Vacation in DFW, TX

What part of DFW will you be in? Dallas? Fort Worth? Arlington? North Dallas? Will you have a car? DFW is spread out, and there is a lot of traffic. So, it makes a difference in determining what to do.

In Fort Worth, the Ft Worth Zoo is one of the top zoos in the country. There's also a good museum in the Arts & Cultural district there. The Bass performing arts hall or the playhouse may be of interest. The Stockyards are a must see in Fort Worth, and the middle of the day you can see the cattle drive with the longhorns. (You have to see some longhorns while in TX.) Billy Bob's is also in the Stockyards. You also def want some/a lot of Tex Mex food, such as Joe T Garcia's in Fort Worth. Angelos also has some of the best BBQ in the country.

If you are on the Dallas side, be sure to see the Grassy Knoll (where Kennedy was shot) and listen to the conspiracy theories from those who set up camp there. Also go through the 6th floor museum in the Book Depository while there. You're also right by the West End when you're there, so lots of good eating places down there. The Dallas Zoo has had a remodel and is worth a visit, and the aquarium is a good place to visit. Lower Greenville avenue is good for bar hopping, if that's your scene, and Highland Park Village has good (upscale) shopping and good food. Inwood Village also is a good place for food and some shopping. The Mesquite Rodeo operates Friday nights and Saturday nights, if you have a car to go there.

In Arlington, you can go to a baseball game at the Ballpark, tour the monument to Jerry Jones (Cowboy Sadium) or go to Six Flags. The Parks at Arlington has good shopping in that area.

In Dallas, some good shopping is at Highland Park Village (expensive, upscale), Northpark Mall or the Galleria. In North Dallas, good shopping can be found at Stonebriar Mall (Frisco), Willowbend Mall (Plano), Firewheel (Garland), The Village at Fairview (Allen) or Allen Premium Outlets (Allen). Out by Grapevine, if you're near the airport or staying out at Gaylord or Great Wolf, there's Grapevine Mills Mall. There are other shopping options around depending on where you are staying.

Have fun!

Anita B. has some very good ideas for you and your husband. I would just like to add, since you are from Anchorage where 75 degrees F. is considered "hot" weather, be prepared for the temperatures to be in the upper 90's to 100 or over. The daytime heat can take your breath away if you're not used to it. Just remember to always stay hydrated and you should be fine. Enjoy the DFW Metroplex! There is so much to do and see!

As the first person mentioned, The Gaylord Texan is a fabulous hotel. It's right in the middle of Dallas and Ft. Worth, so that is where I would stay if I were you. I personally like Ft. Worth much better than Dallas, but the shopping is better in Dallas. If you want to really get the feel of Texas, be sure to hit the Ft. Worth Stockyards. There are some great places to eat there, as well as some shopping and sight-seeing places, too.

I agree that North Park Mall in Dallas is the best place to shop. The museums in Dallas and Ft. Worth are wonderful! Both cities have excellent restaurants, and so do the mid-cities.

Have a great vacation!

We could give you better answers if you let us know where you are staying. The DFW metroplex is huge. Be sure to stay well hydrated as the temps could be near 100 soon. So dress for that, but be sure to have a sweater with you as many places over air condition.

I 2nd what Kay B said. It will be hot for you here. Shoot, it is hot for me and I was born here :) It doesn't really get much cooler at night either :( Be prepared for that and you will have a much more enjoyable visit.

I also want to reiterate what Anita said - there is traffic, LOTS & LOTS of it! Highways everywhere - you will need a city map & a GPS. GPS is not always right around here because of construction and new roads.

If you like to shop & eat then DFW is for you! If you will be in Dallas then go to Northpark Mall - best in town. You will find every kind of restaurant you could possibly want in DFW. If you want Texas culture go to Ft. Worth. If you want fine arts culture go to Dallas.

If I knew exactly where you are going to be I could be much more specific.

Enjoy!