Hot Travel: Dallas

Where is it exactly?

Located in North Texas, Dallas is a hub for culture, technology and cuisine. Between an up-and-coming arts district and a well-established tech industry, Dallas has it all. A perfect destination for foodies, Dallas combines traditional Southern roots with increasing influence from Asia, Mexico and California.

How do I get there?

There are no direct flights from Ireland, unfortunately. However, Lufthansa offers flights to Dallas via Newark, Chicago and Frankfurt.

What language do they speak?

English – but given the shared border with Mexico, hearing some Spanish is inevitable.

Where should I stay?

The Joule (1530 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201) is a swanky, luxury hotel situated downtown, directly across from a 30-foot-tall sculpture of an eyeball. The Statler (1914 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75201) is a hip, upscale hotel, worthy of its own Instagram post in a historic Downtown building. Omni Dallas (555 S Lamar St, Dallas, TX 75202) is a modern, sophisticated hotel with an infinity pool and rooftop terrace that can’t be beat.

What’s the transport like?

A car is pretty much necessary to get around outside of the city. Within the city, on the other hand, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (shortened to – yes! – DART) system is pretty reliable. It includes an extensive light-rail system that connects downtown with outlying areas. Tickets can be purchased at each rail stop.

Where can I get a drink?

Stop by Ascension Coffee (1621 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75207) for a premium, slow-roasted brew and a high-end café atmosphere. You’ll also feel right at home drinking a pint of Guinness at The Dubliner (2818 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206), a welcoming pub found in the middle of Dallas that’s owned and operated by Peter Kenny, a native of Dublin. If you’re looking for something more relaxed, head to the Balcony Club (1825 Abrams Rd B, Dallas, TX 75214), a laidback bar where you can unwind with a drink and some blissful jazz, played live seven days a week. Or settle in at Times Ten Cellars (6324 Prospect Ave, Dallas, Tx 75214), a wine bar that offers a stylish venue with wines from select vineyards in California, as well as 21 of their own wines, produced at a vineyard in Alpine, Texas.

What’s the food like?

With a profoundly multicultural population, it’s difficult not to find food you love here. Positioned on the 50th floor of the landmark Reunion Tower, Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck (300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207), boasts floor to ceiling windows offering a 360 degree view of Dallas’ glittering skyline, and an award-winning Asian-fusion menu. Enjoy an array of homemade pastries and other brunch options at Oddfellows (316 W 7th St, Dallas, TX 75208), a bustling, rustic-hip coffeehouse and eatery. The gloriously cheap and profoundly authentic street tacos from Tacos La Banqueta Puro DF (1305 N Carroll Ave, Dallas, TX 75204) are not to be missed. And, of course, Pecan Lodge (2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226) is worth a visit, having earned the title of most award-winning BBQ in Dallas.

What are the touristy things to do?

Housed in the building from which John F. Kennedy was assassinated, the Sixth Floor Museum (411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202) chronicles the events surrounding JFK’s presidency, and even features the exact site of his assassination.Visit the historic Cowtown Coliseum (121 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164) in Fort Worth Stockyards to see the rodeo. Pack a picnic blanket and unfold it at Klyde Warren Park (2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201), a green space sandwiched between skyscrapers where you can piece together a four-course meal from the food trucks parked along the perimeter. Take a stroll around the neighborhood Deep Ellum (Deep Ellum, Dallas, TX), finding all the hidden and not-so-hidden murals painted by local artists. Attend the Texas State Fair (1300 Robert B Cullum Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75210); beginning on the last Friday of September and running for 24 days afterward, the Texas State Fair is a smorgasbord of all things Texan, from deep-fried oreos to live acrobatics. Tickets can be purchased online.

When should I go?

The end of summer through fall is ideal — the painfully hot days have passed, but it’s not yet cold enough to merit a jacket.

Anything else?

If you’re into sports at all, Dallas is the place to witness a live game. Between local soccer, football and baseball teams, there’s always a crowd to cheer with. NASCAR and IndyCar racing is also worth checking out at the Texas Motor Speedway (3545 Lone Star Cir, Fort Worth, TX 76177). You can also watch live Horse Racing at Lone Star Park (1000 Lone Star Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75050).

Why should I go?

Texas is enormous. The single state is similar in size to the entire country of France, and arguably shares as much character. Dallas perfectly encapsulates the best that Texas has to offer.