Dallas has the best arts district in the USA. Award winning architects have spread their cutting edge designs across 19 contiguous blocks and 68 acres. These Pritzker Architecture Prize recipients helped to create a true arts destination where the buildings are as important…Read More

Dallas has the best arts district in the USA. Award winning architects have spread their cutting edge designs across 19 contiguous blocks and 68 acres. These Pritzker Architecture Prize recipients helped to create a true arts destination where the buildings are as important as the arts contained within. Anchor venues include Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Myerson Symphony Center, Winspear Opera House, High School for Performing Arts, One Arts Plaza, City Peformance Hall, Wyly Theatre, and Crow Collection of Asian Art. Once you are in the district it is a short walk between the venues, or you can take a ride on the "Art Cart" for a more streamlined experience.

Adjacent to this fabulous arts district is the new Klyde Warren Park. Opening in late 2012, the park will cover a sunken highway and offer more than 5 acres of public parks, dining and entertainment spaces.

Together, the Dallas Arts District and new Klyde Warren Park offer a true destination in Dallas that is a must see on your list.
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Located a few blocks from the Texas School Book Depository, this simple structure by renowned architect Philip Johnson sits at Market and Commerce Streets, well hidden behind ‘Big Red’, the former Dallas City Hall. I didn’t know of it before our trip to Dallas, but…Read More

Located a few blocks from the Texas School Book Depository, this simple structure by renowned architect Philip Johnson sits at Market and Commerce Streets, well hidden behind ‘Big Red’, the former Dallas City Hall. I didn’t know of it before our trip to Dallas, but it made sense to seek it out following our visit to the Sixth Floor Museum. Built and dedicated in 1970, the plaques at the entrances state the monument’s intent:

The joy and excitement of John Fitzgerald Kennedy's life belonged to all men.

So did the pain and sorrow of his death.

When he died on November 22, 1963, shock and agony touched human conscience throughout the world. In Dallas, Texas there was a special sorrow.

The young President died in Dallas. The death bullets were fired 200 yards west of this site.

This memorial, designed by Philip Johnson, was erected by the people of Dallas. Thousands of citizens contributed support, money and effort.

It is not a memorial to the pain and sorrow of death, but stands as a permanent tribute to the joy and excitement of one man's life.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy's life.



The sun had come and gone during the morning, appropriately moving from dark gray skies while we stared out the Museum’s windows at the triple overpass and grassy knoll below, to blue skies with bright white clouds when we reached the memorial. It seemed a structure well designed to promote private reflection, yet still unlikely to give its visitors that experience. My daughter and I both were quiet and thoughtful, as we tried to figure out the ethic of the place, but the small number of other visitors who walked in did all their reasoning out loud.

Even without the current construction nearby, it doesn’t seem to be sited in a central, magnetic location. The structure itself is an open concrete cube, with two entrances on opposite sides, enclosing a space 50 feet square. The walls are scored vertically, and the lines do seem to direct your thoughts, and occasionally your vision, higher. A recessed area in the center holds a simple rectangular prism of black granite, inscribed ‘John Fitzgerald Kennedy’ on both sides.

It’s not surprising that the memorial provokes a range of responses, many of those criticizing it as inadequate, ugly, symptomatic of our culture’s shortcomings, or maybe just Dallas’ failings. Witold Rybczynski makes a case for the first in a recent Slate article; less eloquent expressions of the latter are posted as responses to a Dallas native’s blog musings. One of the best responses is a UT-Dallas professor’s charitable interpretation of Johnson’s intentions that still recognizes the installation’s flaws.

