Exploring Dallas and Fort Worth
by Ken RobertsIt's hard to imagine finding time for sightseeing while you're in Dallas attending the 1998 International Autobody Congress and Exhibition (NACE). However, there's so many great things to see and do, you should plan on spending a few extra days. Or, while you're busy at NACE, your spouse may want to visit some truly outstanding museums, go shopping, or visit some of the area's top tourist attractions.
While in Dallas, don't overlook Fort Worth. Separated by a mere 25 miles of interstate highway, the two cities are worlds apart. Dallas gives you glamour and glitz. Fort Worth offers a unique combination of cowboys and culture.
Beyond the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex lies more than a quarter-million square miles that's called Texas. Don't anticipate touring much of the state by automobile unless you have a whole lot of free time. Getting from Dallas to El Paso, which sits on the state's western Mexico border, requires 12 hours by car. More accessible, and two popular destinations for native Texans, are Austin and San Antonio.
Austin, the capital city, is straight down I-35 about three hours from Dallas. One of America's truly great cities, San Antonio, is two hours south of Austin. Both offer history, entertainment, fun, and great food and are worth visiting if you have the time.
If you only have time for exploring Dallas and Fort Worth, we've made it easier for you by providing some suggested stopping points. Come to Dallas for NACE. But while you're here, see what else the Metroplex offers.
Exploring Dallas
The Dallas Convention Center, the site of NACE, and the official hotels are all located in or around downtown Dallas. For that reason, highlighted below are some of Dallas' entertainment and tourist attractions that are conveniently located to downtown. Phone numbers are provided so you can call for additional information or directions from your hotel.
The Sixth Floor Museum
(214) 747-6660The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza examines the life, times, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Located on the sixth floor of the former Texas School Book Depository in downtown Dallas, the museum takes visitors back to the 1960s and through one of the most vividly remembered events of this century. All material in the museum is suitable for family viewing.
Dallas Museum of Art (DMA)
(214) 922-1200Located in the Dallas Arts District on the north side of Downtown. From legendary impressionist paintings to breathtaking contemporary sculpture, the permanent collection of the DMA represents some of the most powerful works of art ever assembled under one roof. To receive a map directing you to the museum, call the DMA Fax-on-Demand at (214) 922-1825.
Dallas World Aquarium
(214) 720-2224Twelve saltwater aquariums feature coral reef ecosystems and marine life from around the world. A multistory rain forest abounds with plant and animal life. Located in the historic West End of downtown.
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
(214) 327-8263Twenty-five acres of ornamental gardens and 41 acres of natural woodland create a 66-acre oasis in the heart of one of Dallas' oldest neighborhoods. The Arboretum creates a rotating display of seasonal color. Also on the grounds is a historic 13-room mansion complete with 16th- and 17th-century antiques and surrounded by an Old English garden. Minutes from downtown.
TI Founders IMAX Theater
(214) 428-5555Located at the Science Place Museum, TI Founders IMAX theater surrounds you with a 79-foot domed screen. IMAX images are larger than life, the colors more vivid, the sound crisper. During NACE, a variety of hour-long movies will be playing. Call the theater for titles and show schedules. IMAX is located in Fair Park, site of the Texas State Fair, two miles east of downtown on I-30.
Biblical Arts Center
(214) 691-4661Ten minutes from downtown, the Biblical Arts Center is a non-denominational museum that uses the arts to help people of all faiths more clearly envision the places, events and people of the Bible. Artworks ranging from Old Masters to contemporaries are displayed in both permanent and changing galleries.
Neiman-Marcus
(214) 741-6911Founded in Dallas 91 years ago, Neiman-Marcus continues to operate its flagship store downtown at 1618 Main Street. Come and celebrate the art of fashion. During NACE, see Neiman's extravagant Christmas decorations displayed throughout the store. For shopping, dining, or simply people watching, Neiman-Marcus has no equal.
For more information on exploring Dallas, call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at (214) 746-6677.
Exploring Fort Worth
To get to Fort Worth from Dallas, head west on I-30. It's only a 30-minute drive, but the two cities are vastly different. Even the geography changes. Dallas sits on the Texas prairie. On the eastern edge of Fort Worth, rolling hills mark the beginning of America's great Western Plains. Fort Worth is, literally and figuratively, "Where the West Begins." The sites highlighted below are easily accessible from I-30.
Fort Worth Stockyards
(817) 624-4741Visitors from around the world visit the Stockyards to see a bit of Texas western heritage. Preserved on the district's brick streets are restored buildings that house restaurants, stores, boot makers, nightclubs, and even the world's first indoor rodeo. Many of the sites in the Stockyards are used in the filming of the CBS television show, Walker, Texas Ranger.
Kimbell Art Museum
(817) 332-8451Where cowtown meets culture. The Kimbell Art Museum has been widely recognized as having one of the greatest galleries for viewing art. In fact, it is one of seven museums worldwide recently chosen for a special PBS program that will feature the world's finest museums. The Kimbell offers an extensive collection of painting and sculpture by the master artists.
Museum District
In addition to the Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth's Museum District offers a variety of museums all within walking distance of one another: The Modern Art Museum; the Amon Carter Museum; and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, home of the Omni Theater and Noble Planetarium.
Fort Worth Zoo
(817) 871-7000The Fort Worth Zoo has more than 5,000 native, exotic and endangered animals in a lush, beautifully landscaped environment. Named one of the five best zoos in America.
Downtown/Sundance Square
(817) 336-8791Fort Worth is home to one of America's cleanest and safest downtowns. Sundance Square, encompassing several downtown blocks of restored turn-of-the-century buildings, is alive day and night. Here you'll find shopping, movieplexes, nightclubs, coffee houses, art galleries and museums, and much more.
For more information on exploring Fort Worth, call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at (817) 336-8791.
Convenient Dallas Restaurants
Barbeque
Baker's Rib
907 Elm Street
(214) 761-9008
Dick's Last Resort
1701 N. Market Street
(214) 747-0001
Gus's Bar-B-Que
107 S. Harwood
(214) 939-0360
Mexican
Casa Dominguez
2408 Cedar Springs Road
(214) 871-9787Houston Street Cafe & Cantina
306 S Houston Street
(214) 747-1250On the Border
1801 N. Lamar
(214) 855-0296American
Antares Atop Reunion Tower
300 Reunion Blvd.
(214) 651-1234The Dallas World Aquarium Restaurant
1801 N. Griffin Street
(214) 720-2224Planet Hollywood
603 Munger Ave.
(214) 749-7827Steaks
Lawry's The Prime Rib
3008 Maple Ave.
(214) 521-7777
Morton's of Chicago
501 Elm Street
(214) 741-2277Ruth's Chris Steak House
5922 Cedar Springs
(214) 902-8080For the latest news about the Dallas/Fort Worth area,
Visit these Web sites:
November AutoInc.|| NACE '98 Special Section
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