Dallas Places of Interest
Dallas Heritage Village
One of Dallas' hidden gems, Old City Park is the oldest park in Dallas. Situated on 13 acres of parkland in downtown Dallas, the park is comprised of more than 38 restored historical buildings including an authentic dentist office, print shop, blacksmith, log cabin, Victorian homes, commercial Main Street and hotel. The buildings date from 1840 - 1910 and were collected by the Dallas County Heritage Society. Visitors are invited to travel back in time with a self-guided or docent lead tour of the buildings. Costumed residents tell stories in 19th century vernacular and reenact the everyday activities of the historic inhabitants to create a captivating educational experience.
The Dallas Heritage Village is available for private events including corporate meetings, weddings, birthdays, anniversary parties and more. Reserve spaces ranging from a magnificently elegant restored Victorian home or spacious 4,000 square foot Pavilion to a saloon and stage with space for over 500. For more information: 214-421-5141
Reunion Tower
A Dallas landmark for over 20 years, the 50-story Reunion Tower is defined by its revolving, lighted dome set atop four symmetrical columns. Its 300 lights shine in mesmerizing patterns every evening forming recognizable shapes like the Electric Moon, Texas Raindrops and Dallas Disco Fever.
The inside of Reunion Tower is just as impressive as the outside. The lobby is adorned with a beautiful fountain that complements the globe design of the building. Three elevators transfer visitors to each level of the dome. The Lookout, located on level one, gives visitors access to an observation deck for a small fee. The second floor houses Antares, a chic and sophisticated restaurant serving New American cuisine. A dance floor and bar are located in the Dome Lounge on the third floor. Both the Dome Lounge floor and Antares floor slowly revolve affording visitors with a 360-degree view of Dallas.
Reunion Tower is open Sunday - Thursday from 10:00 am - 10:00 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to midnight. Admission is $2 for Adults and $1 for children. For more information: 214-651-1234
The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art
This collection is made up of more than 700 works of art from the personal collection of Trammel Crow and his wife. Scrolls, paintings, stone and large architectural pieces from China, Japan, India and Southeast Asia are on display in three galleries. The main floor is dedicated to Japanese Art and contains Japanese scrolls and bronze sculpture inspired by Buddhist and Hindu religions. The second floor focuses on the art of the Chinese with the majority of the works in the form of paintings. This floor also holds one of the finest collections of jade in the nation. Situated across a sky bridge, the third gallery features the art of the Indian culture and is dominated by the Mugal wall.
Visitors will not only be enamored by this private collection of art, but they will also be captivated by the museum itself. A Zen-like space has been created with hardwood floors, glass walls, high ceilings, flowing water, soft light and Asian music. The Crow Collection of Asian Art is available for private events any time after 5:30 pm Tuesday through Sunday. Guests will have complimentary access to all of the galleries during private events; however, food and drink are only allowed in Gallery II, Gallery III and Trammell Crow Center Plaza.
The museum is open Tuesdays - Sundays from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Extended hours are offered on Thursdays with all exhibits open until 9:00 pm. The museum is never open on Mondays. Daily admission is free to the public. For more information: 214-979-6430
West Village
Comparable to areas like New York's
New York Soho and San Francisco's Chestnut Street, the West Village creates a welcoming environment that charms visitors with its character. This trendy village located within Dallas' Uptown Oak Lawn neighborhood is comprised of more shops, restaurants and entertainment options than one person could ever need. Lively streets, colorful storefronts, chic boutiques, up and coming artists, tree-lined sidewalks and 30s architecture allure hundreds of locals and visitors every day. Here, beautiful people gather to discuss life over a cup of coffee, hunt for offbeat gifts, luxuriate in fine cuisine and of course, people watch.
