About Town: Dallas

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Texas is, evidently, a big fan of the PGA TOUR as it welcomes the third of four tournaments held in the Lone Star State. This week, the shining city of Dallas in the northeast region of the state hosts the HP Byron Nelson Championship.

SOMETHING TO SNACK ON

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

HUNGRY?

Cuba Libre Cafe
Dragonfly
Palomino
Smith and Wollensky

Like its fellow big city to the south, Houston -- which we visited last month 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 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.

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's family-friendly. Billy Bob's has bull riding every Friday and Saturday night, usually followed up by a concert. 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 most tragic 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. New York Yankees: 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 Yankees at home on the Monday through Wednesday following the tournament.

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.