I’ll never forget the magic of visiting Dallas for the first time as a kid. From the towering skyline that filled me with awe to the slate of museums, attractions, shops and restaurants that seemed poised to provide never-ending entertainment, Dallas made me feel like something fun and exciting was around every corner. I still feel that way about Dallas. So when I visited last month with two of my daughters, ages 14 and 11, I was excited to pass along the city’s magic to them. If you’re heading to Dallas soon, here are four fun finds for summer.
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The Joule
The Joule is a stunning, art-filled hotel on Dallas’ Main Street. Contributed by The Joule
From the minute we walked in and were greeted with champagne (for me) and cookies (for the girls), we felt right at home at The Joule, a stunning downtown hotel that proves that it’s possible to be beautiful, chic, and family-friendly. Walking through the lobby and hallways felt like visiting an approachable yet perfectly curated museum thanks to the prized pieces from proprietor Tim Headington that are showcased throughout the building. Perhaps no piece is more spectacular, however, than Tony Tasset’s 30-foot-tall sculpture, “Eye,” which is made out of fiberglass, resin and steel and crafted to look like the artist’s own eye.
One excellent place to view “Eye,” which sits along Dallas’ Main Street on Joule property, is the hotel’s pool, which functions as a piece of art in its own rite. Located on the 10th floor, the 8-foot cantilevered pool juts out over Main Street below, giving visitors the sensation of swimming over the hotel’s edge. I relished spending a lazy drink-in-hand afternoon poolside on one of the inviting couches while my girls splashed in the pool, snapped pictures and dared each other to peek over the pool’s clear acrylic edge.
Spend a relaxing day a the Joule Spa. Contributed by The Joule
Early one morning I also had the opportunity to steal away to the hotel’s immaculate Forbes four-star spa, where I was treated to an 80-minute customized massage that was hands down among the best of my life. The spa menu is brimming with other innovative treatments as well, such as the Blissful Ritual (double body exfoliation, scalp massage and full-body massage) and the Environ Collagen Boost Facial. Also, don’t miss the multitude of on-site dining options at the hotel, including CBD Provisions, Weekend Coffee, and a fantastic, Italian-themed Sassetta, where we enjoy a spectacular dinner that instantly transported us to Tuscany. https://www.thejouledallas.com/
Tango Room
The Tango Room is an approachable steakhouse located in the Dallas Design District. Contributed by Tango Room
Although I love a good steakhouse, it’s not something that my husband and I frequent with our kids. However, when I saw that Tango Room, located in Dallas’ Design District, prides itself on being approachable and fun (motto: “fine foods, finer wines, no jacket required”) I thought it would be fun to try with my daughters. I’m so glad I did. Tango Room has now become an instant classic for me thanks to its extremely friendly staff, laidback, fun atmosphere, and absolutely fantastic fare. Menu items include seared foie gras with fuji apple tart and apple brandy reduction; lobster and caviar toast; Bolognese pasta, whole roast duck, and yes, a host of steaks. https://www.tangoroomdallas.com/
Dallas’ Tango Room offers a wide variety of menu options. Contributed by Tango Room
Forty Five Ten
Forty Five Ten is a curated boutique in Dallas. Contributed by Forty Five Ten
Continuing on our theme of stunning, beautiful spaces, during our visit we also had the pleasure of popping into Forty Five Ten, a meticulously curated boutique that seamlessly blends fashion and art. Expect pieces from designers including Celine, Lisa Yang, Vivienne Westwood, Saint Laurent and Miu Miu as well as a breathtaking assortment of accessories. The shop, located on Main Street, is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and also by appointment. https://fortyfiveten.com/
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Hive Bakery
We timed our visit to Dallas so that we could catch a Taylor Swift show, and, much like donning the perfect outfit, our Taylor Swift experience would not have been complete without Eras-themed treats. Fortunately, via social media, we discovered Hive Bakery in Flower Mound, where a life-size cutout of the superstar, as well as complimentary stickers and a case full of goodies, were there to greet us. Our “Lover,” “Midnights” and ”Folklore”-themed cookies and cupcakes – including gluten-free options – were a perfect and delectable pre-show appetizer, and the bakery became a quick favorite of ours due to its fun, innovative and creative goodies that irreverently reflect pop culture and the news of the day. Recent themed items have included all things Star Wars for May the Fourth, a host of 4-20 themed items for April 20 and even cakes advocating for stricter gun control measures. https://www.hivebakerytx.com/
