A week in Texas?
Feb 23rd, 2010, 03:51 AM
#21
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Don't forget to visit Fort Worth- you can easily spend most of the day there and you don't need to drive from Dallas as the Trinity Rail Road is very cheap and quick. Infact, also being English when we visited the Dallas area last year we didn't hire a car at all as we used the DART (tram system) and Trinity Rail Road train for our entire vacation.
You shouldn't forget the shopping at NorthPark mall which is awesome, Dallas Zoo and trying to catch a basketball or ice hockey game at the American Airlines Center. Also, not sure if you will be there for the start of the NFL season but catching a game at the new £1 billion Dallas Cowboys stadium should not be missed! Finally, the food in Dallas is some of the best in the world!! (I ate at Gordon Ramsey's restaurant last week and still think the French Room, Abacus and Bob's... are better)
You shouldn't forget the shopping at NorthPark mall which is awesome, Dallas Zoo and trying to catch a basketball or ice hockey game at the American Airlines Center. Also, not sure if you will be there for the start of the NFL season but catching a game at the new £1 billion Dallas Cowboys stadium should not be missed! Finally, the food in Dallas is some of the best in the world!! (I ate at Gordon Ramsey's restaurant last week and still think the French Room, Abacus and Bob's... are better)
Feb 23rd, 2010, 10:37 AM
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What is there to see in Houston? (I've been once, and IMHO, the answer is not much).
I'd limit San Antonio and Austin to 2 days/nights each, with a day in-between for Gruene and Fredericksburg. You could spend more time in San Antonio if you're interested in the missions or things like Ripley's Believe-It-Or-Not and SeaWorld, otherwise, you can see everything there is to see (Riverwalk, Mexican marketplace, King William District, the Alamo) in a day and a half. I don't know anything about the Dallas area, but if that's worth 3 days, then you have your week -- Dallas 3 days, San Antonio 2 days, Austin 2 days.
I'd limit San Antonio and Austin to 2 days/nights each, with a day in-between for Gruene and Fredericksburg. You could spend more time in San Antonio if you're interested in the missions or things like Ripley's Believe-It-Or-Not and SeaWorld, otherwise, you can see everything there is to see (Riverwalk, Mexican marketplace, King William District, the Alamo) in a day and a half. I don't know anything about the Dallas area, but if that's worth 3 days, then you have your week -- Dallas 3 days, San Antonio 2 days, Austin 2 days.
Feb 24th, 2010, 02:41 AM
#25
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Thanks guys. I agree with sf7307 that Dallas/FW 3 nights, San Antonio 2 nights and Austin 2 nights is just about right. Cranachin - thanks for the feedback about Jet Blue. I'd love to see the Cowboys but I'll bet the tickets are hard to get (even if they do happen to have a home game when we're there). I do enjoy the NFL and I've been lucky enough to see 4 games so far. The DART and Trinity Railroad sound good also. Maybe we should only hire the car when I'm about to leave Dallas. That would make it cheaper, presumably. My wife would enjoy the mall. Hey - no-one's mentioned Southfork! lol
Feb 24th, 2010, 07:16 AM
#26
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>>
That might be the ONLY good reason to go to Dallas LOL (I've never been in Dallas for sightseeing - just for a family wedding).
As for the Cowboys, IF you're interested, tickets can always be gotten for sold-out games, either on the "ticket trader" portion of the team's own website (where season ticket holders can sell their unused tickets) or on craigslist.
That might be the ONLY good reason to go to Dallas LOL (I've never been in Dallas for sightseeing - just for a family wedding).
As for the Cowboys, IF you're interested, tickets can always be gotten for sold-out games, either on the "ticket trader" portion of the team's own website (where season ticket holders can sell their unused tickets) or on craigslist.
Mar 13th, 2010, 11:10 AM
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jaguar,
I'm wholly disappointed in the responders who are encouraging you to skip Dallas/Fort Worth.
I am from Chicago originally, but have called the D/FW area "home" for more than 20 years now.
There is MUCH to see and do in the area. And the Sixth Floor Museum is one of my favorites. It is an emotional visit, but extremely well-done. DO rent the audiotour.
In addition, Dallas has some fine museums and excellent shopping. I'm sure you have searched the internet for same.
