Dallas las an and Fort Worth
Discover a fascinating blend of big-city excitement and quiet, suburban life
Toe-tapping live music
1The two cities have deep musical roots, from jazz, blues, rock and country to classical. Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth claims to be the world’s largest honky-tonk bar, with the finest live music every night and an authentic Western atmosphere – think line dancing, bull riding and smoked brisket and ribs.
Sip specialist whiskey
2A new distillery, Firestone and Robertson Distilling Co, recently opened its doors with a mission to produce premium, handcrafted bourbon and blended whiskey. Standing on a historic golf course in Fort Worth, where legends Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson once played, the company’s Whiskey Ranch is the largest whiskey distillery west of the Mississippi. Each bottle is finished with a bespoke bottle cap, handmade with pieces of leather from the best local boot-makers.
Be a cowboy for a day
Experience the Old West with a visit to the stockyards in Fort Worth. Dress up in cowboy gear, boots and a Stetson hat, then head to the Stockyards National Historic District to see local cowhands driving a herd of longhorns down Exchange Avenue, with two cattle drives a day.
3Take a margarita tour
4Since the frozen margarita machine was invented in Dallas in 1971, the city has become the cocktail’s official home, launching the free Margarita Mile app in 2018 to show you where to find the best versions. The Margarita Mile has 17 stops – variations include pineapple and jalapeño at Wild Salsa and prickly pear puree at Matt’s Rancho Martinez.
Shop ’til you drop
5From high-end shopping to Western wear, there’s something for everyone. Get fitted for a custom-made pair of leather boots at Wild Bill’s Western Store in downtown Dallas, or visit Bishop Arts District in North Oak Cliff, with over 60 boutique shops such as M’antiques (classic tools, furniture and painted toys) and Maria’s Closet (vintage clothes).
Foodie heaven
6Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum offers BBQ and speciality fried chicken, while H3 Ranch in Fort Worth grills its steaks over hickory wood for a unique smoked flavour. For fine dining and a stunning view, Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant, Five Sixty, sits atop Reunion Tower, Dallas’ iconic 560-foot landmark.