Friday, August 23, 2013

I'm Baaack!

While Dallas often conjures images of excess and old Texas money, the Big D truly is a wonderful representation of all the Lone Star State has to offer and the menagerie of experiences available there. 

Having just enjoyed the pleasure of a week in Dallas, I have so much to share with you.  Dallas is nothing short of a veritable feast of vintage shopping, amazing eats, and inspiring attractions.  Anytime I have the pleasure to visit, I'm always forced to meticulously choose what my time in town will allow for.  Needless to say, I always try to fit in as many activities as possible, but inevitably feel I've missed out on the latest, greatest secret the city has to offer. Let's delve into some of the things I enjoyed, shall we?
 
Antiquing and perusing vintage shops in Dallas is always such a treat!  Built on the bedrock of classic Texas culture and the desire of Dallas residents to enjoy the finery of imported goods, the collection of antiques is always incredibly diverse and never in short supply! 
 
White Elephant Antiques has become my favorite spot for buying and swooning, alike. 
Located in Dallas' Design District (I know, be still my heart!), White Elephant is the perfect place to pick up rusty tractor cogs, gorgeous sea fans, or spy an amazing collection of vintage French dressforms and old mercury glass bottles. 
Just perfection!

 
 
 
 
Another great spot for spying more eclectic options is Curiosities.  
Located in the Lakewood neighborhood, this wonderful discovery is reminiscent of this shop, Curiosities is a skillful blend of vintage taxidermy, long-retired medical supplies, perfectly patina-ed farmhouse tables, antiques advertisements and other gorgeous tchotchkes.  Anytime I drop into Curiosities, I allot for at least an hour's worth of time, and am always guaranteed to leave with some awesome find (or four), in hand.
 
 
 
 
While the collection of vintage and antique shops is vast in Dallas, I was most excited to visit the Rainforest in Downtown Dallas! 
 
What's that you say...? You didn't know there was a Rainforest in Texas??
 
Well my friends, it's been here for quite some time, and it's the perfect escape from the Texas heat...the Dallas World Aquarium has to be one of my favorite places in the city! 
 
A visit to DWA is sure to make any visitor feel they've found an escape to the Amazonian Rainforest.  The huge variety of flora and fauna always impress!  Plan a trip folks, and take the whole family, its a pretty amazing sight to behold!
 
 
 
While its widely-noted that we just "do things bigger" in Texas, to say that things are "done big" at Stampede 66, would be an incredible understatement. 
 
Relatively new to Dallas' food scene, this incredible eatery is definitely my new favorite spot for home-grown inspired grub.  Even the Texas-inspired interior featuring luxe white leather chairs paired with cow-hide accents and a perfectly-conceived replication of the Texas sky, makes visitors feel they stepped into a swanky lodge on a sprawling Texas ranch.
 
 I met up with some family and a few other friends and dined family-style on some of the most delicious food I've enjoyed in a while.  If home-made frito pie, perfectly prepared rib-eye, cheesy shrimp and grits, smoky green chile mac and cheese, and decadent butterscotch and salted caramel pudding just aren't your thing, you'll want to skip a trip to Stampede 66 and hit up the nearest McDonalds.
 
 From a Texan well-schooled in Texas cuisine, you don't want to miss an opportunity to enjoy the fare at Stampede 66, ya'll! 
 
In a word: Divine.
 
 
 
 
So although I reluctantly bid Dallas adieu, I'm always comforted in the knowledge I'll make it back again soon. 
 
And since the weekend is upon us, I'll leave you with a perfect little song to commemorate my wonderful trip, thanks for the memories as always, Dallas!
 
 
Have a beautiful weekend!
xo,
Britt

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