Living Large in Dallas

Laura Noble, branding maven for boutique hotel The Joule, has all the geographic credentials of a tried-and-true Texan: She grew up around White Rock Lake's artsy Lakewood neighborhood, went to school in Preston Hollow, and now resides in Uptown Dallas. The city is a constant source of inspiration, and Noble can often be found at theater performances, charity events, and art openings with her notebook and camera in tow. Here's how she suggests you pack it in the next time you're passing through Dallas.

DALLAS – The storied evolution of my city has created a haven for art, architecture, and shopping that rivals big name cities like Paris, London, and New York. Not only is it a short flight to any hub on the coast, it's less than an hour's drive to scenic country settings. 

First things first. Wake up at The Joule in an adorable round bed. Take a dip in the hotel pool and have a hearty breakfast. Ideally, huevos rancheros and a frothy cappuccino.

Put on a good outfit and head to Knox Street. The shopping may seem limited on the surface, but the diversity of home, gift, and sartorial wares sold at Nest, Grange Hall, and Original Octane, not to mention a newly remodeled Apple store, justify a day of meandering. (Indie hipsters abound.) Popular patio cafes from Italian restauranteur Alberto Lombardi are sprinkled throughout the neighborhood, but lunch at Forty Five Ten is hard to beat. 

The biggest and best in contemporary art right now is Peter Doroshenko's Dallas Contemporary. In just the past eight months the museum has showcased exhibits by Juergen Teller, Self Service Magazine's Ezra Petronio, street artist Shepard Fairey, and Miami-legend Jennifer Rubell. As far as programming, the hottest shows and stand-ups are taking place at the stunning red Winspear Opera House. Local artists and big names dominate the Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Center. The gravitational pull of the area has increased exponentially with the addition of food truck zoning in the District.

After a little R&R, head to dinner at Tei-An in One Arts Plaza. Owner Teiichi "Teach" Sakurai has a cult following and his hot spot is a best kept secret for the veritable who's who of Dallas. The design is minimalist and geological, with a focus on stark grays and dim lighting: There's a macabre sex appeal to the whole experience. Cocktails at Dish round out the night.

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