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

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People in their 50s who have always wanted to go to Dallas? What is this demographic? People who were die-hard fans of the TV show Dallas?

From your wish list, it honestly sounds like you should visit Fort Worth. Fort Worth has The Stockyards for your honky tonk bars and rodeo culture.

someone who moved to this country only 15 years ago.

? I'm a foreigner, know lots of foreigners, and nobody I know has ever expressed such an interest. But you're very kind to prepare a visit for them, OP.

good for you!

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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

[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!