Someone suggested it is a long haul from Dallas to Fort Worth. That is simply not true (unless you are driving in rush hour traffic on a weekday morning or evening). In the middle of the day and on weekends, you can get from city center to city center in 50 mts.
I do recommend "hiring" a car while you are here. The Metroplex (as we are known locally) is very spread out. The stop to see the new Cowboys Stadium is almost halfway between the two cities, and just off the interstate you would travel to get from one to the other (I-30). It is a beautiful stadium and I wouldn't miss it if you like American football. Additionally, they do offer tours when games are not being played. Here is the website: http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/
The schedule is not out yet for 2010. But if you are interested in tickets, (they will probably still be in pre-season and tickets should be less expensive and easier to come by) the Cowboys have a link on their website for ticket "re-sales". More season ticket holders sell their pre-season tickets than regular-game tickets. Schedules for new season generally come out 10 weeks after the Superbowl. So, around mid-April you should start checking the website for tickets.
The new stadium is awe-inspiring. (We locals refer to it as "The Death Star" since, lit up at night, it kind of does look like the Death Star. hahaha)
If you like American baseball, the Texas Rangers play in The Ballpark, just a couple blocks from the new Cowboys stadium! They will still be playing in September and it is a beautiful ballpark. Here is their website (home games are in dark blue): http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/schedul...tex&m=9&y=2010.
In Fort Worth, the Stockyards, as suggested, does have much in the way of cowboy-themed history and sites. There is a standing rodeo and a daily walk by some famed longhorn steer:
http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/ You can also sign up for email at that website and you will receive emails about updated events, etc.
Not too far from the Stockyards is Sundance Square. A very fun Saturday night for all. I love it. http://www.sundancesquare.com/
Fort Worth also has a wonderful zoo and a beautiful Botanic Gardens. They also have some of the best museums in the country. The Kimbell is awesome: https://www.kimbellart.org/index.aspx The Amon Carter has some of the most extensive and fabulous collections of American art, especially Western art. They have more Remington's than any other museum I know. http://www.cartermuseum.org/ The National Cowgirl Hall of Fame can also be found in the Arts District: http://www.cowgirl.net/
Well, there is a starter for you! If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer. But I think 4 days in D/FW could be quite fun!
Have a wonderful trip!
I'm wholly disappointed in the responders who are encouraging you to skip Dallas/Fort Worth.
I am from Chicago originally, but have called the D/FW area "home" for more than 20 years now.
There is MUCH to see and do in the area. And the Sixth Floor Museum is one of my favorites. It is an emotional visit, but extremely well-done. DO rent the audiotour.
In addition, Dallas has some fine museums and excellent shopping. I'm sure you have searched the internet for same.
Someone suggested it is a long haul from Dallas to Fort Worth. That is simply not true (unless you are driving in rush hour traffic on a weekday morning or evening). In the middle of the day and on weekends, you can get from city center to city center in 50 mts.
I do recommend "hiring" a car while you are here. The Metroplex (as we are known locally) is very spread out. The stop to see the new Cowboys Stadium is almost halfway between the two cities, and just off the interstate you would travel to get from one to the other (I-30). It is a beautiful stadium and I wouldn't miss it if you like American football. Additionally, they do offer tours when games are not being played. Here is the website: http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/
The schedule is not out yet for 2010. But if you are interested in tickets, (they will probably still be in pre-season and tickets should be less expensive and easier to come by) the Cowboys have a link on their website for ticket "re-sales". More season ticket holders sell their pre-season tickets than regular-game tickets. Schedules for new season generally come out 10 weeks after the Superbowl. So, around mid-April you should start checking the website for tickets.
The new stadium is awe-inspiring. (We locals refer to it as "The Death Star" since, lit up at night, it kind of does look like the Death Star. hahaha)If you like American baseball, the Texas Rangers play in The Ballpark, just a couple blocks from the new Cowboys stadium! They will still be playing in September and it is a beautiful ballpark. Here is their website (home games are in dark blue): http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/schedul...tex&m=9&y=2010.
In Fort Worth, the Stockyards, as suggested, does have much in the way of cowboy-themed history and sites. There is a standing rodeo and a daily walk by some famed longhorn steer:
http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/ You can also sign up for email at that website and you will receive emails about updated events, etc.
