Vacation close to home with a Tex-cation
By Dorothy Strouhal
Since the U.S. economy went south in 2008, people have been saving their money for essential items. For most, jet away vacays are not essential. Hence, the stay-cation. Instead of traveling and exploring the world, people have been staying home during time off; now cabin fever has set in. The cure- Tex-cation. Save airfare and explore the great Lone Star State.
Dallas is less than four hours away.
The newly renovated Dallas Marriott City Center hotel is a stylish downtown home base. Modern, with state-of-the-art amenities and upscale dining, this treasure is within walking distance of Arts District attractions.
The Dallas Arts District was created in 2009 as an advocate for the arts in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It’s the largest arts district in the nation, comprising 19 city blocks with over 68 acres. The District has the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Crow Collection of Asian Art, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, and the Winspear Opera House.
During spring and summer school breaks, the museums come together and host the Arts District Block Party. They close most of the roads; many of the venues stay open until midnight and have free or reduced admission. Street performers entertain with music and acting and gourmet food trucks provide almost any type of food imaginable. These Block Parties are a wonderful time to experience the flavor of downtown Dallas and the Dallas Arts District.
For theater, musical and dance arts lovers, the Winspear Opera House at the At&T Performing Arts Center provides stages for five resident dance and ballet companies. The 2,200-seat venue also joins with a wide range of programs including the Lexus Broadway Series, Patio Sessions, Sunset Screenings, and TITAS. It’s a great cultural destination and gathering place.
Shopping is bigger and better on a Dallas Tex-cation. You can take the Dart light rail system from the Marriott to NorthPark Center, the largest shopping center in North Texas. It was named one of the “7 Retail Wonders of the modern World”. NorthPark Center offers the finest luxury and trendsetting retailers including Neiman Marcus, Barney’s of New York, Macy’s, Dillard’s and 230 others amid 20th and 21st century art, award winning architecture, and extraordinary landscaping. This is an experience for anyone wanting exceptional shopping options in beautiful, eclectic surroundings.
All this is just 236 miles north of Houston. Far enough away to be a vacation; close enough to save the airfare. Tex-cations are just right.
