Things You'll Need:
- Travel Guide(s)
- Money
- Street Map of Texas
- Local Dallas Newspaper
- Digital Camera
- Sunscreen
- Shades
- Hat or Cap
- Walking Shoes
- Bottled Drinking Water
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Step 1
The World-Famous Southfork Ranch - Plano (Parker), TexasMake your plans and travel arrangements well enough in advance to avoid last-minute delays and price hikes if you're flying or taking a train into the city. Acquire travel guides and welcome packets from organizations, such as the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau or the Dallas Regional Chamber to help you organize your tour, familiarize yourself with the major roads and best routes to take to each attraction. You may also visit the Metroplex Daily website for more information. The links for all three of these organizations are included at the end of this article.
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Step 2
Annual Plano Balloon Festival - Plano, TexasSave money by booking your flight, hotel and rental car reservations online. Because competition is so fierce, many travel sites now offer discounts to individuals who use their online services to make arrangements. Check out these well-known sites for pricing information: Travelocity, Priceline, Orbitz, Hotwire and Expedia, to name a few. Surf the web for more travel information by doing a keyword search for "best travel sites." You're sure to find some great deals.
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Step 3
The Texas Star, North America's Largest Ferris Wheel - Dallas (Fair Park), TexasDon't spend your vacation simply lounging around the hotel (although with all that fantastic Southern food and hospitality, it may be tempting to do just that). Leave early each day in order to get a jump start and make the most of your valuable time. Dallas-Fort Worth is known worldwide for its vast selection of restaurants, sports venues and shopping centers. For your convenience, some of the most popular spots are categorized below under these three interest groups.
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Step 4
The Beautiful Bass Performance Hall - Downtown Fort Worth, TexasOpt to sign up for a tour, instead of driving around the whole time during your visit. Some companies offer group discounts, so bring along as many family members and close friends as possible to create exciting memories that will last a lifetime. Some of the more popular tours are offered through Eagle Tours, All-in-One-Tour Services, Fort Worth Tours, Dallas-Fort Worth Segway Tours, Big D Tours and Starlight Flight. Do an online search for each company to get more information. You may also key in "Metroplex tours" or " Dallas-Fort Worth tours" to find out what else is out there.
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Step 5
The Stunning Majestic Theater - Downtown DallasDo a keyword search for each attraction listed below to be connected to their official websites: Texas State Fair, Dallas (Fair Park): Annual event that lasts for a whole month. Tons of fun stuff and food for everyone. We had a ball!Trader's Village, Grand Prairie: Largest Outdoor Flea Market in Texas. Besides Wal-Mart, this is my second favorite shopping spot.Downtown Hyatt Regency with Reunion Tower and Antares Rotating Restaurant: Feels as though you're sitting and dining on top of the world. Magical and romantic. The nighttime views are breath-taking. Perfect place for a marriage proposal.Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington: Plenty of thrills, prizes and great Southwest fare.Dallas Museum of Art, Downtown Dallas: Fascinating and unique art pieces from all over the world. Truly wonderful.Bass Performance Hall, Downtown Fort Worth (shown above): The pic does not do it justice. The architecture is so eye-catching; It's a lot like the Roman and Greek architecture you see in travel magazines and on television.African-American Museum, Downtown Dallas: Come and educate yourself on the Black experience in America and other little-known facts that weren't taught in history class.Dealey Plaza, Downtown Dallas : Although tragic, the 1963 assassination of beloved President John F. Kennedy is a conspiracy buff's dream challenge. Come and revisit a captivating piece of history and form your own opinion of what really happened.The Majestic Theater, Downtown Dallas (shown below): Perfect counterpart to Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall, this theater highlights the voluminous contributions of African-Americans to the performing arts.
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Step 1
The Spectacular Galleria Mall - Addison, TexasCheck out these popular Dallas-Fort Worth shopping centers. There are literally thousands of shopping centers in the Metroplex. Come see for yourself what the area has to offer and find what best suits you. Wear comfy clothing and walking shoes and bring plenty of spending money.Stonebriar Mall, Frisco: This place is very big, although not the biggest in the Metroplex. It has the largest assortment of kid's attire.Galleria Mall, Addison: This place is stunning, especially during the holidays. It has an indoor ice rink and gorgeous architectural features, reminiscent of Italian designs. Lot of local and visiting celebs shop here, so be on the lookout.Northpark Center, Dallas: This is the largest mall in Dallas-Fort Worth. High-end stores and boutiques. The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano: Smaller, more intimate than the bigger malls. Classy and elegant. Allen Premium Outlets, Allen: Charming little strip mall with a lot of specialty boutiques from famous designers at amazing discounted prices. Get brand-name duds for a steal.
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Step 2
Are You Hungry Yet?Indulge your appetite at many wonderful places to eat. Sample these favorites and explore more as you talk to people and get their recommendations, too.The Studio Movie Grill, Plano & Addison: Food is great, but the main attraction is the fact that you can also enjoy a movie while you eat. Almost like being at home, except you're waited on hand and foot, plus you have more "friends" to enjoy it with.The Cheesecake Factory, Dallas & Frisco: My absolute favorite, hands down. There can never be enough said about this place. Perfect after Sunday church services. Classy, very nice, reasonable prices.Dave & Buster's, Dallas & Frisco: Next to Cheesecake Factory, this is my second favorite. Sports bar, games, tons of fun. Excellent food and customer service. Good prices.Maggiano's Little Italy, Dallas: Charming Italian restaurant perfect for a business meal when you're trying to impress your boss or a special occasion such as your anniversary or birthday. In the same class as Cheesecake Factory, although the prices are higher, but it's very impressive. Remember, you get what you pay for.Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen: If you're a seafood fanatic, this is the place for you. Part of the legendary chain of Pappas Restaurants located throughout Texas and beyond. Sensational fried catfish and garlic mashed potatoes. Visit the Pappas Restaurants website for more great history on this Southern seafood giant.
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Step 3
The New Dallas Cowboys Stadium, Due to Open in 2009Head out to walk off some of those calories. Check out these area sports arenas and get your blood pumping. If you're in town at the right time, you may even catch the guys practicing. Persuade them to throw you the ball and be sure to get a snapshot taken of yourself in action. Cowboys Stadium, Dallas: Although it's been a long time coming, the stadium has been totally remodeled. They did an excellent job too, from what's shown on the Dallas Cowboys New Stadium website. Do a keyword search for Cowboys Stadium and check out the amazing transformation. American Airlines Center, Downtown Dallas: Home of the Dallas Mavericks Basketball Club and the Dallas Stars Hockey Club, this place also features other attractions, such as the circus, ice shows and concerts, throughout the year. Ameriquest Field in Arlington, Texas: Home of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club. Formerly known as The Ballpark in Arlington. On March 19, 2007, the Rangers ended their relationship with Ameriquest and renamed the stadium Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
