1. The Charles
This new restaurant in the Dallas Design District is cozy & delicious. Eat here, drink here, be seen here. This is where I have dinner— eat anything, it’s all delicious! Drink the Elderflower Bellini cocktail. Have one for me! www.thecharlesdallas.com
2. Dallas Museum of Art
This is a very special place for us in Dallas and we are very proud of all it has to offer to the community. To visit is free! Come prepared to put in the time. There’s a lot to see and do. Check the website for a full list of events dma.org There’s Second Thursday’s (the second Thursday of each month), Third Friday’s (the third Friday of each month and the museum stays open until 11pm), movie nights, incredible exhibits, family programs, tours, film screenings, concerts, etc. It’s located in Downtown Dallas and next on my list is right across the street so you can hit two of my top 10’s! www.dma.org
3. Klyde Warren Park
I LOVE this park! I used to walk here on the weekends from my downtown apartment and just loved that there was our little version of Central Park in the middle of Dallas. We needed this space for so many reasons and this 5 acre deck park built over a recessed eight lane freeway serves as a central gathering space for Dallas and its visitors. There are a couple of restaurants on or near the park and a whole line up of food trucks to chose from. It’s a highly active space, providing daily free programs for the public ranging from yoga to lecture series to outdoor concerts and films. Bring your dog, blanket, hat and sunscreen and CHILL. The DMA & Nasher Sculpture Center is right across the street. You won’t believe what they’ve created here in what was once just an empty space that now connects the vibrant Uptown neighborhood with the Dallas Arts District and downtown Dallas. www.klydewarrenpark.org
4. Hotel Crescent Court
This hotel and property is special to me because when I first moved to Dallas I lived across the street from it and joined the Club so I could meet people. It ended up being where I spent much of my time, and still do to this day. It is kind of my hub of sorts. It’s where I stay when I come into town with my husband. We eat at Nobu. Shop at Stanley Korshak and in the shops of the Crescent Court. There is a great bar in the lobby of the hotel, and an even better spa downstairs that I LOVE. I also like to eat in the spa downstairs where it is quiet and they have fresh juices and nice hot teas. You can even sit down there in your spa robe and no one thinks a thing about it. www.crescentcourt.com
5. Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge is designed by internationally renowned architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava was a big architectural win for us. Since this one was built five years ago, another one has gone up next to it and we like it too, but this one is the OG bridge in Dallas, and that’s that. If the weather is nice, take a walk on the Ron Kirk walk bridge next to it and you’ll get a different perspective of our great city. You’ll get some GREAT shots for your instagram. If it’s not outdoor weather, take a quick drive across to Trinity Groves which is a restaurant incubator with some retail shops. This is definitely a nice weather to-do. www.trinitygroves.com www.trinityrivercorridor.com/transportation/margaret-hunt-hill-bridge
6. Sassetta
If you watch my instagram stories, you know that I eat breakfast here EVERY morning when I’m in Dallas. Seriously. The decor is perfect. Every detail. And the food... well, duh, why else would I eat here every day. Best coffee, best oatmeal with seasonal fruits, best yummm. Lunch and Dinner is excellent as well, and has a warm cozy vibe with great service. I always sit in the diner part because I can sit in the corner seat (my favorite spot) and plug in for a while (there are plugs at every seat). Brilliant.
www.sassetta-dallas.com
7. Gallerie Noir
I mean.... did you really think I was going to have a Top Ten list without including my own gallery?! At least I didn’t put it at the top :). Come by and see what’s new in art, furnishings, and accessories. It’s great to see what’s on the website, but even better to see it in person. Call us and make an appointment for a private viewing 214-760-9536. We think that’s the best way to see everything, because truly, it all has a story and we love to share the history behind each piece. www.gallerienoir.com
8. The Adolphus Hotel
This stunning monument of a hotel in Downtown Dallas is a must see after it’s gorgeous renovation project. This is another multi-referral to stay, eat, shop. I haven’t stayed here, but I’ve attended several beautiful events here, as well as, eaten in the French Room restaurant for dinner & cocktails. Truly an experience when you’re looking for something a bit more chic and dressy. There is also an incredible tea service offered if you’re into that sort of thing. I know I AM! There’s also a casual but super chic restaurant City Hall that I love to have lunch or brunch at. It’s all visual candy and I’ll say ‘you’re welcome’ right now, because you are sure to thank me. www.adolphus.com
9. Highland Park Village
This is our daily hub. We do it all here and we like it that way. It’s outdoor shopping of the best kind.... Jimmy, Christian, Ralph, Harry... They’re all here. And when you get the urge for a little nosh, well that’s covered too. It’s the oldest shopping center in America and the prototype for shopping centers all over the country. Stop by and see where we all the Dallasites are. www.hpvillage.com
10. Nasher Sculpture Center
An oasis located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, the Nasher Sculpture Center is home to the Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection, one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary sculpture in the world. An impressive collection featuring more than 300 masterpieces by Calder, de Kooning, di Suvero, Giacometti, Gormley, Hepworth, Kelly, Matisse, Miró, Moore, Picasso, Rodin, Serra, and Shapiro, among others. Spend a few hours of your day in the light-filled galleries of the Renzo Piano-designed building or outside amid the garden grounds in a rotating selection of works from the Nasher Collection. Check out the website for events and their program schedule. It’s a really special place and a beautiful spot to clear your mind. www.dallasartsdistrict.org
