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Profile

Dallas is a name that's characterized by cowboys and cheerleaders, oil barons, black gold and silicon chips. As a name, it is renowned throughout the country. As a city, it's relatively youthful and modern, innovative and entrepreneurial, yet its deep reaching roots exude an eventful history and Old West heritage like few others.

The ninth largest city in the United States began life in 1841 as a trading post and small town of 20 streets sketched out among 640 acres of land. In the years that followed, Dallas would establish itself as a frontier post of the "Wild West." In the 1870s it became the central meeting point for Midwestern and Pacific railroad lines furthering the city's progression as a base for travel and trade.

In the early 20th century a succession of key developments that included opening the first Neiman Marcus department store in 1907, the establishment of a Federal Reserve Bank in 1914, the development of the East Texas Oilfield in 1930, and hosting the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936 all fueled the city's rapid advancement. Three decades later, it became the birthplace to the integrated-circuit computer chip, and the advent of what would become the Texas version of California's Silicon Valley. Today, the Dallas CVB cites the city as the number one visitor destination in Texas and the Southwest's leading business and financial center.

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Weather

Dallas is warm throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 67 to 33 degrees F during fall and winter and from 55 to 97 during the spring and summer months. Summer and winter is also typically dry, but there are always chances of afternoon thunderstorms, with the heaviest rainfall occurring during springtime and topping out in May with an annual average of nearly five inches. Due to its location set between the Midwest and Gulf Coast, Dallas is also susceptible to heavy wind gusts, occasional hail, floods, and tornados.

Current Weather

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Attractions

Dallas is a young and still developing city that was once known more for its business center attributes than for tourist attractions. But today the city, with its revitalized state fairgrounds, a growing arts scene and beautiful parks, offers plenty of visual stimuli and activities from within its numerous and distinct neighborhoods to attract visitors of all ages and interests.

To really catch an eyeful of what Dallas has to offer perhaps there's no better place than atop the Reunion Tower at Hyatt Regency Dallas (300 Reunion Blvd. E.; 214-712-7145; www.dallasregency.hyatt.com). A minute-long elevator ride propels visitors to the top of the 560-foot tower for a 360-degree view of the city. From a distance the lighted dome that crowns the tower features a flashing light show, and from within, three levels make up the observation deck, a restaurant and cocktail lounge, from bottom to top. Observation deck hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children.

Established in 1880 and located two miles east of downtown, Fair Park Dallas (1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd.; 214-670-8400; www.fairpark.org) is a 277-acre historical landmark that houses museums, meeting venues, theaters and amphitheaters, exhibit facilities, and is also home to the largest state fair in the U.S., the State Fair of Texas. Visitors to Fair Park can save 40% off admission to a number of on-site attractions by purchasing a Fair Park Passport. The passport allows for one-time admission and is valid for 90 days from date of purchase. The passport price for adults is $23.00, for children (ages three to 12) is $13.99, and under three are free.

Located among its vast acreage is the Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park (301 Martin Luther King Blvd.; 214-428-7476; www.texasdiscoverygardens.org). The first certified organic public garden in the state, Texas Discovery Gardens features ten different themed areas that include fountains, a butterfly habitat, an heirloom garden, and a scent garden. The Gardens are open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and closed Sundays. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors, $1.50 for children (ages three to 11), and children under three are admitted free.

The name "Dallas" is synonymous for many with the nighttime television drama that popularized the exploits of the Ewing clan and their famous home at the Southfork Ranch. A decade and a half since the show's finale, fans and tourists still flock to Southfork (3700 Hogge Rd., Parker; 972-442-7800; www.southforkranch.com), now an event and conference center, for a tour through the ranch grounds and mansion. Start from the visitors center and relive some memorable moments in the "Dallas Legends" exhibit, which includes the gun that shot J.R. and video clips from the series. Take a tram from the visitors center to the mansion for a guided tour and go behind the scenes. On-site shopping and chuckwagon-style dining are also available. Southfork is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily with tours departing every 30 to 45 minutes. Admission is $8.95 for adults, $7.50 for seniors, $6.50 for children (four and under admitted free).

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Family Fun

The Dallas Children's Museum (308 Valley View Center; 972-386-6555; www.dallaschildrens.org) provides a place where kids of all ages can engage in entertaining programs while learning about the world around them. Through the museum's many permanent exhibits, kids will enter a "hospital" and explore the world of health and medicine, visit a "grocery" store to learn about food and nutrition, create unique works of art, play and learn new computer skills--and have plenty of fun in the process. The Dallas Children's Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., from 11:00 a.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday. Admission for adults is $3, seniors is $2, children (ages two to 12) is $4, and children under two are admitted free.

