ok so what are your recommendations? Fort Worth or Austin? |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
^ and of course for a Honky Tonk in Fort Worth, you have to go to Billy Bob's. |
Three Forks Restaurant |
OP, people are saying Fort Worth because you seem to want a real Texas vibe. Dallas fancies itself (and sort of is) more cosmopolitan. |
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. |
I second the Adolphus Hotel -- it's really special! |
None of this is honky tonk. |
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. |
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). |
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. |