Take the nation's second-most popular domestic pleasure travel destination, add a city with the sixth largest gay population in the U.S., blend in a vibrant nightlife, a thriving arts district, unparalleled shopping opportunities, some of America's greatest sports teams and an array of gay-friendly accommodations and what do you get?
Dallas.
It's known as Big D — not because of the big drama people associate with the '80s-era TV show, but because in Dallas, everyone lives large and thinks big. Dallas' gay community is known for its cohesion and hospitality; its gay scene for its diverse assortment of bars and clubs; its restaurants for their eclectic mix of southern, Mexican and international influences.
Speaking of restaurants, did you know that Dallas has more restaurants per capita than New York City? Even the most discerning traveler is sure to find something to please the palate.
The center of Dallas' gay culture is in Oak Lawn and its surrounding neighborhoods. For more than 25 years, Oak Lawn has offered a bustling mix of unique shops, distinctive dining and energetic clubs. Each year, Oak Lawn has several free outdoor events that attract thousands of people. Easter in the Park invites everyone and anyone to picnic on the grounds of Lee Park and watch the Pooch Parade to the sounds of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. In September, the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade runs down Cedar Springs Road from Wycliff Avenue to Turtle Creek Boulevard, culminating in a lively Pride Festival in Lee Park. And the Oak Lawn Halloween Street Party is legendary for drawing thousands of participants who revel in the streets and show off their costumes.
If you're planning a trip to Dallas, don't overlook Oak Cliff, just to the southwest of downtown. Although one of the oldest parts of the city, it's also one of the newest hot spots for the gay community. With galleries, restaurants and shops, the Bishop Arts District and surrounding neighborhoods offer a laid-back alternative to the hustle and bustle of Oak Lawn.
A quick 30-minute drive from Dallas is Fort Worth, "Where the West Begins." Also known as Cowtown, Fort Worth has a proud Western heritage, on display at places like Sundance Square, at the Historic Stockyards and the National Cowgirl Museum. Yet this city of nearly 1 million residents also has a burgeoning gay nightlife, as well as a gay and lesbian film festival that's been gaining national recognition for almost a dozen years. The city's Cultural District offers three world-class museums, as well as performance venues for homegrown talent (like Tony winner Betty Buckley) and traveling shows. The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, held every four years at Bass Performance Hall, shines the spotlight on some of the world's most promising young musicians.
Because Dallas-Fort Worth is served by two major airports and numerous airlines, North Texas is an easy, economical destination. Climate-wise, you can't beat it — winters are cool while spring and fall are a perfect blend of mild and balmy. But remember, the mercury also flirts with the century mark during most of the summer — the perfect excuse for lazing around at pool and patio.
So whether you’re looking for fun, excitement, relaxation, culture, fine cuisine or just good ol’ southern hospitality, Dallas has much to offer.