Trek through a tropical rainforest, spy on stingrays and sharks, walk through a water tunnel, and wander the underwater world from ocean to ocean at the Dallas Aquarium (1801 N. Griffin St.; 214-720-2224; www.dwazoo.com). Ten 2,000-gallon displays present marine life from around the world including Southern Australia, Fiji, Bahamas, British Columbia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Japan. Numerous educational exhibits dot the surface of the aquarium including "The Orinoco: Secrets of the River" rainforest exhibit spotlighting the South American Orinoco River basin and the Mundo Maya, an interactive, immersion exhibit that takes visitors from the waters of the Yucatan's gulf coast to the highland rainforests. Open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission prices: for adults $15.95, for children (ages three to 12) $8.95 and for seniors $12.95.

The original Six Flags theme park company began life in the mid-1960s, named after the six nations that have governed Texas at various periods. Six Flags Over Texas (2201 Road To Six Flags; Arlington; 817-640-8900; www.sixflags.com/parks/overtexas) is a family fun park proportionate in size and scope to the state itself. Experience the excitement and chills of the Titan roller coaster, a hulking figure featuring camel back hills and spiral curves, or take the plunge with SpongeBob SquarePants and pals through a zany underwater adventure. The appropriately named Texas Giant is an old wooden-framed favorite that climbs into the Texas sky then cruises at better than 60 miles-an-hour, while the Wildcatter freefall will test the limits of any thrill seeker. The Southwestern-themed park produces a number of shows, shops and eateries, as well as special seasonal events such as Fun Filled Fall, featuring "Fright Fest" and "Holiday in the Park" through the end of the year. Admission is $41.99 for adults, $24.99 for children (height restrictions apply) and seniors. Discounted seasonal passes are also available online.

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Cultural Arts

"The Mort," or more accurately, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center (2301 Flora St.; 214-670-3600; www.mhmsc.com) was designed by acclaimed architect, I.M. Pei, and houses the Eugene McDermott Concert Hall. Artists from all walks of life have called it one of the acoustically finest halls in America. The Mort is the permanent home of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, but plays hosts to a full season of events, including recitals on the 4,535-pipe Herman W. Lay Family Organ. Even if you can't make an evening concert, stop by for a free hour-long tour (call for schedule).

The Nasher Sculpture Center (2001 Flora St.; 214-242-5100; www.nashersculpturecenter.org) is dedicated to the exhibition, study and preservation of modern sculpture. Visitors will find a "roofless" museum in the garden comprised of more than 300 pieces that features works by the likes of Calder, Kelly, Matisse, Miro, and Picasso. The Center occupies a full city block in the Dallas Arts District and sits adjacent to the Dallas Museum of Art. Stop by for a light lunch at the nearby Café Mansion overlooking the garden. The center is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and closed Mondays. Admission for adults is $10, seniors $7 and students $5.

Located in Dallas' burgeoning Arts District, Crow Collection of Asian Art (2010 Flora St.; 214-979-6430; www.crowcollection.org) features works dating from 3500 B.C. to the early 20th century and include more than 600 paintings, metal and stone objects, and large architectural pieces from throughout Asia. Visitors will marvel at a variety of precious jade ornaments, paintings, sculptures, decorative and ritualistic items from China's Qing Dynasty, while scrolls, screens, kimonos, and prints may be on display in the Japanese collection. Religious items form the cornerstone of the Indian and Southeast Asian collection, which also includes a 28-by-12-foot sandstone facade of an 18th-century Indian residence. Look for revolving special exhibitions and free Sunday tours of the garden. The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday until 9:00 p.m. and closed Mondays. Admission is free.

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Sports/Recreation

Located nearby Downtown and to the east, Whiterock Lake and Greenbelt Park (830 E. Lawther Dr.; 214-670-8281) features a nearly ten-mile waterfront trail that's perfect for walking, running and biking, while the adjoining park includes playgrounds and a ten-station workout spot. Whiterock Lake offers excellent boating and fishing opportunities.

Every Friday and Saturday evening from April through December, guests can witness the Mesquite Championship Rodeo (1818 Rodeo Dr., Mesquite; 972-285-8777; www.mesquiterodeo.com) and experience a unique brand of Western adventure that grew up in Texas. Among America's oldest sports, the rodeo is a throwback to the time when such tests of skill were essential to the livelihood of the cowboy, and today, having grown into an event that's increasing in popularity. From bull riding and barrel racing to bronco busting and bareback, to a home-cooked barbecue buffet at one of the country's best, Sonny Bryan's, it's a family-friendly, fun time in a fully enclosed, climate-controlled arena where better than 5,000 can gather for an evening's entertainment.

