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University Park is a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex region of Texas.

Understand

University Park, a predominantly residential community of 23,000 residents, is located approximately five miles north of downtown Dallas. The City is the home of Southern Methodist University and is also known for its attractive homes, beautiful parks, and numerous churches. The location of University Park in north-central Dallas provides easy access to a broad range of cultural, recreational, shopping, and business activities.

Get in

Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW IATA), and Love Field (DAL IATA) are the major airports in the area. There are also a host of other, smaller municipal airports including some that only allow helicopter access.

Once in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area, driving is the easiest as University Park offers little in the way public transit. Taxis are available as is limousine service but renting a car is likely preferable. As with any major metropolitan area, car rental agencies abound, particularly around airports.

Get around

Once in University Park, walking works well for short distances. Some bus service may be available from the local transit authority - DART.You can check the DART web site for more information, scheduling, and even a handy route planner application that will help you plot how to get where you'd like to go.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex doesn't have an extensive public transit system as yet. Public transit here is very young and hasn't had the decades of service that other similarly sized areas (e.g. Chigago, London, New York, etc.) to develop. The recent economic downturn has prompted DART to make announcements about reductions in service due to lost sales tax revenue, so be sure to check the current schedules before planning a trip.

Otherwise, it is probably advisable to rent a car. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex unlike many other locations, has not been limited by geographgy (e.g. Manhattan Island) so instead of building up, the sprawl has spread outward. If you are planning to travel beyond University Park, renting a car is likely the most convenient way to travel.

See

  • Meadows Museum. The Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University houses one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish art outside of Spain. With works dating from the 10th to the 21st century, the internationally renowned collection presents a broad spectrum of art covering a thousand years of Spanish heritage.

Do

  • Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Children ages infant to 8 are invited to Goar Park to participate in Easter egg hunt activities under the direction of the Park Department. Multi-colored plastic eggs stuffed with candy are placed throughout areas that are marked off for specific groups. Festivities include a "bounce house," face painting, music and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
  • June Fishing Derby. Presented for children ages 6 to 12, this event takes place at the pond in Caruth Park. Prior to the event the Park Department stocks the pond with fish. A hit with kids, parents and grandparents, "catch and release" procedures are followed. Children must bring their own bait and poles. Awards are presented for the biggest and smallest fish caught.
  • Fourth of July Parade. A decades-long tradition, the parade, which is sponsored by the Park Cities Rotary Club, winds through the streets of Highland Park and University Park. The parade begins on Euclid Avenue near Highland Park Town Hall at 9AM The parade travels up Preston Road and then heads east on University Boulevard to Goar Park, which is located just west of University Park City Hall. (Parade route map). The Park Cities Rotary Club is responsible for parade entries and vendor booth space at Goar Park

Buy

  • Snyder Plaza. The best known shopping center in University Park. It's full of small specialty boutiques and some fabulous restaurants. Definitely a place to go and poke around.
  • Rosedale Rare Books. A find for those who are looking for something besides the latest best selling paperback. If you're in the market for a first edition or some other oddity, this is your place.
  • The Nest. Fabulous one of a kind furniture pieces.

Eat

  • Kuby's Deli & Sausage House (in Snider Plaza). A must for anyone who likes German food. The Reuben and the Schnitzel are dishes to try.
  • Peggy Sue's BBQ (in Snider Plaza). A stable for BBQ lovers in the area. The brisket is usually the dish of choice here.
  • New York Subs (behind the 7-11, just off Hillcrest on Asbury). This is one of the best kept secrets in University Park, known and almost universally loved by locals. College students from Southern Methodist University can be seen mingling with men in business suits.

Drink

There's not much to drink here since most of the community surrounds the campus.

  • Barley House. If you get on the Dallas side of campus, within walking distance, you can reach this favorite local watering hole.

Sleep

Connect

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