Going to Dallas to cheer on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Final Four? Here's where to go and what to eat.
The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team heads to Dallas for a Friday matchup in the Final Four. This marks the women’s first appearance in a Final Four match since Hall of Fame coach C. Vivian Stringer led the team to its lone appearance in 1993.
The lady Hawkeyes play No. 1 seed South Carolina Friday night at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Traveling for the game? Here are some things to know to get ready.
More:How much are ticket prices, flights for Iowa's Final Four game in Dallas?
How to get to Dallas
Roundtrip plane tickets from Des Moines to Dallas start at $430 or from Cedar Rapids to Dallas are listed on Google flights starting at $225.
It’s about a 10 ½ hour drive, or 697 miles down I-35, from Iowa’s capital city.
More:Wanna get away? Megabus launches 33 routes from Des Moines to Omaha, Denver, Chicago and Indy
Family activities in Dallas
Old City Park
Discover the history of Dallas at Old City Park, which includes transformed and restored original buildings that create a representation of village life when Dallas was first founded. Look for a school, bank, doctor’s office, blacksmith store and farmstead.
Adventure Landing
Head to the family-friendly theme park, Adventure Landing, with its miniature golf, go-karts, laser tag, batting cages, bumper boats and arcade games for some fun for all ages.
Dallas World Aquarium
Start at the top of the rainforest exhibit at Dallas World Aquarium, where exotic birds and lounging sloths can be seen along with a wide array of animals.
Dallas Zoo
Check out the animals at the Dallas Zoo, a classic favorite among locals and visitors alike. The zoo features seven reticulated giraffes that visitors can feed, and an interactive aviary with two dozen species of birds.
More:9 things to do this weekend in Des Moines including 'The Lion King,' Iowa Cubs opener and more
Where to eat in Dallas
Off the Bone Barbeque
Head to this barbecue joint from pitmaster Dwight Harvey for pecan-smoked baby back ribs, smoked brisket, sausage, pulled pork and smoked chicken. Be sure to request sides such as Rose’s coleslaw, potato salad and baked beans.
Website: offthebonebarbeque.com
Instagram: offthebonebarbequedallas
Revolver Taco Lounge
When you’re in the mood for tacos in Dallas, Revolver is the place to go. Tacos start with corn tortillas made in house, then dressed with carnitas, carne asada, seared duck breast or birria de cabrito. Go all out and order the chef’s tasting menu to eat seven courses showcasing dishes from Michoacan, Mexico. The restaurant even has a Sunday brunch buffet.
Website: revolvertacolounge.com
Instagram: revolvertacolounge
AllGood Café
Consider this a spot to grab downhome comfort foods such as chicken fried steak smothered in gravy, a fried chicken sandwich and Frito pie while listening to live music. Get here between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for blue plate specials such as meatloaf, smothered pork chops or herb-roasted chicken.
Website: allgoodcafe.com
Instagram: allgood_cafe
Ellie’s Restaurant & Lounge
Find seasonal Napa-inspired cuisine at this restaurant inside the Hall Arts Hotel that features dishes such as herbed chickpea gnocchi, harissa grilled chicken and pan-roasted diver scallops. The restaurant takes its name from Ellie Hall, described as “an artist and mother who emanated elegance and warmth with a fondness for lively conversation and friendly informality."
Website: elliesdallas.com
Instagram: elliesdallas_
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What to do and where to go in Dallas for the Iowa Hawkeyes Final Four match
