Mixing Business With Pleasure in Dallas
Dallas is a vibrant city full of exciting activities so don't waste time between business meetings. These to-dos will keep you busy while visiting Texas.
JFK Museum
More than 60 per cent of Americans believe that president John F. Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas on 22 November 1963 was part of a conspiracy. Explore the story from every angle at the outstanding Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in the former Texas School Book Depository building. Set aside at least two hours – despite its name, the museum is spread over several floors.
Barbershop Bar
In need of a spruce-up after a long flight? Head straight for the brick- lined High & Tight Barbershop on Main Street in Deep Ellum. The 1920s- inspired barbershop conceals a “speakeasy” behind the back wall that serves classic cocktails.
Best Barbecue
Folks here take Texas barbecue very seriously and are fiercely defensive of its claim to be the country’s best. Judge for yourself at the most popular joint in town, Pecan Lodge. The pit-smoked food here is exceptional – just ask the patrons queuing out the door, around the corner and into the car park every lunchtime.
Urban Green
Klyde Warren Park is a superb place for a mid-meeting stroll. Built over a former recessed freeway, this beautifully landscaped park links the Dallas Arts District and Uptown. Choose a book from one of the free outdoor lending stacks and wander over to Lark on the Park for one of their mouth-watering housemade sandwiches.
Western Style
If you’re after a classic souvenir from Texas, check out Wild Bill’s Western Store, which stocks everything from cowhide boots and Stetsons to bolo ties. Everyone from Bon Jovi to Mick Jagger has been kitted out here and the store has created the costumes for several films and TV shows.
TIP If in doubt, go the Cowboys. America’s Team – aka the Dallas Cowboys – are a city-wide obsession. Even the rare few who don’t follow the scores will have an opinion, normally about owner Jerry Jones or star quarterback Dak Prescott. Simply asking about the team will endear you to 90 per cent of locals.
Local knowledge
Restaurateur and entrepreneur Tina Miller shares five Dallas highlights.
- Mokah Coffee & Tea is my favourite place. It’s in Deep Ellum, tucked away near live-music venue The Bomb Factory. They brew amazing coffee and the atmosphere is chilled – a great place to power through emails.
- For quirky gifts, go to Neighborhood in the Bishop Arts District. It’s an eclectic store with all kinds of imaginative pieces, including homewares, accessories and jewellery.
- For a morning treat, I often head to Village Baking Co.’s boulangerie on Lower Greenville. Their croissants are to die for.
- The food-truck scene in Dallas, particularly around Klyde Warren Park, is great. Check out the incredible sausages from Just Encased.
- Dallas Farmers Market is a must-see. The place is packed with entrepreneurial, family-run food ventures and craft shops. It’s the epiphany of the American dream.
SEE ALSO: Things to Know Before You Go to Dallas
