DISCOVERING DALLAS
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
THE launch of Qantas flights between Sydney and Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) in 2012 has created a new awareness of Texas as a destination, and the recent expansion to non-stop Qantas A380s in both directions ( travelbulletin October 2014) makes visiting Dallas Fort Worth even easier for your clients. While the convenience of DFW transits mean many Aussies simply connect through to their final destination in the USA or Mexico, the twin cities of Dallas and Fort Worth are also a great stopover option and are definitely worth exploring for a few days. Dallas is known for its eponymous TV series, but many Australians will be more familiar with the city through the JFK assassination in 1963 and its attendant conspiracy theories which have generated a host of books and movies. No visit to Dallas is complete without taking in the Sixth Floor Museum, located at the Texas School Book Depository where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the fatal shot. It’s located on Dealey Plaza, adjacent to the so-called Grassy Knoll where the busy road is marked with an X indicating the position of the president’s limousine when the so-called “magic bullet” struck Kennedy. However the museum is much more than just a remembrance of the presidential murder – it’s a celebration of the new era of American optimism heralded by John F. Kennedy when he was elected. Initiatives such as the Peace Corps and the launch of America’s space program are showcased along with JFK’S inspirational speeches plus the drama of the Cuban missile crisis, and I defy anyone to leave the exhibit with dry eyes. But there’s lots more to Dallas than just JFK. Get some perspective with a visit to the Reunion Tower – described as the ‘iconic centrepiece of the ever-changing Dallas skyline’ with great views across the city. The tower is topped by a massive LED lighted dome which provides a nightly light show. The Dallas arts precinct has a wide array of galleries, sculpture gardens and exhibits (mostly funded by generous Texans); sports fans will enjoy the opportunity to take in an NFL, baseball, basketball or even ice hockey match; there are some large upmarket shopping malls offering a wide array of premium brands; and the city also boasts some great outdoor spaces including the Klyde Warren Park, a delightful urban green space built over a freeway connecting uptown, downtown and the arts district. For some authentic Texas gear, head to Wild Bill’s Western Store in the downtown area – great for cowboy boots, hats and other souvenirs. Also worth a visit is the George Bush II Presidential Library – a collection of displays, memorabilia and documents from
the presidency which included momentous events such as the 9/11 attacks and America’s response. Right next door to Dallas is the twin city of Fort Worth which offers a genuine Wild West experience. Also known as “Cow Town”, Fort Worth proudly maintains its western heritage with twice daily cattle drives down the main street of the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District – a dusty reminiscence of when the area was a major livestock trading centre. There are some great bars where you can sample the local brew, or soak up the atmosphere at Billy Bob’s Texas Honky Tonk – a massive entertainment venue which includes its own live bull riding ring. Don’t miss the Cowtown Coliseum which hosts a rodeo every Friday and Saturday night complete with bull riding, calf roping, barrel races as well as lots of events for kids. Fort Worth bills itself as the city of Cowboys and Culture, and along with its wild west heritage has plenty of other options for visitors. The Kimbell Art Museum has a great collection of major works by greats such as Rembrandt, Monet, Matisse and Picasso, and there’s also the American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum which is devoted to commercial aviation. Don’t miss the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, while the Modern Art Museum has an amazing portfolio including names such as Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. The city centre has a memorial to JFK adjacent to the Hilton Hotel where he spent his last night, while the nearby Sundance Square Plaza is a very pleasant space to relax and take in the Fort Worth vibe. More energetic visitors will enjoy the square’s fantastic interactive water feature which provides hours of cooling entertainment. It also goes without saying that you can get a great meal in Dallas and Fort Worth, with fabulous cuisine ranging from simple takeaways right through to upmarket restaurants, and of course some massive Texan steaks. So next time your clients head to the USA, don’t miss the opportunity to recommend Dallas and Fort Worth. As they say, everything is bigger in Texas and the metroplex offers another perspective on the intriguing American lifestyle which many Aussies find so fascinating.