Trip to Dallas
Jan 24th, 2007, 09:26 AM
#42
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Wow. I work a few blocks from the Adolphus. I'm trying to ponder what I'd do if I was at the Adolphus for 5 days without a car. Wow. It's sort of blowing my mind...I think I'd go nuts. Please reconsider the car issue. You'd have a lot more options.
Jan 24th, 2007, 09:36 AM
#43
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From what I gather, they are flying in on the 10th. If they are on a flight from the UK, that means they will be at the hotel in the evening. There goes day 1. Day could be spent on breakfast, Dealy plaza, museum and dinner.
Day 5 is likely a travel day as well...
So they have 2 full free days. One of these days can be taken up with downtown area attractions.
The other day could be the Ft Worth trip.
I don't believe 5 days is 5 full days.
Day 5 is likely a travel day as well...
So they have 2 full free days. One of these days can be taken up with downtown area attractions.
The other day could be the Ft Worth trip.
I don't believe 5 days is 5 full days.
Jan 24th, 2007, 10:35 AM
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I didn't read the prior posts closely enough to realize you are coming from the UK. That makes sense - I don't drive in the UK either. (My mind is not good at reversing things.)
I'll try to be more helpful.
I checked the local entertainment venues for the time you'll be in town. If you think you might like ice hockey, the Stars are playing at American Airlines center (a very short cab ride away from your hotel) on the 11th and the 13th. If you think you might like a magic show, David Copperfield is at the Majestic (downtown) on the 10th and 11th. Unfortuntely, the Dallas Symphony is not playing, but there is a Pops concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center on the 10th and 11th - it features a Beatles imitator group! The US Army Field Bank is appearing at the Meyerson on the 13th.
I normally suggest that folks visiting from out of the country visit one of the evangelical mega-churches....it's such an experience. With no car, I'd recommend a service at First Baptist Church in downtown Dallas. (It's very near the Dallas Museum of Art.) If you'd prefer a Catholic Mass, the historic (at least by Dallas standards) Cathedral Guadalupe is also downtown.
For restaurants, the Iron Cactus is close to your hotel and has pretty good Mexican food. No trip to downtown Dallas is complete without lunch at the Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus. Order the Mandarin Chicken Salad if you want to eat what Dallas "ladies who lunch" have been eating for decades. There's also a caramel merengue dessert that is to die for.
There is a restaurant two blocks from your hotel (on Commerce Street) called Fuse. It's Texas/Asian fusion and you'd probably get a kick out of it.
Of course, the French Room in the Adolphus is a very formal "destination" restaurant. If you want an expensive "fancy" meal, make reservations.
For up to the minute restaurant and entertainment recommendations, go to guidelive.com
Don't know if you are using a guide book, but the West End Marketplace has closed; it used to have a Planet Holleywood and a movie theatre, so it may still be in guide books.
The Palm Restaurant is about 4 blocks away from the school book depository. If you go at lunch, it's not terribly pricey. Ask about the steak salad and the shrimp marinara, even if they aren't on the menu.
You'll find decent ribs/Texas barbeque at Sonny Bryans, just a couple of blocks from Dealy plaze. Across the street is the Corner Bakery, which has decent salads and yummy baked goods. In that same area is a chain called Chipotle, which is a good burrito place.
I work in an office building that you'll pass walking from the Adolphus to the Kennedy sites. It's the tallest building in town and is lit up in green at night. There are numerous ATMs and a branch of Bank of America in the lower level of our building if you need a bank.
I'll try to be more helpful.
I checked the local entertainment venues for the time you'll be in town. If you think you might like ice hockey, the Stars are playing at American Airlines center (a very short cab ride away from your hotel) on the 11th and the 13th. If you think you might like a magic show, David Copperfield is at the Majestic (downtown) on the 10th and 11th. Unfortuntely, the Dallas Symphony is not playing, but there is a Pops concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center on the 10th and 11th - it features a Beatles imitator group! The US Army Field Bank is appearing at the Meyerson on the 13th.
I normally suggest that folks visiting from out of the country visit one of the evangelical mega-churches....it's such an experience. With no car, I'd recommend a service at First Baptist Church in downtown Dallas. (It's very near the Dallas Museum of Art.) If you'd prefer a Catholic Mass, the historic (at least by Dallas standards) Cathedral Guadalupe is also downtown.
