Former Dallasite visiting for 4 days after 8 years away. Ideas? (Fort Worth: condo, hotels)

[dweej]

In mid-November, I'll be flying into DFW for a fun-only, no-business-or-responsibilities trip sans hubby and kids. I'll be staying with one of my best friends from college who lives in a condo on Lover's (yes, I know Love Field is right down the road and DFW is all the way in Irving. Long story). So we've batted around lots of ideas about what we'd like to do but wanted to ask all of you: if you had 4 days in Dallas and you were "singleish" (married, but alone for a few days!) with your college buddy and had friends in every city in the Metroplex, what would you do? We are in our early 30's, have always been fun-loving, traveled Europe together, love good food, good wine, and good conversation. Figured this might help others who visit in the future as well .

Thanks!

[nsumner]

I'mn jealous, you're making me want to join you. How about checking out the concerts that week? If you're into the bar scene, check out the Ghost bar in Victory Park.

If you enjoy fine asian food, go to the new Wolfang Puck at Reunion Arena. You'll have a superb view.

Depending on how long you've been gone, may be just driving around the metroplex to see how big and changed it is.

Have fun!

Naima

[dweej]

I saw Wofgang Puck make an amazing lobster dish on the Food Network one night, and I think it's served at the restaurant there. Excellent suggestion! I also miss my old hole-in-the-wall restaurants (Danal's in Irving and not-so hole in the wall Thai Soon in Richardson) so we'll try to squeeze those in as well. A friend from high-school was the chef du cuisine at The Grape until a little while ago, so I don't know if it's worth a visit anyway or if we should just skip it. I'd like to try the best burger in Texas, though!

[TurtleCreek80]

I would not recommend Ghostbar at the W.

The hottest part of Dallas nighlife now is Henderson east of 75, stretching almost to Ross. Eat dinner at The Porch or Cafe San Miguel, then hit Barcadia or Capitol Pub for a drink. Late night dancing at the Slip Inn is always fun, followed by a slice of pizza at Louie's.

The neighborhood you are staying in actually has two superb restaurants- Shinsei for sushi/ Japanese (I would recommend over Puck's 560) and Neighborhood Services.

Have brunch at Bolsa in the Bishop Arts District in North Oak Cliff. Great menu & neighborhood!

Run or bike the Katy Trail, which runs from the American Airlines Center north to SMU.

Check out what concerts are coming to House of Blues, The Granada, or Starplex (can't ever remember it's new name!)

If you're a guy, watch some college football on Saturday at Frankie's on McKinney. If you're a girl, hit up NorthPark which doubled it's size a few years back and is now the #3 mall in the US with over $1 Billion in annual sales.

Should help get you started!

[dweej]

Thanks for the recs. I am a girl, but I like football *and* shopping. Maybe we can do both!

Also, we are more the theater/museum event/cocktail party type than clubs (since we are only "singleish" and not actually single...and the poor boys. They look so hurt when I have to shut them down ). I think I read somewhere about there being a mini fashion week in Dallas sometime in November. Does anyone know anything about that?

[kacvb1974]

There is a fashion to-do at Union Station on 11/7-8. Too rich for my blood unfortunately, but it looks divine. A perfect event to attend with a good girlfriend.

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As TurtleCreek mentioned, you should swing by NorthPark. It's so friggin huge now that it kinda makes me miss the slower pace of the old NP. But if I was to return to Dallas after a long absence, it would definitely be on my list. I'd want the fish and chips from Old Monk and then some power shopping at NP, followed by some custard from Harry's and a stroll through the MAC to see what's new. Then stiff drinks at a slightly more grown up spot like the Balcony Club. An Ideal Day.

[pepper131]

Check to see what the Nasher Sculpture Center and DMA have going at the you'll be here. You might be here for Late Nights Block Party which is usually the third Friday of the month. Also Thurs nights at DMA are fun and free admission. Sometimes Nasher has a Sat night event of music and cocktails.

[Lakewooder]

Lots of good suggestions. I also hear Ghostbar is over. The downstairs bar at the W can be fun (the Living Room).

Another cool place downtown is Hotel Joule and the PM Lounge below: Hotels.com: The Joule, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Dallas, TX

Park is the hottest place on Henderson right now - is reviewed today (I would add another star for the food and two more for the scene!): Restaurant review: Park | Dallas-Fort Worth Restaurants News and Reviews | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News

Palomar Hotel (Central 214 Restaurant and Bar) can be fun - chef Blythe Beck is getting her own TV show The Naughty Kitchen with Chef Blythe Beck | The Naughty Kitchen with Chef Blythe Beck | Oxygen premeires 22nd September.

You will probably want to The Nasher and be sure to walk up the street to see the new Winspear Opera Hall and Wyly Theater - One Arts Plaza is at that end and has several restaurants and a wine place (I've been to Dali and liked it o.k. Screen Porch was fantastic and have not been to Tei An but it gets great reviews) One Arts Plaza- Arts District Urban Living Downtown Dallas

I think The Grape would be great and Terilli's across the street is one of my all-time favorites.

If you are going to the Balcony Club at Lakewood Theater a good place to go first is times ten cellars - Dallas, Texas Winery - Wine Tasting Bar OF course you will need some Tex Mex with a Dallas flavor so you could also hit Matt's next to the theater or go over to Primo's on McKinney if it's Sunday afternoon.

[dweej]

Wow, lots of great suggestions- and thanks especially for the links! We are going to run ourselves ragged, I'm sure. We already have an alumni evening of Shakespeare at our alma mater scheduled, dinner with various old friends, and she is apparently borrowing her aunt's house in HP to throw me some sort of 'homecoming' shin-dig. But honestly, a girl could do all of that in one night, right? Love all the ideas. I think for daytime, we're also going to take a stroll through the farmer's market. Lots of stuff I've never seen or haven't seen in a long time that I'm super excited about experiencing. Keep 'em coming!

[Lakewooder]

Since you are on Lover's maybe you could hit the Inwood Lounge. I haven't been there in a long time but that was the greatest place. Does anybody know about it these days?