Discovering The Big D
January 04, 2008
It's been a couple years since I've made a New Year's Resolution (more on that later), mainly because I find myself making resolutions throughout the year - why save them up for one day? Plus, that's kind of overwhelming. I'd rather amortize them throughout the 365 days.
This year, however, is different. This year, I'm making a resolution.
You see, I get frustrated living in Dallas because I'm not the typical Dallasite.
- I rarely hit the mall on the weekends (hate the crowds)
- I don't dress in the trendiest fashions (I prefer classic styles, styles that -- while super-cute right now -- won't cause me to cringe when I flip through photos several years from now)
- I don't visit the latest and greatest "hot spot" bars in the city (which is probably also the reason I don't ever know what to order at a bar. I can count on my fingers the number of drinks I know by name, and prefer to order a drink that goes something like this: "I'd like something pink, sweet and fruity, and I don't want to be able to taste the alcohol." And then I bat my eyelashes and smile sweetly. It often works, but every once in a while a disgruntled bartender flares his nostrils and rolls his eyes at me)
I do, however, love to explore. And I'm beginning to think that the reason I dislike Dallas (in favor of San Francisco, for example) so much is because I don't know what all the city has to offer -- even though I've lived here for twenty years. I haven't taken the time to explore its nooks and crannies, the way I explore cities when I'm on vacation.
Over the last year, I've taken my four-year-old nephew to a few attractions around town - we've gone to the Neiman Marcus Children's Parade, visited the 20-foot interactive snowglobe at Willow Bend, examined dinosaur remains at Fair Park and explored the train display at North Park. I still want to take him for a ride on the Tarantula Train (a train that runs between Grapevine and Fort Worth Stockyards).
And so this year, I'm resolving to Get Out There.
For example, I've only visited the shopping district at Lovers and the Tollway once - ONCE - and that was only to eat at a burrito bar. I'd like to poke my head in the shops and see what that area has to offer.
When I was researching the Tarantula Train, I learned that Grapevine has a pretty cool little downtown area and some of the best wineries in our area (which should seem obvious, given the town's name).
It's been years since I've visited either the Stockyards OR Sundance Square during the day. (Often, it's at night before dinner or a performance at the Bass.)
And I've never been to Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas.
I'm making a list, checking it twice. I want to discover Dallas the way a tourist might discover Dallas - after all, it is the city I live in. I should know what the city has to offer.
With that in mind, what do you know about Dallas? Where should I visit? What MUST I do? What have you done and loved? Where are your favorite dives?
I'm begging you to flood me with your ideas, because right now my list is awfully sparse.
Comments
What about the DMA? Or the Nasher?
Also, if you go online and look up the libraries there are tons of cool things for kids on a weekly basis, especially in the trendy libraries like Highland Park.
You can also hit up the House of Blues for a gospel brunch on Sunday with your new "Breakfast Club". There is also the Ghost Bar in the W hotel next to the AAC that is cool.
Have you been to the Bishop Arts District? It's cool because it is surrounded by some of the shadiest parts of Dallas, yet there nestled in the middle of all that horror there are these upscale restaurants, shops and mansions.
What about bed and breakfasts? or plays? I am sure if you look around you can find a small theatre that boasts some great acting and fun off broadway productions.
Lastly, have you visited Dragon St in the Oak Lawn arts district? Lots of art galleries chock full of art from local artists.
And if that isn't enough, subscribe to D Magazine and D Home magazine. They rock and always have really cool information about Dallas.
Posted by: eddo | January 4, 2008 02:35 PM
Pick up this month's Elle Decor - they published a great article on Dallas. (I totally love most of the mentioned places, and it would be a great guide for you.)
Posted by: whoorl | January 4, 2008 03:58 PM
Scuba and I honeymooned in Dallas, for the simple reason that some people consider it a destination so why not us? We had a lot of fun walking around downtown everyday. And we visited the Arboretum, the Dallas Aquarium (very cool), 6th Floor Museum (boring) and walked the shopping center at the Crescent Court (we didn't buy anything of course.) And if you can save up some money we savored the Tasting Room at Lola's Restaurant - it was my birthday present one year - and while I didn't love everything I did try dishes I'd never tasted before. Also, Carrollton has a cute shopping center with little restaurants. And lastly, Phoung is going to take Scuba and I to a new Vietnamese restaurant, if I have enough advance notice I'll call you.
when Scuba and I were dating we visited Dallas and just walked into the lobbies of different hotels, that was cool too. And I love to find upscale newly builit neighborhoods that have open houses and walk around getting design ideas.
Posted by: Erica | January 4, 2008 08:15 PM
I don't know anything about Dallas, but I was quite impressed with something my sister does when she moves to a new city:
She took a photo album (or you can use a 3-ring binder with page protectors) and collects touristy pamphlets from nearby hotels and checks them out. Then, when we all go to visit her, she's been to all the restaurants and attractions, and can play "tour guide" for family and friends when they come to visit.
Another cool thing is that she almost uses these as a scrapbook. She saves tickets and other mementos in the book too. A million stories, lots of laughs, and something fun for me to look at while she's at work 8 hours and I'm without a car!