Visitors looking to get in a few rounds on the greens will also have the added privilege of getting better acquainted with some of the greats of the gridiron on the world's first NFL-themed resort-style golf course. In 2001, the City of Dallas and its Cowboys football team linked up to create The Cowboys Golf Club (1600 Fairway Dr., Grapevine; 817-481-7277; www.cowboysgolf.com), an upscale course wrought with scenic landscape, dramatic elevational changes, waterways and wildlife preserves, and a walkthrough experience that captures the historical achievements of "America's Team." A unique golfing experience, The Cowboys Golf Club received top honors in a number of publications and surveys including Zagat's number one ranking for top golf course in the Southwest region in 2004.

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Accommodations

From historic charm to modern glamour, Dallas offers the finest in Southern hospitality and a wealth of more than 65,000 hotel rooms ranging from first-class luxury to family pricing and in a variety of locations spanning the Downtown/Convention Center area through Las Colinas.

Hotel ZaZa (2332 Leonard St.; 214-468-8399; www.hotelzaza.com) fashions every bit of "uptown" in its luxurious mystique. The chateau-inspired boutique hotel caters to business travelers and vacationers looking for luxury, comfort and convenience, from its candlelit lobby and floor-to-floor butler pantries, to the Magic Carpet transport service from within its active location. The hotel offers 153 luxuriously appointed rooms with rates ranging from $295 to $345 per night and seven private-access suites ranging from $450 to $1,695 per night with amenities include Whirlpool spas, Italian linens, gourmet kitchens, complimentary wireless Internet access, and plasma televisions. The hotel is well located for local shopping and fine dining, or from within, offering guests the elegant Dragonfly Restaurant and Urban Oasis Night Club, the hotel's poolside retreat set to tropical environs and among the top tier for Dallas nightlife.

Renowned for the soaring red neon sign which has been a city landmark since 1922 when the Magnolia Petroleum Company built its 29-story Beaux Arts headquarters tower in the heart of downtown, today the Pegasus flies above The Magnolia Hotel (1401 Commerce St., 214-915-6500; www.themagnoliahotel.com), one of Dallas' finest luxury hotels. Combining plenty of historical significance with modern day sophistication, The Magnolia features 314 rooms and 141 luxury suites. Its prime downtown location offers visitors close proximity to the famous Neiman Marcus flagship store and the Dallas Convention Center, as well as a variety of business corporations, and is just a few blocks from the DART light rail. Standard room rates are priced from $159 per night and $199 for suites, and include Continental breakfast, evening cocktails, fitness room, and Jacuzzi use.

For those in search of a break from the big city, a quiet country style Bed-and-Breakfast in nearby Fort Worth offers an escape to a bygone era. Azalea Plantation (1400 Robinwood Dr., Fort Worth; 817-838-5882; www.azaleaplantation.com) was first constructed in 1948 by one of the city's leading builders, W.I. Browning. Set among nearly two acres of oaks and magnolias, it's reminiscent of the plantation homes of the 1800s. The historic location provides a welcome respite from the crowds, but provides plenty in the way of cultural enrichment from nearby attractions such as the Kimbell Art Museum, the National Cowgirl Museum and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. The plantation offers five bedrooms, which include the Bluebonnet Bungalow and Magnolia Cottage/Suite for a more private retreat. Room rates range from $139 to $169 per night.

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Shopping

The big city offers big variety for shoppers of all tastes and budgets. From great malls to quaint boutiques, Old World charm to European elegance, from three miles of underground tunnels and skybridges full of shops and restaurants, Dallas's shopping can accommodate every kind of mission.

The famous four-level West End Market Place (603 Munger Ave.; 214-748-4801; www.westendmarketplacedallas.com) used to be a candy-and-cracker factory, but now features more than 30 specialty shops full of Dallas-related memorabilia and unique gifts, Western apparel and Southwestern food items. The first level features a Visitor Center and escalators that connect the upper levels, which are filled with eateries, ethnic jewelry stores, the West End Comedy Theatre, and Texas-themed shops. Level three has a photo shop where visitors can dress in costumes and create an Old West scene, and at Level four there's a sports bar and miniature golf.

