BIG TEXAS ENERGY: Inside Dallas’s Largest Hotel, Where Texas BBQ, Culinary Delights, Speakeasy and Rooftop Luxury Collide

Rooftop pool at Sheraton Dallas Hotel.

Hey there, fellow adventurers and staycation enthusiasts!

We couldn’t resist the opportunity to check out the largest Sheraton in the USA, nestled right in the heart of downtown Dallas. Curious about what makes this Texas titan such a beloved spot, we embarked on our journey to uncover its rich history and undeniable charm.

As you drive through downtown, the sheer size of the Sheraton is impossible to miss—it sprawls across multiple buildings and stands as a beacon of Texas hospitality. Conveniently located, the Sheraton Dallas Hotel puts you steps away from popular attractions like the American Airlines Center and Fair Park, along with an array of shops, restaurants, and vibrant bars. With pet-friendly rooms and suites, a stunning rooftop pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a lively sports bar, there’s no shortage of comfort and enjoyment here.

Dining options are plentiful and sure to impress. Enjoy a hearty Texas-sized buffet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Open Palette, catch the game at Draft Sports Bar & Lounge, unwind with cocktails at The Parlor—a hidden speakeasy gem—or grab a quick snack from the Open Mkt. For business travelers, the hotel features an expansive 227,841 square feet of event space, perfect for hosting elevated meetings, conferences, and more.

If you’re eager to explore the local scene, the Sheraton is your gateway to the buzz of Deep Ellum, the cultural richness of the Dallas Arts District, the charm of the Bishop Arts District, and the creativity of the Design District. Plus, with easy access to the freeway system, you’re just a hop away from discovering all that North Texas has to offer.

The accommodations here are designed with every traveler in mind, offering a variety of options for those seeking comfort, family time, or longer stays. Whether it’s business meetings, conventions, or special events, you’ll find the perfect space to suit your needs. We experienced the ultimate in luxury an exquisite corner suite, boasting Texas-sized comfort perfect for unforgettable getaways. Are you on the hunt for the ideal suite? Look no further than Sheraton’s collection of 22 lavish Presidential Suites, complemented by 260 additional stunning accommodations, totaling 1,841 elegantly designed rooms tailored for your utmost relaxation. Immerse yourself in the vibrant pulse of Dallas while enjoying a stay that seamlessly blends classic style with a warm, inviting ambiance. You can enhance your visit by accessing the exclusive Sheraton Club Lounge, an elegant and calming oasis ideal for networking with colleagues or creating lasting memories with friends.

Let’s talk about culinary delights! The hotel’s talented culinary team is nothing short of exceptional, crafting an array of sweets, pastries, and desserts from scratch, without taking a single shortcut. Each dish is thoughtfully created and curated in-house, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients shines through in every bite.

Texas BBQ you better buckle up butter cup! Get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure with Texas BBQ that will tantalize your taste buds! The passionate BBQ culinary team at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel takes traditional dishes and cranks up the flavor dial to 11, delivering an experience that’s nothing short of spectacular. Bold flavors and stunning presentations come together to create mouthwatering sensations that will keep you coming back for more!

At the heart of it all is their renowned on-site restaurant, Open Palette, where you can enjoy signature, slow-smoked Texas barbecue, both indoors and on the inviting outdoor patio. And that’s just the beginning!

Smoked Meats: Sink your teeth into succulent large briskets seasoned with a custom house-made rub, alongside an array of classic smoked meats like tender ribs, juicy pork, and zesty chicken.

House-Made Specialties: Treat yourself to their one-of-a-kind in-house sausage, delectable jalapeño cornbread, rich four-cheese mac and cheese, and vibrant seasonal salads tossed in homemade dressings—plus their unique slaws that add a perfect crunch!

Interactive & Group Experiences: Ignite your gatherings with signature group experiences designed for meetings and conventions. Enjoy mouthwatering BBQ paired with local brews, engage in brewery pop-ups, participate in hands-on BBQ spice rub workshops, or learn from grilling guru Chef Andrew Cardillo in exciting live culinary classes.

