Curio Collection Local Guide, Dallas

We sent Dallas local and photographer extraordinaire, Eddie Fortuna to The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton to experience the beautiful hotel, shoot some photos, and create a Curio Local Guide for Dallas full of tips and local secrets just for you. 

Occupation? Architectural Designer at Omniplan Architects

Preoccupation? Fashion blogger

How long have you lived in Dallas? My family moved to the Dallas area 22 years ago, but I’ve been living in Dallas proper for 3 years

What is the best thing about Dallas? Dallas offers such a wide variety of lifestyles. You can choose to be an urban dweller, you could live in a ‘McMansion’, you can live on/near the lake, or settle into a quaint but charming home – all within a couple miles from each other.

Can you sum up Dallas? Dallas is a great major city with superiority complex causing it to strive to constantly improve.

 

What is a perfect day in Dallas? My perfect day is waking up early to go for a walk downtown which would culminate with a coffee from Weekend Coffee. Then heading to brunch with friends letting the carefree nature of it spill into the afternoon for rooftop shenanigans somewhere. Ending the day at our loft with friends would be the icing on the cake since Angelee and I love to entertain.

What are the people like in Dallas? The people in my city are generally confident and cordial. Even folks who aren’t originally from here quickly adapt and adopt the Southern hospitality.

If Dallas was a person or character who would it be? Foghorn Leghorn.

What was your impression of The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton? As soon as you walk in, it feels like the essence of Dallas was bottled up and spread around the hotel. The lobby has this really cool post-midcentury vibe that has been well updated, yet preserved with historic ties. In fact, it originally opened in the 1960s as The Hilton Inn. Now, it’s all come full circle for the hotel as part of Curio – A Collection by Hilton. It’s also maintained its independent feel in a distinct and authentic way.

What was your experience like staying at The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton? Nothing but pleasant. The most unique aspect of the hotel, again, was the aesthetic feel and the comfortable yet sophisticated accommodations. It was understated, yet stood out (at least to me). Beyond that, I would have to mention the incredible service. Both times I had to call Guest Services, my requests were handled promptly and pleasantly. It sounds fundamental, but it was outstanding.

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Please describe a perfect day in Dallas for someone staying at the hotel? I would encourage them to first walk across the street to Mockingbird Station to grab a bite and a drink at The People’s Last Stand. If they weren’t up for exploring, they could easily stay in Mockingbird Station the rest of the day and shop around at Urban Outfitters, Gap, or even West Elm. They could even end the night with dinner at Urban Taco then catch a movie at the Angelika Theater. However, if they did want to explore, I’d encourage them to start downtown where they could explore landmarks like Thanksgiving Chapel, The Arts District, and the Kennedy Memorial. Then I’d suggest they hit Klyde Warren Park, our newest park atop Woodall Rodgers Freeway, for food trucks or fine dining at Savor. From there, I’d suggest either spending the evening in Uptown, The Bishop Arts District, or Deep Ellum depending on their vibe, since they each offer such different experiences.

 

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City:

Dallas

Best place to eat?
Lucia

Best place to drink?

Midnight Rambler

Best place to shop?

NorthPark Center & Highland Park Village

Best activity?

Brunch

Local tip?

Don’t even think about trying to predict the weather

Where to stay?

The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton