Dallas is simultaneously the most cosmopolitan city in Texas and one that is firmly rooted in its historic Southwestern identity. Along with a vibrant downtown, Dallas features an array of diverse neighborhoods, including Deep Ellum, Greenville, Uptown, the Arts District, West End, and more.
With so much culture, history, entertainment, and cuisine to explore, staying in downtown Dallas ensures you’ll have excitement in every direction.
And one of the coolest spots to pop up is the SOVA Micro Room and Social Hotel. Not only has it been dubbed “the most fun hotel in Dallas,” but it’s also surrounded by pricier digs costing hundreds more per night.
SOVA is a stylish, boutique hotel with rooms that are about 1/3 the size of a regular hotel room. SOVA’s ethic is to save on the hotel so you can splurge on the experience. SOVA’s rooms had everything I needed – including the fluffy pillows – without all the extra fluff.
From the chic downtown digs at Sova, I found excitement in every direction! There’s the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza for fascinating insight on the life, legacy, and assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Nearby is the West End, a vibrant historic district known for its blend of history, entertainment, dining, and shopping. Just to the east is the world famous Deep Ellum neighborhood. Steeped in cultural history, Deep Ellum is the center of Dallas’ live music scene and a hot spot for some of the most talented tattoo artists in the country.
Dallas also is a serious destination for foodies seeking everything from savory to spicy. “Texas” is one of the four kings of BBQ styles (along with Memphis, Kansas City, and Carolina) and its calling card is brisket – and there’s plenty to sample in Dallas. Texas also is responsible for half of “Tex-Mex,” and amazing restaurants abound.
Some of my other favorite top Dallas’ destinations include …
:: Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) – A world-class collection that includes ancient works from Africa, Asia, and Latin America; European art spanning the 14th to 21st centuries; and contemporary pieces by such artists as Mark Rothko and Roy Lichtenstein.
:: Klyde Warren Park – With free Wi-Fi access, weekly events, a dog park, walking trails, a children’s park, food trucks, and a performance pavilion, Klyde Warren Park is an amazing green space in the heart of downtown.
:: The Ball – Amazing 360-degree views from the indoor/outdoor deck – open day and night – located 470 feet high at the top of Reunion Tower.
:: Perot Museum of Nature and Science – The ultimate kids’ destination in Dallas, the Perot is a 180,000-square-foot facility jam-packed with hands-on exhibits and educational displays.
:: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden – I love escaping to Dallas’ White Rock Lake Park and strolling through the Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden, where more than 2,000 varieties of azaleas blossom in the spring and several acres of chrysanthemums come to life during the fall.