It struck me as a noble but failed gesture. Jacqueline Kennedy herself is said to have selected Johnson, a choice hard to argue with. His design does promote solitude and reflection; in an urban environment, however, that seems to be a steep, uphill battle. To what extent are solitude and celebration compatible? If most come here to mourn, can they celebrate? The starkness of installation also seems more suited to encompassing grief and loss, rather than joy. In the end, perhaps it is too much to expect any structure in Dallas to provide space for celebration, where even those sympathetic to the cenotaph’s intentions are here because this is the city of Kennedy’s death.Close

Ask almost any American over the age of 50 where they were and what they were doing on November 22, 1963, and most can tell you. That was the day that John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was assassinated in…Read More

Ask almost any American over the age of 50 where they were and what they were doing on November 22, 1963, and most can tell you. That was the day that John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, and that event just seems to stick in people's minds.

As the president’s motorcade entered Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas, three shots rang out, leaving the president dead and Texas Governor Connelly seriously wounded. The presidential motorcade rushed to nearby Parkland Hospital, where an unsuccessful attempt was made to resuscitate the president. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested a few hours later and charged with assassinating the president, but nightclub owner Jack Ruby shot him to death in the basement of the Dallas Police Station before he ever went to trial.

The Warren Commission, charged by Congress with determining the facts surrounding the death of President Kennedy, determined that Lee Harvey Oswald fired the three shots from a sixth-floor window of the Texas Book Depository where he worked, and that he acted alone. However, many claim that there was another gunman located on the grassy knoll adjacent to Dealey Plaza, and based on eyewitness evidence, much speculation, and apparent inconsistencies seen in an amateur video taken of the assassination as it happened, conspiracy theories abound, making the Kennedy assassination one of the most discussed events in recent history. The truth of what actually happened will probably never be known.

The Texas Book Depository has been turned into a museum dedicated to chronicling the assassination and the historical events surrounding it. Dealey Plaza has been named a national historic landmark. I have been fascinated with the Kennedy assassination for years, so on our recent trip to Dallas, we visited Dealey Plaza. Unfortunately, it was nearly closing time for the museum, so we opted not to pay the $10 per person admission fee for a 30-minute visit.

We were able to walk around Dealey Plaza and spend time in the area. A memorial structure has been built on the famed grassy knoll, and it contains interesting displays and information about the assassination. A historical marker has been placed along the highway marking the spot where the president’s limousine was when he was struck by the fatal shot.

Unfortunately, the site has been overrun by individuals attempting to sell magazines and books touting one conspiracy theory or another to the tourists and history buffs who visit. These salesmen are rather aggressive and can become annoying as they hound guests at every street corner or at the major areas visited at the site. Getting rid of these salesmen requires a firm "no" and occasionally even a rude attitude.

In spite of the high-pressure salesmen that hound visitors at the site, it is well worth the visit, especially for history buffs or anyone interested in the assassination. This was my second visit to Dealey Plaza, and I am yet to get to tour the museum. I would really have liked to do so on this visit, but simply walking the site and seeing the window from which the fatal shots were allegedly fired made the historical knowledge learned in the past more interesting and understandable. As you walk the sidewalks and stand on the grassy knoll, it isn’t hard to imagine the chaos that must have erupted in this small area on that fateful November day.

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Save the turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and Grandma's pumpkin pie until lunch and just let the thoughts of your soon-to-be enormous lunch spur you on to finish the Annual YMCA Turkey Trot. The Turkey Trot is an annual race held on Thanksgiving morning in…Read More

Save the turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and Grandma's pumpkin pie until lunch and just let the thoughts of your soon-to-be enormous lunch spur you on to finish the Annual YMCA Turkey Trot. The Turkey Trot is an annual race held on Thanksgiving morning in downtown Dallas. They have a 3-mile and 8-mile route. The route begins at the City Hall and makes its way winding through the downtown area. You can look at the route map at the website.

This doesn't have to be an event only for the fitness gurus. There are people with all types of fitness levels participating, some to win, some walking, some just for fun with the family, and some with their dogs, and most do it to make themselves feel better about the massive quantities of food they are about to engulf come lunchtime. What better way to start of the most fattening holiday ever than with a morning jog.

