Two cities that have my heart are Chicago and Dallas. I know that Chicago is unbearable in the winter and Dallas is unbearable in the summer, but I love them both. My friend Kendra lives in the Chicago area and is a travel expert and writer. We thought it would be fun to put our heads (and blogs) together and feature a two-part series on two of my geographic loves. The third love, Mississippi, will be featured later this spring on my blog. If you’re planning to visit Dallas anytime soon, this is a must-have for sights to see!

A Texan Travel Guide to the Best Vacation in Dallas

By Toni Williams

Many are familiar with the Texas slogan, “Everything’s Bigger in Texas,” and visiting Dallas is no different. From the food to the friendly hospitality to the hotel accommodations to fun things to do, this city has your vacation covered! As a matter of fact, the Dallas Convention and Visitor’s Bureau launched a BIG campaign across the city and encourage visitors take photos in one of several life-sized sculptures proving that they did it big in Big D!

Longhorn Fun

Texas is famous for its cows, and Longhorns rule the town! While grazing cattle is a normal fixture when driving down Texas roads, it’s fun to know exactly where some of the hot spots are to see them for yourself. I-35 and Riverfront Blvd in downtown Dallas is the most popular place to see the longhorns grazing, and if you pull into the Fuel City gas station, you’ll be able to get a great view (and some of the best tasting tacos ever!)

If live cattle is not your thing, take a quick visit to Pioneer Plaza near Dallas City Hall and you will see why Texans love these beautiful and statuesque creatures. Take photos with the many Longhorn Statues on Young Street and you’ll see what everyone loves.

Presidential Facts & Figures

Dallas holds significant memories in the lives of two U.S. Presidential administrations. In 1963 President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas as his motorcade drove down Elm Street. An x marks the spot where the President was shot in front of the famed grassy knoll. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in the exact room that the fatal shot originated from.

Most recently, Dallas has enjoyed being home to the Presidential Library for former President and Dallas resident, George W. Bush. The Bush Library is located on the campus of Southern Methodist University, where academics and sports reign supreme.

A View From Above

A quick stop at Reunion Tower is a must for visitors to Dallas. Known to the locals as “The Ball,” this tower stretches 560 feet in the sky and gives impeccable views of the city from its newly renovated Geodeck. The top of the tower is also home to Wolgang Puck’s 560 revolving restaurant and the Cloud Nine Café is closer to the Geodeck for casual dining.

Best Place to Hang Your Saddle or Catch Some Shut Eye

Adjacent to Reunion Tower is the Hyatt Regency Dallas which does not disappoint. Within walking distance and a relative newcomer to downtown Dallas is The Dallas Omni Hotel, home to Bob’s Steak & Chop House restaurant.

What About the Kids?

In recent years, the City of Dallas built Klyde Warren Park along the overpass of Woodall Rogers Freeway. Today it is home to Dallas’ only outdoor skating rink in winter, and yoga, Zumba and awesome trucks during warmer weather. While kids participate in some of the many activities offered at the 5.2 across park, parents find it easy to relax and enjoy the free wifi. Other awesome parks for kids to explore include Texas Discovery Gardens in Fair Park, and Rory Myer Children’s Adventure Garden (also known as the park without walls) at the Dallas Arboretum.

Dallas is full of fun and adventure, and quite affordable. Admission to the Dallas Museum of Art and the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center are both free daily and can easily be added to you list of things to do. Another museum on the list for families is the amazing Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Victory Park.