About Town: Dallas

text size

Texas is, evidently, a big fan of the PGA TOUR as this week it welcomes the second of four tournaments held in the Lone Star State. This week, the shining city of Dallas in the northeast portion of the state hosts the EDS Byron Nelson Championship. With a big banking town like that close by, you shouldn't have to worry about finding a hotel.

A view of the 17th hole at TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas (Dunn/Getty Images)

HOT HOTELS

Omni Mandalay Hotel
Four Seasons Dallas
Wingate by Wyndham

HUNGRY?

Cuba Libre Cafe
Dragonfly
Palomino
Smith and Wollensky

SOMEWHERE TO SNOOZE

What happens in Dallas...: The Omni Mandalay Hotel in Irving, Texas, is a four-star resort that shows guests that "everything is bigger in Texas" can apply to luxury, too. Less than 10 minutes from the course, this hotel saves you on time and gas for transportation to the event at the same time as bringing you all you expect from the Omni name. With rates starting as low as $170 a night -- depending on room choice, length of stay etc. -- you can't ask for much more of a deal than this.

Other options:
• The Wingate by Wyndham DFW North is a great option to save a little money. It's a three-star hotel around ten minutes from the course, and it starts at $98 a night. Not bad.
• The Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas is the hotel on the grounds at TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas where the EDS Byron Nelson Championship takes place. You'd have hard luck finding a room now, but go ahead and set yourself up for next year.

SOMETHING TO SNACK ON

Like its fellow big city to the south, Houston -- which we visited a couple of weeks ago for the Shell Houston Open, Dallas has restaurants galore. If you are looking for something in particular, you'll probably be able to find it. But if you have no idea where to start, here are a couple of suggestions to have you on your hunger-curbing way:
• Combining an explosive mix of Latin cuisine and island cuisine with American style, the Cuba Libre Café has become a popular meeting place in Dallas in recent years for both its menu and its atmosphere. The food is sure to please and starts at very reasonable prices.
• The Hotel ZaZa in uptown Dallas has an excellent restaurant behind its walls called Dragonfly. The Mediterranean menu offers hot specialties such as the bone-in Berkshire pork chop and the black-pepper crusted rack of lamb as well as a cheers-worthy wine list.
• If you'd rather stick with downtown Dallas eats, then head to Palomino. American dishes with a European twist and a full and elegant bar are the highlights of this restaurant, which is only located in eight cities in the country.
• Just like in Houston, you can't come to Dallas without stopping in for some Texas-sized red meat at a classy steakhouse. Smith and Wollensky has everything beef from ribeye to sirloin to a porterhouse for two seared to Lone Star State perfection.

Dirk Nowitzki is just one of the reasons the Dallas Mavericks will compete in the NBA playoffs this year. (Graythen/Getty Images)

SOMETHING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT

Dallas doesn't differ from other big cities when it comes to entertainment, so if you're hoping to find some non-golf-related things to do while you're in town, look no further. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started on your itinerary for the week:
• Billy Bob's Texas: This Wild West joint claims to be the largest honky-tonk in the world, and it just so happens to be celebrating its 27th anniversary this month, which means party, party, party. Billy Bob's has bull riding every Friday and Saturday night, usually followed up by a concert. Travis Tritt will perform on Saturday -- good news for any country fans headed to Dallas for the tournament. There's also an arcade and a casino for those of you who prefer to keep your body in one piece or aren't into the twang of the guitar.
• Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza: If Dallas is famous for anything, it's for the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Take some time to see the location of one of the worst events in American history by visiting the museum that now stands in the building from which JFK was shot almost 45 years ago. Of course, you should include a stop at the Grassy Knoll while you're there.
•Texas Rangers vs. Minnesota Twins: Baseball season is back in full swing, and the Rangers are just one of those quintessential teams a baseball fan should see play at some point in life. They play the Twins at home on the 25th, 26th and 27th of April.
• Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Hornets: Dallas' NBA contingent has made it into the NBA playoffs this year and will play the Hornets this week as they try to advance to the next round. With the talent of Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd, will the Mavs beat out fellow Texas team and famed NBA powerhouse the San Antonio Spurs for top honors this year?

STICKING AROUND?

The great state of Texas has miles of land to keep you occupied. If you have some free time before or after the tournament, consider some of these Texas activities to use up your time:
• Austin Ranch: Don't let the name deceive you, this dude ranch is not hours of driving away in the state capital; it's right outside of Dallas. And nothing is more Texas than a good old horse ranch. Learn how to lasso, ride on a Texas trail and camp out by a crackling fire right here at Austin Ranch. You know you've always wanted to.
• White Rock Lake Park: Most people don't expect to be close to an outdoor getaway like White Rock Lake when in a city as big as Dallas, and that's what makes this local spot so great. The weather really warms up down in Texas at this time of year, so take advantage of it and spend a day at the lake; fishing, hiking, boating, biking, bird watching, picnicking -- whatever takes your fancy.