Dallas in 48 Hours: Everything's Bigger in Texas

Visiting Dallas, where Tex-Mex and BBQ are King and Shopping is a Sport

Stay

We absolutely loved staying at the historic Adolphus Hotel (part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection) in downtown Dallas. It’s right on Commerce Street, so we never had trouble catching an Uber or cab. The hotel itself dates back to 1912 and is gorgeous. Velvet sofas, high ceilings, wood-paneling, and a roaring fireplace? I had to pinch myself.

We couldn’t have been happier with our cozy hotel room either. Our bathroom was full of little details that made it special, like marble accents and fluffy Matouk towels. I couldn’t help but recognize our Waterworks marble bath accessories on the counter that we also happen to have in one of our bathrooms (on sale here).

See

I’ve had Mecox Gardens on my list of places I have got to get to for so long. It did not disappoint, y’all. Every section of the store had a different style and story to tell.

Mecox is truly one of those shops that you can get lost in. You walk through a nook the second time and you find something completely new that you missed the first time around.

Highland Park also has some serious shopping. I couldn’t recommend spending a day in that area of Dallas more. And, while you’re there, the Mi Cocina in Highland Park is one of my favorite stops for Mexican cooking. They have a terrific outdoor area and you have to try one of their signature Mambo Taxis while you’re there. You can thank me later.

We stopped into the Dallas Museum of Art hoping to catch the Yayoi Kusama exhibit they have going on through February. While the timing didn’t work out for us this go-round, we didn’t let that stop us from exploring this beautiful (and massive) museum.

Their furniture exhibits were stunning and packed with some of the most unique and intricate antiques.

One of my favorite exhibits was one that included furniture and furnishings from an apartment on the French Riviera. It was set up room-by-room as if you were walking through the apartment yourself.

How gorgeous is this tureen?

I also happened upon these gorgeous silver pieces. The detailing is incredible, though the silver vanity with its silver bench may be a bit over the top. Still, that burgundy velvet is something dreamy!

We always love going through the Bishop Arts District, which houses some of the most unique, local independent shops and is full of artwork.

(Wearing Nordstrom poplin top – similar here, Club Monaco scalloped shorts – mostly sold out, but a few options here, J.Crew leopard loafers – similar here, Dagne Dover tote)

Dallas’ Design District was a total dream. You’ll find a shop dedicated to the most gorgeous trim, one that houses beautiful slabs of marble and stone, and so on and so forth. Definitely a highlight – and place I’ll be coming back to.

We did not have time to see the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, along with a few other stops that were on the list. I know we’ll be back soon, so I’m hardly heartbroken!

I was also bummed to miss out on Forty Five Ten, which isn’t open on Sundays (note to self for next time). I’ve heard fabulous things about this shop and it’s been on my list for a while now.

Sip and Savor

I mentioned the Mi Cocina in Highland Park (there are multiple locations) earlier mostly because you’ll be eating across from beautiful shops like Miu Miu on the patio.

Another great staple is Oddfellows. My friend Katie recommended their brunch before my first trip to Dallas. Now, every time we go, we always put brunch at Oddfellows on our itinerary. Their eggs Benedict is now at the top of my list for favorite brunch entrees ever.

We had dinner at FT 33 in the Design District on our recent trip and enjoyed a delicious farm-to-table tasting menu. It rivaled so many of our favorite meals in DC and Chicago. Below is my hubby’s grape leaves appetizer/first course and my duck/third course.

Trinity Groves is also another great area for casual dining. We had terrific BBQ at Babb Brothers BBQ & Grill, a great spot where you can pick your meats and sides at the window – do not miss the collard greens – and sit at the bar and sip beer brewed blocks away.

DC is home to the fabulous Georgetown Cupcake, but Cake Bar gives them a run for their money. They sell individual homemade cakes or cakes by the slice with the most wonderful flavors. We shared a generous slice of their strawberry layer cake – my absolute favorite flavor – and I’m still day-dreaming about it.

Finally, don’t leave without checking out Kate Weiser Chocolate. Her French macarons and hand-painted chocolates make wonderful gifts to bring home (if they make it that far).