Help me fall in love with Dallas! (Austin, Plano: transplants, buy)

[seattlerain1]

Hi-
So I've lived in Dallas for 10 months and I'm still not in love with it (not even a deep like). I had to move here for husband's job, so I accept that I will be living here for awhile. I feel that I am in some sort of arranged marriage with Dallas as this is what the cards dealt us.

Granted I havent been able to explore to much because of family obligations, but the only things that I found so far that are cool about Dallas are: Central Market, the Aquarium, and the All Good Cafe in Deep Ellum.

Whats your favorite things to do in Dallas? Favorite coffee shops? Favorite local galleries? Local boutiques? I'm looking for things that are uniquely Dallas.

Thanks for your help! My goal for the next month is to go out, explore, and hopefully find some love for my new city.

[mysterymachinebl]

Have you been to the Bishop Arts District? There are some nice restaurats and boutiques down in that area.
Bishop Arts District :: Home

I love going to the Soda Gallery down there. Fun little store!
http://www.thesodagallery.com/index.shtml (broken link)

[TurtleCreek80]

Where do you live in Dallas?

[dallasboi]

Lake Lewisville tomorrow!!!!!...Free everything including boat rental,food and family fun...A BLAST!!!

[ATLHRLGUY]

Originally Posted by TurtleCreek80

Where do you live in Dallas?

Good question.

What activities did you enjoy doing while living in Seattle? (I assume by your username)

[Julia1997]

Hi, I totally understand how you feel. I am originally from Europe and moving for my husband's job from California. I AM SCARED! We like the beach and love to skii. We have 2 children so I will be busy with them. But still... For skiing we would have to fly to Colorado, New Mexico etc.... Beach, It seems that the beach in TX is not that great. At least that's what I have read. So Mexico is the place to go? Wine tasting, there should be some in around Austin. Thanks for this post. It will help me with ideas.

[Cowboys fan in Houston]

What Ive discovered is that Dallas isnt really a city you fall in love with the way you would with San Francisco or New York. Dallas is a city that has alot to offer, its cheap, it has a good economy, its international, it is relatively diverse, its full of good food of any kind you wish, good suburbs and schools, some nice lakes, and the people are nice enough and seem to welcome anyone regardless of background. What we dont have is are mountains, beaches, a moderate climate, or a large plethra of outdoor activities. We also have a very hot climate in the summer (though there isnt quite anything like a summers evening here).

Transplants tend to rate Dallas a 7 or 8 out of 10. Dont come here to fall in love with it, come here to live well, be surrounded by nice people, eat well, buy a nice house, have good schools, experience some culture (like Asiafest this Saturday in Plano!), and have enough money left over for two vacations a year and a new car.

[Julia1997]

LA: Thanks. We are also moving from the LA area. Yes, I have these expectations. That's why we are settling near the airport:-)

[pepper131]

Originally Posted by Julia1997

It seems that the beach in TX is not that great. At least that's what I have read. So Mexico is the place to go?.

Yes. A quick 2.5 hour flight to Cancun. Another 90 minutes south and you'll find perfect beaches.

[Julia1997]

Pepper: Are you talking about Riviera Maya??? It's a great place. But you are so right. We really dislike LA traffic. So flying might actually be quite convenient. We just have to stay positive and give Dallas a chance.