Elizabeth’s Dallas

Preparing for a move to Spain prompted Elizabeth Locke to reflect on all the things she’s going to miss about her life in Dallas, Texas. But after spending five years in corporate America, she’s more than prepared for a change. As she waxes nostalgic for her hometown stomping grounds, here are her recommendations for making the most of the Big D.

Follow Elizabeth’s story on her blog, on Twitter @elizabeth2393, and on Instagram @elizabethjlocke.

Dallas is My City

When someone comes to visit me, the first place I take them is Mi Cocina for margaritas, guacamole, and queso.

Spring is the best time to visit my city because you can take advantage of happy hours on outdoor patios and Rangers baseball games.

You can see my city best from the outdoor patio at the Belmont Hotel.

Locals know to skip the Galleria and check out NorthPark instead.

In the past, notable people like Bonnie Parker (of Bonnie and Clyde) and Norah Jones have called my city home.

My city’s best museum is the Dallas Museum of Art because you can enjoy art and live jazz on Thursday nights.

The best place to spend time outdoors in my city is Klyde Warren Park.

My city really knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day because of the huge Greenville St. Patty’s Celebration and 5K “dash” each year.

You can tell if someone is from my city if they talk about being from Highland Park.

For a fancy night out, I get my hair done at DryBar.

Just outside my city, you can visit the Fort Worth Stockyards.

My city is known for being full of millionaires, but it’s really filled with nice, hardworking people who love Texas.

The best outdoor market in my city is the downtown farmers market (open 362 days a year).

Company Café on the Katy Trail is my favorite place to grab breakfast, and Buzzbrews is the spot for late-night eats.

To find out what’s going on at night and on the weekends, read D Magazine.

My city’s biggest sports event is Texas/OU (University of Oklahoma) weekend. Watch the Red River Rivalry play out at the Texas State Fair.

When I’m feeling cash-strapped, I run Katy Trail.

To escape the crowds, I ride my bike around White Rock Lake.

If my city were a celebrity it’d be Chuck Norris because not only was his Walker, Texas Ranger TV show based and filmed in Dallas, but his humor, success, morals, and classic good looks represent the city at its finest!

The dish that represents my city best is filet mignon because it’s the best cut of beef, which is a Texas diet staple, you can get — and a Mambo Taxi from Mi Cocina is my city’s signature drink.

Reunion Tower is my favorite building in town because it’s always lit up at night and looks like a fancy microphone.

The most random thing about my city is that there’s a vineyard only 30 minutes away.

The Granada Theater is the best place to see live music, but if you’re in the mood to dance, check out The Dram.

Dallas (the TV show) could only happen in my city.

In the spring you should attend the Byron Nelson Golf Championship.

In the summer you should see a concert on the lawn at the Dallas Arboretum.

In the fall you should go to a Dallas Cowboys football game.

In the winter you should see a performance at the Dallas Opera House.

If you have kids (or are a kid at heart), you won’t want to miss the Perot Museum or the Dallas Aquarium.

The best book about my city is The Big Rich by Bryan Burrough.

When I think about my city, the song that comes to mind is “She’s Like Texas” by the Josh Abbott Band.

In 140 characters or less, the world should heart my city because continuing cultural evolutions, from parks and museums to renowned cuisine, inspire ambitious and compassionate people to call Dallas home!

Beg to differ? Share your thoughts about the best of Dallas by leaving a comment.

Love where you live? Fill out our I Heart My City questionnaire for a chance to share your insider intel with the Intelligent Travel community.