Dallas Character
A few months ago, I trravelled to Dallas to do a signing at the annual Dallas Cowboys "Taste of the NFL" fundraising event. I have only been to Dallas a few times but this time, I flew in at dusk, just as the sun was going down over the city and the lights were coming on. It was beautiful...and BIG...just like everything in Texas. The skyline at night is spectacular...all neon and glowing, and there are so many iconic buildings, like Reunion Tower and the Bank of America Plaza. As far as i'm concerned, Dallas is Texas's version of New York City...with all the hustle, bustle, and culture that a big city like NY has to offer. It's a wonderful place to visit.
Air Transportation
At Dallas Fort Worth, American Airlines together with American Eagle operate 765 daily departures to 155 nonstop destinations. Experience American's GoGo Inflight Internet Service and Mobile Boarding Pass Service when traveling in and out of Dallas.
Accomodations
On this trip, I stayed at the incredible Ritz Carlton, Dallas, Texas on McKinney Avenue. It's everything you'd expect a Ritz Carlton to be and the Sunday Brunch is to die for! I also want to mention the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center in Grapevine, just outside of Dallas. That's where the Cowboys hosted their event and I highly recommend it if you ever have a chance to stay there. The resort is like a little city unto itself, built inside a series of glass atriums and right on the Grapevine Lake. Spectacular.
Dining
If you love good barbecue, then Dallas is the place to be. Check out the legendary Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse first! Then you can venture on to Chipotle Mexican Grill for
some awesome Tex-Mex....my favorite!
Attractions
There are so many wonderful things to do in Dallas.....i could go on for pages. But, here are a few of my favorites:
The West End - The historic West End District is a great place to spend the day. Good shopping, art galleries, fantastic food, fun bars. Make sure you plan a day there.
The Dallas Contemporary always has a fantastic exhibit going on. The last time I was there, they were showing some of the new minimalist art, but i've been there for some fantastic masters and impressionists shows too.
Dealey Plaza - Dealey Plaza is one of the most significant blocks in the United States. It's the location, outside the book depository, where President Kennedy was assasinated. You can feel the history there. So much of it is still the same. You can travel in the President's path on that fateful day and visit the Sixth Floor Museum to view exhibits that chronicle both the assasination and the life and Presidency of JFK.
American Airlines Center - Home to one of the hottest concert venues in the country, the American Airlines Center also hosts the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and the NHL's Dallas Stars. There's ALWAYS something cool going on there.
Safe Travels!
--Charles
Photos (Top to Bottom)
Charles and Susan Fazzino in LA ; Getty Museum