My family and our cousins now run in the Turkey Trot every year, not competitively, but just to have fun, and it is a blast. You can find out all the details on the website, http://www.thetrot.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Page&PageID=1000000. It will have information on cost and location. The race starts around 9am, and they have snacks/drinks for you after the race is finished. It's a win-win situation; it's good for you, it makes you feel better, and most importantly, it makes you even hungrier for lunch, so you can stuff your face with even more turkey, stuffing, and sweet potatoes with extra marshmallows.

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Ok, so I have a friend who could get me into "MARKET". All the interior designers are there with their small suitcases on rollers, there is probably some professional name for it, but that is what it looks like! The prices are not…Read More

Ok, so I have a friend who could get me into "MARKET". All the interior designers are there with their small suitcases on rollers, there is probably some professional name for it, but that is what it looks like! The prices are not bargain basement by any means, but incredible quality abounds. Of course you must pay up front and order it to be delivered to a business or warehouse wherever you live which takes forever. I bought a gorgeous wine table and bed with glass end tables, but when they arrived, no glass! I was told they didn't come with glass, although they had glass in them on display, so I got to hunt up a place where I live that cuts glass and take them there to have it made. Oh well! It was still an incredible experience! Such a selection, things you never see, except in magazines. Most things you had to buy in bulk, 6 or 12 or more of an item, so that was very limiting. They have a wonderful place to eat that stays packed with a great view. Close

Many people who arrive at D-FW for the first time actually think that they are in Dallas. They are, perhaps, technically either in Fort Worth or Dallas depending on where they are standing at the monent; but they are many dozen miles from either…Read More

Many people who arrive at D-FW for the first time actually think that they are in Dallas. They are, perhaps, technically either in Fort Worth or Dallas depending on where they are standing at the monent; but they are many dozen miles from either city center. You have a variety of choices for way of departing this HUGE airport. Taxis, hotel vans, buses or renting a car. You must either through the North Airport Exit or the South Airport Exit.

If you are driving, be sure to get a map and a few directions to get you on your way. In the best of times you have about a 30 minute drive to either downtown Dallas or downtown Fort Worth. During peak traffic hours, a lot longer. A good investment if you are renting a car, is to get one from Hertz that has a GPS system. Well worth it! Of course, when you return to the airport, allow plenty of time as the property is bigger than you think. The distances are longer than you are used to and the signs usually confusing. Sorry, but in over 20 years, they still haven't smoothed out the confusion.

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When you leave the kids at home, where do you go and paint the town? Depends on what you like when it comes to music and atmosphere. Even ballroom dancing is popular in Dallas! Here''s a brief rundown on some of the hot nightlife…Read More

When you leave the kids at home, where do you go and paint the town? Depends on what you like when it comes to music and atmosphere. Even ballroom dancing is popular in Dallas!

Here''s a brief rundown on some of the hot nightlife districts in the Big D:

Deep Ellum: This is the place you''re going to hear the most about if you ask someone where to go bar hopping. The crowd here is a mix of ages but tends to be college heavy. If you get away with the "grunge" look anywhere in Dallas, it will only be here or in Lower Greenville. But that is a bar-to-bar sorta thing, so try to at least make sure there are no holes in your jeans! After all, Dallas is known for its pretty people. What type of music will you find? There''s a wide array, but it''s progressive heavy.

Greenville: Only 15 minutes (by car) away from Deep Ellum, you could easily hop over here in one night. There are actually two parts of Greenville Street that offer nightlife. Lower Greenville is going to have more tattoo parlors and bars that like to hold events like bikini contests. For obvious reasons, this is an early twenties crowd. Upper Greenville has more don''t spill beer on the floor offerings and a little older crowd. Choose what suits you best. The Red Jacket (214/823-8333) is a popular bar for all Greenville visitors. The low red lighting lends a sultry feel to the hip-hop-pop atmosphere.

West End: This is sometimes seen as a tourist enclave, but it''s still worth a look for anyone who wants to shake their groove thing on the dance floor. The offerings? Nightclubs like Bar Dallas, and Dick''s Last Resort, a popular drinking spot for bachelorettes.