Not too far from the Stockyards is Sundance Square. A very fun Saturday night for all. I love it. http://www.sundancesquare.com/
Fort Worth also has a wonderful zoo and a beautiful Botanic Gardens. They also have some of the best museums in the country. The Kimbell is awesome: https://www.kimbellart.org/index.aspx The Amon Carter has some of the most extensive and fabulous collections of American art, especially Western art. They have more Remington's than any other museum I know. http://www.cartermuseum.org/ The National Cowgirl Hall of Fame can also be found in the Arts District: http://www.cowgirl.net/
Well, there is a starter for you! If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer.
But I think 4 days in D/FW could be quite fun! Have a wonderful trip!
Apr 18th, 2010, 11:35 AM
#29
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I will add an opinion if it not too late... I did not see who is in your group and what your group likes to do. But I would definitely skip Houston and the coast for this trip. When I go to the coast I go to the west side of Florida. There is no comparison in my mind!
In my opinion you will regret not renting a car. We do not have the public transportation in place yet to see all you would want to see via train. The train just does not go all the places you would like to see. And the schedule is limiting!
A suggestion might be to rent a car at DFW and spend a night or two at the Hilton in Southlake Town Center. You can have some great food (Brio is nice) and do some shopping and regroup. We Texans like to eat and shop! In Southlake you are 25 minutes from Fort Worth and 25 minutes from downtown Dallas. So you could take a day and go each way. Roanoke is alittle out of the way to Fort Worth, but a cute little town with Texas Charm. Go to Babes and get some home cooking!
I prefer Fort Worth to Dallas. The downtown area of Fort Worth (Sundance Square) is a great safe place to wander, eat, see live music and get a feel for the area. I agree with the Botanic Gardens. In the fall they have outdoor concerts that are really nice. Don't miss the Bass Hall if something is happening while you are in town! It is wonderful! The museums are very nice! Sage56 hit all the links for you! I would leave out the stockyards. Except for Joe T Garcia's. A great local mexican food that has been in the area since the 20's. Arlington is a great suggestion if you like baseball or to see what is happen ing at the Cowboy stadium or just take the tour. It is impressive. Then I would hop a plane to Austin or San Antonio. In my opinion you do not have time to do both. The hill country around Austin would be my choice. They have great food/music and you can rent a car and drive to Fredricksburg.
In my opinion you will regret not renting a car. We do not have the public transportation in place yet to see all you would want to see via train. The train just does not go all the places you would like to see. And the schedule is limiting!
A suggestion might be to rent a car at DFW and spend a night or two at the Hilton in Southlake Town Center. You can have some great food (Brio is nice) and do some shopping and regroup. We Texans like to eat and shop! In Southlake you are 25 minutes from Fort Worth and 25 minutes from downtown Dallas. So you could take a day and go each way. Roanoke is alittle out of the way to Fort Worth, but a cute little town with Texas Charm. Go to Babes and get some home cooking!
I prefer Fort Worth to Dallas. The downtown area of Fort Worth (Sundance Square) is a great safe place to wander, eat, see live music and get a feel for the area. I agree with the Botanic Gardens. In the fall they have outdoor concerts that are really nice. Don't miss the Bass Hall if something is happening while you are in town! It is wonderful! The museums are very nice! Sage56 hit all the links for you! I would leave out the stockyards. Except for Joe T Garcia's. A great local mexican food that has been in the area since the 20's. Arlington is a great suggestion if you like baseball or to see what is happen ing at the Cowboy stadium or just take the tour. It is impressive. Then I would hop a plane to Austin or San Antonio. In my opinion you do not have time to do both. The hill country around Austin would be my choice. They have great food/music and you can rent a car and drive to Fredricksburg.
Apr 22nd, 2010, 08:39 AM
#30
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NFL Schedule is out. Dallas will be at home Sep. 19 (noon) against Chicago Bears (probably not a game I would like to see). Then they won't be back to TX until October.
There is also a preseason game against Miami that is TBD but will be around Sep. 5th or so. Pre-season games usually don't mean anything (Romo will only play first half), but prices will be cheaper.
If you want to see the Rangers (baseball team) play, they are home the following dates: Sep 10-12 vs Yankees (highly recommend seeing a game in this series), Sep 14-15 vs Detroit, Sep 27-28 vs Seattle, 29-30 vs Angels
In my opinion, there is much greater value in seeing a baseball game than in seeing a football game, and I'm a hard core football fan. There have been many complaints from Cowboys seasons ticket holders that the prices are so expensive at the new stadium that they have been priced out.
