While some places live up to the Texan clichés, and you’ll spot more than your fair share of Stetsons, there’s so much more to Dallas than that. A city that embraces the fresh and new, you’re assured of a warm southern welcome.
Beyond the conspiracies
Dallas isn’t proud of being the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, but it doesn’t ignore the fact that it happened here either. Instead, they provide a sensitive, educational and informative guide so you can find out more about that fateful day and the locations where it played out.
Head to Dealey Plaza to see the one-time book depository and infamous grassy knoll. The Sixth Floor Museum brings the epoch-defining event to life and also looks at JFK’s tumultuous time in office.
Life outdoors
Dallas is blessed with good weather and has plenty of beautiful outdoor spots in which you can make the most of it. Start off at Pioneer Plaza with its bronze cattle statues that perfectly capture the importance of farming to the city and the state.
After that, bask in the beauty of Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, sitting on the cusp of White Rock Lake. These gardens are all themed, with distinct areas including a sunken garden, women’s garden and children’s adventure garden. There’s an edible display garden and sensational blooms which come alive in the shifting seasons, displaying different colours all year round.
Tuck into Texas
Eating in Dallas is almost a pastime. There are few better places to sample the state’s own take on Mexican food – Tex-Mex – than in the city, while it also bulges with brilliant barbecue joints.
Talk to the locals and they’ll all have their own recommendations – firm family favourites that have been established for years, and new kids on the block shaking things up. Grab tacos at Fuel City – not only are they delicious, but it’s the perfect pitstop for your road trip as you can get your car washed and fill up the tank at the same time.
Competition is fierce when it comes to the question of the perfect barbecue joint. There are some who say Pecan Lodge, while others point to Lockhart Smokehouse.
Several branches of Sonny Bryan’s deliver the goods, with over 100 years of expertise. Pulled meats, brisket and rib are all superlative here, and it’s great value too – Dallas is a place of overflowing plates.
For the smack of smoke, go to Off the Bone on South Lamar Street. Succulent smoked chicken, sausage and brisket vies to capture your attention along with baby back ribs slow cooked over pecan wood. It’s the true taste of Dallas.
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