For restaurants, the Iron Cactus is close to your hotel and has pretty good Mexican food. No trip to downtown Dallas is complete without lunch at the Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus. Order the Mandarin Chicken Salad if you want to eat what Dallas "ladies who lunch" have been eating for decades. There's also a caramel merengue dessert that is to die for.
There is a restaurant two blocks from your hotel (on Commerce Street) called Fuse. It's Texas/Asian fusion and you'd probably get a kick out of it.
Of course, the French Room in the Adolphus is a very formal "destination" restaurant. If you want an expensive "fancy" meal, make reservations.
For up to the minute restaurant and entertainment recommendations, go to guidelive.com
Don't know if you are using a guide book, but the West End Marketplace has closed; it used to have a Planet Holleywood and a movie theatre, so it may still be in guide books.
The Palm Restaurant is about 4 blocks away from the school book depository. If you go at lunch, it's not terribly pricey. Ask about the steak salad and the shrimp marinara, even if they aren't on the menu.
You'll find decent ribs/Texas barbeque at Sonny Bryans, just a couple of blocks from Dealy plaze. Across the street is the Corner Bakery, which has decent salads and yummy baked goods. In that same area is a chain called Chipotle, which is a good burrito place.
I work in an office building that you'll pass walking from the Adolphus to the Kennedy sites. It's the tallest building in town and is lit up in green at night. There are numerous ATMs and a branch of Bank of America in the lower level of our building if you need a bank.
Jan 24th, 2007, 11:14 AM
#46
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TxTravelPro.thanks for the offer,very much appreciated and I wasnt meaning to be ignorant by not replying but I would prefer to explore by myself with all your suggestions.as you say we only actually have 4 full days,one for JFK,one for Fort Worth and one for shopping and sightseeing.As we arrive on Saturday evening Sunday will be a rest day,I would like to go to the church that missypie suggested and then have a wander round and a few beers in the afternoon.
HonestAbe says 2 days is enough in Dallas but dont forget that we have never been to the States before so every day will be a novel experience!!
HonestAbe says 2 days is enough in Dallas but dont forget that we have never been to the States before so every day will be a novel experience!!
Jan 24th, 2007, 11:41 AM
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I guess I should explain a bit more about the churches, as there are other downtown churches as well.
First Baptist will give you a big time "evangelical" experience. There will be an orchestra, a song leader, and ladies with big hair. The sermon may include a rant against gay marriage or the ordination of women. It would be a very unique cultural experience, but it might push your buttons if you aren't ultra-conservative.
Besides Cathedral Guadalupe, there are also large United Methodist and Presbyterian churches downtown. The sermons there would be a bit more moderate, but First Baptist Church would definitely give you a better story to tell when you get back home!
If you're over there, there is a nice restaurant in the Dallas Museum of Art. Also nearby is "Stephen Pyles", which is owned by the famed chef of that name.
I always like to go to a grocery store when I travel. I think that as of today, there is still a downtown grocery store; I know that it was struggling financially and the city bailed them out for a while. You might ask the concierge when you get here. A fun experience would be to go the Fiesta Mart (the closest one is at 5334 Ross Avenue), which is a supermarket aimed at the Hispanic population.
I have a partner who is VERY into Kennedy conspiracy theories. Our office is just a couple of blocks away from Dealey Plaza. Let me know if you'd like me to introduce you by email.
When you settle on a shopping destination (Northpark or the Galleria?), let us know and we can recommend restaurants.
First Baptist will give you a big time "evangelical" experience. There will be an orchestra, a song leader, and ladies with big hair. The sermon may include a rant against gay marriage or the ordination of women. It would be a very unique cultural experience, but it might push your buttons if you aren't ultra-conservative.
Besides Cathedral Guadalupe, there are also large United Methodist and Presbyterian churches downtown. The sermons there would be a bit more moderate, but First Baptist Church would definitely give you a better story to tell when you get back home!
If you're over there, there is a nice restaurant in the Dallas Museum of Art. Also nearby is "Stephen Pyles", which is owned by the famed chef of that name.
I always like to go to a grocery store when I travel. I think that as of today, there is still a downtown grocery store; I know that it was struggling financially and the city bailed them out for a while. You might ask the concierge when you get here. A fun experience would be to go the Fiesta Mart (the closest one is at 5334 Ross Avenue), which is a supermarket aimed at the Hispanic population.
I have a partner who is VERY into Kennedy conspiracy theories. Our office is just a couple of blocks away from Dealey Plaza. Let me know if you'd like me to introduce you by email.
