Dallas - the City Romantic? (Highland Park, West: rental car, rental, hotel)

[Viclord]

OK Texans (Dallasians?),
Help me with this one.
I'm in Dallas shortly for a brief convention late March. I have the weekend (actually a couple evenings, and all saturday) to WOW this great lady I'm interested in. I want to make it memorable for her and maybe get lucky myself! We're both 40+, professionals, cosmopolitan, like active stuff and can spend a little for the right things.
I want to show her the Dallas highlights during the day, a romantic dinner and maybe an adult show later to set the mood for what might follow. Need your advise on what YOU would do (more details the better) if you're local to Dallas.
I've been told that Dallas is VERY conservative and not quite the town for the young at heart. Please prove them wrong. The risquer, the better.

[cityconvo]

The local saying is Dallasites.
For the daytime stuff I always recommend the Sixth Floor Museum (Downtown) and the Arboretum (White Rock). For the romantic/risquer stuff I will defer to others on this board. Now that I think of it there is a cool place to eat in the Reunion Tower (Antares). It spins around and provides some captivating views of the city. The food is a little overrated though.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by cityconvo

The local saying is Dallasites.
For the daytime stuff I always recommend the Sixth Floor Museum (Downtown) and the Arboretum (White Rock). For the romantic/risquer stuff I will defer to others on this board. Now that I think of it there is a cool place to eat in the Reunion Tower (Antares). It spins around and provides some captivating views of the city. The food is a little overrated though.

Reunion Tower is currently closed for renovations.

There are TONS of great restaurants for a romantic dinner. If you want the ABSOLUTE BEST place to eat in all of Dallas.......... The French Room located at The Adolphus Hotel in downtown Dallas. Take her strolling thru the downtown Neiman Marcus just two blocks away beforehand. You could always book a nice couples spa/massage for earlier in the day

[hamiltonpl]

The Nasher Sculpture Garden in Dallas' Arts District is a great thing to do during the day. Lot's of cool sculptures and a great way to spend several hours. Also, the Dallas World Aquarium in the West End is really cool. It's got more than just sea creatures. Penguins and Jaguars make an appearance also.

I'd also suggest shopping at North Park or Highland Park Village -- if she's into that. You could have lunch at Cafe Pacific in HP Village. It's got excellent seafood -- and at lunch, the prices are very good. Also, Patrizo's is a good option for lunch. But it is loud, unless you sit on the patio.

There is a great park in Highland Park on the corner of Lakeside Drive and Beverly. It's called Exall Lake. But many people refer to it as Turtle Creek.

Additionally, I'd echo the comments about White Rock Lake, the Arboretum, and perhaps the Sixth Floor Museum, but only if she's into history.

The French Room in downtown Dallas is great. It's Texas' only five diamond restaurant. It was named the Number 1 hotel restaurant in the United States by Zagat. I've heard that Charlie Palmer's is really good also. It's in the Joule Hotel on Main Street. Additionally, Fearings at the Ritz, Stephen Pyles, and Lola's are all great choices.

You can also rent a gondola on the canals of Las Colinas.

I haven't been impressed with the plays in Dallas. But then again, I'm a bit of a jackass.

[KantLockeMeIn]

The Nasher isn't the place to go right now, they're changing out exhibits... I was there on Tuesday and it was half price because there was half the works on display.

[Viclord]

Thank you Dallasites,
You folks are giving great feedback and usable info at that. Current closings/renovations and all, and especially appreciate a women's perspective (Neiman Marcus huh, I'd better bring along my platinum AMEX). Seriously keep it coming. If I want to make it a full day without tiring her out, is there a "package tour" that takes in many of these areas or is a rental car more efficient. I'm not familiar with Dallas roads but can use a GPS. Is the evening gondola ride worth it? She like starring out at the stars from a quite waterfront and whispering sweet nothings. BTW, anyone know of a couple's massage place near Marketplace, and do they cater to hotel guests in their rooms? What are the Friday evening hotspots (more of a group then)?

[Grainraiser]

If you decide to dine downtown you could always take a horse drawn carriage ride around downtown. You can find it at the West End area of downtown.

[momof2dfw]

Check w/ your hotel for the couples massage. Most do offer that. If not you can always check w/ some of the great spas in the area. Red Door Spa is a good one and there is one at the Crescent Court Hotel. There is a Red Door Spa right across the street from NorthPark Mall. NorthPark is GREAT for shopping and does have a Neiman's and a Nordstrom.

[Lakewooder]

The W Hotel Victory Dallas sounds perfect for you...

[fisher33]

or hotel za za, haha