Dallas in a Day

Only have a day to spend in Dallas? No fear! Tap into some of your favorites and know that you can always come back for the others.

The long-lasting phrase of ‘Everything’s Bigger in Texas’ is comical and so true at the same time. Dallas joins in on that theme by housing huge buildings and artwork that just make you stare in awe. One of my biggest surprises was The Eye, located in the heart of downtown. Pictures are great, but being up close and really feeling the grandeur stops you in your tracks. To truly appreciate this work of art, you need to look at it straight on and feel the depth of the eye as the iris’s blue seems practically three dimensional. As you walk closer, off to the side, you can see more of the veins and intricacies that the artist has implemented to create such a lifelike reproduction.

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To the left of The Eye you can enjoy a delicious meal at Queso Beso. This Mexican restaurant puts a unique savory flair on your typical dishes to make them anything but typical. Outdoor dining, both on street level and on the 2nd floor patio give you a top notch view of the sculpture and the bustling city life.

Heading on down the street, you will come to the amazingly restored Old Red Courthouse now known as Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture Walking through the museum will fill you with knowledge about the city, but even if time or your wallet does not allow, I encourage you to take a few minutes to look up and take in all of the architectural features that create this magnificent beauty.

Diagonally across the street you will find the building from which the first shot was fired at John F. Kennedy. You can then walk the path the car took and see the 2nd spot an additional gunman shot from. It’s a sad part of our American history but one that deserves remembrance.

Getting Around

Although things are relatively close together, considering the size of Dallas, you will end up walking quite a few city blocks. Comfortable shoes are a must and you also want to bring a back up battery charger for your phone. I used my map app to navigate but, as we all know, that can really eat up your battery. Some of the light poles have outlets attached so you can charge your phone right there on the sidewalk if you so desire (and you have your charger with you).

To get to some of the featured neighborhoods and restaurants you will need to use public transportation, rent a car or use a service like Uber or Lyft. (Use the code JODI25666 to receive $5 toward your first ride.)

Dining with Character

As in true Jodi fashion, I found a fun, quirky restaurant to check out. It’s name gets your imagination smiling and it continues on from there. Ida Claire is full of surprises around every corner. Outside you’ll find retro patio seating along with a Windstream camper lined with eccentric fabrics. As you make your way inside, you’ll be greeted with décor that includes masses of books, bird cages and mannequin arms. Bizarre yet tastefully arranged. As you browse through the comical menus, you’ll find your palette will be as pleased as your vision. My biggest recommendation would be to get reservations before arriving. We arrived at 9:30am and there was already a 45 minute wait.

Bishop Arts District

Dallas, like all large cities, is made up of smaller neighborhoods, each with its own personality. A favorite of mine is the Bishop Arts District. Two main streets, Bishop Ave and Davis St, make up the majority of the commerce that puts this place on the map. Food trucks, such as Down to Earth, an art deco theatre, restaurants and various boutiques and shops provide boundless opportunities for you to enjoy. What I loved was the variety among the stores to shop from: books, antiques, clothing, candles. It sounds ‘run of the mill’ but it’s far from it. The family friendly environment, live music and sparkling lights make for an evening of fun for everyone.

Where to stay

My sister and I stayed at the Renaissance Hotel which was very convenient to the downtown, Love Field (Southwest Airlines), and the Bishop Arts District. We used Uber and it took about 10 minutes to get to each of those respective places from the hotel. The service was great, it felt very secure and there is a nice on-site restaurant. Parking is free if you have your own vehicle.

Such a big city and so little time. Until next time! Please share your favorites in Dallas.