GOING TO DALLAS FIRST TIME SURPRISE BDAY TRIP FOR MY SISTER AND HUSBAND NEED HELP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I get wanting to experience a Texan/Western weekend but Dallas is not your city.

ok so what are your recommendations? Fort Worth or Austin?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I was just there.

Yuck who does this?

If you must OP please do not tell anyone this was your idea.

We do..is Texas really that bad? I would be happy to tell anyone its my idea, its not like I am going to Compton or Detroit for Pete's sake, get off your high horse, you sound utterly miserable.
I am treating two people I care for to a trip they have wanted to take, you want to criticize that, that's on you.

It’s not that Texas is bad - it’s that Dallas is a soulless strip mall with very little “Texas” character. And don’t disparage Detroit - it’s a hell of a lot more interesting than Dallas.

[Anonymous]

Dallas is fine but probably the least Texan of Texas cities. Many transplants there.

Austin is a lot of fun (although again a lot of transplants), great music, good barbecue, lots of texmex. You can learn Texas history at the State Capitol. Seems like it would be much more the vibe your DH is imagining.

San Antonio is also nice although I think less to do than Austin. Riverwalk and the Alamo is good for an afternoon.

[Anonymous]

I've been to Austin a couple of times and it was fun. We don't really eat meat but I've heard good things about Franklin's Barbecue though you have to get up at 6am to get in line for food...when they sell out they close. I liked Amy's Ice Cream. You can also possibly see all the bats leave from under the bridge which is cool. I've been to the State Capitol but not done a more formal tour or the movie. Lots of bars and restaurants in Austin, you can look online for recommendations.

San Antonio is less than a two hour drive away so you could always day trip from Austin to see the Alamo and Riverwalk. The Alamo was a bit underwhelming but it is one of those attractions everyone knows about.

I have IL family who live in Dallas. Dallas is nice, and the Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza is historical. The zoo is nice, and the Perot Museum was interesting and has stuff for kids. There's also a nice Arboretum. But in reality the area around Dallas is like the area outside of DC. I haven't been to the Fort Worth stockyard area but maybe that is what you are looking for.

If you like Indian food I can recommend an EXCELLENT chaat house by DFW airport.

[Anonymous]

Austin is not western though. It used to have a bit of a hippie cowboy vibe (think Willie Nelson) but now it is just hipster and techy.

I think if you are looking for traditional Texas "culture" - big city mixed with Cowboy culture, then Fort Worth is your place! They have the Fort Worth Stockyards and Museum and the Amon Carter Museum, plus for Tex Mex there is Joe T. Garcias that you would have to eat. Check out the Hotel Drover. Never been but heard good things.

That said, if you are certain you want to hit Dallas, then 10:52 poster is pretty spot on.

[Anonymous]

^ and of course for a Honky Tonk in Fort Worth, you have to go to Billy Bob's.

[Anonymous]

Three Forks Restaurant

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:so most think staying in fort worth over Dallas?

They have an Auberge there, any one stayed?

Any must do restaurants in either place? Where would you suggest for a memorable birthday dinner? somewhere unique to Texas.

OP, people are saying Fort Worth because you seem to want a real Texas vibe. Dallas fancies itself (and sort of is) more cosmopolitan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Adolphus Hotel is beautiful, lots of restaurants within walking distance although I have no specific recommendations.

Don't miss the Sixth Floor Museum and the Grassy Knoll. Head to the Fort Worth Stockyards for honky tonk and rodeo.

If sister and DH have "always" wanted to go to Dallas, what is their attraction to it? It's fine, but not exactly a destination to aspire to.

I'd recommend The Zodiac at the original Neiman Marcus downtown - fun experience. The popovers are a specialty. The Nasher Sculpture Center is also downtown. I think North Park Center is also worth a visit. Yes, it's a mall, but they've kept it true to its architectural roots from the late '50's so it's unique.

Deep Ellum has music. Bishop Arts district has arts. You can put together a fun weekend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Adolphus Hotel is beautiful, lots of restaurants within walking distance although I have no specific recommendations.

Don't miss the Sixth Floor Museum and the Grassy Knoll. Head to the Fort Worth Stockyards for honky tonk and rodeo.

If sister and DH have "always" wanted to go to Dallas, what is their attraction to it? It's fine, but not exactly a destination to aspire to.

I second the Adolphus Hotel -- it's really special!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Adolphus Hotel is beautiful, lots of restaurants within walking distance although I have no specific recommendations.

Don't miss the Sixth Floor Museum and the Grassy Knoll. Head to the Fort Worth Stockyards for honky tonk and rodeo.

If sister and DH have "always" wanted to go to Dallas, what is their attraction to it? It's fine, but not exactly a destination to aspire to.

I'd recommend The Zodiac at the original Neiman Marcus downtown - fun experience. The popovers are a specialty. The Nasher Sculpture Center is also downtown. I think North Park Center is also worth a visit. Yes, it's a mall, but they've kept it true to its architectural roots from the late '50's so it's unique.

Deep Ellum has music. Bishop Arts district has arts. You can put together a fun weekend.

None of this is honky tonk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dallas is not the place for “Texan” culture. Try San Antonio and/or Austin

Do you think Austin over Fort Worth? or comparable?

DP. Fort Worth or San Antonio are probably more what you’re looking for. As others have said, Dallas is a very cosmopolitan city (not that the others aren’t, but they lean into the “Texan” thing more).

Fort Worth for the Stockyards (check the schedule, but they do regular “cattle drives” and have a rodeo). Joe T Garcia’s for Tex-Mex.

San Antonio for the Alamo and lots of classic old Spanish missions that are now National Parks.

If you stay in Dallas, Dallas has Pecan Lodge and Terry Blacks for good barbecue.

There is a rodeo all summer (Saturdays, I think) in Mesquite, which is a suburb east of Dallas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You could try El Fenix for tex mex. It's not the best I've ever had, but it's been open for over 100 years which is impressive

wow that really is a long time. Will jot it down, thanks.

I love El Fenix because it’s comfort food for me — I’ve been going there since I was a kid (I’m old, even if not 100) and it is what most consider classic Tex Mex. There are new ones popping up all the time, but some of the tried and true that come to mind are Mia’s, Mi Cocina (has multiple locations), Desperado’s, Bandito’s, and Tulum (for authentic Mexican, which is a whole different category).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I was just there.

Yuck who does this?

If you must OP please do not tell anyone this was your idea.

Let’s assume OP knows her family better than DCUM does. She is trying to treat people she loves.

If all you can do is judge their tastes, please refrain from posting. Your superiority complex reeks .

Try tolerance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I was just there.

Yuck who does this?

If you must OP please do not tell anyone this was your idea.

Let’s assume OP knows her family better than DCUM does. She is trying to treat people she loves.

If all you can do is judge their tastes, please refrain from posting. Your superiority complex reeks .

Try tolerance.

Are you new here? Tolerance is not DCUM's forte.