabana and Canary, two of Dallas' chicest stores located in converted bungalows along Lovers Lane.

5. Visit the Dallas Museum of Art with its acclaimed exhibits.

6. Spend an afternoon in Bishop Arts District, where the local hipsters go to eat, drink and shop.

7. Enjoy live music at The Rustic, an outdoor venue in the heart of town owned by Texas country music star Pat Green.

8. Catch a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

9. Enjoy a BYO picnic, or select something to eat from the line of food trucks, for lunch at Klyde Warren Park in the heart of downtown.

Places to eat & drink in Dallas, Texas

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1. Sister - Small, quaint, fun! And some of the best Italian you've ever had. Its owners are famous for their other restaurants - but this one is the cherry on top.

2. Desert Racer - Spend your afternoon on the patio, watching the games while indulging in their Tex Mex and list of various Ranch Waters (the Dallas staple cocktail).

3. Honor Bar - There's always a wait for a table and the Macho Salad, that's why the patio is the perfect place in Highland Park Village to enjoy a glass of Sancerre.

4. Smoky Rose - The best BBQ in town and often live music to go with it. They don't mind the kids running around and even offer lawn games. It's a great spot before or after a visit to the Arboretum.

5. Monarch - The top of the 5-star dining list in Dallas, at the top of a tower, with top notch views.

6. Jose - Mexican food and margaritas with a Mexico City feel.

7. Beverly's - A buzzy and pretty interior, with some of the best, most fresh food in town. Great for a girls night out!

8. Clifton Club - Perfect for pre or post dinner cocktails.

9. Mansion Bar - Classy, romantic and quite the scene within Rosewood's Mansion on Turtle Creek. Grab a martini and enjoy the live music every Friday & Saturday night.

Advisor - Sara Wilcox

Travel Advisor

Sara Wilcox

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For more Texas travel inspo, check out this guide to Austin by Nicole Ciehoski: Things to Do in Austin, Texas: A 4-Day Guide.