The George W. Bush Presidential Center provides a rare, in-depth look at what it’s like to serve as President of the United States of America. You’ll be able to step into a recreated Oval Office, experience what it’s like to campaign to be president, and go through the President’s day almost minute-by-minute on September 11, 2001. Admission is $16.

The visually stunning building that hosts the Perot Museum of Natural Science was added to the Dallas skyline in 2012. Make sure you set some time aside for your visit because there is plenty to see and do. You can learn about Earth and space, study your DNA, make music, battle robots, and even race a dinosaur. General admission is $13.

In Dallas, December can mean high-60s and sun or 50s and rain. The good news about Top Golf is that it makes for a great activity whatever the weather. This interactive, covered driving range is where golf meets bowling. It also has heat lamps if it gets too cold. Excellent for large groups of both golf enthusiasts and beginners alike!

If you’re looking for a high-end Dallas shopping experience this is your spot. Highland Park Village is actually billed as “America’s first shopping center”. It has great dining, top-notch boutiques, even a vintage theatre. And December is the right time for a visit – you’ll get to see 1.7 million lights strung throughout HP Village. The Monkey Bar at the top of Mi Cocina is one of Sarah and Alex’s favorite spots around the winter holidays. You can also take a carriage ride to see the jaw-dropping light displays on the mansions that make up the surrounding neighborhood.

Clearly there is no shortage of shopping destinations in DFW. However, of all the options, it is the most massive and offers the greatest number of options, as well as a massive movie theatre. Northpark is just a short drive up US-75 from downtown Dallas and the Adolphus.

The Dallas Arboretum is regarded as one of the best of its kind in the world, attracting more than a million annual visitors. Located on Dallas’ White Rock Lake, it’s just a short drive from downtown. December at the arboretum centers on “The 12 Days of Christmas”, an outdoor exhibit with 500,000 lights strung throughout the garden shining bright, all culminating with a 30-foot-tall tree at the center.

Although it’s rooted in tragic circumstances, one of Dallas’ most well-known events is the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Today, the US President’s assassination is remembered with the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. For $19, you can go on a journey through the history of John F. Kennedy’s life, rise to presidency, untimely death, the resulting investigation, and his legacy.

Built in place of what used to be a concrete-filled highway overpass, this 5.2-acre park is now a major social gathering place that offers a little something for everyone with food trucks, lawn games, playgrounds, and a dog park.

If you are staying near the Adolphus downtown, you are just a short stroll from one of Dallas’ most well-known art pieces the “Giant Eyeball”. This 30-foot-tall sculpture created by multimedia artist Tony Tasset is a selfie waiting to happen.

If you want laid-back Texas vibes, The Rustic is your spot. This indoor-to-outdoor hang is busy day and night on the weekends. Alex likes the beer and Sarah loves the live country music.

The Katy Trail is a 3.5-mile trail that runs through the heart of Uptown. On nice days, it’s packed with Dallasites. Known for its ice-cold schooners, this pet-friendly patio is the best in Dallas. If you’re hungry the Texas BBQ is top-notch. A favorite spot of the couple’s dogs - Draper and Miller

Sixty Vines selection of 60 wines on tap, paired with excellent food and a sleek design, has created one of the city’s coolest dining atmospheres.

The appropriately named “Happiest Hour” is a great spot for, well, Happy Hour. HH is a sprawling two-story restaurant-bar with indoor and outdoor space. Plenty of excellent options for beer and food. It’s a popular destination before and after events at the nearby American Airlines Center. Happiest Hour is also of historical significance – as it is where Alex and Sarah went for drinks on their first date after a Stars game. It is also where Alex’s dad, Craig, decided to buy the now famous “Packers Tailgate Ambulance”.

This is one of Alex and Sarah’s new Dallas favorites. Ideally located just outside of downtown, the Henry opened in Spring 2019, but is quickly making a name for itself. If you’re looking for a drink, the trendy upstairs bar opens at 5pm, but be warned it fills in fast (few seats will be left 30 minutes later). Its modern American menu makes it a great spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. Big place, but very popular so it will likely be crowded.

Only a few states are truly able to lay claim to the crown for best in the country – and Texas is one of them. And perhaps no one makes a better case for the Lone Star State than Pecan Lodge. However, you’ll have to wait for it. Lines start forming around 11am and don’t stop until the meat runs out. Get here early if you want your first choice. Alex recommends the 18-hour smoke beef brisket.

Pure and simple, this is our favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in DFW – maybe the world. While it’s nothing flashy, the ambiance is warm, service is good, and prices are fair – what more do you need. Try the E-Bar queso or enchiladas. Best margaritas in town!

Some of you may remember this as the spot you watched Alex pop the big question to Sarah. Others will likely remember it for its cheese curds. That’s right. If any Wisconsinites are looking to get a cheese curd fix while in Texas – this is the place. Just a walk, skip and a jump away from the couple’s house – FCT is their neighborhood pub with upscale bar food.

Part pizzeria, part food hall – perhaps the best way to describe Delucca is that it’s like an upscale CiCi’s pizza. However, even using these two places in the same sentence doesn’t feel right. The Texas de Brazil of pizza may be a better comparison. New to Dallas’ Design District in 2019, Delucca offers all-you-can-eat, handcrafted pizza for just over $20/person in an excellent atmosphere. Pies range from the classic pepperoni to chicken tikka masala, Turkish lamb, sautéed shrimp fontina or even mexican elote with crema fresca. Not to mention dessert pizzas like Italian Nutella. Alex and Sarah love to come here with big groups of friends.

Saint Ann is one of our favorite date night spots. It’s the perfect blend of intimate yet fun. The menu has a little something for everyone. Our favorites include the charcuterie board, salads, red wine braised short ribs and grilled salmon.

The HG stands for “hunter” and “gather,” and accordingly, the menu offers plenty of paleo, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. If that’s not your thing, the menu still has something for everyone. HG also has one of the best rooftops in Dallas with killer views of the downtown skyline.

In its defense, the Backyard does have grass. It’s just artificial. We love to take our pups to this laid-back, dog-friendly spot. Also great for watching sports or playing drinking games.

Inside this junkyard-themed bar you’ll find eclectic Texas décor, a strong beer and drink selection, food trucks and even a treehouse bar. Great spot for people/dog watching. Live music most Saturdays.