When you settle on a shopping destination (Northpark or the Galleria?), let us know and we can recommend restaurants.
Jan 24th, 2007, 12:29 PM
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The address of First Baptist Church is 1707 San Jacinto. It's near Ross Ave. Services are at 8 am and 11 am (there'e also one at 6pm if you end up sleeping in.) The church's web site is www.firstdallas.org.
Jan 24th, 2007, 01:40 PM
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Jan 24th, 2007, 05:26 PM
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A few corrections to aceplace's post about Country & Western dance halls:
Gilley's and Cowboys Red River are definitely the two best places to go if you want to dance. Unfortunately, you won't find anyone line dancing anymore. That stopped about 1998... Adair's is fun, but it can get really crowded.
Top Rail (NW Hwy) is GONE. It changed to a Tejano bar last fall, which then closed after a few months.
TTP, new car here, too. 2007 Ford Mustang. Gotta love it! Wheeeeee!
Gilley's and Cowboys Red River are definitely the two best places to go if you want to dance. Unfortunately, you won't find anyone line dancing anymore. That stopped about 1998... Adair's is fun, but it can get really crowded.
Top Rail (NW Hwy) is GONE. It changed to a Tejano bar last fall, which then closed after a few months.
TTP, new car here, too. 2007 Ford Mustang. Gotta love it! Wheeeeee!
Jan 24th, 2007, 05:53 PM
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Christie... I love the new Mustang!
If I could afford it I would get a white Shelby with Blue racing stripes.
What color did you get?
My husband traded in his 2004 Mach 1 (Azure Blue) for his new FX SuperCrew. He has had Mustangs since the 70's and he is really going to miss having one... we used to show it once in a while for the fun of it.
Of course he will regret it one day, too!
If I could afford it I would get a white Shelby with Blue racing stripes.
What color did you get?
My husband traded in his 2004 Mach 1 (Azure Blue) for his new FX SuperCrew. He has had Mustangs since the 70's and he is really going to miss having one... we used to show it once in a while for the fun of it.
Of course he will regret it one day, too!
Jan 24th, 2007, 11:25 PM
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Dabber, since this is your first visit to the States, we all want you to have a good impression. As I've hinted before, Dallas is not one of our prettiest cities. We have a good climate and the people are friendly. The U.S. has some really stunning cities with vibrant atmospheres in their downtown areas. Dallas is working on it, but isn't quite there yet. Reread my earlier post. Those are the things we do with our out of town guests. Instead of describing in great detail how to get to a particular place, your concierge can do that for you.
As per your schedule, the museum hopping, Gilley's/Red River, a Fort Worth day trip (Google Billy Bob's Honky Tonk), and some shopping in Highland Park Village, West Village, Knox Henderson and/or Northpark/Galleria, that should be plenty. Oh, a couple of places things to check out the Dallas "scene"...the pool area of Hotel ZaZa and the Ghost Bar at the W Hotel.
As per your schedule, the museum hopping, Gilley's/Red River, a Fort Worth day trip (Google Billy Bob's Honky Tonk), and some shopping in Highland Park Village, West Village, Knox Henderson and/or Northpark/Galleria, that should be plenty. Oh, a couple of places things to check out the Dallas "scene"...the pool area of Hotel ZaZa and the Ghost Bar at the W Hotel.
Jan 25th, 2007, 06:52 AM
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Since I read this post, I've been trying to see downtown Dallas through the eyes of someone who has never been to the US...interesting. Your appoach into Dallas from the airport will not be gorgeous (that is my commute to work), but it will give you a good idea of "sprawl."
If you are a real Kennedy buff, you'll know that he was on the way to a luncheon at the Market Center when he was killed. As you come into town, after you aproach the Market Center exit, look left and you'll see the location of the luncheon. In the same vicinity, you'll also see Parkland Hospital where he was taken.
There is no movie theatre downtown. The closest would be in the West Village, which you might find interesting. There is, however, an indoor skating rink downtown, at Plaza of the Americas.
If you let us know what kind of shopping you'd like to do, we can provide further direction.
Also, I heard on the radio this morning that the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Schupture Center as hosting a Matisse exhibit that is supposed to be quite the big deal.
If you are a real Kennedy buff, you'll know that he was on the way to a luncheon at the Market Center when he was killed. As you come into town, after you aproach the Market Center exit, look left and you'll see the location of the luncheon. In the same vicinity, you'll also see Parkland Hospital where he was taken.
