Know Before You Go: About Dallas
The Dallas of urban ranches and oil barons became legendary in the world of 1980s TV, while the Dallas of today is a little more complex
It's an international hub and center of commerce—a modern metropolis that thrives on the Texas spirit and never really lets go of its Old West heritage. See how old tradition meets modern amenities and attractions as you go about town in Dallas, Texas.
Hat Weather
Cowboy hats offer protection from the intense sun and double as a cooling device when you take it off and use the brim as a manual fan, so no wonder they're so popular in Texas. Dallas is hot and humid in the summer, with thunderstorms poised to dump moisture on those hats particularly as winter turns to spring. Brace for the 90s in the summer, though winter calls for a jacket—and an umbrella—as Dallas transitions from the hot, wet season to the cool, wet season. While daytime highs can reach 65 in the winter, they can also drop below freezing, resulting in the occasional ice storm.
Pastimes and a President
Sports fans may not be able to leave Dallas without paying homage at AT&T Stadium and the Cotton Bowl. But if you can tear yourself away from the football shrines, you could find yourself getting in touch with Mother Nature at the Dallas Zoo, the Dallas World Aquarium or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Or you can embrace your inner history buff and check one of those presidential libraries off your list: The George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University features artifacts from the 43rd president's term as well as special rotating exhibits that reach beyond the Bush era. If your fascination is transportation, try the Cavanaugh Flight Museum, Museum of the American Railroad or the Frontiers of Flight Museum.
Striking Gold Beyond Oil
Despite its rich history in the oil business, Dallas today isn't all oil barons like the fictional J.R. Ewing. Manufacturing has been rich in industries like food processing and prefabricated building materials, but the economy has diversified more with high-tech jobs over the years. The city has also cashed in on its location and its airport—one of the busiest international airports on the planet—as an inland port and shipping hub. The annual State Fair of Texas is an economic driver all its own, roping hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year for the city.
DART About Town
To say that you can fly into Dallas from anywhere is no understatement—the huge Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, also known as DFW, is home to airlines from across the globe and closer to home. Two types of rail service get you into town from the airport: the Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the Trinity Railway Express, a commuter train to downtown's Union Station that doesn't run on Sundays. DART also operates city buses that, coupled with the rail lines, link you to wherever you want to go. For a fun roll through the Arts District and West End Historic District, hop on the M-Line Trolley.
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