What a Local Artist Cherishes About Dallas

Dallas boasts vibrant arts, entertainment, and dining, ensuring there's always something captivating to explore. For an insider's perspective, we consulted a local. Art photographer Daniel J. Hale, a resident for 35 years, has not only photographed but also written about the city.

He navigates the city in his GMC half-ton pickup, often with his Border Collie, Fox Mulder, seeking out the best vistas and angles to tell his visual tales. An artist with a commercial side, Hale primarily captures abstract landscapes and cityscapes using a drone, giving each shot a playful, poetic name. For instance, a picture of treetops is titled 'Area Rug'; a dormant Cyprus tree in a shimmering lake is 'Leather and Lace'; and surfboards on waves is named 'Board Meeting.' Each return home after traveling for work allows him to see Dallas anew. Here are his favorite local spots that embody the city’s laid-back vibe, perfect for sharing with visitors.

Experience the Dallas skyline in its full splendor

I've captured the downtown Dallas skyline from various viewpoints, but my favorite is from Oak Cliff, situated west of downtown. With the graceful arches of the Margaret McDermott bridge framing the scene, you truly grasp the grandeur of downtown Dallas, highlighted by its sleek, modern skyscrapers. The glass exteriors of buildings, like the pointed Fountain Place designed by I.M. Pei and Henry Cobb, reflect sunlight, making them shimmer and shine.

Drive across the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in downtown

The striking Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge seems to soar, reminiscent of a spirograph from my childhood. Crafted by Santiago Calatrava, this impressive structure is the largest functional art piece in the city, linking downtown to West Dallas. Despite being referred to as 'Large Marge' by locals to differentiate it from another bridge with the same name, it has quickly become an iconic symbol of Dallas since its opening just 12 years ago.

Explore the welcoming Knox Park neighborhood

I've called Knox Park, or simply Knox, home for over 20 years because it exudes the same small-town charm I cherished growing up. Neighbors often stroll with their dogs, greet each other with friendly waves, or dine outdoors on restaurant patios—it feels like a close-knit community. The neighborhood is currently flourishing, yet it has retained its allure. You can easily walk to the Apple Store or Trader Joe’s, and it’s just a five-minute drive from downtown.

Stroll along the Katy Trail in Dallas for a taste of nature in the city

Once you step onto the Katy Trail, it feels like you’re miles away from the urban hustle. Originally part of the historic K-T railroad line, the Katy Trail is spacious and shaded, running conveniently through my neighborhood. I often pick up a coffee and a chocolate croissant from Georgie Butcher Shop before heading south toward downtown, passing by Turtle Creek Park, the second-oldest park in the city and the midpoint of the trail. On our return, Fox and I sometimes stop at the Katy Trail Ice House, which features a large, dog-friendly patio. Don’t forget to try the jalapeño 'bottle caps'—sliced, batter-dipped, and fried jalapeños that are simply irresistible.

Savor Dallas’ Finest Tex-Mex, Barbecue, and Burgers

After returning from my travels with my Airstream, I immediately crave Tex-Mex, which leads me to E-Bar Tex-Mex for their grilled shrimp tacos or Ojeda’s for their mole chicken enchiladas. For classic burgers, I recommend Keller’s Drive-In, where carhops still take your order at your vehicle, or Snuffer’s, famous for their legendary gooey cheese fries.

Grab tacos on the go with a skyline view at a Dallas gas station

For a late weekend breakfast, stop by Fuel City and grab a bag of picadillo tacos—made with ground beef, potatoes, cilantro, onions, and pico. They’re small, affordable, and absolutely delicious. Then, take a seat at one of the picnic tables out back, enjoy the Dallas skyline, and watch real Texas longhorns grazing in the pasture adjacent to the Trinity River levee.

Discover books by Dallas authors at local independent bookstores

Attend readings by local authors like Charlaine Harris, Harry Hunsicker, and Ben Fountain at Interabang Books or The Wild Detectives. Both are locally owned but offer unique vibes that reflect their neighborhoods. Interabang in Highland Park is tidy and organized, while The Wild Detectives in Oak Cliff doubles as a bar and coffee shop within an old house, hosting book signings in the backyard.

Visit a lesser-known Dallas museum with a Spanish flair

One of the city's finest museums is the Meadows Museum, located on the campus of Southern Methodist University, my alma mater. It specializes in Spanish art, boasting a permanent collection that features works by El Greco, Velásquez, Goya, Miró, and Picasso. The founder, Algur H. Meadows, aimed to create 'a small Prado on the Prairie.' Given its compact size, you can explore the Meadows in an afternoon or less. After your visit, treat yourself to fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy at Bubba’s just around the corner.