There is no movie theatre downtown. The closest would be in the West Village, which you might find interesting. There is, however, an indoor skating rink downtown, at Plaza of the Americas.
If you let us know what kind of shopping you'd like to do, we can provide further direction.
Also, I heard on the radio this morning that the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Schupture Center as hosting a Matisse exhibit that is supposed to be quite the big deal.
Jan 25th, 2007, 07:11 AM
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We did Dallas w/o a car. We used the train and buses that were available. It did take more time to get to places but we were able to take in the local flavor of Dallas communities. Went to the Dallas Arboretum, it was in April, and LOVED it. You could see what is in bloom www.dallasarboretum.org there this month.
Jan 25th, 2007, 11:19 AM
#57
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I am hoping that this will not be my last visit to the States,I would like to try a New York short break(any suggestions for best time to go,where to stay etc.)
We have 5 grandchildren aged 12,10, 8 ,5 and 20 months who we would like to take to Disney in Florida sooner rather than later and I have always fancied driving round the Deep South(as long as there are no hillbillies like the ones in Deliverance!!)
I went to Edmonton a few years ago when I was serving with the Royal Air Force and imagined that American cities would be similar,or was I wrong??
TxTravelPro I dont mean to appear rude but are you female??
Missypie I have found the building where you work and I will wave at about 10.30 on Monday 12th March on my way to Dealey Plaza!
No need to apologise about the appearance of Dallas,we frequently go to Manchester which is one of the roughest cities in the UK with more gun crime and shootings than London!!
We have 5 grandchildren aged 12,10, 8 ,5 and 20 months who we would like to take to Disney in Florida sooner rather than later and I have always fancied driving round the Deep South(as long as there are no hillbillies like the ones in Deliverance!!)
I went to Edmonton a few years ago when I was serving with the Royal Air Force and imagined that American cities would be similar,or was I wrong??
TxTravelPro I dont mean to appear rude but are you female??
Missypie I have found the building where you work and I will wave at about 10.30 on Monday 12th March on my way to Dealey Plaza!
No need to apologise about the appearance of Dallas,we frequently go to Manchester which is one of the roughest cities in the UK with more gun crime and shootings than London!!
Jan 25th, 2007, 11:26 AM
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Wave big, because we'll be in Barcelona! That week is Spring Break for most schools around here.
If you are serious about a trip to Disneyworld, you should visit disboards.com. It's a wealth of information, and there is even a page just for UK visitors.
If you are serious about a trip to Disneyworld, you should visit disboards.com. It's a wealth of information, and there is even a page just for UK visitors.
Jan 25th, 2007, 05:15 PM
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The train is called the TRE (Trinity Railway Express). It leaves right from downtown and goes to the Fort Worth Stockyards approximately every hour and takes an hour to get there. You may take a trolley to the Fort Worth museums from the centreport. The cost is about $1 each way. The TRe does not run on sunday though. The Nasher museum is pretty close to downtown, they change their exhibits regularly and is pretty nice. You may take a shuttle from the airport to downtown for about $25 each way.
Jan 25th, 2007, 10:14 PM
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Hi Dabber,
I don't think you'll find Dallas quite like Manchester. We just want to let you know that you aren't going to see JR's ranch (or anything remotely like it) on the way in from the airport or anywhere near downtown Dallas. The city was certainly glamorized by the show! Just want to manage your expectations. Please do a trip report. We'll all look for it. Although I'm not a native Dallasite, the natives are incredibly passionate about their hometown.
I'll look for your future posting on the Deep South. We lived in Atlanta for 7 years. The southeast of the US is an area with tremendous natural beauty though quite a few Deliverance types still exist in the more rural towns. Now THAT will make for some good stories to take home!
P.S. I was wondering the same thing about TXTravelPro myself!
I don't think you'll find Dallas quite like Manchester. We just want to let you know that you aren't going to see JR's ranch (or anything remotely like it) on the way in from the airport or anywhere near downtown Dallas. The city was certainly glamorized by the show! Just want to manage your expectations. Please do a trip report. We'll all look for it. Although I'm not a native Dallasite, the natives are incredibly passionate about their hometown.
I'll look for your future posting on the Deep South. We lived in Atlanta for 7 years. The southeast of the US is an area with tremendous natural beauty though quite a few Deliverance types still exist in the more rural towns. Now THAT will make for some good stories to take home!
P.S. I was wondering the same thing about TXTravelPro myself!
