Have you thought about visiting Dallas? If you have, let me tell you about these 10 activities and places to visit in the Big D because there is more to it than the Cowboys, cattle barons and the place where JFK met his fate.

Without further ado, here’s my curated list of things to do in Dallas.

1. Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie

I’ve been to the horse races at Lone Star Park a couple of times even though I’m not a gambler. Surprise, surprise, I didn’t win but I had tons of fun with my friends on warm spring evenings. Check out when the season starts here

 

2. Texas State Fair

Come say hi to Big Tex, the Fair’s cultural ambassador since 1952. It all started in the 1880s as an exhibition of agricultural machinery, cattle and racing stock sales, talent contests and music numbers. Today, the Fair is also famous for its food and the food awards and the Ferris wheel. It’s an interesting experience that offers a glimpse of the essence of Texas – if you don’t mind the crowds.

3. Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

I love to see how the Arboretum changes with the seasons, from the colourful blooms of spring to the ochres and russets of autumn. Keep an eye out for special events like the Thursday concert series and the Dallas Blooms spring floral festival.

4. Mesquite Rodeo

It’s gotta be done. If you’re in Dallas during rodeo season (July to October), head to the Mesquite Arena for an exciting evening of vicarious bull riding, team roping and steer wrestling, to name a few activities.

5. Catch an opera at the Winspear Opera

My first opera ever was Aida on its opening night at the Winspear Opera House. It was a magical experience that you should have too.

6. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

The building itself is worth a visit! The exhibits are very interesting, especially the interactive ones. However, my absolute favourite is the dinosaur hall.

7. See Dallas from above at the Reunion Tower

The Reunion Tower is part of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The observatory inside the “ball”, 50 stories high, has an unimpeded, 360 degree view of the city and beyond.

8. Visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library

The George W. Bush library is located in the Southern Methodist University campus in Highland Park. It offers a summary of the Bush years, or at least, what the public can be told. The secret archives are still secret.

9. Shop ‘til you drop

Dallas is the home of luxury retailer Neiman Marcus. However, there are many other options to shop, from shopping malls like the Galleria and Northpark to the Allen Premium Outlets (my personal favourite!). The latest retail behemoth is the Nebraska Furniture Store. It’s the largest furnishing store in North America. It’s so big it has its own highway exit.

10. Nasher Sculpture Garden

The Nasher garden is the prettiest spot in Dallas. Not only is the work of internationally renowned artists on display, it is beautifully landscaped and even has the Dallas downtown skyline as a backdrop.

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