TARA & ADAM
Things To Do
George W. Bush Presidential Center
Get an in-depth, interactive look at eight years of presidential history at America's 13th presidential library and museum: The George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum. Located on Southern Methodist University (SMU) Campus, this library and museum is framed by four themes: freedom, opportunity, compassion & responsibility. You can also take a picture in the oval office replica! Tickets are available online or at the admissions desk. Fun Fact: Tara went to SMU. After, take a tour on foot to see the gorgeous boulevard.
The Dallas World Aquarium
Nestled inside a massive refurbished warehouse in Dallas' Historic West End District, this privately-owned aquatic wonderland is home to countless varieties of marine life (many of which are endangered) from all over the world. Fun fact: We went here for one of our first dates.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
With 11 permanent exhibit halls in the heart of Dallas, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science provides an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Just minutes from downtown on the shore of White Rock Lake, the Arboretum features 66 acres with 11 lush display gardens that offer seasonal color all year long. Fun fact: This is nestled in one of Tara and Adam's favorite neighborhoods, White Rock Lake/Lakewood.
AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium, formerly Cowboys Stadium, is a retractable roof stadium in Arlington, Texas. It serves as the home of the Dallas Cowboys. Fun fact: Tara is a Dallas Cowboy's fan, but If you are an Arizona Cardinals fan like Adam, feel free to skip this.
Katy Trail (Dallas)
The Katy Trail is a jogging, walking, rollerblading, and bicycling path that runs through the Uptown and Oak Lawn areas of Dallas, Texas. Bonus points: Have a drink at the Katy Trail Ice House, get Tara's favorite CHEESE FRIES, drink Adam's go-to drink, the Beerita, if you dare or spot Troy Aikman jogging.
Bishop Arts District
The Bishop Arts District, located 10 minutes south of downtown– is one of Dallas' most charming neighborhoods– filled with an eclectic mix of trendy eateries, bars, shops, art galleries and performance venues. Along with shopping and nightlife, the area plays host to countless family-friendly events, wine walks and street fairs. Check out Boulevardier, Eno's, Emporium Pies, Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ or Hattie's. Fun fact: We took Mark, Adam's dad, to Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ.
Bread Winners Café & Bakery
There’s something for every taste at this casual American chain that’s a go-to for breakfast and brunch (think baked goods, scrambles, breakfast tacos, waffles), but also offers creative dishes for lunch and dinner. Fun fact: Adam orders the "best thing on the menu", the RASPBERRY CHIPOTLE CHICKEN.
Taverna (Dallas)
Small chain outpost offers risotto & Northern Italian fare, plus weekend brunch, in a comfy setting. Fun fact: One of Tara's favorite brunch spots.
Javier's Gourmet Mexicano
Bustling longtime upscale restaurant featuring Mexico City-style cuisine & a swanky cigar bar. Fun fact: A go-to spot during Tara's SMU days.
Pecan Lodge
Beloved BBQ joint with can’t-be-beaten moist brisket, homemade sausage, ribs, and pulled pork. Get there early because it stays open till the ‘cue runs out. Don’t miss the legendary Hot Mess.
Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ
If a wide variety of meat is what you crave, this is your Mecca. Brisket, shoulder clod, dry-rubbed and slightly sweet spare ribs, and Kreuz Original sausage are always available. Pay attention to rotating specials.
The Rustic
Inspired by the flavors of Texas, this Uptown restaurant/bar plates an elevated menu of Southern-inspired fare, with an eye toward seasonal and local ingredients and frequent use of the kitchen's smoker. The country music's always on, including live performances on the indoor stage that overlooks the expansive dining room or the outdoor stage facing a sprawling patio.
Coal Vines
We went here for our first date! Excellent coal-fired pies and a great wine selection are the hallmarks of this upscale-casual Italian restaurant and wine bar mini-chain. Happy hour specials draw crowds, but the intimate atmosphere means it’s also ideal for a quiet dinner.
Meso Maya Comida Y Copas
One of our favorite places to get Mexican food. Fun fact: Tara comes here a lot with her Deloitte friends!
Mi Cocina
Fresh and delicious Tex-Mex at a variety of locations in Dallas. Tara's favorite is the Chopped Rico Salad and white queso. Don't forget to enjoy a Mambo Taxi (or 2).
Katy Trail Ice House
Nestled next to the Katy Trail, this Austin-styled beer garden is summoning you for a bright, crisp afternoon or breezy evening under the stars. Hailed as one of the best patios in Dallas, there are over 50 beers on tap including a wide range of craft Texas beers, Mexican beers, which we call Texas beers anyway, and one 'foreign' beer – "Guinness.” Tara and Adam have been known to spend an afternoon here watching sports, eating queso, cheese fries and drinking adult beverages.
Klyde Warren Park
Enjoy the fall weather at Klyde Warren Park which is located conveniently in the heart of Downtown Dallas. Relax in 5.2 acres of urban green space that offers free daily programming ranging from yoga to lecture series to outdoor concerts and films. Klyde Warren Park also offers walking trails, dog park, children's park, games area, performance pavilion and dining. Grab a bite to eat from one of the many food trucks stationed along the park perimeter or stop and dine in at Savor and Relish, the park's dining.
Chuy's
One of our absolute favorites for Tex-Mex. Don't expect anything fancy, but their jalapeno ranch is Tara's #1. Adam's go-to is the Chick Chicka Boom Boom Enchiladas.
HG Sply Co.
The roof has an amazing view of Dallas. One of our favorite restaurants in Deep Ellum. They also have vegan queso!
Steel City Pops
Go-to for craft popsicles made with organic, locally sourced ingredients in creative flavors. Fun fact: Tara and Adam wanted to Franchise this and start one in New York City.
Bread Zeppelin Salads Elevated
A locally baked artisan baguette, toasted to perfection, pulled out soft insides and stuffed full of your customized chopped salad. It’s not a sub. It’s not a wrap. It’s every ingredient and every flavor in every bite complete with a satisfying crunch and only the highest quality ingredients.