Dallas, Texas

“Live Large. Think Big.” That’s the slogan for the Dallas, Texas, and the city lives up to it! Take a lesson from Dallas—you don’t have to limit your travels because you’re on dialysis. Sometimes a change of scenery and a bit of fun is just what the doctor ordered. DaVita has seven dialysis centers within the city, so you can easily enjoy seeing all the sights while getting the best dialysis care available.

Dallas, known as the Southwest Financial Capital of the U.S., is one of the finest metropolitan cities in America. It has everything a big city is known for:  world-class hotels, extensive art museums, major sports teams, top-notch restaurants, plenty of shopping, activities for every age, plus southern hospitality. Dallas has big-city flair with a down-to-earth attitude, and can be experienced on a moderate budget.

Dallas
Downtown Dallas

Start with a trip back in time riding an antique streetcar on the McKinney Avenue Trolley, the largest volunteer run system in the world, and its free! You can sit back and enjoy the sights of Uptown Dallas, or explore the many stops. Browse the shops, antique stores and take advantage of all the restaurants, from fine to casual dining. One of the most exciting attractions on the route is the Dallas Museum of Art, an impressive museum with a collection ranging from the Masters (including Monet, Renoir and van Gogh) to Modern to African, Asian and ancient Greek art. The museum also features an open-air sculpture garden. You can enjoy an entire day of art for only $10.

Other trolley stops are the Meyerson Symphony Center, designed by famed architect, I.M. Pei. Enjoy a free tour of the grand architecture, and the one of a kind 4,535-piece pipe organ, or get tickets for an evening of music featuring classical favorites, or modern entertainers such as Jewel, Clint Black or Johnny Mathis.  If an evening out appeals to you, get tickets to a production at the Dallas Theater Center.  The theater company performs a variety of contemporary plays and old favorites. If you’re in town over the holidays, don’t miss the production of A Christmas Carol, to make you feel like a kid again.

Where to stay

Dallas has a variety of hotels in every price range, but if you want to get a little taste of luxury, stay at Hotel ZaZa. This oasis in the middle of the city not only welcomes you, but you can even bring your pet. Hotel Zaza is renowned for its superior service, impeccable design and multitude of amenities, like the ZaSpa, fitness center and sensual Italian linens.

Because the main form of transportation in Dallas is the automobile, a rental car is a wise choice. It’s worth shopping around, but Hertz and Enterprise are two reliable options. Travel companies such as Expedia and Orbitz usually offer hotel deals with special car rental rates, so be sure to do some research.

What to do

If sporting events excite you, Dallas has a major league team for every season. Go to a Dallas Cowboys’ football game and see why they are “America’s Team”. And, of course, you’ll also get to cheer along with America’s favorite cheerleaders. Other hometown teams include:  the Texas Rangers baseball, Dallas Mavericks basketball, Dallas Stars hockey and FC Dallas soccer. It’s best to call ahead for tickets, because Texans love their sports.

Golf is another relaxing and favorite pastime and there are dozens of options for your personal taste and skill level. Bear Creek has two championship public courses that have been given accolades from Golf Digest, The Wall Street Journal and the Dallas Morning News for course quality, exceptional service and overall esthetics. Other public courses to check out are Cedar Crest, Keaton Park and Tenison Park.  Prices are determined by the course and time of year, but check out Dallas / Forth Worth Golf for prices and money saving coupons.

Before leaving the real Dallas, you may want to visit the TV version. The nighttime drama that made everyone wonder “Who shot J.R.?” was filmed on Southfork Ranch, a 340-acre ranch outside of the city. Today, Southfork is available for tours, parties and other events. On the tour you’ll see the infamous gun and other show memorabilia before jumping on the tram for the guided tour of the grounds, barns and rodeo area. Visitors can also walk through Ewing Mansion where each room is designed to represent a Dallas character.

Where to shop

Dallas is also famed for its spectacular shopping and as the birth place of department store, Nieman Marcus, made world famous for its opulent jewelry, haute couture and chocolate chip cookies. The flagship Neiman Marcus in Downtown Dallas has set the standard for fashion and elegance since its grand opening in 1907. The downtown store also features a fifth floor museum that tells the story of this ready-to-wear couture retail legend. 

The Dallas Galleria with over 200 stores, from Tiffany & Co. to Old Navy, is another great shopping haven, and well known for its celebrity watching. Janet Jackson, Kevin Costner and Tom Cruise have been spotted picking up a few trinkets. The Galleria is an excellent place for window shopping, grabbing lunch and ice skating. Yes, the Galleria has an indoor ice rink open all year long. You can take a leisurely glide across the ice for $10, or just watch the local talent.

Plan ahead for dialysis and no worries

Under most circumstances, visitor DaVita and non-DaVita patients are all welcome to dialyze at the seven DaVita centers in Dallas. It is recommended to let your social worker know about your plans to travel as he or she can provide information and assist in making dialysis arrangements for your trip. In-center hemodialysis patients should make arrangements at a Dallas dialysis center at least two weeks in advance of their visit. Planning ahead improves chances that there will be availability at the DaVita center that is most convenient for you. Also be sure to bring all relevant medical documents with you. Call 1-800-244-0680 and DaVita will help with your dialysis plans. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are advised to call a Dallas-based PD center ahead of time to guard against running out of supplies or to have a back up if your supplies are lost. 

The Lone Star State prides itself on its rustic past and modern present. Dallas is the perfect blend of sophistication and down-home charm with countless fun places to see. Visit the Dallas City Hall website and click on “Visitors” in the navigation bar for ideas on what to do that will make your holiday perfectly tailored to your interests. Enjoy your vacation, be safe and remember, “Live Large. Think Big.”

Get a list of Dallas centers on DialysisFinder.com »

This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a physician. Please check with a physician if you need a diagnosis and/or for treatments as well as information regarding your specific condition. If you are experiencing urgent medical conditions, call 9-1-1.