For more information: 214-219-1144
Sixth Floor Museum
More than 325,000 people visit the Sixth Floor Museum every year and more than five million have visited the museum since it opening in February of 1999. This museum receives its name from the fatal and malicious act that took place on its sixth floor, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The museum is dedicated to telling the story of the life of JFK and the legacy that he left through various different media including films, photographs, artifacts and exhibits. See 13 of the original cameras used by eyewitnesses to capture the assassination, personal items from JFK's life and the FBI model of the Dealey Plaza used by the Warren Commission. The Sixth Floor Museum tactfully and realistically portrays the life and events of one of the greatest men in American history.
The Seventh Floor Gallery of the Museum can be reserved for private events. With more than 5,000 square feet of space, the gallery can accommodate up to 400 for an evening reception and 200 for a seated dinner. All private event rental fees include access to the Museum with private tours available upon request.
The Sixth Floor Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm and Monday from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Admission fees are as follows: Adult $13.50, Senior (ages 65+) $12.50, Youth (ages 6-18) $12.50 and Children (ages 0-5) free or $3.50 with audio guide. For more information: 214-747-6660
Dallas Entertainment
Deep Ellum
Situated three blocks to the east of downtown Dallas, this 170-acre trendy area with graffiti-covered walls is known for its alternative style and artistic character. Deep Ellum is the ideal place to find a unique gift or a delicious, one-of-a-kind restaurant. Shop for vintage clothing at Casa Loco, antique furniture at Century Modern, original art at Mark & Larry's Stuff or the newest fashions at Glamour Fashion. Check out the music scene Thursday through Saturday when funk music echoes through the walls of Blind Lemon and Live Blues are played at The Bone. The essence of eclectic, this neighborhood is a melting pot of people, music and ideas.
For more information: 214-747-DEEP
Gilley's Dallas
Known as the home of "El Toro," the mechanical bull from "Urban Cowboy," this 90,000 square foot Dallas hot spot captures the essence of all that is Texas. Staying true to the phrase "Everything in Texas is bigger," Gilley's can hold as many as 2,500 people at one time and houses a 10,000 square-foot dance floor. A full bar and covered patio area entices many locals during warmer months. Gilley's has served as host for a wide range of entertainment. The stage here has been graced with the likes of well-known artists such as George Strait, Mark Chestnut and Tracy Byrd. The dance floor has hosted everything from boxing matches to fashion shows.
Gilley's offers numerous spaces that can be reserved for private events, including the Loft. This 3,000 square foot balcony offers magnificent views of downtown Dallas and is fully equipped with plush couches, modern décor, dance floor, stage and state-of-the-art sound system. The Palladium Ballroom is also available for private events and can accommodate up to 2,000. For more information: 214-421-2021
Galleria Dallas
The Galleria Dallas is located in North Dallas at the intersection of the LBJ Freeway and Dallas Parkway. A shopaholics dream come true, Galleria Dallas has been recognized by USA Today as "One of the top 10 places to spend it all" and houses a wide range of shops including designers such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Thomas Pink and Versace. The Galleria Dallas also offers upscale department stores like Macy's, Nordrstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. Families with children may enjoy taking a break from the stores and lacing up their skates to enjoy the Galleria's lower level ice skating rink. There are also more than 25 restaurants ranging from fast food to fine cuisine at this 3.7 million-square-foot shopping and entertainment complex.
For more information: 972-702-7100
Backdoor Comedy
As the longest running stand-up comedy showcase in Dallas, this popular club founded by Jan Norton and Linda Stogner has been leaving Dallas locals rolling in laughter for years. After numerous homes including Repo's Pizza, Don Carter's Bowling Alley, the Cockeyed Parrot, and White Rock Sports Bar & Grill, the Backdoor Comedy Club now operates out of its own theatre on Ross Avenue. The Backdoor stage welcomes eight or more comedians every night ranging from local favorites to nationally known names like Joe Fox and Paul Varghese. Open Mic night is hosted every Thursday starting at 8:30 pm: admission is $7. Catch the "Best of" Showcase on Fridays and Saturdays for $14 per person. Tickets are only available to those who 18 years of age and older.
