THEaway from the stereotypes of cowboys and oil wells, the authentic face of Texas is revealed between Dallas and Fort Worth, two sister and complementary cities. The first cosmopolitan, projected towards the future, the second more linked to the tradition and myth of the Far West.
In Dallas, entrepreneurial energy dialogues with the elegance of contemporary design and the strength of philanthropic culture which, since the early twentieth century, has transformed the city into a laboratory of art and architecture. Here, magnates and patrons have created a museum heritage of international scope and a constantly evolving gastronomic and creative scene. Fort Worth, half an hour away, preserves the western soul of the state, with rodeos, extraordinary art collections and a slow pace of life.
Dallas, the rebellious soul of Deep Ellum
Born at the end of the nineteenth century along the railway line that brought prosperity to the city, Deep Ellumfrom “Deep Elm”, as its historic main street, it is now the most eclectic and vibrant neighborhood in Dallas. Once the cradle of Texan blues, it is today an open-air creative laboratory, where over 150 murals transform old industrial buildings into works of urban artas along Blues Alley, a street that highlights the history and influence of the neighborhood’s musicians through the lens of street artists.
Dallas: Blues Alley in Deep Ellum @Visit Dallas
Between tattoo parlors and legendary live clubs like Trees, where Nirvana performedmusic, fashion and flavors of the South intertwine. While the Pecan Lodge celebrates the most beloved barbecue in Texas, boutiques such as Flea Style and Deep Ellum Denim, mecca for jeans lovers, tell the story of artisanal elegance in a contemporary key. Today, between rooftop bars, avant-garde galleries and the refined Kimpton Pittman Hotel, the neighborhood embodies the most authentic and free essence of Dallas, the bold, visionary and constantly evolving one.
Fort Worth and the myth of the West
A half-hour drive from Dallas, Fort Worth holds the authentic soul of Texas. Here, among wooden saloons, Stetson hats and the smell of barbecue, you can breathe the tradition of the cowboys who once drove the herds along the southern prairies. Nhe historic Stockyards, the echo of the Wild West resonates every day on Cattle Drivethe spectacular cattle parade led by herdsmen along Exchange Avenue.
Hotel Drover @visit Fort Worth
Brick buildings and vintage signs alternate with cowgirl boot boutiques such as City Boots and Texan hats, above all Best Hat Store, and museums, such as the John Wayne – An American Experience, with over 400 memorabilia and the Cowgirl Museum, dedicated to the rodeo heroines who still engage in Barrel Racing, horse racing around barrels, or Calf Roping. At the Cowtown Coliseum on Friday night it’s rodeo time, while not far away the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas lights up the night with country music and line dancing under the neon lights. For those who prefer a more urban atmosphere, Sundance Square, powered by 100% renewable energy, tells the story of contemporary Fort Worth. As well as the Kimbell Art Museumdesigned by Louis Kahm and with a contemporary wing by Renzo Piano, which houses works by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Velázquez, Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso and Matisse.
Culture as a horizon
The cultural soul of Dallas pulsates in the museums that tell the story of American history and the evolution of contemporary thought. The most touching is the Sixth Floor Museumset up in the former school book warehouse from which the shots that killed John F. Kennedy were fired in 1963 and entirely dedicated to the American president. A place suspended between emotion and collective memory.
A view of downtown Dallas @Visit Dallas
In the University District, the George W. Bush Presidential Library reconstructs the Oval Office and Situation Roomoffering a rare look behind the scenes of political power and the dramatic days of September 11th. In the heart of the Arts District, the Dallas Museum of Art is a journey through time where you can admire ancient artefacts, canvases by Monet, Van Gogh and De Chirico, up to the provocative Pistoletto and Cattelan. Next door, the Nasher Sculpture Center, designed by Renzo Piano, invites you to walk among sculptures immersed in the Texan sun, while the futuristic Perot Museum of Nature & Science, with its dinosaurs and interactive installations, celebrates the visionary strength of a city that looks forward without forgetting its roots.
