Dallas
Dallas is one of the largest cities in the United States and is a center for computer technology, banking, transportation and telecommunications. Dallas is home to many great tourist locations and this site will give you some background information on the city and offer some travel ideas.
Overview
Dallas is the third-largest city in the state of Texas and the ninth largest city in the U.S.Dallas is known globally as a center for computer technology, banking, telecommunications, and transportation. It is the core of the largest inland metropolitan area in the nation and lacks link to the sea. Dallas's prominence despite this comes from its historical importance as a center for the cotton and oil industries, its position along railroad lines, and its financial and industrial power. The 2000 U.S. Census, Dallas's population was 1.1 million.
Brief History
In 1839, John Neely Bryan, a lawyer from Tennessee, discovered Dallas area. He saw in the region plenty of raw land, Indians to do business with and a river. He returned to Dallas in 1841, he laid claim to 640 acres and sketched out a town.
Railroads were brought to the area in the 1870s, the Federal Reserve Bank in 1914, Dallas Love Field Airport in 1927, the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in 1973 and the Republican National Convention in 1984, to name just a few.
In 1930, C.M. "Dad" Joiner struck oil 100 miles east of Dallas. With the discovery and development of the East Texas Oil Field, the largest petroleum deposit on earth at the time, Dallas became a center of oil-related activity. Commerce and industry have followed suit, adding to the city's progress.
The 1960s was a time of turmoil in many U.S. cities, including Dallas. The worst moment in Dallas history came on Nov. 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on a downtown street.
As the 1980s came to a close, Fortune Magazine named Dallas/Fort Worth, site of many major corporate relocations, the No. 1 business center in the land. Dallas is also one of the leading convention destinations in the U.S., due to the city's outstanding convention and meeting facilities.
As the 21st century advances, Dallas continues to build on its strengths.
When to Go
From June through mid-September, the procession of 90-degree-plus days, with many in the 100s, is unrelenting. From late September through late May the climate is usually temperate. October through mid-November and April through mid-May have the most cool, dry, blue days, while December through March can have sharp cold snaps.
Most visitors will come via Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. One of the biggest and busiest aiports in the world.
Economy
The city is sometimes referred to as Texas's Silicon Valley because of a high concentration of telecom companies. Originally seeded with a nexus of communications engineering and production talent following World War II by companies like Collins Radio Corp.
The epicenter of the area's telecom industry is along the "Telecom Corridor" which is home to more than 5,700 companies and regional offices for Ericsson, Alcatel, AT&T, Fujitsu, Nokia, Spint, just to name a few. The headquarters for Texas Instruments is also located in Dallas.
Dallas has more shopping centers per capita tan any city in the United States.
Famous Residents
Robby Benson actor; Tex Avery animator and director; Bebe Daniels actress; Ernie Banks baseball player; Linda Darnell actress; Lee Elder golfer; Trini Lopez singer; Morgan Fairchild actress; Aaron Spelling producer; Stephen Stills singer; Sharon Tate actress; Lee Trevino golfer.
Sports
Sports are taken seriously in Dallas. Whether it's professional basketball, college football or a raging rodeo.
Football: Dallas Cowboys
Known as "America's Team," the Dallas Cowboys are five-time Super Bowl champions and one of the most successful teams in the history of the NFL.
Basketball: Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks joined the NBA in 1980-81 and have proven themselves as a competitive franchise ever since.
Baseball: Texas Rangers
From April to October, this established Major League Baseball team plays in their open air stadium complex.
Hockey: Dallas Stars
In 1993, the Minnesota North Stars were sold to a new owner in Dallas, and became the Dallas Stars. Since then, they have become an NHL superstar team.
Soccer: FC Dallas
The FC Dallas has been a consistent powerhouse throughout its nine years of play.
Arena Football: Dallas Desperados
The Dallas Desperados of the Arena Football League have been an exciting addition to the Dallas professional sports line-up.