Posted by: Jayleigh | January 4, 2008 11:21 PM
If you want to do anything historical, find me and I'll hook you up. Dallas has a rich (and very colorful) history. Additionally, there are a lot of old, beautiful parts of the city that most people never see, because you have to know where to look (they are not on the beaten path).
Posted by: Deals | January 4, 2008 11:29 PM
Found your site from dooce's - just stopped by to say hi!
That sounds like a really excellent resolution.
Posted by: ALF | January 5, 2008 03:40 PM
Dude, I have the same resolution; to discover 'The Big A'. I'm from Albany and yet I seem to know absolutely nothing about it.
Good luck on your quest!
Posted by: Heather B. | January 5, 2008 05:05 PM
Have you seen the horse sculpture in Las Colinas? That's really pretty.
Pete's Piano Bar is a must. LOVE it.
You've done the whole Reunion Tower thing, right?
As for any other cool things, I'm afraid I have no idea. But if you need anyone to help you explore any of them, give me a call!
Posted by: my life is brilliant | January 5, 2008 05:19 PM
Sorry not to have any knowledge of Dallas! If you wanted San Francisco recommendations, those I could give you!
But I'll make sure to check out this post if I'm ever in Dallas and want to know what to do!
Posted by: Mauigirl | January 5, 2008 05:36 PM
I think this is a great idea. I'm guilty of the same thing -- not exploring the city and surrounding areas in which I live. No good excuse, either! :)
Posted by: Zandria | January 6, 2008 09:17 PM
My list is going to make me seem like a lush...
you must hit Uptown. The Uptown Pub was one of my old favorite haunts, the Quarter Bar one of my new favs.
You also must hit the Knox/Henderson area. TeiTei is great for sushi as is the same area for just about anything. Park and walk and enjoy.
There is also the Shops at Legacy if you want something more posh... Martini Park is super high priced but if you go with the girls, generally, you do not have to buy more than your first round....
Cheers and happy exploring!
Posted by: Willow | January 7, 2008 02:00 PM
I've only been to Dallas once, and the only thing I remember about that visit is the Sixth Floor Museum. Otherwise, sorry, but I can't help.
I might adopt your resolution for myself, though.
Posted by: Lia | January 7, 2008 04:17 PM
I should have added a resolution to my list that involved using "amortize" in a sentence once a week. Awesome.
Happy! Dallas-discovering.
Posted by: kerrianne | January 8, 2008 11:56 AM
I feel your pain. I certainly spend my fair share of time shopping, but I have a healthy (or unhealthy depending on your perspective) amount of disdain for living here. I wish I still lived in Austin, and I've just never connected with this city.
That said, the Nasher and the Aquarium are cool. La Duni is my favorite restaurant- across from Crate and Barrel at Knox-Henderson. Perry's is an excellent steak house in Uptown. Stephen Pyles is also excellent, and sort of a part of Dallas since SP used to work at the Mansion on Turtle Creek. Adair's and Lee Harvey's are cool bars that are not typically filled with Dallas stereotypes. There are also a lot of cool down home kind of restaurants in Deep Ellum. Dolly Python's is a cool thrift store off of Haskell (near the Target at 75).
Posted by: slynnro | January 9, 2008 06:22 PM
I LOVE this resolution. The same thing has occurred to me--that I give cities I travel to a lot more attention than my own. I'm excited to hear how it goes!
Posted by: Schnozz | January 10, 2008 04:44 PM
HI. You are the other Dallas blogger listed on Bossy's excellent road trip. I'm bookmarking your site and can tell already I'm going really like it. I too am a bit disappointed to live in Dallas. I won't even list it on my About Me page.
Posted by: Vanessa | January 12, 2008 05:59 PM
You aren't alone; I've moved a lot over the years and found that most people who live in one place don't get out to see it as much as you'd expect (the classic problem of New Yorkers never seeing the Statue of Liberty....) whereas I'm out running all over because I know I'm moving from there soon.
I always recommend that locals go out and buy a couple of guidebooks for their town, state and/or region, then treat themselves as tourists and go see stuff.
My teen daughter and I visited the Fort Worth Stockyards briefly last summer and loved it! I think the Grapevine train is next on our list.
Posted by: Sheila at Perceptive Travel | January 17, 2008 08:04 PM
I know this one! Visit...ME! I am right here and we have yet to get together HERE! That will make Dallas better.
Posted by: Jenn | January 18, 2008 08:50 PM
Personally, I think you should just go with what you already like... MOVE TO SAN FRANCISCO!!!!!
:)
Posted by: Courtney | January 19, 2008 11:45 PM
Dallas definitely has it's pros and cons. I lived there for 9 years. Then I moved to Fort Worth with my beloved and I LOVE it. So much more laid back. There's the cowboys around the stockyards but also old money which means the people are chilled out and over impressing anyone.
I do miss parts of Dallas, even the high-tone Highland Park or the gorgeous Swiss Avenue. The shopping is endless and finding those tiny obscure shops is the most fun. There are all kinds of places for awesome people watching because Dallas is, if nothing else, full of colorful people!
You'll have to post pics and reviews of what you discover in Dallas and surrounding cities.
Posted by: Jennboree | January 29, 2008 09:54 PM