Addison: This is actually a small city that hugs Dallas, but it might be worth the short drive for the dancer in you. It contains a nice mix of nightlife, both dance clubs and bars, and it was recommended to me by a 24-year-old Big D local as a laid back place to go and hang out. It''s a little dressier here than other spots, but you can find everything from jazz music to pop. Sambuca Jazz Cafe (972/385-8455) is a hip place for big band music and swing dancing.

Cowboys Red River: Red River isn''t a district, it''s a bar (214/352-1796) off NW Hwy and 635. But, I have to mention it because it''s a good place to go two-stepping. The atmosphere is a bit more relaxed here. One dancing Dallas friend of mine who frequents the Red River says, "You''ll only occassionally see a fight there." Well, that tidbit would make the Urban Cowboy (or, at least, his mother) happy! They play Old Texas music for your enjoyment. Of course you can wear cowboy boots, but that''s not a necessity. Whatever attire you have on, you''ll have a foot-stomping good time. Other country and western joints in the area? Try the Texas Dance Depot (972/253-1799) in Irving.

Oaklawn: An array of alternative-lifestyle nightlife.

Turtle Creek: Bars in this area cater to an upscale, older crowd.

The best thing about nightlife in Dallas? Dallas isn''t that big, so if you don''t like what you''re seeing, it won''t take long to get somewhere else.

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If you want a strong accent to listen to, you are going to want to head to the south part of Texas or east. East they have a pretty thick accent but they don't talk as slow as some of the people in the South.…Read More

If you want a strong accent to listen to, you are going to want to head to the south part of Texas or east. East they have a pretty thick accent but they don't talk as slow as some of the people in the South. I'm from Dallas, Texas I have no accent, in less I want to talk like a Texan. When meeting us we find it funny that you walk up to us and say, "Howdy ya'll" I don't say howdy but I do say ya'll so it's always funny to hear somebody from another state saying that phrase. There are a lot of things to do in the Dallas area, if you come to the Denton section you can see plays at the Denton Community Theater or check out high school productions! You can ride horses and get the whole Texas experience, so come down and give us a visit. But please don't think we all sound like idiots.Close

What is Fair Park, you ask? This is where the State Fair is held each year in Dallas. That's such a big deal for Dallasites that kids get a day off from school just to attend it! The rest of the year, however, Fair Park…Read More

What is Fair Park, you ask? This is where the State Fair is held each year in Dallas. That's such a big deal for Dallasites that kids get a day off from school just to attend it! The rest of the year, however, Fair Park is still worth a visit.

Located just a few miles away from the major JFK attractions downtown, Fair Park is maintained as a place to explore Texas history with the kids. Many of the museums, such as the Natural History Museum and the Science Place, are interactive. Some of the attractions are free such as the Hall of State where you can see the statues of some famous Texans. Most of the museums charge a modest entry fee.

My suggestion? Pack a lunch for the kids and eat by the lake across from the Cotton Bowl Stadium. Your children will love walking on the Loch Ness like statue that extends into the water, looking at the fish and turtles while you relax in the shade of a tree. You could easily park your car and spend all day in this area walking from museum to museum. You can even take in a movie at the IMAX. The best part about Fair Park? The activities are fun, educational, and they won't break your budget.

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On our anniversary, we traveled around the Dallas/Fort Worth area in a limousine provided by ECS. Not only did we get curbside airport transportation, we also took the stretch limo for a night on the town!Several wine bars and downtown museums later, our limo took…Read More

On our anniversary, we traveled around the Dallas/Fort Worth area in a limousine provided by ECS. Not only did we get curbside airport transportation, we also took the stretch limo for a night on the town!

Several wine bars and downtown museums later, our limo took us back to the hotel. It was awesome! We never had to worry about parking our car or looking up directions. We just enjoyed our evening and let the limo driver do the rest.

We recommend ECS if you're ever looking for Dallas limo service.Close