Before my first trip to Dallas a couple years ago, I hadn’t heard the best things about it.

This was mainly from people who had been there once and didn’t have a good time or people that had never even been before! Why I even listened to these people is beyond me.

Let’s just say I didn’t have the highest hopes when I was heading there for the first time, but I was lucky to have a friend that lived there to show me around!

After visiting Dallas 3+ times now, I can say it’s 100% WON me over! Every time I go, I find something new and amazing about it!

Here are some of things I LOVE doing when I visit. 

My favorite places to stay.

• Aloft Dallas – close to downtown, Reunion Tower, and Pioneer Plaza (where the longhorn sculptures are)

• Omni Hotel Dallas – also downtown, but Omni’s flagship hotel and it’s VERY nice.

• My friends house – YES. If you have friends that live here, that’s your best option. Thanks Kayla 🙂

(Omni hotel infinity pool)

My favorite areas to explore.

And I’m still adding each time I go!

• Uptown

• Midtown

• Deep Ellum

• Bishop Arts District

• Fort Worth (city outside of Dallas) – go to the Stockyards District!

• JFK Memorial Plaza & Pioneer Plaza

Food & drink spots I love.

• McKinney Ave in Uptown – So fun to go out here. Lots of rooftop and outside bars

• Ten Bells Tavern – I went here on trivia night, but it’s got a cool outdoor patio for drinks in Bishop Arts District

• Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum – I’m OBSESSED with this BBQ place. Go here and get the “hot mess”. Everything is awesome and they pour great beer as well.

• Black Swan Saloon – Great to stop here for a night cap after eating and drinking at the Pecan Lodge. There isn’t a sign so just walk in the door.

• The Rustic – AWESOME outdoor and indoor venue, but I especially love the outside with live music! They also have great beer and food.

• Emporium Pies – Located in Bishop Arts District. Get the Drunken Nut!

• Lockhart Smokehouse – Voted best BBQ in Dallas and it’s incredible. It was an experience like nothing I’ve ever had. I even had to ask the waitress how to eat my meal! Highly recommend it!

If you’re in Texas and feel like doing a Texan roadtrip, Austin is only about 3 1/2 hours from Dallas! I rented a car and drove from Dallas to Austin. If you do this, be sure to stop at The Little Czech Bakery on the way and get some kolaches!

That’s how Dallas won me over and why I love visiting. Have you been? Anything I need to do next time I’m there?