Sometimes when you’re trippin’, small towns just won’t do – you need something BIG. And nothing’s bigger than “Big D.” Dallas may be a town that’s always in motion, but it’s also a town brimming with huge personality, enormous flavor, and a really BIG heart.
Culture
Since the heart of Dallas is crowded with towering skyscrapers, the best way to see the city is from the top of the Reunion Tower with a beautiful 360 degree view you won’t find anywhere else. One of the coolest parts is the glass elevator that lets you watch your ascent to the sky – just hold on to your hats and hairpieces…it’s windy up there.
If you’ve ever been curious about anything — at all — then head to the Perot Museum, a place where science and fun go hand-in-hand. At this museum (which is actually three Dallas museums combined into one) you’ll find all kinds of exhibits on dinosaurs, cadavers, robotics, sports and much more.
West of the heart of Dallas is the Bishop Arts District which was a forgotten part of town until it was remodeled into a funky mix of artists, shops and cafes. One of the can’t-miss shops is Wild Detectives, a coffee shop/book store/bar in an old house where coffee, community and creativity come together for the perfect mid-day pick-me-up. And men, you can say “bye bye” to boutiques with a trip to Mantiques, an antique store for the manly man, with items like stuffed albino cobras, spears, swords and shark teeth…? Enjoy a complementary Lone Star Beer while you peruse.
Food
Every trip to the Bishop Arts District must include Dude, Sweet Chocolate – which is exactly what you’ll be saying after you try Chef Catherine’s creations. She serves all kinds of unique guilty pleasures from Flower Child (an earl grey tea flavored chocolate) to Chocolate Salami (her specialty mix of chocolate, dates and nuts).
When you get hungry in the Big D, head east to Deep Ellum for one of the best BBQ joints in Texas: Pecan Lodge. You may have to wait in line, but the juicy, flavorful ‘que will be well worth it. They even have a meal that’s as big as Dallas, itself, “The Trough” — a BBQ sampler serving 4-5 folks (or just one extremely hungry Texan).
Unfortunately, this business has closed since we filmed this segment.
In the heart of this big city is Chicken Scratch, a courtyard restaurant surrounded by reclaimed storage containers whose specialty is a modern version of the classic Chicken Biscuit. These behemoths contain crispy fried chicken, fresh cured bacon and scratch-made sauces layered into one sandwich. Be sure to stop at the Foundry Bar next door which has live music and outdoor games to help you kick back after a day on the town.
Outdoors
The best way to see both the spectacular skyscrapers and beautiful nature in Dallas is on the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge which overlooks the Trinity River. This bridge is complete with an urban biking trail, rock climbing walls and the perfect view of the Dallas skyline in the distance.
To get up close and personal with the Trinity River, you don’t even have to leave the city. You can head to the Trinity Skyline Trails for an afternoon hike or bike that winds around the city and next to the river. If you need a bike, Red Star Bicycles is the place for you. There, you can buy hardcore bikes that are decked out in spikes and skeletons, or you can settle for renting a regular bike if spikes aren’t your thing.
Keep Exploring
Dallas, TX
