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Destination: October
2002
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX:
Cowboys, Cattle Drives and More
There is much more to see than cowboys and cattle in this
ninth largest city in the United States. Back in 1841, Dallas was settled
as a frontier trading post. You and your dog can catch a glimpse of
how this town used to be in the 1800's, as well as experiencing the
Dallas of today. From watching a daily cattle drive in a historic district
to taking an elegant carriage ride in downtown Dallas, there is much
to see and do at this number one visitor destination in Texas.
One place definitely worth seeing when in the Dallas-Fort
Worth area is The Stockyards National Historic District, which offers
a variety of dog-friendly and people-friendly activities. Visitors to
the Stockyards have the opportunity to experience the Old West in an
authentic but modern setting. Start the day by observing the popular
Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive mosey on through the streets in this historic
district. You can view the cattle drive from either the sidewalks or
from the outdoor dining tables at the Buckaroo's Soda Shoppe. Well-behaved,
leashed dogs are allowed at the outdoor tables at this cafe. Cattle
drives take place daily at 11:30am and 4pm, weather permitting. After
the cattle drive, try a guided walking tour of the Stockyards which
begins at the Visitor's Center. You and your pooch will tour the Livestock
Exhange Building, Mule Alley, Cowtown Coliseum and more. Tours leave
daily, Monday through Saturday, from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday from
12pm to 4pm. The Stockyards is located in the city of Fort Worth. From
Downtown Dallas, take I-30 west to I-35 W north, exit (54B) NE 28th
Street (West). Traveling west on 28th Street, go approximately 5 traffic
lights to North Main Street and then turn left. Go approximately 2 traffic
lights to East Exchange Avenue and turn left. The Stockyards Station
is approximately 1 1/2 blocks from the intersection.
Back in Dallas, you and your dog can visit the world's
largest bronze monument. Pioneer Plaza is home to this monument which
spans over 4 acres of land and consists of 40 longhorn steer sculptures
and three cowboys on horseback sculptures. This monument represents
settlers arriving in Dallas from about the 1840's until just after the
Civil War. Pioneer Plaza is located next to the Dallas Convention Center,
near Young and Griffin Streets.
In the downtown area, you can take an interesting and
informative horse and carriage ride through Dallas with Party Animals
Carriage Rides. One of the rides covers historical sites including the
site where Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed President Kennedy, and
the JFK Memorial. Scenic tours cover the Uptown area of Dallas including
Lincoln Plaza, Fountain Plaza, and Thanks-Giving Square. Rides start
at $35 for a 15-20 minute ride and go up to $100 for a one hour ride.
Prices are subject to change. Well-behaved, trained dogs are allowed
in the carriages. Pick up one of their carriages on Market Street in
the West End Historic District.
If your pooch is itching to run around leash free, visit
the White Rock Lake Dog Park. Dogs are welcome to run free at this dog
park. The fully enclosed park offers a separate section for large dogs
and small dogs. The dog park is closed on Mondays for maintenance. To
get there from Central Expressway (75), go East on Mockingbird Lane.
After you pass the West Lawther exit, begin looking for the parking
lot. If you go to Buckner Blvd., then you have passed the dog park.
The dog park is located on Mockingbird Point.
Prefer more of a hike with your pooch? Then head on over
to the Dallas Nature Center. Dogs are allowed on leash at this 600 acre
park that offers 10 miles of hiking trails. The hikes are rated from
very easy meadow trails to difficult steep hikes. The park is located
on Mountain Creek Pkwy, about 2 1/2 miles south of Interstate 20.
If you are craving a true Texas meal, then stop by the
Texas Land and Cattle Steakhouse on Preston Road for lunch or dinner.
They offer slow cooked smoked sirloin, mesquite grilled ribs, and more
choices of beef. Or try the mesquite grilled chicken or salmon. Add
a drink, Texas Onion Strings and a large baked sweet potato to complete
your Texas meal. Well-behaved dogs on leash are allowed to dine with
you at the outdoor tables. For more of a French flare, try the dog-friendly
Paris Vendome on McKinney Avenue. Located in Uptown, this restaurant
welcomes dogs at their outdoor tables. If you want just a beer and some
snacks, then visit The Ginger Man brewpub on Boll Street. They serve
up a wide variety of beer and you can grab a few appetizers there as
well. Dogs are allowed in the front porch dining area.
For people and dogs visiting from out of town, there are
many dog-friendly accommodations to choose from. They range greatly
in price from the economical Motel 6's to the Sheraton and Marriott
Hotels. Even The Mansion on Turtle Creek allows dogs, but for a pretty
hefty additional $200 pet fee. For details on all of the dog-friendly
hotels in the area, please look below under the lodging category.
For more information:
Attractions:
Party Animals
Carriage Rides, Market Street-West End Area, Dallas, TX, 214-441-9996
Pioneer Plaza,
Young and Griffin Streets, Dallas, TX, 214-953-1184
Stockyards Station Guided
Walking Tour, 130 East Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, TX, 817-625-9715
For more dog-friendly attractions in Dallas, look
here
Lodging:
For dog-friendly lodging in Dallas, look
here
For dog-friendly lodging in Fort Worth, look
here
Parks:
Dallas Nature Center,
7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX, 972-296-1955
White Rock Lake Dog Park,
8000 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX, 214-670-8895
For more dog-friendly parks in Dallas, look
here
Restaurants:
Buckaroo's Soda Shoppe, 140 E Exchange, Fort Worth, TX, 817-624-6631
Paris Vendome, 3699 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, TX, 469-533-5663
The Ginger Man, 2718 Boll
Street, Dallas, TX, 214-754-US71
Texas Land and Cattle Steakhouse,
17390 Preston Road, Dallas, TX, 972-248-2424
For more dog-friendly restaurants in Dallas, look
here
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