Have you ever thought of exploring Dallas? It would not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of an American holiday, however as Fahy Travel travel specialist Caroline O’Toole found out recently, it really should be.
Dallas has many unique escapes for any traveller, the first being the really beautiful Wildcatter Ranch and Resort, a four-star property located a two-hour drive outside Dallas and only 90 minutes from DFW international Airport. The property boasts a 25-mile horse riding trail, guided activities with local Texas cowboys where you will experience the most stunning sights. These include clay shooting, tomahawk throwing, historical Jeep tours, archery, and a new shooting range. If rest and relaxation is what you crave, then the infinity-edged pool and hot tub or a therapeutic massage is also an option.
In contrast to the Wild West the plush surroundings of the luxurious Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown, with its phenomenal rooftop bar overlooking the Dallas Skyline, is set in a world of upscale shops, local breweries, parks, venues, and the arts district. The eco-friendly shuttle service, Efrogs, offers amazing tours starting from $25 which are worth every cent. You will be overwhelmed with all there is to see in Dallas; the City Pass offers the best discounted options. Attractions including Reunion Tower GeoDeck, JFK Museum, the George W Bush museum with replica Oval Office, or Dallas Zoo are well worth the visit. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is dedicated to the assassination of John F Kennedy in 1963 where the shooter’s window is preserved along with numerous artefacts from the event.
Dallas is home to one of the best barbecue joints in America, Pecan Lodge, which, along with the many bars, casual dining options, craft beers, and live music, make for a great social evening. During the day Dallas’ retail offering is extensive. NorthPark Centre in Dallas offers tax-free shopping for international tourists and has more than 200 shops including a Macy’s. A little hipster haven, Bishop Arts District (Dallas ), has an artisan feel and is filled with boutiques, coffee shops, and galleries.
At Fort Worth you can enjoy a laid-back vibe that is historically rooted in cowboys and cattle. You can explore this colourful legacy of the early 1900s by spending a day in the high-spirited Stockyards District, a warren of vintage shops, restaurants, and museums that including the Stockyards Championship Rodeo.
Dallas is a big, trendy, city with plenty of buzzing neighbourhoods offering luxury shopping, restaurants, and bars, and one old saying still holds true. Everything really is bigger in Texas, and your visit should be bigger than life too.
