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"Big Things Happen Here"...Welcome to Dallas!
- Julie Smith
- Jan 11, 2023
- 4 min read
"Big things happen here". So this is the official slogan of the city of Dallas, not surprising coming out of the Lone Star State that boasts about the grand scale size of things. Texas is the second largest state in the US, but the largest in the "lower 48". Alaska weighs in at 663,267 square miles, Texas at 268,580 and California is in 3rd place with 163, 695 square miles. Yes...Texas is very BIG. Big with a diversity of interesting things to offer. Visitors to Dallas can get a taste of Texan living with a great eclectic mix of sites and sounds. A blend of big city life and frontier living all rolled into one place that is quintessential life in the Lone Star state: Dallas. Dallas seems so vibrant and youthful. It was incorporated as a city in 1856, but much of the infrastructure is very contemporary. Like many larger cities in the south, Dallas has a large cross-section of people and many "transplanting Northerners" have made a home there. The diversity of accents are as prevalent as the different occupations. Dallas is home to 21 Fortune 500 companies including Exxon Mobil, AT&T and Texas Instruments.
When in Dallas, a great place to start your visit is the Visit Dallas Visitor's Center located in the Old Red Museum, 100 S. Houston Street. You can't miss it...it's the big beautiful red sandstone building with cool looking gargoyles. It is adjacent to the JFK Memorial and Dealey Plaza. Originally built as a courthouse in 1892, it houses an interesting museum and also the visitors center. The center is staffed by folks that can help you plan your trip and know everything from great hotels, shopping and where to find the best BBQ around. The "Dallas City Pass" tickets are also available for purchase here for discounts on many major attractions. When we were in Dallas, I did purchase them and saved quite a bit. (you can buy them on-line prior to your trip at: http://VisitDallas.com/CityPASS A word of warning, you have to use them up within 9 days, can't carry over for your "next" trip.
Dallas is ranked as the 3rd largest city in Texas. Houston being the largest, than San Antonio. Like many big cities, negotiating traffic is a challenge. Roadways in the city are well-marked, but there seemed to be a preponderance of "access roads" running parallel to the major expressways which frequently begs the question: How do I get over there? I can see where I need to go but how do I get there? Hence the U-turn spot in Dallas in quite common. Granted, helpful....but I think the roads could have been laid out better to begin with. Once you get a feel for it, you're fine but navigating some of the "spaghetti bowls" can be tricky. We had a rental car so we felt compelled to drive everywhere, but it is my understanding Dallas does have a good public transportation system: DART: Dallas Area Rapid Transit. Then you wouldn't have to deal with the highways. Yet, it is interesting to note that Dallas is the largest metropolitan area in the US that does not on a navigable body of water, hence the development of all those roadways. Four major interstates converge in the city. Providing transportation is also enhanced by the railroad system: you gotta move all that cattle somehow.
This leads me to the next feature about the state that is highlighted in the city of Dallas. Texas happens to hold the record as the top producer of beef cattle in the U. S., with 2.42 million head of cattle. That's alot of beef! The proud history and heritage of cattle drives is documented as a public art exhibit in downtown Dallas at the Pioneer Plaza (1428 Young Street). An entire herd of longhorn steers and cowboys on horseback are depicted in beautiful bronze statues. Situated in the heart of downtown in the convention district, it is odd to see an entire herd of life-size cattle making their way through a stream with buildings rising up on all sides. They seem so real, that it seems they should be grazing across fields of grass, instead of surrounded by towering high rises. Yet, that is what makes the exhibit so stunning and a wonderful tribute to the trail riders. Also, adjacent to the plaza is the pioneer Park Cemetery which includes the Confederate War Memorial.
Along with being the leading beef cattle producer, comes the wonderful reality that Dallas is one of the best places for steak! Well, of course. Steak and BBQ, that is. There are so many fantastic places to choose, but choose we did. I found a place that had great food, but when in Texas I have to admit....I looked for the ambiance as well. Nothing says Texas like cowboy boots, whips and a giant steer mounted on the wall staring at you while you dine on steak. Really fun place and it happens to be a chain with a few locations. It is called Salt Grass Steakhouse and I have been back several times when in Dallas. Delicious!
Another attraction in Dallas that we enjoyed, and I strongly recommend is the Dallas Arboretum . It is a beautiful Place to wander through, filled with over 66 acres of flowers, plant life, waterfalls and statues.
It is such a lovely venue, with un upscale restaurant on the premises, that this locale is chosen for about 700 weddings and events annually! When we were there, several young ladies were celebrating their Quinceanera all dressed in elaborate, stunning dresses with layers of taffeta. They looked so beautiful as they were being photographed on their special day among the flowers and fountains. Since we were there in October, they were celebrating many Fall-themed displays and all the walkways were lined with bright, plump pumpkins and gourds. I don't think I have ever seen so many pumpkins all in one place.
It's a very lovely setting and a wonderful place to enjoy some serenity...set aside from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dallas. For more information on their seasonal programs and displays their web site is: dallasaboretum.org
Julie E. Smith
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