Instead of paying several hundred in football just for lousy seats and more for parking and overpriced food and drinks, you can pay $25 for great seats in baseball, less for parking, and less for still overpriced food and drinks. You're talking $500 per person versus $50 per person.
There is also a preseason game against Miami that is TBD but will be around Sep. 5th or so. Pre-season games usually don't mean anything (Romo will only play first half), but prices will be cheaper.
If you want to see the Rangers (baseball team) play, they are home the following dates: Sep 10-12 vs Yankees (highly recommend seeing a game in this series), Sep 14-15 vs Detroit, Sep 27-28 vs Seattle, 29-30 vs Angels
In my opinion, there is much greater value in seeing a baseball game than in seeing a football game, and I'm a hard core football fan. There have been many complaints from Cowboys seasons ticket holders that the prices are so expensive at the new stadium that they have been priced out.
Instead of paying several hundred in football just for lousy seats and more for parking and overpriced food and drinks, you can pay $25 for great seats in baseball, less for parking, and less for still overpriced food and drinks. You're talking $500 per person versus $50 per person.
Apr 22nd, 2010, 08:41 AM
#31
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By the way, if you haven't been to a baseball game, I can't imagine a better time to see it than seeing the Yankees play the Rangers at the Ballpark in Arlington. It is a beautiful classic ballpark that will give you the full feel of baseball in America.
Apr 22nd, 2010, 09:36 AM
#32
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Houston in early September is still going to be soupy -- 90+ degrees (that's 32+ C) and humid and the city will stink even more than it normally does.
Dallas has a fine arts district in downtown, which is worth a visit. The Ballpark In Arlington is a great place to watch a baseball game.
Whoever is giving short shrift to DFW area is a bit daft. San Antonio is riverwalk and missions but the DFW area has far more to offer.
The Dallas Museum of Art has a fine permanent collection (better than the Kimball's -- the Kimball gets top rank exhibitions but its permanent collection is very modest) and the Nasher museum and Crow Asian Art collection are all within a block or two. The Dallas Zoo's Giants of the Savannah 11-acre exhibit will open next month and promises to be pretty special too.
You need a car in Texas, period.
P.S. -- Texas has 6 of the 25 largest cities in America within its state lines, so I'm thinking the Stockyards in FW don't exactly reflect the "Texan lifestyle" of the 2010s.
Dallas has a fine arts district in downtown, which is worth a visit. The Ballpark In Arlington is a great place to watch a baseball game.
Whoever is giving short shrift to DFW area is a bit daft. San Antonio is riverwalk and missions but the DFW area has far more to offer.
The Dallas Museum of Art has a fine permanent collection (better than the Kimball's -- the Kimball gets top rank exhibitions but its permanent collection is very modest) and the Nasher museum and Crow Asian Art collection are all within a block or two. The Dallas Zoo's Giants of the Savannah 11-acre exhibit will open next month and promises to be pretty special too.
You need a car in Texas, period.
P.S. -- Texas has 6 of the 25 largest cities in America within its state lines, so I'm thinking the Stockyards in FW don't exactly reflect the "Texan lifestyle" of the 2010s.
Apr 24th, 2010, 05:10 PM
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let me "pre-welcome" you to Texas!
I would suggest you:
skip Houston
spend 2 days in Dallas/Ft. Worth area-lots of shopping,& museums.
spend 3 days in Austin/San Antonio area and get out of town, and drive a "hill country loop"
there will be great places to eat wherever you go. be sure to try some chicken fried steak, and BBQ, and Tex-mex.
and you have to visit the state capitol in Austin. It is better than the Nations Capitol in Washington DC!(and taller too)
I hope you love your visit to Texas
I would suggest you:
skip Houston
spend 2 days in Dallas/Ft. Worth area-lots of shopping,& museums.
spend 3 days in Austin/San Antonio area and get out of town, and drive a "hill country loop"
there will be great places to eat wherever you go. be sure to try some chicken fried steak, and BBQ, and Tex-mex.
and you have to visit the state capitol in Austin. It is better than the Nations Capitol in Washington DC!(and taller too)
I hope you love your visit to Texas