Neighborhoods to Visit
The City of Dallas has many communities and eclectic neighborhoods. The major areas in the city include:
Downtown, the center of the city and the epicenter of urban revival, coupled with Oak Lawn and Uptown Dallas, the shiny new urbanist areas.
East Dallas is home to Deep Ellum, a trendy arts area, the Lakewood and Fair Park.
Oak Cliff is a gorgeous hilly area with beautiful old homes and schools and even entertainment districts like the Bishop Arts District.
North Dallas is home to mansions in Preston Hollow, strong middle-class communities.
South Dallas is an eclectic neighborhood and a pleasant grove. The city is surrounded by tens of suburbs and encloses enclaves like University Park, Highland Park and Cockrell Hill.
Dallas Attractions
Nasher Sculpture Center
With more than 300 pieces, the Nasher is the first institution in the world dedicated to the exhibition of modern and contemporary sculpture.
Dallas Museum of Art
Is home to an extraordinary collection of works by impressionists and other European painters, as well as the most extensive collection of African art in the United States.
Crow Collection of Asian Art
More than 600 paintings, objects of metal and stone, and large architectural pieces dedicated to the arts and cultures of China, Japan, India and Southeast Asia.
Meadows Museum at the Southern Methodist University
One of the finest collections of Spanish art outside of Spain, showcasing famous paintings, prints and sculptures.
Fair Park
Explore this attraction’s 227 acres, you can enjoy one of the nation's largest collections of Art Deco buildings.
The Science Place
You can see here how everything works from the complex solar system to the intricacies of working honey bees. Many hands-on exhibits, workshops and special programs await to educate and entertain.
Grapevine Mills
30 minutes from downtown Dallas to this exciting complex, featuring more than 200 of the best names in manufacturers and retail outlets. You can find the best prices from stores.
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
If you love trees, flowers and bushes, explore the 66 acres of this beautiful oasis.
Highland Park Village
Offers an array of fashionable shops, located north of downtown. The Galleria is the largest upscale mall in Dallas, offering more than 200 shops.
Dallas Zoo
95 acres filled with exotic and traditional zoo animals.
West End MarketPlace
Here you will find a collection of retail shops, restaurants, as well as a movie theater when you travel to this entertaining market area. Check out some spots, such as FreeFlight Gallery , Angel Kisses, and Tic Toc Too.
Reunion Tower
This attraction allows you to view the Dallas area from 360-degrees.
Greenville Avenue
Here you will find unique shops, restaurants and clubs. Come visit this area, which divided into three parts: Upper, Lower and Lowest Greenville.
Dallas World Aquarium & Zoological Gardens
When you visit this attraction, you will have the pleasure of viewing unique plants and animals throughout this replicated rainforest. Here you can check out sea dragons, giant clams and endangered sea turtles. Another feature allows you to peer into an 85,000-gallon aquarium.
Movie Studios at Las Colinas
You will be able to visit an active movie studio, as well as view interesting movie memorabilia. Some of the features include Dorothy's dress from "The Wizard of Oz", as well as outfits worn by Superman, Batman, and Darth Vader.
Events in Dallas
Dallas is home to several significant events throughout the year.
State Fair of Texas
Held annually at Fair Park since 1886. The fair is a massive event for the state's 22 million people. Brings an estimated of $350 million to the city's economy annually.
Shakespeare Festival of Dallas
The second oldest non-profit Shakespeare festival in the USA is held from mid-June to the end of July at Samuell-Grand Park in east Dallas.
Southwestern Bell Cotton Bowl Classic
Since its commencement in 1937, this annual New Year's Day pig skin classic has been exciting college football fans with its lively festivities. Held at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park east of downtown Dallas, the football game pits teams from the Big 12
USA Film Festival
Each year, this popular spring film fest offers viewers the best and brightest in new American cinema.This event allows the public to observe international filmmakers as they gather for film screenings and discuss individual motion pictures.
Other festivals include Cinco de Mayo festivities, extravagant Independence Day events, Saint Patrick's Day parades in Irish communities like Lower Greenville, and Juneteenth festivities.
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