For more information: 214-328-4444
Dallas Restaurants
Abacus Restaurant
This elegant and casual Five Star restaurant has been in the headlines both locally and nationally. Award-winning Chef Kent Rathbun prepares a diverse and flavorful menu with influences from all over the world including Mediterranean, Cajun/Creole, American, Southwestern and Pacific Rim. Menu selections include delectable entrees such as Fennel Pollen Crusted New Zealand Ostrich Filet, Grilled Colorado Lamb Loin with Sun Dried Tomato Chutney and Lobster Mushroom -Fingerling Potato Hash, and Wood Roasted Buffalo Tenderloin on Red Wine Butter with Truffle Whipped Potatoes and Fresh Vegetables. Smaller plates are also available including dishes such as Jumbo Lump Crab wrapped with House Smoked Salmon, Kumamoto Oysters Served in a Half Shell, and an assortment of sushi.
Abacus offers numerous different dining experiences from the chef's table to bar stools and private dining. The Chef's table was designed to mimic the European style theater kitchen, providing groups of 8-12 with a front row seat of the Chef at work. The private dining room has seating for up to 50 and a semi-private room can be reserved for 45. The restaurant also specializes in off-site catering, wine maker dinners, wine country tours and Dirty Dozen interactive cooking classes. For more information: 214-559-3111
Aurora Maison de Cuisine
A velvet curtained entrance welcomes guests into a softly lit room with dozens of small tables, votives, rosebuds and micro-suede fabric. Tuxedo-clad waiters deliver the restaurant's signature farm egg custard appetizer to every table, compliments of Chef Avner Samuel. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the private wine cellar and high caliber wine selection. The menu changes daily to ensure the freshest of ingredients and includes dishes like poached lobster in French butter and Seared Squab served with fingerling potatoes.
Aurora can accommodate private parties for lunch, dinner or receptions 7 days a week. A full-service event planning team is available to assist with the coordination of audio visual, floral, menu selection and more. The Wine Room can seat up to 10 guests while the main dining room can accommodate as many as 56. The entire restaurant can be reserved for 85 guests for hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.
Dinner is served Monday through Saturday starting at 5:30 pm. Aurora is open for lunch Thursday and Friday from 11:30 am - 2:00 pm and Monday through Wednesday for parties of 8 or more upon request. For more information: 214-528-9400
The French Room
Dine like royalty under an 18-foot domed ceiling ornamented with frescoes and hand-blown crystal chandeliers at this exquisite restaurant located within Dallas' Adolphus Hotel. A palette of pink, green, and blue pastels creates a romantic atmosphere. Sit in high-backed silver chairs reminiscent of the Rococo period and enjoy mouth-watering French cuisine including signature dishes like the jumbo lump crab cakes served with a lemongrass-ginger infused lobster sauce and the seared pecan encrusted foie gras. Pair your food selections with any of a number of fine wines from the French Room's 12-page wine list. Top off the meal with the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate pot de crème with champagne sorbet, or the heavenly French Room soufflé.
The French Room is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm with the last seating at 9:30 pm. The entire restaurant can be reserved for private parties and events. Tables fill up quickly at this Dallas gem, award winner of Gourmet Magazine's top ranking for the Dallas/Fort Worth Metro Area for three consecutive years, so be sure to make reservations in advance. For special occasions, reservations should be made at least a month in advance. Guests should be cognizant of the dress code: no jeans or tennis shoes and jackets are required for men. For more information: 214-742-8200
Nana
Located on the 27th floor of Hotel Anatole, Nana offers breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Dallas complimented by Margaret and Trammell Crow's private collection of Asian Art. Known for its delicate cuisine and foot-tapping jazz, this classy and elegant gem features an enlarged dance floor and live music nightly. The menu is made up of the freshest meats and vegetables and includes succulent dishes like Wild Striped Sea Bass over a Squash-Mandarin Puree, 45 Day Aged Grilled Prime bone-in Ribeye smothered in a Foamy Bearnaise Sauce, and Mesquite Grilled Veal "Heart" Sweetbreads accompanied by Maple Glazed Carrots and Sweet Potatoes.
