When I say that I’m from Dallas, Texas, I get one of two responses. Some begin to serenade me with the theme song from that ubiquitous 1970s TV show. Others produce a scowl on the face, implying pity and dismay. Then they proceed to tell me about “this one time they went to Dallas in July…” The stories almost always make me laugh, and I find myself defending my hometown, touting its hidden secrets and promising that “it’s not always that hot.”

Of all the places I’ve been, I admit that Dallas is among the most spread out and difficult to navigate. Visitors are often overwhelmed with the sprawl, and they simply don’t know where to start. My advice: get recommendations from the locals. No doubt, your travels will be richer and more rewarding, and you’ll certainly see a side of Big D that would have otherwise been missed.

Photo courtesy of Bishop Arts District, Dallas, Texas.

Dallas is known for its unfortunate connection to JFK, Southfork Ranch and unbearably hot summers, but the nooks and crannies that are often overlooked by visitors is what makes this place home to me. I’ve spent many of those hot summer nights eating fajitas and drinking frozen margaritas poolside at Joe T. Garcia’s in Fort Worth, a local tradition that makes you look forward to summer, even if means enduring 100 degree days. Ask anyone from the area, and they’ll tell you that this is the spot for Mexican food.

Knox-Henderson, an easily missed nook just off I-75, boasts some of the best bars, restaurants and shopping in Dallas. Café Madrid is one of my personal favorites and serves some of the best Spanish tapas and sangria in the city. (Try the red bell peppers stuffed with goat cheese. Sooooo good!)

As a traveler, I know how important it is to truly experience the culture of a destination, and that’s what Local Secrets, Big Finds is all about. Whether you’re traveling to New York City or Dallas, Texas, discovering those insider spots where the locals go will make you realize, more often than not, that you can’t judge a book by its infamous cover.