A Latin-inspired weekend in Dallas

In Latin culture, café (coffee) is an essential start to every day and a ritual that anyone can enjoy. Start your day off right at La Duni, a local restaurant and bakery with two locations that takes pride in blending European traditions with Latin American soul. Any number of fresh pastries offered will make an incredible accompaniment to your coffee. Espumoso Empanada + Espresso Bar has terrific options, including a yummy Dulce de Leche Latte, plus breakfast tacos and pastries. El Portón Coffee features several coffees from producers in South America that truly care about the craft of coffee making and fair trade. Xamán Café serves an excellent cafe de olla and agua de chocolate. Latino-owned Peaberry Coffee offers a line of canned cold brews that you can pack away in your suitcase to enjoy back home, too. And Hola Café invites guests into its tiny-but-chic space for Honduras-inspired offerings. ¡Que rico!

Now that you're fueled up and ready to go, the Dallas Latino Cultural Center (LCC) is your next stop. The LCC, just steps away from Deep Ellum and the Dallas Arts District, combines several branches of the arts to tell a story of Hispanic heritage. The organization's purpose is to preserve, develop and promote Latino and Hispanic art and culture. You can visit the center anytime for free, but check the calendar for ticketed events.

On any given day you can enter Zaguan and be transported to Venezuela, Colombia or Argentina in one hot minute. Known as the symbol of Latin hospitality in Dallas by locals, this cute, cultured spot offers a unique selection of healthy and authentic Latin American dishes. You'll want to stop here for the pastries alone. Seriously, what could better than their guava and sweet bread with coffee?

The Dallas Museum of Art is one of the best places to submerge yourself in Latino history. Located right in the middle of the Dallas Arts District, the DMA is a free museum full of an impressive collection of art from across the world. The Ancient American collection represents Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Colombia, Peru and other countries. Take your time, walk around and learn all the different fabrics that make up the Latino world.

Nico Sanchez, executive chef at Meso Maya, is bringing Mexican traditions straight to your table.  Nico is all about working with fresh flavors. Peppers, tomatoes, sweet chilis and savory seafood are just some of delectable items you'll find on the Meso Maya menu. One of the house favorites is the avocado margarita. Hey, it's five o'clock, somewhere right?

You've made it through the day, now you're ready for a night out! Candleroom Dallas is your destination for the ultimate Latin dance party. With their hand-crafted cocktails and sizzling sounds, International Fridays are where you want to be. Located in the sophisticated Knox/Henderson neighborhood, Candleroom promises to provide one tremenda pachanga!