 the offical newsletter of DALLAS AREA RAPID TRANSIT - Summer 2007 |
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eelam@DART.org
When the mercury soars toward the triple digits, keep your cool by riding DART to some of the summer's most exciting destinations. It's a relaxing change of pace, and the most affordable ride around town.
Step off the train at Downtown Plano Station, and step into an inviting "transit village" a well-preserved historic downtown where you can explore more than 50 shops offering everything from fine antiques, unique gifts and folk art, to elk burgers and wiener schnitzel.
"Before the DART station opened, I don't think many people even knew downtown Plano was here," says Cathy Fercher, who along with her husband owns Jorg's Café Vienna, just steps from the station. Many of Jorg's customers are transplanted Europeans, who come from all over the area for its Austrian/German cuisine, or to relax over a Paulaner in the alpine-style biergarten. "A lot of our customers make the trek from Dallas on DART," she says.
On your way back to the station, browse the specialty shops, or stop off for an Orange Cream Dream Freeze at Fusion Café Coffeehouse but don't drink it too fast or you'll get a brain freeze.
Another great frozen confection on DART Rail can be found at Gelato Paradiso in Mockingbird Station. A vanilla gelato and orange sorbet combo is sure to combat heat exhaustion, and there's even a pizza restaurant and lounge next door. Paul Lapuyade, one of the managers, says, "I've taken DART plenty of times and I've always found it very convenient. It definitely does a lot to increase foot traffic which is great for our bottom line." There are also some newcomers to check out at Mockingbird Station notably Centre, a one-of-a-kind boutique with a "global" theme.
Making tracks to the cinema may be the most classic heat-beater of all, and you'll find few movie theaters more stylish than the five-screen indie emporium known as The Magnolia in Uptown's West Village, a few blocks west of Cityplace Station. Experience the latest offerings from the world of independent film including periodic screenings from local filmmakers as well as a sleek cocktail lounge and a passionate staff. In fact, the guy who tears your ticket just may be an aspiring filmmaker.
If refreshing yourself with a cup of fresh fruit cantaloupe, grapes, pineapple, the works sounds appealing, there's a place practically invented for DART Rail riders. La Fiesta Fruits is located directly adjacent to the West End Station platform, and owner Daniel Ramos also whips up a mean Mexican breakfast and some of the best chicken soup in town. "Being right next to the station is definitely a big plus for our business," he says.
Afterwards, stroll over to the Dallas World Aquarium, the cool-as-a-crocodile (they have two of them) attraction three blocks from the station. The aquarium features more than 85,000 gallons of saltwater with marine life from around the world. A panoramic, 22,000-gallon tunnel gives visitors the sensation of being deep under the sea as sharks and other sea creatures swim around them.
 Flamingos and fish, art films and jazz, espresso and enchiladas theres plenty to enjoy when you jump on DART. |
Nothing's cooler than jazz, and if you head down to Cedars Station, you'll be blocks from Amuse bistro, Gilley's honky tonk, Poor David's Pub and Brooklyn a culturally rich haven for live music where resident artists like Dallas' own Martha Burks pack the place. The venerable nightspot also happens to serve one of the best Sunday brunches in town. Listen to live jazz while you nosh on a Miles Quiche, an Ella Omelette or owner Lorna Tate's favorite the Dexter Seafood Crepe.
"Without the DART station, the Cedars neighborhood probably wouldn't be here, not as we know it," says Tate. She says she couldn't be more pleased with the location. "The Cedars is urban, it's vibrant, and it's up-and-coming. Moving here from our old location was the best thing we could have done."
If singer-songwriters and a good caffeine jolt are more your style, you need only stroll down the street a couple of blocks to Opening Bell, the subterranean coffeehouse that has become a social hub for this neighborhood of artists. On a hot day in August, it's hard to beat their coffee cooler: espresso, Ghirardelli caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream blended and topped with whipped cream. It may not slim you down, but it's guaranteed to cool you off. In the evenings, Opening Bell plays host to some of the area's finest singer-songwriters.
The Dallas Zoo at the DART station by the same name is a 93-acre respite from the cement, cars and baking sidewalks of the city. The Red Line delivers you right to the front gate, and you'll get to skip the $5 parking fee. Or better yet, DART to the zoo on a Monday or Tuesday and receive discounted admission with your pass.
At Westmoreland Station, the neighborhood is experiencing a new infusion of retail particularly the Sierra Vista Center featuring a new all-you-can eat sushi buffet at Win Café, the unique fare at MJ's Chicken and Rice, and more. Of course, you can always get a great plate of enchiladas and a tangy margarita at Tachito's Mexican restaurant, the mainstay that has drawn generations of loyal customers for nearly 30 years. "Westmoreland Station is the best thing that ever happened to this area," says Diana Garcia, proprietor of Tachito's. "When it opened, for the first time, we'd get people from North Dallas who'd never been here before. And now, the area's starting to take off."
Beyond these suggestions, there are plenty of hidden gems to find along the DART lines. Or hop on the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) and spend the day discovering Cowtown. No matter the time of year, public transit is the cool way to get to the hottest spots.
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