Find the Best Things to Do in Dallas Design District
By Ilene Jacobs
Dallas Local Expert
About Dallas Design District
Photo courtesy of Dallas Design District Facebook
Up until the mid-2000s, the Dallas Design District, situated two-miles northwest of downtown— was an industrial hub for wholesale interior design showrooms. Today, the district is one of Dallas' trendiest enclaves— boasting fabulous shops, celebrated eateries and the city's largest concentration of art galleries.
See & Do
The Design District has a thriving gallery scene, boasting collections that rival those often found in museums. In fact, the Goss-Michael Foundation, founded by singer George Michael and Kenny Goss— was deemed one of the top 10 private contemporary art museums in the country. The District is also known for its breweries—Peticolas Brewing Company and Community Beer are just a few that offer tasting tours. And, be sure to visit the Continental Bridge, Dallas' urban playground spanning across the Trinity River.
Eat
A constant stream of new restaurants, cafes and pubs— is cementing the Design District's status as one of the city's hottest dining destinations. You can find everything from award-winning modern cuisine at FT 33 and Oak to exotic Asian fare at Pakpao Thai, authentic regional Mexican food at El Bolero, artisanal burgers at Rodeo Goat and gourmet pub grub at the Meddlesome Moth. And that's just a sampling of the district's tantalizing edible landscape.
Party
The energy doesn't stop after the sun goes down in the Design District. Along with a slew of restaurants and bars, the area plays host to a number of nighttime activities, ranging from exciting gallery events to wine tastings at places such as Ascension Coffee and the Wine Poste. Or for something unique, check out the retro bowling lanes at Bowlounge—where you can score a strike while enjoying craft cocktails and draft brews.
Stay
Visitors will have no problem finding a home away from home in and around the Dallas Design District. Not only is there a vast array of accommodations located in Dallas' downtown neighborhood, just a few miles away, there are also plenty of options within the District. Here, you'll find everything from the Hilton Anatole and the Renaissance Dallas Hotel to the DoubleTree by Hilton and the Holiday Inn Market Center.
Shop
The Design District has long been an interior decorator's shopping mecca, but until 2007, most of these designer goodies were only available to the trade. Now, along with a myriad of antique stores, art galleries and world class furniture shops like Roche Bobois, shopaholics can scoop up everything from vintage items at Lula B's to upscale apparel at places like Edo Popken and Chantilly.