Dallas..things to do
 

Hello,

My other half is joining me at the end of my work trip which happens to be in Dallas...yee haw!

I go every year to Texas with work and love it though I tend to find myself inside the vast amount of malls and never anywhere else!

This year though I would love to see some of the sights Dallas has to offer, I have heard of the Stockyards though the bar kept me far longer than expected so I never made it!

What can we both do that will give us a good feel of Texas, an authentic experience would be fantastic.

We are staying in the Grapevine area, any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

The Stockyards offers the best cowboy experience in DFW. The Stockyard Hotel lobby is furnished with excellent western antiques. The H3 steakhouse attached to the hotel has a great saloon. Check to see what time the shops close the day you will visit. The western wear, furnishing and antique shops are all worthy destinations you don't want to miss.

Fort Worth is a lot more "texas" than Dallas itself. So, if seeing cowboys stuff is important to you, definitely go to Fort Worth. There is also a National Cowgirl Museum in Fort Worth.
http://www.cowgirl.net/

You didn't mention when you'll be in Dallas, but if you're going in end of Sept - mid October, don't miss the Texas State Fair in Dallas.
http://www.bigtex.com/

If you are remotely interested in art, there are many superb art museums in DFW. Fort Worth has its Modern and Kimball; Dallas has the Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Center. All 4 are real gems.

I hope you find time for a couple of hours in historic downtown Grapevine. Walk up and down the streets, look at the train, the log cabin, the old jail, the sculptures, etc. Sit at a school desk and have a sandwich at Cero's Heroes. Of course, there's also Grapevine Mills mall and the Bass Pro Shop. For barbeque, try Bartleys. The hotel will be able to give you directions.

If you haven't been already, go to the Sixth Floor Museum...it's really well done. For lunch afterward, try YO Ranch, which is about two blocks from the museum. There's also a large aquarium a couple blocks from that if that sort of thing interests you.

I'll also agree that spending time in downtown Grapevine is good. Skip Bartley's BBQ (yuck) and go have a margarita at Esparza's or a beer at Wilhoite's instead.

YK's suggestions are great. I love to take visitors to the Sixth Floor museum. It's really good! And you can never go wrong with the Stockyards!

Bartleys is my husband's favorite barbeque. Not a lot of atmosphere, however.

FYI - the "Stockyards" are in Fort Worth, not Dallas.

Thank you all for your replies, really appreciate them.

Dallas here we come!!

If it is soon, you could go to the Mesquite Rodeo. It is very authentic.

September 1-27—MESQUITE: Mesquite Championship Rodeo Includes bull riding, saddle bronco riding, steer wrestling, calf roping and ladies barrel racing. Mesquite Championship Resistol Arena, 1818 Rodeo Drive. www.mesquiterodeo.com 972/285-8777

If you are around on the weekend before the 1st Monday (Aug 29, 30, 31 or Oct 3, 4, 5 or Oct 31, Nov 1,2) head to Canton Tx for the most amazing, humongous open air market you have ever seen.
It's an easy 1.5 hour drive from Grapevine.
The market dates back to the 1800's.

Maybe you will be lucky enough to be here during Grapefest:
September 11-14—GRAPEVINE: GrapeFest Includes People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, entertainment, carnival and midway, Kid Zone, grape stomp, vintners auction, Texas Wine Tribute Dinner, tennis classic and more. Historic Main Street. www.grapevinetexasusa.com

Here's some additonal festivals that I would recommend!

September 13—DALLAS: All About Uptown Festival Explore the best of Uptown Dallas with food by famous Uptown chefs, art by world renowned artists and artisans, and tours. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Uptown Dallas Retail and Entertainment District. 214/922-9622

September 13—DENTON: Arts, Antiques & Autos Extravaganza Hot rods, classic and custom cars line the square. Includes antique appraisals and dealers, juried art show and strolling entertainment. Downtown Square. www.dentonmainstreet.com 940/349-8529

September 13—HILLSBORO: Go Texan Days/Cotton Pickin’ Fair Includes barbecue cook-off, horseshoes, dominos and washers, arts & crafts, and street dance. Historic Downtown Courthouse Square. www.hillsborochamber.org 254/582-2481


September 13-20—SULPHUR SPRINGS: Hopkins County Fall Festival Includes a parade, trades day, gospel song festival, star night concert, golf tournament, carnival, gospel concert, arts & craft sale, street dance, World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest and more. Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. www.civiccenteronline.com 903/885-8071

September 19-21—PLANO: EDS Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Plano Centre. www.planoballoonfest.org 972/867-7566

September 26-28—COMMERCE: Bois d’Arc Bash Includes music on stage and food on Friday evening. Saturday activities include browsing more than 100 vendors with arts & crafts, food and more; parade; wine tasting; music; entertainment; youth pageant; 5K run; and children’s and youth activities. On Sunday, enjoy barbecue and a classic car show. Downtown Commerce. www.commerce-chamber.com 903/886-3950

Also, Octoberfest in Addison:
http://www.addisontexas.net/events/oktoberfest/

I would hit a festival!!!!

Thanks TxTravelPro,

I will be there from the 1st and my fella is arriving on the 7th and we leave on the 14th, Plenty of time to see some of the fab things you suggested!

Thanks again

Kimball Museum in Ft. Worth has the largest loan of impressionist painting (92!) from Art Institute of Chicago through November 2. It was very enjoyable and has an audio tour that comes with your entrance fee. It took around 1 1/2 hr (we tend to linger around pieces) but can be shorter than that if need be.

It was a short drive (30 min?) to Ft. Worth. The museum has a nice cafe offering simple options on a nice terrace or inside.

If your fella was going to be here for a Friday night, I'd recommend a high school football game. The Trinity Trojans, from nearby Euless, are one of the top ranked HS football teams in the nation. The whole Texas HS football scene is pretty amazing if you haven't experienced it before. Big marchng bands, great stadiums, drill teams in cowgirl hats and cowgirl boots, and, of course, football.