*Header image by Steve Visneau
Stay + Pool
The Joule
Style, art, and luxury collide in The Joule. Comfy-chic rooms are stocked with Taschen books, rainfall showers, and Sferra linens. The 11,000-square-foot subterranean spa beckons with massages, body treatments, facials, and more. And the one-of-a-kind rooftop pool extends beyond the edge of the hotel for dramatic downtown views. Just make sure you set aside time to peruse the art found throughout the hotel—and don’t miss the Taschen Library in the lobby.
Eat
The Charles
Impeccable service, over-the-top design (that chandelier, though), and scrumptious Italian fare with a Texas twist: You’ll find it all at The Charles in the Design District. From starters to salads to pasta dishes and proteins, this is Italian dining done right. Can’t-miss items include grilled kale, rock shrimp spicy creste di gallo, and the pork blade chop
Drinks
Lounge Here
Swanky and cozy with a Mad Men vibe for days is the only way to describe this East Dallas gem. When you walk in the door, it’s like a throwback to a bygone era, despite the modern furnishings. The place is small, so be prepared to wait for a seat. But once you get one, settle in and savor those cocktails—as well as each other’s company. (They’ve got delicious dishes, too, if you’re hungry for more.) After all, the name is “Lounge Here.”
Dessert
Botolino Gelato Artigianale
The next best thing to strolling the streets of Rome with a scoop of gelato in hand? Strolling down Greenville Avenue eating gelato from Botolino and pretending you’re in Rome. And since owner Carlo Gattini was trained by gelato masters in Italy (and his grandmother owned a gelato shop there), this is true Italian gelato at its finest. Now if only Dallas had a Trevi Fountain…
To Do
Galaxy Drive-In
We love the idea of an old-school, romantic night at the movies. Just outside Dallas, you’ll find the Galaxy Drive-In, complete with a fully stocked snack bar, sound streamed through the car stereo, and multiple movie screens. Added bonus: One ticket gets you two movies.