This is Texas BBQ like you’ve never experienced before—prepare for a flavor explosion that will leave you absolutely thrilled!

Adding to the experience, the Sheraton boasts a massive rooftop garden—yes, a rooftop garden! Spanning half a hotel floor, it’s an exclusive gem that enhances their fresh culinary program. The garden is a testament to their dedication to creating delicious, chef-driven meals from farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats.

So, if you find yourself in Dallas, make sure to visit the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. It’s more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience waiting to be explored!

They are a newly approved destination for Trey’s Chow Down Travel! Stay hungry, stay kind, love your neighbor, travel well, and always, and I mean always, eat something delicious.

 

Trey ( Chow Down ) Chapman

The State Fair of Texas: Whispering Old Mill Inn

Old wooden water wheel and restaurant sign.
Historic Flour Wheel

Howdy Y’all,

The Old Mill building at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, stands as a remarkable testament to history and creativity within the State Fair of Texas. If you listen it whispers timeless historic events. Built in 1936 for the Texas Centennial Exposition, it evokes the charm of an old-fashioned flour mill, offering a heartfelt contrast to the sleek modern architecture that surrounds it.

Over the decades, this iconic structure has been a beacon of industrial demonstration, food exhibits, and a beloved restaurant. Its rich history intertwines early Texas milling, the celebration of the state’s 1936 centennial, and nearly a century of food and entertainment at Fair Park.

Today, it is lovingly known as the Old Mill Inn, its legacy embodying much more than just a dining experience, thanks to the vision of Isaac Rousso of Rousso’s Family Concessions.

I’ve had the privilege of spending time with Isaac and interviewing him on multiple occasions. His passion for creative cuisine, joyous gatherings, and dedication to preserving the history of the State Fair of Texas is truly unforgettable.

Isaac Rousso, a Dallas-born entrepreneur, epitomizes the immigrant spirit, unyielding hard work, and entrepreneurial creativity that have shaped the State Fair of Texas. His parents’ arrival from Cuba in 1962 marked the beginning of a new chapter for their family. In 2005, Isaac embarked on his journey as a State Fair concessionaire, expanding on the family’s food legacy with Taste of Cuba, introducing fairgoers to delightful Cuban-inspired flavors and solidifying the Rousso family’s significance at Fair Park.

Texas Retro Stop with Neon Lights, Highway Bites, and Asphalt Echo Cabins – A MUST VISIT!

Vintage cafe and hotel signs against blue sky.
1930’s Lone Star Chicken INN

Nestled on the iconic Ranger Hill in, Ranger, Texas this gem is a must-visit! Picture a collection of charming retro cottages that line the highway, each oozing cozy vibes. But that’s just the beginning! Get ready to feast at the fabulous Gulf Burgers, complete with a vibrant bar, a sparkling pool, and inviting lounging areas. There are stages for live music, an RV park for adventure seekers, and even a horse hotel! And the views? Absolutely breathtaking—it’s like a million snapshots of Texas sprawled before you.

But the story of this captivating spot goes way back to the wild west days of the 1870s. Ranger has witnessed it all: the Great Depression, the escapades of outlaw cowboys, the oil boom, and even the infamous Bonnie and Clyde, who once made their mark by robbing the town armory and maing off with guns and ammo. The history here is nothing short of extraordinary!

Now, it’s a paradise where you can kick back, savor mouthwatering dishes, sip on cocktails, and enjoy live music under the stars. And don’t forget the pool that surrounds the bar area—perfect for a refreshing dip after a long day of fun!

Today, 2026 Gulf Burgers and Lone Ranger RV Park and Motor Lodge with pool and Million Dollar Views.

DFW Staycation Relaxation Station!

A woman standing in front of an outdoor pool.


