DALLAS

With a spectacular skyline, a larger-than-life State Fair, and a rugged mix of Old-West charm and high-tech shine, Dallas has lots to discover. Be it the skyline, music, art or cuisine, experience all that makes the city legendary. You will still see Stetson hats and cowboy boots, but modern Dallas is much more urban than cowboy.

Dubbed the "Silicon Prairie," Dallas is among the country's largest employment centres for high technology. Young professionals feel at home in the vibrant uptown area’s restaurants and clubs. The downtown Arts District boasts a world-renowned opera house as well as the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts. Nearby is historic Pioneer Square, which features a re-creation of a cattle drive in the form of bronze statues. Additionally, travellers from all over the world catch flights to Dallas to enjoy the State Fair of Texas, the largest fair in the United States.

Dallas’ famous Arts District is the largest arts district in the United States and spans 68 acres and 19 blocks. It was created in January 2009 and has since become a focal point of the city. Several of Dallas’ major landmarks are located in the Arts District including the AT&T Performing Arts Center, the Dallas Museum of Art and the 110-year-old Cathedral Santuario de Guadalupe.

Beyond the traditional “Tex-Mex” and “Home-style Barbeque”, the Dallas dining and nightlife scene has exploded, leaving behind a cosmopolitan playground.

Some of the hippest new spots are in fashionable hotels, including the excellent restaurant Fearing’s at the new Ritz-Carlton Dallas; Central 214 at Palomar Dallas; Hotel Lumen’s Social; and Craft at W Dallas-Victory hotel.

Dallas also features a bustling nightlife scene, with everything from performing arts and theater to bars. Whether you’re in the mood for swing dancing or a more traditional lounge, check local guides and listing magazines for hints on the perfect after hours spot. Some of the favourite spots include The Old Monk Pub, Station 4 (a 7,000 square metre state-of-the-art dance club) and the Cowboys DanceHall (a Dallas institution for country music and dancing).