Manchester is always on our list anytime we cross the pond! Alex is a Manchester United fan and cannot pass up the opportunity to visit Old Trafford. Our last trip included a stadium tour, but this time we were lucky enough to attend a match. We always have a great time in Manchester, so I wanted to share a full Manchester Travel Guide based on our favorite spots!

The Lowery Hotel: We stayed at the Lowery five years ago, but sadly they were booked this time around. Most Manchester United players and coaches who do not live in town stay the night there before a match. We loved the Lowery and were bummed that there were no rooms left for us. It is not in a highly walkable area, but there is a strip of restaurants/shops within walking distance and it is a short uber to the main downtown area. The rooms were well decorated, maintained, and most importantly clean!

Manchester Hilton Deansgate Hotel: We visited Cloud 23 during our previous visit, so when the Lowery Hotel was full the Manchester Hilton Deansgate immediately came to mind. The concierge was very helpful making sure everything was set prior to our stay and arranging transportation to the airport. Our room had plenty of space, a fantastic view, and the breakfast buffet offered a large variety. The hotel did seem to be suited more for business and the room we stayed in was not as clean as we would expect from Hilton.

Old Trafford Stadium Tour: We saw every aspect of the stadium including the locker room, tunnel, player’s seats, owner’s box, and press room. Go behind the scenes at Old Trafford and see the stadium through the eyes of Manchester United greats themselves. The tour was about 80 minutes long and very informative.

Manchester United Match: I didn’t know the slightest thing about soccer until I met Alex and would consider myself more of a casual supporter than a true fan. The experience of watching a Premier League match live was unbelievable and I would recommend it to anyone! It is easier to find tickets for certain matches online, but we had no issue finding tickets from a trusted website.

Cloud 23: During our first trip to Manchester, our Uber driver was kind enough to share his favorite spots, including a dining room on the 23rd floor of the Hilton Deansgate: hotel. We had some free time and stopped by for a cocktail then and this trip we stayed in the Hilton hotel to visit again. The atmosphere and view were incredible and we enjoyed the cheese plate with a selection of cheese, seasonal fruit chutney, grapes, and biscuits. They also serve an elaborate tea that looks perfect for a special occasion.

Dukes 92: We planned to walk back to our hotel from Old Trafford after the match and I stumbled on Dukes 92. I would recommend making a reservation in advance and if weather permits we enjoyed the patio. Dukes 92 patio is more casual than the dining room so check the dress code in advance. Everything we tried on the menu was delicious and the hamburger was a nice taste of home.

La Bandera: There are so many great Tapas places in Manchester, something I wish we had more of in Dallas. I had a hard time narrowing down which one we wanted to try but glad I picked La Bandera. We wanted to go somewhere within walking distance so we could see more of the city. Everything we ordered was delicious and do not skip on the churros! El Gato Negro was another tapas spot high on our list.

BrewDog: Alex found BrewDog on a work trip to Columbus and we later realized they are based in the UK. He couldn’t resist passing one on the street without stopping to enjoy a seasonal beer. The BrewDog in Manchester also offered a great variety of single local canned beer to go if that is your thing.

Below are a few photos from our recent trip to Manchester! xoxo

Continuing my hometown guide, I have listed my favorite coffee shops in Dallas for you! There are so many great places to grab a quick latte, spend the day working or catch up with an old friend. Be sure to read my Favorite Restaurants in Dallas, Favorite Places to Shop in Dallas and Favorite Hotels in Dallas to plan your next adventure! xoxo

Ascension Coffee – There are seven locations in Dallas, including their roastery. Ascension offers a larger food menu than most coffee shops and has a great happy hour including both coffee and wine. Their coffee is sourced from local farmers and brews using a variety of unique methods. Most of their locations are great for both working and meeting friends. 

Commissary – This is one of my favorite stops in Downtown Dallas (image featured above). Commissary has a large food menu offering breakfast and lunch options as well as a small market area to pick up things to go. This is more of a place to meet friends than it is a place to work. When you’re done with your coffee, be sure to grab a scoop of their gelato! 

Davis Street Espresso – Trendy Oak Cliff coffee shop with a great patio. They host a lot of local events and have a large selection of merchandise for sale. It is a great spot for meeting up with friends, especially if the weather is nice.