Known by many as the "city under glass," the imposing Galleria Dallas (13350 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 3080; 972-702-7100; www.galleriadallas.com) is a vast mall with a light-filled atrium. It's home to nearly 200 stores and sports an international collection of the world's most famous shops along with the more traditional Abercrombie's and American Eagle's. The Galleria's department stores are all flagships: Macy's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and it also features a unique triumvirate of favorites that includes Banana Republic, Gap and Old Navy operating under the same roof. An ice-skating rink, a Westin Hotel and some 30 restaurants add to the popularity of this family favorite shopping complex

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Nightlife

Live jazz and a romantic, intimate ambience set the stage for an evening at Balcony Club (1825 Abrams Rd.; 214-826-8104) located in the lobby of the historic Lakewood Theatre. Sip on specialty drinks such as chocolate martinis and listen as throaty jazz singers croon their favorite melodies. A small outdoor patio, comfortable booths and an assortment of stools and tables provide seating, and there's room enough for standing and mingling. The full bar also provides a nice selection of single malt scotches.

Built in 1911, Sons of Hermann Hall (3414 Elm St.; 214-747-4422) is a dance hall that's been traditionally supportive of local country acts though it has branched out more, receptive to "all pickers, singers, grinners and listeners." While the broad hardwood dance floor finds plenty of action, the long downstairs bar, jukebox, pool tables, and shuffle board keep the rest of the place busy--but the tiny upstairs stage, with its foldout chairs and velvet curtains, is where the real magic happens. Past performers have included the Dixie Chicks, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Austin Lounge Lizards. Wednesday nights feature swing dancing and lessons, and on Tuesday nights, songwriters share and croon at the open microphone.

The Lone Star Country Club (1849 E. Belt Line Rd., Coppell; 972-304-5972) is a former biker hangout some 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, which had a makeover of sorts, and now caters to the sportier crowd, but the low ceiling, barn-like exterior remains. Now it features a bigger variety of activities such as pool tables, foosball and the nightly Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament. Outside, 15 volleyball courts and a cabana bar create the illusion of a Metroplex beachfront. Courts are open March through October. Live musical entertainment takes place at the indoor and outdoor stages every Friday and Saturday evening.

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Travel Info

The Dallas Tourist Information Center (100 S. Houston St.; 214-571-1300) is located at the corner of Main in the Old Red Courthouse and provides brochures, directions and information to the visitors of Dallas and the surrounding areas. The center features touch-screen kiosks with printing capabilities, an Internet Café and a video room. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and weekends/holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The DART Rail System (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) provides fast, convenient transportation service around Dallas and some surrounding areas. Via Trinity Railway Express (TRE) and bus services, transportation between the Dallas area and the DFW Airport and downtown Fort Worth is also available. DART day passes and TRE fares are available in ticket vending machines located at each rail station. For more information call (214) 979-1111.

A free transportation service within Dallas is offered by the McKinney Avenue Trolley (3153 Oak Grove; 214-855-0006; www.mata.org/map.shtml), restored, historic streetcars routed between Dallas' Arts District and the McKinney Avenue Uptown neighborhood. If you're staying downtown, you can catch the trolley at the Dallas Museum of Art and jump on and off along the system's 2.8-mile circuit. Nearby Cityplace Station connects to the DART service. The trolley operates seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

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Fast Facts

Texas is larger than the countries of France, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, and Luxembourg combined, while the Johnson Central Library, located in Downtown Dallas, is the largest library in the United States.

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Links

Hello Dallas

50 Free Things to Do in Dallas

Welcome to Dallas

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After Four Year Absence, a New Ritz Emerges in Dallas

The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas and Fearing's Restaurant recently opened in the heart of the city's stylish Uptown earlier this year, bringing a new level of luxury and guest service to the sophisticated and fast-growing Dallas market. The 218-room Ritz-Carlton is located on historic McKinney Avenue and is set in a new 21-story Regency style building. The location is home to a newly-announced stop for the picturesque McKinney Avenue Trolley, providing complimentary passenger service to Uptown's popular shopping and dining attractions. The hotel features the largest luxury ballroom in Dallas, as well as Fearing's Restaurant, created by celebrity chef Dean Fearing, and noted for its Southwest cuisine. Seventy elegant residences at the Ritz-Carlton also occupy the block-wide complex. The exclusive Ritz-Carlton Club Level delivers an opulent guest experience currently not available in Dallas, including private secured access and an exclusive Club Lounge offering dedicated concierge service and five complimentary food, beverage, wine and champagne presentations per day.

Specially created to celebrate the opening of the new property, The Ritz-Carlton Reconnect Package is designed to provide unique memories for guests visiting the city and its Arts District. The package includes Deluxe room, Club room or Suite accommodations for one evening, two admission tickets to the renowned Nasher Sculpture Center or Dallas Museum of Art, breakfast for two, and overnight valet parking. The package is available through December 27, 2007 and is priced from $349 per night, per room and based on single or double occupancy. For reservations and additional information, call (214) 922-0200 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Dallas.

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