Dallas' Must See List
An ex-pat’s guide to the city done right
When I first moved to Dallas from London, I expected to find three things: BBQ, Tex-Mex and cowboy culture.
After a decade of living happily in this modern, metropolitan metroplex, those stereotypes are, frankly, rarities in daily life. But whenever I host guests from home, they invariably arrive with the same three items on their grocery lists.
After shopping that Texan trifecta (my top picks are Pecan Lodge for BBQ, Las Palmas for Tex-Mex and Wild Bill’s for cowboy boots and hats), I like to surprise them with a Dallas they weren’t anticipating. After all, everything’s bigger here – and that should include vacations. (Plus, the more they enjoy themselves, the more they return - and the more English chocolate they’ll smuggle for me).
Over the years, I’ve perfected my “guest list”: the experiences my European friends and family enjoy the most on their sojourns to Dallas – usually while sporting shiny new cowboy boots. These are the highlights…
1. DIVE INTO THE ROOFTOP POOL SCENE
One of the best ways to cool down when Dallas heats up is by jumping headfirst into one of the city’s rooftop pools. The Adolphus, The Statler and Hôtel Swexan all have top tier top-decks with accompanying pool bars, but the latter just edges it for me, thanks to its stellar rooftop restaurant Léonie – and the spectacular Uptown views as you float among the clouds.
2. PIE HARD AT EMPORIUM
With outposts in Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts, Emporium Pies elevates the humble American pie to new heights. Think soft, buttery crusts and exquisite, life-alteringly good fillings that border on sugar-coated necromancy. (Order a slice of their caramel apple ‘Lord of the Pies’ and thank me later).
3. TAKE A TOUR DE POUR
For groups of six or more, one of the best ways to explore downtown is from the saddle, with Dallas Party Bike. You bring your own drinks, then justify the calories by pedaling a mobile bar around town. There are different routes and packages available, but my favorite is the Deep Ellum Pub Crawl, which also stops at some of the best bars in town.
4. SAIL ON WHITE ROCK LAKE AT SUNSET
The fact that there’s a vast body of water so close to Downtown Dallas usually delights visitors – as does the sunset catamaran cruise across it, aboard the luxurious Spirit of Dallas. These 90-minute trips on White Rock Lake showcase the city’s skyline in all its glory - as well as some of the grandest lakefront homes in Texas. Pack your own picnic and drinks, and hope for a sighting of the beloved White Rock bald eagles, Nick and Nora.
5. GO DUTCH AT HENK’S
Henk’s European Deli and Blackforest Bakery has been a Dallas institution for more than 30 years, and for good reason. Serving old world comfort food (and comfort beers), it’s a delicious slice of 20th Century Europe in the middle of 21st Century America, and a superb lunch spot (get the Hot Amsterdam Sandwich, followed by Black Forest Cake).
6. SEE THE CITY FROM THE SKY
A helicopter tour of the city, especially at golden hour, is the perfect way for visitors to get their bearings and appreciate the true scale and beauty of Dallas. I love Longhorn Helicopters for this - not only are they smooth and professional, but also surprisingly affordable for a group of four.
7. ENTERTAIN KIDS AT THE PEROT MUSEUM
Dallas has more than its fair share of world class museums, from The Sixth Floor Museum at Deeley Plaza to the Dallas Museum of Art. But my favorite, and the place I always take visitors, is the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Not only does this have something for everyone – from DNA to dinosaurs – but it’s also a guaranteed hit with youngsters, thanks to the new Moody Family Children’s Museum. Plus, any excess energy can be easily burnt off afterwards in pretty Klyde Warren Park.
8. SIP COCKTAILS IN A VICTORIAN HOME
One of the oldest surviving structures in Dallas, Bowen House is now also one of the city’s coolest bars. Situated in a well-preserved 1870s home on a quiet Uptown side street, it serves killer craft cocktails and excellent bar nibbles, with an awesome happy hour. There are few better spots than a perch on its front porch around 5pm, as the city’s working day melts around you.
9. ENJOY A BREATH OF FRESH ART IN THE DESIGN DISTRICT
The best travel souvenirs are often the ones you create yourself – and Dallas Glass Art is the perfect place to complete that mission here. Situated on Chancellor Row in the Design District, they have bookable private lessons where you can make your own glasses, vases or ornaments with a Texan twist. (My top tip is creating tumblers, then using them for a Texan bourbon toast on the last night).
10. GET THE SCOOP ON LOWER GREENVILLE
Not only is Lower Greenville home to some of Dallas’ best bars and restaurants within a tightknit, walkable pocket neighborhood, but it’s also where you’ll find the best handcrafted gelato in the city. Step forward Botolino Gelato Artigianale – the brainchild of Carlo ‘Botolo’ Gattini, a third-generation gelatiere trained by masters in his native Bologna, Italy. The beauty of this place is that it’s great at any time of the day: a mid-morning boost, an afternoon pick-me-up or a post-pub treat. Just do yourself a favor and save it in your phone now – and whatever you do, don’t miss the Coconut Stracciatella.
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