Frommer's Favorite Experiences in Dallas

Visiting the Nasher Sculpture Center: This world-class collection of modern sculpture is in the downtown Dallas Arts District. Ray Nasher and his wife, Patsy, spent 4 decades assembling what has been called the finest private collection in the world (it includes superlative works by Miro, David Smith, Brancu_i, Moore, Giacometti, Picasso, Matisse, Calder, and many more). Designed by Renzo Piano, it has a gorgeous open-air sculpture garden with landscape design by Peter Walker.

Seeing the Spanish Masters at the Meadows Museum of Art: In a building with plenty of room to show off the greatest collection of Spanish masters outside Spain, the Meadows was built by a Dallas oilman fascinated by Spanish art. The museum proudly displays a wealth of works by Velazquez, Goya, Ribera, Murillo, Zurbaran'just about all the biggies from Spain's golden era as well as the 20th-century masters Picasso, Dali, and Miro.

Listening to that Honky-Tonk: Down-and-dirty honky-tonk spots like Adair's Saloon stick to down-to-earth antistyle, knee-slapping country and redneck rock bands, cheap beer, and tables and walls blanketed in graffiti.

Getting out of the Sun at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden: Who knew Dallas had more than dust, concrete, steel, and glass? This surprising oasis on the edge of White Rock Lake is a great spot to duck the Texas sun. Relax on 70 acres of groomed gardens and natural woodlands, interspersed with a handful of historic homes. The gardens are especially colorful in spring and fall.