The bohemian soul of the Bishop Arts District
Southwest of downtown, in the heart of Oak Cliff, the Bishop Arts District is the epitome of the new spirit of Dallasthe creative, independent and cosmopolitan one. Once an industrial area and railway hub, animated by warehouses and artisan shops in the 1920s, today it is a district with a bohemian style, where boutiques, galleries, restaurants and murals that tell the vibrant identity of the city mix. Walking among the brick buildings and retro signs you will discover local designer ateliers, tattoo studios and sustainable fashion shops such as Indigo 1745, a point of reference for designer denim.
Dallas’ Bishop Arts District @Visit Dallas
The evenings light up in the crowded clubs along North Bishop Avenue, amidst the scent of smoked meat from the Lockhart Smokehouse and the more intimate atmospheres of Lucia, one of the most appreciated restaurants for its European-inspired cuisine. Also worth trying are the gourmet sandwiches from Dallas Grilled Cheese Co., which reinvent a classic American comfort food in an ironic and gourmand way. All accompanied by artisanal cider or a Frozen Margarita, the famous Tex-Mexican cocktail born right here.
The icons of the city
Unmistakable symbol of the Dallas skyline, LA Reunion Tower has stood out with its luminous dome since 1978. With its 171 meters high and 259 LED lights which make it visible from every corner of the city, it is an essential stop for those who want to admire the Texan metropolis from above, especially from the GeO-Deck, the 360-degree panoramic platform, where the view lights up at sunset. Not far away, in the heart of Main Street, there is one of the most iconic works of the local art scene.
Dallas The Eye @Elena Barassi
The Eye, the monumental sculpture by Tony Tasset, is a fiberglass eyeball, almost 10 m tallwho keeps a silent vigil in the garden of The Joule hotel. Previously exhibited in Chicago’s Pritzker Park, The Eye was purchased by the tycoon and collector Timothy Clare Headington and is today the symbol of the city’s public art. For a poetic and relaxing perspective on the urban skyline, go to Trammell Crow Park, along the Trinity Skyline Trail, seven kilometers of paths that run along the Trinity River. At sunset, with the skyline silhouetted against the Texan sky, Dallas shows its most authentic face. A city capable of combining nature, art and vision.
Where to sleep in Dallas and Fort Worth
Hall Arts Hotel
1717 Leonard St. Elegant contemporary retreat in the Art District, home to owners’ impressive contemporary art collection, rooftop pool. Double from €400 https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dfwhaqq-hall-arts-dallas
Hotel Drover Autograph Collection
200 Mule Alley, Fort Worth. An oasis of luxury in the heart of the historic Stockyards, the hotel combines a western style with modern hacienda-style furnishings, offers an excellent brunch and a heated garden pool. Double from €370 https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dfwak-hotel-drover-autograph-collection/overview/
Where to eat
Written By The Seasons
380 Melba Street, Dallas. In the Bishop Arts District, a Michelin-starred farm-to-table restaurant known for its seasonal cuisine and fresh local ingredients. https://www.writtenbytheseasons.com/
Risky’s Barbecue
140 E. Exchange Ave, Suite 101, Fort Worth. Authentic Texas BBQ for over 75 years, featuring live country music. https://www.risckys.com
What to buy
Fort Worth ML Leddy’s @Leddy’s
Forty Five Ten
On Main Street, a 3-story boutique featuring emerging designer clothing, homewares, jewelry and gifts. On the fourth floor panoramic restaurant and Mirador lounge. https://fortyfiveten.com
ML Leddy’s
2455 N. Main Fort Worth ML Leddy’s has been creating Western style boots, clothing, belts, buckles since 1922 https://www.leddys.com
Info:
visittheusa.com
https://www.visitdallas.com, https://www.fortworth.com/
Direct flight from Venice with American Airlines
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