Nana's main dining room seats up to 170, but its real treasure is its five private dining suites. Each room is defined by its own unique character and style and has floor to ceiling windows. The Honeysuckle, Peonie, Rambling Rose and Primula can be reserved individually for smaller, more intimate gatherings or together to accommodate larger parties. Guests hosted in the President's Boardroom will dine in luxury as all meals are presented on extravagant Versace china. For more information: 214-761-7470
Dallas Nightlife
Martini Park
Created by the man behind Light New York and Light at the Bellagio in New York, Martini Park brings a new nightlife concept to Dallas. Here, comfort and opulence meet high energy and excitement. Guests can treat themselves to any one of Martini Park's more than 20 specialty martinis in addition to an extensive list of classic cocktails and fine wines. An airy patio bar, live music, waterfall bar and magnificent menu are just a few of the traits that have put this unique bar in Dallas headlines. Menu favorites include the 24 Carat Diamond Martini, infamous "Slider"-beef, pork, chicken or filet mignon served on a toasted brioche bun drizzled with a special sauce, and weightless homemade doughnuts accompanied by a choice of powdered sugar, fudge or raspberry dipping sauce.
For more information: 214-473-6644
Obar
This subterranean bar in the heart of downtown radiates with a stylish flamboyance. Nightly drink specials and VIP table service attract an elite crowd. Alcoves adorned with swanky couches and votives create an ideal setting for intimate conversations. A terrace with oversized ottomans and ultramodern chaises allows trend-setters to drink cocktails while showing off the newest fashions. DJs spin the most popular music from 9:30 am - 2:00 am Thursday and Friday nights. Complimentary valet parking is available nightly.
For more information: 214-747-6227
Sambuca Restaurant - Uptown
A modern day supper club opened by co-owners Kim and Holly Forsythe in 1991, this Deep Ellum restaurant and bar has drawn droves of locals and visitors since its inauguration. Sambuca is known for its Grammy Award-winning musical performances and unique setting. Dine surrounded by Buddha statues, Balinese carving and art influenced by the far east, while listening to refined music. Two Sambuca favorites are the Pan Roasted Sea Bass with Mushroom Orzo and the Grilled Beef Tenderloin topped with Blue Cheese Walnut Butter.
Sambuca is open Sunday through Wednesday from 11:00 am- 11:00 pm, Thursday from 11:00 am - 12:00 am, Friday from 11:00 am - 2:00 am and Saturday from 4:00 pm - 2:00 am. Valet parking is available. For more information: 214-744-0820
Ghostbar
Commanding the top floor of the W Hotel, Ghostbar overlooks Downtown Dallas' $3 billion Victory Park Development. This funky and sexy lounge was developed by the N9NE Group and is defined by its sleek décor accented by modern furniture and sensual lighting. The most popular feature of Ghostbar is the infamous "ghostdeck," a completely glass deck that suspends club-goers over the 33-story of the high rise. Enter the VIP area to enjoy a private bar and more exclusive setting or grab a seat on a comfy couch on the larger of the two decks. DJs spin everything from techo and rap to electronica and house music.
Ghostbar is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 pm - 2:00 am. There is no cover charge Monday through Wednesday; however, there is a $10 cover charge on Thursday and a $20 cover charge Friday - Saturday. Free admission is always offered to women. Valet, street, and lot parking are available. For more information: 214-720-9909
Recreation and Outdoors in Dallas
Dallas Aboretum
The result of the dream of Dallas native Everette DeGloyer more than 60 years ago, the Dallas Aboretum finally became a reality in 1984. The Aboretum and botanical gardens stretch across 66 acres on the DeGolyer and Camp properties. This Dallas hidden treasure offers miles of meandering walkways adorned by a wide range of greenery and blossoming flowers. Tour the DeGloyer House, the park's own 1940's-style Spanish mansion, and don't miss the beautiful water walls at the Johnson Color Gardens, the Woman's Garden and Lay Ornamental Garden.
