Dallas, a city of big hats, bigger personalities, and the mouthwatering aroma of Tex-Mex cuisine. Beyond the glitz and glam, this Texan metropolis hides a trove of surprising facts and quirky tidbits.
Let’s uncover some of its hidden charms and facts:
- Frozen Margarita Origin Story: That refreshing frozen margarita you love? It was invented right here in Dallas in 1971.
- Football is King: AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, is one of the largest domed stadiums in the world and boasts a gigantic high-definition TV screen.
- Deep Ellum Art Scene: Deep Ellum is a revitalized warehouse district brimming with colorful murals, music venues, and a hipster vibe.
- Big Tex Welcomes You: Standing 55 feet tall at the State Fair of Texas, Big Tex is a talking cowboy statue and a beloved Dallas icon.
- Chip Pioneer: The integrated circuit, a foundation of modern technology, was co-invented in Dallas by an engineer at Texas Instruments.
- JFK’s Final Ride: The tragic presidential motorcade where President Kennedy was assassinated passed through Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas.
- “Who Shot J.R.?” Mania: The 1980 cliffhanger ending of the TV series “Dallas” became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon.
- It’s a Shopping Mecca: The Galleria Dallas was one of the first upscale mega-malls in the country and still draws in shoppers today.
- Big D, Little D: Dallas gets its nickname from an 1800s magazine that simply wanted to distinguish it from similarly named cities.
- Dr. Pepper’s Origins: The popular soda Dr. Pepper was invented in nearby Waco, and its unique flavor is a favorite among Texans.
- Home of the Corn Dog: Did you know the corn dog, a fairground staple, was first introduced at the State Fair of Texas?
- Giant Eyeball: A 30-foot-tall eyeball sculpture sits in downtown Dallas, a quirky and somewhat unnerving art landmark.
- Bubblegum Alley: In downtown Dallas, you can find a small alley covered in colorful used chewing gum, adding a sticky touch of urban art.
- State Fair Delicacies: The creativity at the Texas State Fair doesn’t stop at corn dogs, with vendors vying to create the most innovative (and often deep-fried) foods each year.
- Historic West End: This area was once a thriving center of African American business and culture in Dallas and played a role in the blues music scene.