Don't Doubt Dallas

Second Stop: Big D,  D - Town, Triple 

Welcome to Delightfully Diverse and Dreamily Dynamic Dallas, Texas! Call it what you like, but this next stop on our trip is as Distinguished as it is Down to earth, with a multitude of Daring activities that is sure to keep this Darling Destination at the top of your travel bucket list.

 

1) Dallas Museum of Art 
Classic and modern art fans alike will enjoy a trip to this museum. It boasts of a multitude of exhibits, from the upcoming "Concentrations 59: Mirror Stage—Visualizing the Self After the Internet" to the more contemporary past displays of "Hopper Drawing: A Painter's Process". Even the photography inclined can find favor in the "Irving Penn: Beyond Beauty" exhibit, opening April 4th of 2016.

Concentrations 59: Mirror Stage—Visualizing the Self After the Internet

Hopper Drawing: A Painter's Process

Currently, there are seven exhibits being shown, but that is far from all this museum has to offer. This week alone, it has hosted 13 events, ranging from a Jazz night to "Toddler Art: Llama Drama", an event where 2-3 year olds (accompanied by their parents) go through the 'Inca: Conquests of the Andes" exhibition to help baby Llama Llama find her mother, while also looking out for all the other llamas hidden in the artwork. For the one who wants to do it all, they offer art classes, family and late night programs, talks and tours, workshops, performances, and film nights. However, one of the best parts is all general admissions tickets are F-R-E-E! That's right, you can enjoy the wonders of the past (and present) without having to go into your pockets. This museum is much more than a mere collection of dusty old pictures, it is a way to creatively resonate with art on a more modern and personal level.

2) Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Want a place to relax after a long hard day of sightseeing? Look no further than this botanical oasis. With 20 gardens, seasonal events, 66 acres (including the 8-acre Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden), there is always something new to catch your eye. You can people watch during the "Autumn at the Arboretum" event, where annually 75,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash are arranged in different themes, this year being "Old Texas Town". The abundance of over 150,000 fall-blooming flowers, such as marigolds, daisies, begonias, rudbeckia, penstemon and chrysanthemums will be the perfect backdrop for your artsy Insta picture!

In the summer, spring and fall, they host the weekly "Cool Thursdays Concert Series". Those attending are encouraged to bring picnic baskets and coolers, as well as blankets and chairs, creating a laid back, country music festival vibe. Set to play in the upcoming weeks, between September 24th and October 29th are "The Limelight Band" (Dallas' Hottest New Party Band), "Make Me Smile" (A Tribute to Vintage Chicago), and "The Molly Ringwalds" (The World's Greatest 80's Tribute Band), among others.
Their site boasts of 50 reasons to visit, but you only need one; it is filled with beauty and adventure around every corner!

3) The Dallas Farmers Market
The last stop in this dazzling city is the Dallas Farmers Market. Held almost daily, this open air market gives local farmers and ranchers a fabulous place to sell their goods. They also offer cooking classes, holiday themed market days, and "Brew After Brews", an all day coffee sampling event.

 

One of their most popular events is the Dallas Green Fest. This year will mark the seventh annual Fest, which will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015. This unique event is hosted to promote eco-friendly, sustainable living in these region. Local vendors, and artisans provide useful information on ways to help reduce your environmental footprint, save money, and live healthy!