Boats And Boating

Known as one of the most mythical city in Texas due to its past and present legends of which America is made, Dallas is situated in north eastern Texas covering a lot of ground and the Trinity River flows through the heart of town.  With a land area of 384.7 square miles, it's the 3rd largest city in Texas and the 9th largest city in the United States.   

Dubbed as the "Big D", it is among the nation's 100 Most Ethnically Diverse Communities.  It is often preoccupied with growth and status and is famous for it's contributions to popular culture such as the Dallas Cowboys football team and its cheerleaders and the long-running Dallas television soap opera.  World-class art exhibits, distinctive restaurants, stylish shopping and unbelievable live music are just few reasons why it's the No. 1 visitor destination in Texas. 

Dallas has become a melting pot of cultures, religions and lifestyles over the years.  Since Mexico borders Texas' south western area, the history of Texas is deeply rooted in the Hispanic culture.  Then the Chinese immigrated in 1869 while the black Americans were thriving in the area.  Dallas now boasts sixteen Asian nationalities living in the city and was also named as one of the best places for African-Americans.  In addition, it has the sixth largest gay population in the United States. 

The Dallas area was first surveyed in 1839 by John Neely Bryan, a lawyer from Tennessee who was looking for a good trading post to serve native Americans and settlers.  He was impressed with the abundance of raw land, the Trinity river and Indians whom he can engage business with.  Bryan left Tennessee and moved to Dallas in 1841 where he laid claim to 640 acres and built more than just a trading post, but a town sketched with 20 streets and a courthouse. 

Gradually, the town flourished into a city.  Railroads were set-up in the 1870s, the Federal Reserve bank was built in 1914, Southern Methodist University started in 1915, Dallas Love Field Airport was built in1927 and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in 1973, just to cite a few major public endeavors.  The outburst of private enterprises also helped put Dallas on the map.  Even though Dallas may be considered young compared to most cities, its past and present is as eventful as any.  With countless festivals, exhibits, events and attractions, Dallas offers numerous opportunities to experience and appreciate the rich diversity of cultures and lifestyles that the city has to offer. 

To entice and entertain visitors from different parts of the globe, Dallas has an amazing variety of events and festivals throughout the year.  Highlights include Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo from mid-January to early February featuring rodeo competitions and cowboy performances; West End's Mardi Gras in late February is a parade boasting impressive floats, costumes and performers; Dallas Quilt Celebration in mid-March is the largest quilt show in the US, showcasing beautiful handmade quilts from all over the world; Summer Boat Show in July is held indoors at Market Hall to exhibit a range of boats and boating equipment; Viva Dallas in mid-August is a Hispanic exposition coupled with various form of entertainment; Grapefest and State Fair of Texas happen in September; and Candlelight in December held at the Old City park demonstrates how Texans lived at the turn-of-the-century.  All these and more warrants Dallas'  well earned reputation of being host to some of the country's colorful events.   "Live Large.  Think Big.", Dallas' new slogan, is apt to encapsulate this city built on big dreams and a positive attitude that all things are possible.