The Aboretum is open seven days a week from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (65+), $5 for children (ages 3-12) and free for children 2 and under. Self-parking is available onsite for a fee of $5/vehicle. For more information: 214-515-6522
Fair Park Dallas
Over 7 million people visit this 277-acre National Historic Landmark located two miles east of downtown Dallas every year. Previously the site of the Texas State Fair and 1936 Texas Centennial exposition, Fair Park features the most expansive collection of 1930s ArtDeco architecture in the nation. Nine museums and six performance facilities are located on-site including the Music Hall, Smirnoff Music Centre, Band Shell and Cotton Bowl Stadium.
Fair Park provides over 749,000 square feet of enclosed private event space. Centennial Hall is an ideal space for large events with a 94,500 square foot exhibition hall while the Creative Arts Building works well for small to mid-sized groups with 17,000 square feet of space. Fair Park also offers more than 500,000 square feet of outdoor malls, plazas and festival areas for special events. More than 9,000 parking spaces are located within the park limits and an additional 3,000 paved spaces can be found in an adjacent lot. For more information: 214-670-8400
Bachman Lake Park
Watch planes land and take-off from Love Field at this 205-acre park with its own lake and 3-mile running trail. In-line skaters, bicyclists and dog-walkers flock to Bachman Lake on the weekends to enjoy the beautiful scenery and get a breath of fresh air. Sailing and fishing is also available on the lake. Numerous retail centers have been developed along the lake making it an ideal location for picknickers who may have forgotten supplies. Public restrooms, water fountains, and an outdoor pavilion for group gatherings can be found on the south side of the lake.
Family Activities in Dallas
The Museum of Nature and Science
The Dallas Museum of Natural History and the Science Place merged together to form one institution with a common goal: inspire minds through nature and science. As a result, the Museum of Nature and Science was formed in 2006. While the two institutions still stand alone in Fair Park, the new Museum of Nature and Science displays more than 200,000 artifacts and specimens and offers more than 200 interactive exhibits. The collection covers nearly 1.7 billion years of earth's history. With four diorama halls containing more than 50 dioramas of Texas wildlife, the museum serves as home to the largest exhibition of Texas wildlife habitats in the world. It also houses Dallas' first mounted dinosaur, only public planetarium and IMAX theatre.
The museum is open Monday - Saturday from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sundays from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Exhibit admission prices are as follows: $8.75 for adults; $5.50 for children (3 yrs.-11 yrs.); and $7.75 for youth (12 yrs. - 18 yrs.), students (18+ with ID), and seniors (62+). All members are given complimentary access to all permanent exhibits. Additional fees are charged for IMAX® and the Planetarium. These fees range from $3 to $7. For more information: 214-428-5555
Louis Tussaud's Palace of Wax & Ripley's Believe it or Not
This wax museum turned magic show houses hundreds of fascinating optical illusions and replicas of well-known historical figures and celebrities. Located inside a 41,000-square-foot replica of King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton, the museum features everything from wax replicas of Disney characters to a frighteningly realistic Adolf Hitler and a 7-foot tall leaning tower of Pisa. Visitors have the opportunity to test their wits as they stumble through the dark while listening to a horror-filled soundtrack of shrieks and screams and staring at grotesque figures from their favorite horror classics. For those who find the fear factor less than appealing, be dumbfounded in the new Ripley's Enchanted Mirror Maze comprised of 3,000 square feet of mirrored paths, dead ends, circles and corners. This museum truly has something to offer every member of the family.
The museum is open Monday - Friday from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Ticket prices range from approximately $15 per person to $30 per person depending upon age and amount of access desired. For more information: 972-263-2391
World Aquarium
Featuring more than 85,000 gallons of saltwater, the Dallas World Aquarium gives visitors the opportunity to explore ten 2,000-gallon displays of marine life from all four continents. Walk through the aquarium's 22,000-gallon tunnel reef and enjoy panoramic views of colorful fish including the spectacled angelfish, comb wrasse, leafy seadragon, pearly jawfish, porcupine pufferfish, pharaoh cuttlefish and more.
