Welcome to Dallas, home of the one and only Cowboys, two major airports and at least three significant pop culture births — 7-Eleven convenience stores (1927), the frozen margarita machine (1971) and Selena Gomez (1992). Today, Dallas’ numerous cultural institutions, award-winning restaurants and prestigious hotels make it the perfect place for a weekend visit. This two-day itinerary offers a glimpse into the magic of the Lone Star State’s magnificent metropolis.
Where to stay
Dallas boasts a number of luxury hotels. For those looking to stay near Uptown’s arts district, Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas is the best option. Not only does the 218-room property reside in an art-deco-designed building, but it’s within walking distance of some of the city’s best parks and museums (more on those in a bit). Bonus: the property has an outdoor pool, the Four-Star Fearing’s Restaurant, a Four-Star spa and an exclusive perfumery.
The Joule is a Four-Star hotel roughly a mile away in the heart of downtown. Famed designer Adam Tihany updated the historic spot but kept the original marble floors and elegant staircase intact. However, the hotel’s Four-Star spa and pool feel sleek and modern. The latter protrudes eight feet from the building, granting swimmers a magnificent city view.
Saturday
Start the morning by heading to Texas’ first standalone fine-dining restaurant to achieve a Five-Star rating, Carte Blanche, for an elegant morning bite. Yes, dinner here always deserves consideration, but the breakfast is equally impressive. Every Thursday through Sunday, the high-end viennoiserie attached to the restaurant churns out a rotating menu of superb baked goods such as stuffed fig brioche doughnuts and vanilla crullers.
Once replenished, take the 12-minute car ride to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The building, designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne, alone is worth the trip. Inside, enjoy the sports hall, ancient bone displays and body exhibit while tapping into local culture in a Texas Instruments Engineering and Innovation Hall equipped with a robot section and hands-on challenge lab.
After a few hours perusing the museum, head to Revolver Taco Lounge in Deep Ellum. The colorful, plant-filled setting complements a plate of freshly made tortilla tacos topped with Michoacán-style octopus carnitas, wagyu beef carne asada or grilled trout in a light tinga sauce. Wash lunch down with a spicy michelada or one of the daily agua frescas (fresh fruit juices). Or, for the pro eater, grab a few tacos to go and nibble on them while waiting in line for brisket from the iconic Texas barbecue joint Pecan Lodge across the street.
If you look around between bites, you might notice how the Deep Ellum neighborhood offers more than tacos and smoked meat. For starters, the area is filled with colorful paintings thanks to the 42 Mural project. Download the map and go on a self-guided art tour. Sports fans should also stop by Warstic, a specialty bat shop owned by baseball players Ben Jenkins and Ian Kinsler and musician Jack White. Window shop and test out gear at this cool spot. After a few swings, refresh with a pint at the Deep Ellum Brewing Taproom. If you arrive at 1 or 3 p.m., pair your beer with a brewery tour.
When you finish tromping around one of the city’s hippest neighborhoods, head to one of its top restaurants, chef Misti Norris’ Petra and the Beast. The seasonal menu reflects local produce and also a whole-animal utilization program. While the lineup changes frequently, the housemade charcuterie, innovative pastas and superb cocktails always impress. Reservations are recommended, but the Dallas restaurant also takes walk-ins.
Sunday
Sleep in, but not too late because you have a brunch date with Sadelle’s, which specializes in New York Jewish deli fare. Expect towers of bagels with sides of smoked Scottish salmon, capers and cream cheeses; seared veal dumplings; soft scrambled eggs with caviar; and breakfast tacos with avocado. There’s no better way to start the day, especially once your order is completed with a signature grapefruit cocktail.
Follow up brunch with a 12-minute stroll to the Dallas Museum of Art. The multi-level space has an impressive amount of displays (including the expansive “Afro-Atlantic Histories,” which runs through February 11) that somehow avoid causing museum fatigue. Make sure to also take a gander at the neighboring Nasher Sculpture Center, one of Dallas’ most celebrated attractions.
Afterward, stop for a snack at Mi Cocina inside Klyde Warren Park. The restaurant’s many windows offer splendid views of the park and surrounding streets to enjoy with Tex-Mex staples such as brisket tacos, cheesy enchiladas and chile con queso.
Avoid midday’s bustle by booking a spa treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dallas. Here, unique services include the Texas eight-hand massage and Dean’s Margarita Salt Glow — a nod to the talented hotel chef Dean Fearing’s delicious drinks.
Once you’ve freshened up after your spa visit, leisurely drift downstairs to Fearing’s Restaurant. On celebrity chef Fearing’s acclaimed Southwestern menu, find tasty local fare such as Texas antelope, bison and wagyu beef, mixed with spicy sauces and enhancements. The menu changes with the season, but Dean’s tortilla soup and maple-peppercorn buffalo tenderloin are staples.
If you’re not too full, follow up the meal at the hotel’s Rattlesnake Bar for well-crafted cocktails, an upscale nightlife vibe and a few tufted leather banquettes from which you can reminisce over the wonderful weekend.
Stay tuned for our 2024 Star Awards announcement on February 7, 2024.
