Five reasons you need to visit Dallas
1. It's home to the Dallas Cowboys
Also known as the 'America's team' because of their popularity, the Dallas Cowboys are one of the most famous and revered NFL teams in the whole USA, and there's no better way to get a feel for American Football than with a trip to the AT&T Stadium. Whether you fancy dropping by for a tour, or heading down for the full matchday experience, it's an absolute must-see while you're in Texas.
2. It has the biggest Arts District in the USA
Whether you're into visual art, theatre, classical music or a little bit of everything, you'll find it all in Dallas's Art District. Spanning 68 acres and 19 blocks of the city, the district is heaven for culture vultures, from the Irving Arts Center to the AT&T Performing Arts Center. But it's not just the exhibitions, performances, you'll see there – the architecture is Pritzker Prize-winning, too, and you can soak it all up with a 90-minute architecture tour with an expert guide.
3. There's live music and craft beer everywhere
East of downtown Dallas, the Deep Ellum district has been the city's hub for music and art since it was founded way back in 1873. With more than 20 music venues, a neighbourhood that used to be known for its part in the history of blues and jazz is now teeming with music most nights of the week, showcasing everything from old-school piano to contemporary electronic music. There are more than 60 restaurants in Deep Ellum, too, many of which serve local craft brews from celebrated breweries like Westlake Brewing Company, Braindead Brewing and Deep Ellum Brewing Company.
4. You can immerse yourself in American history at the Sixth Floor Museum
In November 1963, Dallas became the epicentre of a shaken world when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while riding through the city's central Dealey Plaza in a motorcade. Today, you can learn about the momentous event in history at the Sixth Floor Museum – located in the exact spot from which JFK was shot – and put it in context of 1960s culture with a rich multimedia exhibit that retells the story.
5. The shopping at the NorthPark Center is incredible
If you're looking to pick up a few US-only brands and designer labels to update your wardrobe while you're away, look no further than the NorthPark Center. Home to hundreds of brands and dozens of food outlets, it's the perfect place for a little retail therapy in the city.
Five reasons you need to visit Fort Worth
1. You can be a cowboy or cowgirl for a day
Known to many as 'Where the West Begins', the city of Fort Worth was settled as an army outpost in 1849, and Wild West culture has been a huge part of life in the city ever since. Whether you want to visit Billy Bob's Texas – the world's largest country music honky-tonk – fancy watching championship rodeo at Stockyards, or dining like a real cowboy at one of the city's steakhouses, it's yours to explore.
2. The Ale and Whiskey Trail is sensational
In Fort Worth, the city's homegrown brewery population is exploding, meaning you're never far from a tasty craft brew. On the Ale and Whiskey Trail, you can explore the city's burgeoning brewing and distilling scene, samples all kinds of tastes from all kinds of amazing small-batch producers. What's more, once you've picked up a map and passport at your first drinks stop, you'll easily be able to find the next.
3. You can dance the night away at local music hotspots
From legends like Ornette Coleman, Townes Van Zandt and T-Bone Burnett to popular contemporary upstarts like Leon Bridges, Fort Worth is full of legendary musicians. And these days, more and more new venues are springing up to complement the legendary halls the city is famous for. Whether it's opera or old-school rhythm and blues, you'll be able to find it in Fort Worth.
4. You can ride a horse to downtown
There aren't many places you. But since Old West culture runs deep in Fort Worth, here you can. There are plenty of horse hitches around the city centre, but none is more famous than the one at Stockyards, where the famous Fort Worth cattle drive (a procession of the city's longhorn cow herd) happens twice daily.
5. The Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is a must visit
This 33,000sq-ft museum is packed with amazing interactive exhibits that celebrate the impact of women on the culture of the American West. With more than 4,000 artifacts, and the stories of more than 750 pioneering women told, it's an absolute must-see while you're in the city.
Want to indulge in some of the best BBQ flavours in Texas? Want to experience what it's like to be a real-life cowboy or cowgirl? You're in luck, because you can book your trip to Dallas and Fort Worth with Travelbag today.
Spend three nights in Dallas and three nights in Fort Worth from £1,229 per person, including car hire and return flights from London with American Airlines. To book, visit travelbag.co.uk/DallasFortWorth or call 0203 139 7044