Hobby Travel Fans

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Omni Lobby relaxation

Trey’s Chow Down Travel has discovered another DFW Staycation hotspot right in the middle of the DFW area. It has everything you need to enjoy and indulge in the perfect relaxation staycation and not have to travel far from home. It offers beautiful rooms and suites with a gorgeous lobby to enjoy some cocktails and socialize. The outdoor areas are something like you would find in Las Vegas from an incredible pool area with private cabanas to delicious chef driven eats all centered around Lake Carolyn and an unforgettable outdoor play area.

Welcome to Omni Las Colinas Hotel where they merge city energy with tranquility. The waterfront location overlooking Lake Carolyn invites guests to a peaceful oasis amid the bustling business district. Guest accommodations at the hotel in Irving, TX are bold and spacious–a place to relax and unwind after a day of play, leisure, or business. All the hotel rooms offer charming views of Lake Carolyn and Las Colinas. You can dine in one of three indoor or alfresco restaurants committed to the finest chef driven local fare. You can relax and enjoy a gondola ride along the Mandalay Canal. Take a swim or go stand-up paddle-boarding, then enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa located within our hotel in Las Colinas.

Ridiculously Delicious Texas Barbecue and Burgers!

A tray of food with meat, coleslaw and other foods.


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Dayne and Ashley Weaver

Howdy Texas BBQ Lovers!

When you talk about Texas BBQ and all it offers then you have to mention Dayne’s Craft BBQ. They’ve won so many awards and accolades that it’s impossible to list them all. I’ve been following them since they began and I’ve watched them as they’ve climb their way to the TOP of the Texas BBQ peak. The success they’ve enjoyed has come from blood, sweat, tears, hard work and dedication to their craft. All the smoked meats, pork, sausages, sides, sweets, and burgers are simply RIDICULOUSLY DELICIOUS. They’ve even prepared AND SMOKED WHOLE HOGS where ever bite was PORK-O-LICIOUS.

Let’s talk burgers! They won the Cowtown Burger Showdown in Fort Worth at RIVER RANCH two years in a row. Dayne’s OG SMASH BURGER has got a flavor profile so delicious that everyone wants it. It’s cheesy smash burger deliciousness that’s truly unforgettable. It’s become a TEXAS BURGER LEGEND running through Texas like a run away freight train.

Their story is great one: Dayne Weaver started his journey in Texas barbecue as a backyard smoker enthusiast. His father-in-law left a small kettle grill in his backyard in 2017, which he converted into a mini-smoker. He threw a brisket on and was immediately hooked. He began smoking meat every weekend; however, barbecuing is an expensive hobby. Dayne’s wife, Ashley, told him that if he was going to continue to cook regularly, he needed to find someone to buy it. That’s how “Dayne’s Underground Barbecue” was born.

Kennedy Manor Bed & Breakfast (A little Slice of Heaven)

A man in a hat and sunglasses standing outside of a house.


KENNEDY MANOR BED & BREAKFAST IN JEFFERSON, TX

Kennedy Manor, located in the heart of historic Jefferson, offers bed & breakfast accommodations with a gourmet breakfast. Sixguest rooms feature antique furnishings, private baths with showers and modern amenities, individual climate control, flat-screen TVs with satellite, and complimentary WiFi.

Follow Website here …..Kennedy Manor Bed & breakfast

In addition to the 6 guest rooms, Kennedy Manor offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the entire house. Guests can read a good book in the Library or spend time in the Music Parlor playing on the Grand Piano or spinning an old vinyl on the Victrola.

The large dining room can accommodate a full house of guests. Refreshments are available in 2 coffee bar areas in the home. The house has large hallways and spacious 13-foot ceilings, and a large wraparound porch. The backyard area features an enclosed sunporch, custom brick patio with seating and a fire pit, and a beautiful goldfishpond for your enjoyment.

Kennedy Manor Bed and Breakfast is truly a little slice of heaven. They are a TEN out of TEN for Trey’s Chow Down Travel and a must visit if you love Bed & Breakfast places.

Thanks So Much,

Trey

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