The Aquarium offers four areas for meetings and events. Three fully-equipped kitchens, two restaurants and three bars are located within the facility. The space can accommodate approximately 800 for a seated dinner and 1,800 for a reception style function. Catering services are provided by Daryl's By Design, the Aquarium's in-house caterer.
The Aquarium is open seven days a week from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The on-site restaurants have the following hours: Café Maya Restaurant, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm; "Eighteen-O-One" Restaurant, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm; and Jungle Café, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Admission fees range from approximately $10 - $17 per person. For more information: 214-720-1801
Dallas Zoo
Founded in 1888, this 95-acre zoo was the first zoological park in the Southwest. It is home to hundreds of exhibits showcasing thousands of animals from habitats around the world. Visit the Wilds of Africa area to become face-to-face with chimpanzees, crocodiles and gorillas. Stroll on down to the North Zoo to enjoy the lions, elephants, giraffes and a flamingo pond, as well as an exhibit solely focused on animals with unusual noses. The Zoo also has an area completely dedicated to children including the nature exchange where children can bring in rocks, pinecones and other natural treasures to trade with something off of the zoo's shelves. There is even a farm where kids can practice their skills as Junior Zoo Keepers by feeding miniature donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs.
The Dallas Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Admission prices are as follows: $8.75 for Adults (age 12-64), $5.75 for Children (ages 3-11), $5 for Seniors (ages 65 and up) and free for children 2 and under. Admission is also free to all members of the Dallas Zoological Society. For more information: 214-670-5656
Six Flags
Six Flags is located in Arlington, Texas about 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. Dating back to August of 1961, it is the oldest amusement park in the Six Flags Chain. The 212 acre park is comprised of 50 rides including 13 roller coasters and 5 water rides. Thrill-seekers will particularly enjoy rides like Batman, Shockwave and the Texas Giant. Those who are not quite as adventorous should be sure to check out Acme Rock-N-Rocket, Roaring Rapids, Texas Cute Out and Judge Roy Scream.
Daily Adult tickets are $47 per person at the park, but can be purchased online in advance for $29.99. Children that are under the height of 48 inches are always admitted for $29.99. Children ages 2 and under are free of charge. Park hours vary with the season so it is best to check the park website for hours of operation (www.sixflags.com/overtexas) before planning a visit. For more information: 817-640-8900
Dallas Tours
Tour the Movie Studios at Las Colinas
Observe what goes on behind the scenes in this more than 100,000 square-foot working, high-tech movie and television studio. Movies such as Robocop, JFK, Leap of Faith and Problem Child have been filmed here. Enjoy props and costumes from well-known movies including Dorothy's dress from the Wizard of Oz, the outfits worn by the Von Trapp family in the Sound of Music, and the Super Hero digs of classics like Superman and Batman. Visitors can also participate in the Adam's Family sound effects show. Admission is $12.95 for adults, $10.95 for senior citizens and $8.95 for children.
For more information: 972-869-3456
Southfork Ranch Tours
Tour the grounds of one of the most famous ranches in America and the filming site of more than 350 episodes of the television series "Dallas." Southfork Ranch offers docent lead tours year-round. Highlights include video clips from the series, interviews with the stars and memorabilia such as the gun that shot J.R., Lucy's Wedding Dress, the "Dallas" Family Tree, and Jock's Lincoln Continental. Schedule a tour close to meal time and enjoy a sandwich from Miss Ellie's Deli. Visitors may also enjoy browsing the variety of clothing, accessories, gifts and collectibles available in the two themed retails stores.
Guest can also sign up to participate in one of Southfork's famous Chuckwagon Dinners where they will eat at an authentic camp site while singing cowboys entertain with western stories and poetry. The Chuckwagon Dinner experience requires a minimum of 20 people, but can also accommodate several hundred people for a private event. For more information: 972-442-7800
