Howdy, Miami fans! On behalf of the folks at NBCDFW, welcome to the Lone Star State. We want you to enjoy a Texas-sized welcome, so we put together the following list of things to do with you in mind.
#1- Hot Hangs
We like to party, we like to party
Heat fans who want to go out need look no further than this list of hot spots not far from the American Airlines Center. Like beer and awesome bar food? No. 1 (The Meddlesome Moth) on the list has you covered. Want to see why Dallas rivals South Beach in the number of botoxed or au natural beauties that go all out? No. 2 on the list -- Sfuzzi -- serves by example. Lastly, hang out at your third option, the Media Grill + Bar inside the Hilton Anatole for a high tech experience. Click here for an in-depth look.
#2- Animal Adventures
It's a zoo over here
Heat fans who tire of watching Dallas Mavericks Mascot 'Champ the Horse' in his natural habitat have plenty of other wild options. The Metroplex is home to several zoos and natural habitats where the wild things roam. Click this Nonstop Scene link to learn more.
#3- Billy Bob's Texas
Cowboy hat recommended
Opened in 1981 and known as "The World's Largest Honky Tonk," Billy Bob's Texas offers 127,000-square-feet of space to enjoy country music and cold beer. There's a mechanical bull and barbeque, too, of course. BillyBobsTexas.com | 817-624-7117
#4- Bishop Arts District
Off the beaten path
The Bishop Arts District in west Dallas is an eclectic neighborhood near the intersection of Bishop and Davis streets. Heat fans who have grown weary of all the hub-bub in either Uptown or even downtown Dallas may want to take a little day trip there. Here’s a break down of all the places worth a visit.
#5- Fred's Texas Cafe
Cowtown culture at its tastiest
A trip to the Metroplex isn't complete without a drive west to Fort Worth. Chances are visitor's stomachs will need some re-fueling when their journey ends in Cowtown (that's 'Texas' for Fort Worth). A plethora of fine dining establishments thrive there -- Brownstone, Mellow Mushroom, Blue Sushi Sake Grill and Cowtown Diner -- but Fred's Texas Cafe is quintessential Fort Worth food. Read more about it here. FredsTexasCafe.com | 817-332-0083
#6- Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck Dallas
Get In The Ball Ya'll
Since basketball is the whole reason you hit up North Texas, why not keep with the theme and go inside the biggest ball in the city -- Reunion Tower. Once inside you can nosh on choice Asian fare from a menu created by avid L.A. Lakers fan, celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. Read all about this one-of-a-kind restaurant with rotating views here. WolfgangPuck.com | 214-741-5560
Sports
#7- Get Your Patio On
Livin' la vida local
Much like Miami, Dallas is a patio town. Click this Nonstop Foodies link for a comprehensive guide to some of the best around town. Here's another link courtesy of The Feast.
#8- Havana Social Club
Rollin’ out theVIP treatment
Homesick Heat fans can smoke stogies and sip true Cuban-style mojitos (made with powdered sugar) just a hop-skip-and-a-jump from the American Airlines Center in Victory Plaza. Havana Social Club | 214-303-0544
#9- John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
Obvious Attraction
Ok, ok... we know it's an obvious choice but the assassination of John F. Kennedy in downtown Dallas put this city on the world map, unfortunately. But, if you get the chance to visit Dealey Plaza, The Sixth Floor Museum or the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza it's well-worth it.
#10- The Ritz-Carlton
Spy on Stars
The Ritz-Carlton in Uptown is the place to go for spotting pro-athletes, A-list celebrities and the like. The Rattlesnake Bar inside, coupled with Fearing's restaurant offers a swanky place to enjoy top-notch food and drink. RitzCarlton.com | 214-922-0200
