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COLLIN HARNESS

Dallas is a sprawling city. The best way to travel to all of the different sites is by car. There is some public transportation, but it is limited and will not take you to all of the site that you will want to visit.

You will fly into one of two airports: DFW International or Love Field. Love is closer to downtown, but has less flight options that the larger DFW.

Things To Do

• Dallas Cowboys Game
• Texas Rangers Game
• Six Flags – Hurricane Harbour
• Ft. Worth Zoo
• Perot Museum
• George W. Bush Presidential Center
• Walk around Southern Methodist University
• Enjoy a day of Shopping at North Park Mall
• Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
• John F. Kennedy Plaza and museum
• Reunion Tower Observation
• A Musical at Music Hall at Fair Park
• At least one live music concert – Granada Theatre, Kessler Theatre, The Bomb Factory

Where To Stay

• Hyatt Regency
• Omni Dallas
• W Hotel
• Sheraton
• Rosewood Mansion at Turtlecreek
• Le Meridan Dallas
• The Four Seasons
• The Gaylord Texan

Don’t forget about about the options to rent a cool AirBNB place if you really like your privacy.

Places to Eat

• Neighborhood Services
• Beto and Son
• Pecan Lodge Barbecue in Deep Ellum
• Spiral Diner – vegan deliciousness in Oak Cliff
• PS214
• Rodeo Goat
• Velvet Taco
• HG Supply Co.
• The Great Outdoors
• Emporium Pies
• Food From Galilee
• The Original Diner

Shopping

• Northpark Mall
• The Galleria
• Highland Park Village
• The Shops at Willow Bend
• Stonebriar Mall
• Know Street

Day Trips

• Waco
• Ft. Worth
• Beavers Bend State Park
• Athens
• Possum Kingdom Lake
• Turner Falls State Park
• Lake Texoma
• Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose

Outdoor Places to Visit

• Katy Trail
• Trinity Trail
• River Legacy Park
• White Rock Lake
• Lake Rockwall
• Cedar Hill State Park

Festivals

• State Fair of Texas
• Main Street Arts Festival

My Top 3 Recommendations

• Dallas Arboretum and then walk around White Rock Lake
• George W. Bush Presidential Center
• A musical at Dallas Music Hall

Best Day Trip

• Waco

Best Way To Relax

• Spa Castle – Korean Spa

Best Free Activities

• Walk around White Rock Lake
• Walk along the Katy Trail
• Walk around North Park Mall
• Klyde Warren Park
• JFK Memorial
• Walk across Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
• Take pictures of all the places in Deep Ellum
• Spend a day at the Galleria
• Walk/Bike through the neighborhoods of Highland Park and Preston Hollow

1 Week in Dallas

Monday
– Six Flags – Hurricane Harbor
Tuesday
– John F. Kennedy Memorial
– Holocaust Museum
– Dallas Museum of Art
– Walk Around Downtown
Wednesday
– Breakfast at the Original Market Diner
– Go see a matinee music at Fair Park
– Spa Castle
– Diner at Rodeo Goat
Thursday
– Shopping at Northpark and Highland Park Village
– Walk or Drive through Highland Park and Preston Hollow Neighborhoods
Friday
– Visit Deep Ellum and have lunch at Pecan Lodge
– George W. Bush Presidential Library
– Walk around SMU Campus
Saturday
– Day trip to Ft. Worth or Waco
Sunday
– Go see a movie or get a massage
– White Rock Lake
– HG Supply company – Great view of downtown on the rooftop patio

Overall

Dallas will always be home for me, whether I live here or not. There is always something new to do. The city never stands still. Year something is added or changed or renewed. There are so many activities for families. Children can enjoy themselves on rides at Six Flags. The whole family can go to any number of sporting events, including the world renowned Dallas Cowboys in one of the largest football stadiums in the country.

There are so many different opportunities for live music. Every year it seems that another music venue added. I have all sorts of Broadway shows at the Music Hall at Fair Park. From the Lion King to Aladdin. And I love going to live concerts. Every type of music comes to Dallas from pop stars to Paul McCartney and Beyonce to country legends like George Strait. Deep Ellum is known for a variety of emerging artists playing at different the different bars.

You could spend weeks in the city and not do everything it has to offer. What time of year are you coming? Fall is great to see the trees change color at the Arboretum. Summer is great going out of the many different lakes. During Christmas there are markets and the Highland Park houses are all dressed up.

Dallas means business. It is an international hub. People from around the world live and work in the city and there are so many different cultures to experience.

Whenever I go somewhere new I want to see everything. I usually pack my vacations with as many activities as possible. But as we get older it is important to take a break and relax. Do the tourist attractions, but take a break and enjoy Klyde Warren Park or take a walk listening to music along the Katy Trail. I also love going to Spa Castle to unwind.

If you ever visit leave a comment and let me know what you think. What should I add to this guide?