I have always loved museums. For me, spending a lingering Sunday wandering through gallery halls, contemplating what each brushstroke meant to an artist, is one of life’s greatest pleasures. And yet, between work and kids and, well, life, it’s something that I haven’t been able to do in quite a long time.
With the hope of remedying that, I decided to spend a long January weekend in Dallas – which is known for having one of the best art scenes in the country – with my two oldest daughters, 16 and 13, in tow. What we would discover is a thriving and surprising downtown arts district with something to inspire and intrigue all ages.
JW Marriott Dallas Arts District
We were thrilled to have a home base for the weekend at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District, which is itself a work of art showcasing sundrenched spaces, elevated local cuisine, craft cocktails, and unbeatable city views.
The JW Marriott Dallas Arts District offers stunning views of the city. Contributed by JW Marriott Dallas Arts District
On our first night, we enjoyed an unforgettable dinner at Montage, located on the 11th floor of the hotel, as the sun was setting, casting a vibrant orange glow over the already beautifully bedecked space. Our meal, too, served as a work of art, with fare that included crispy octopus, smoked Ora King salmon, a prime center cut filet, and sides of lobster mac & cheese and roasted asparagus.
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The incredible view would continue in our corner suite – one of 267 guest rooms – which offered wraparound views of downtown Dallas thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows. The staff at the hotel also showed unparalleled generosity and care for us throughout the weekend, from the valet staff who aired up my tires after the pressure dropped due to a cold snap to the bar staff at Vincent’s, who drummed up a special request bar snack for me (thanks, Justin!).
Dallas Museum of Art
Don’t miss the Frida Khalo exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art. Kristin Finan photo
You could spend an entire weekend exploring the Dallas Museum of Art, which is one of the largest art museums in the country and is brimming with work by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondrian, and Claude Monet. My favorite exhibit, however, was “Frida: Beyond the Myth,” which runs through Feb. 23 and provides a fascinating chronological look at the defining moments – and tragedies – that shaped the artist’s life.
One of the most fun ways to enjoy the museum is to time your visit with its popular Brunch at the Museum, where you can enjoy mimosas right along with your Monet. We loved the decadent chef-inspired food stations featuring fare such as waffles, quiche, and made-to-order omelets, and the pianist playing songs including Bruno Mars’ “Marry Me” in a sun-drenched room adorned with Dale Chiluly glasswork only added to the atmosphere.
Brunch at the Dallas Museum of Art is a special treat. Kristin Finan photo
During brunch, we particularly enjoyed meeting Shae Shaw, “The Party Poet,” who typed up personalized poems for each of us, rolled them up and tied twine around them, and instructed us to read them later when we felt like we needed them. Mine, which she had typed on pink, sprinkle-covered paper, included a message so meaningful to me that I would later frame it and put it on my desk.
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Other Dallas Arts District museums to consider: The Crow Museum of Asian Art, which celebrates the arts and cultures of Asia from ancient eras to contemporary times, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
Winspear Opera House
We were thrilled to time our visit with a performance of “Come From Away” by Broadway Dallas at the mesmerizing Winspear Opera House, which was designed as a 21st-century reinterpretation of a traditional opera house. Although “Come From Away” is no longer playing, a variety of other performances are being offered this spring, including “Mean Girls” by Broadway Dallas, “La boheme” by the Dallas Opera, and “Primary Trust” by the Dallas Theater Center. Tip: Prior to your performance, enjoy the Montage’s Arts District Performance pre-fixe menu.
Georgie
Georgie is by far one of the hottest restaurants in Dallas right now, so we were elated when we were able to snag a Sunday reservation. From the elegant décor to the festive desserts brought out to celebrate special occasions, my daughters immediately appreciated both the vibe and the rare opportunity to share a meal like this together.
Expect to be surprised by dinner at Georgie. Kristin Finan photo
At the heart of Georgie’s success is Chef RJ Yoakum, whose fun and creative takes on cuisine make a lasting impression. Case in point – his potato churros with caramelized onion dip, which he told us were inspired by his love of sharing French onion dip and potato chips with his grandmother as a child. We also enjoyed a mouthwatering roasted chicken that Yoakum said was influenced by a dish he had at Wingstop and French onion consommé that he created specifically so that there is cheese in every bite.
Chatting with Yoakum was a delight and every dish was perfection. The day after our meal, it was announced that he was nominated as a James Beard Best Emerging Chef, an honor that, based on our unforgettable evening at Georgie, he absolutely deserves.
Kristin Finan and Chef RJ Yoakum at Georgie. Mirielle Badgley-Finan photo
Meow Wolf’s “The Real Unreal”
Although it’s not technically in Dallas, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to experience Meow Wolf’s “The Real Unreal,” a surreal, immersive experience that invites visitors to solve mysteries and fall into new dimensions. Located in Grapevine, “The Real Unreal,” which features artwork by more than 40 local artists, is the fourth Meow Wolf permanent exhibition, with others located in Santa Fe, Denver, Houston and Las Vegas.
Immerse yourself in interactive art at Meow Wolf’s “The Real Unreal.” Kristin Finan photo
Visitors to “The Real Unreal” start their adventure in what looks like a regular home that belongs to the fictitious Delaney family. But as you wander through the rooms of the house, you quickly realize that behind every closet door, fireplace, or washing machine, there’s another dimension just waiting to be explored. It’s hard to fully explain the Meow Wolf experience, but I can assure you that, much like the entire Dallas arts scene, it’s unforgettable.
If You Go
Getting there:
Dallas is about a three-hour drive from Austin. Various bus companies, such as Vonlane, also offer daily service.
Stay:
The first JW Marriott property in Dallas, the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District is a beautiful, upscale and well-appointed property ideally located, as the name suggests, in the city’s arts district.
Do:
The Dallas Museum of Art is free and offers access to world-class exhibitions as well as a fantastic Sunday brunch. Meow Wolf’s fourth permanent exhibition, “The Real Unreal,” located in Grapevine, is an immersive art exhibit that’s fun for all ages. For an even broader sample of Dallas, snag a Dallas City Pass, which is $55 and includes access to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Reunion Tower GEODeck as well as two of the following: the Dallas Zoo, George W. Bush Presidential Museum, or the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.
Eat and drink:
