Southfork Ranch

Like it or not, the TV show Dallas, which chronicled the life of the Ewing family, put Dallas on the international map. (Heck, the last time we went to Paris, someone asked if we knew Bobby Ewing. Seriously.) Whether or not you’ve ever seen an episode, Southfork Ranch has a history that is sure to interest even the most ambivalent fan. Spoiler alert: you’ll be shocked at how small Southfork is in real life; it felt much grander on TV. The ranch now has more than 63,000-square feet of event space and 10 ballrooms, making it an ideal locale for parties, corporate events, and weddings.

Guided tours are available seven days a week, taking you through the Ewing Mansion and a memorabilia exhibit called Dallas Legends, where you can gaze upon items such as Lucy’s wedding dress and the notorious gun used to shoot J.R. Guests can also peruse a pair of gift shops, order food at Miss Ellie’s Deli, and stroll through the ranch grounds after the tour. Be sure to find the Lincolns and Longhorns shop before you go, where Jock’s Lincoln Continental is housed.

If you’re not a Dallas fanatic, never fear. Southfork also offers western-themed chuck wagon dinners that start in the Legends exhibit and end at a dinner camp complete with an authentic chuck wagon and serenading cowboys.