Fiction Coffee – The rotating mural on the wall of the entrance is a must-see. They have local artists create the most fun pieces! Fiction Coffee is a smaller space but has plenty of room to work. 

Foxtrot – The newest coffee shop/market/store in Dallas. Foxtrot has a great patio, plenty of space to work inside, a cute shop to buy gifts and gourmet foods, to-go and delivery menus, and a coffee bar. It is a full experience and should be on everyone’s list. 

Halcyon Coffee Bar – Large coffee shop on Greenville with plenty of soft seating and work spaces inside. There is also a large patio if the weather is nice. They offer happy hour every day from 4-8 including beer and wine as well as coffee. They also offer a small food menu. 

Houndstooth Coffee – They have three locations in Dallas and some in Austin as well. Houndstooth offers catering services if your office is near one of their locations, but each store has plenty of work space and small food menus. 

La La Land Kind Cafe – La La Land is another new spot in Dallas and offers so much more than just coffee! They mentor and employ disadvantaged foster youth who are aging out of the system. Their menu is 100% organic, the food menu is limited to toast and cookies but there are some unique coffee, tea, and matcha options. It is located just off Henderson and offers great spaces to work or meet friends. 

Magnolias Sous Le Pont – Hidden in the Harwood District, Magnolias Sous Le Pont has a spacious patio and plenty of room inside to work. The cold brew and matcha are our personal favorites.  

Mudsmith – Locations on lower Greenville and Oaklawn, offering a much larger food menu than most coffee shops. Mudsmith also has a large selection of pressed juice, beer, wine, and kombucha on tap! 

Overeasy – Inside the recently renovated Statler Hotel, Overeasy is part restaurant and part coffee bar. It is more of a place to meet friends than a space to work. The restaurant part offers a large and delicious food menu. The coffee bar is easily accessible through the lobby, but there will most likely be a wait for brunch in the dining room so plan ahead. 

Royal Blue Grocery – The Highland Park Village location has a cute patio and a loft with plenty of workspaces. The downtown location has a smaller workspace and is better for to-go orders. Royal Blue Grocery offers a small menu but has plenty of to-go goodies and a mini-market where you can buy some groceries, gourmet foods, and gifts. 

State Street Coffee – Located in uptown, the patio is very spacious and dog friendly. State Street uses unique brewing methods to create its craft drinks and offers a small menu of tacos and donuts. There is plenty of work space inside as well.

Images via Alex Phillips.

Need more Dallas recommendations? Check out my posts here:

Statler Hotel

Dallas Date Night Ideas

Favorite Hotels in Dallas

Favorite Places to Shop in Dallas

Favorite Restaurants in Dallas

Whether you are visiting or planning a staycation, there are so many unique, historical and high-end hotels in Dallas! I have listed my favorite hotels in Dallas to help you decide between all the great options. Be sure to read my Favorite Restaurants in Dallas and Favorite Places to Shop in Dallas to plan your stay! xoxo

The Adolphus – We stayed here after our wedding and loved everything about this hotel. The Adolphus originally opened in 1912 and has an incredible history, including a visit from Queen Elizabeth in 1991 (her portrait is in the lobby). The hotel has had many renovations over the years, which includes a recent remodel to the main entrance. The rooftop pool, spa, and the drawing-room (photo above) were my favorite parts of the hotel. Both City Hall Bistro and The French Room made my list of Favorite Restaurants in Dallas and are located in the Adolphus. The Adolphus is owned by Marriott if you would like to use Marriott Rewards.

The Statler – I must have a soft spot for historic hotels. The Statler opened in 1956 and played a large role in establishing downtown Dallas as a business hub. In 2015 the hotel reopened after renovations but never lost the 1956 charm (this Insta was from the opening). Every room in the hotel has a unique mid-century feel, including the rooftop pool with a great view of downtown.  Even if you do not stay at the hotel, be sure to stop in Overeasy for brunch, Fine China for dinner, or Bourbon & Banter for the speakeasy vibe. The Statler is owned by Hilton if you would like to use Hilton Honors.

The Joule – The building itself was built in the 1920s and is one of only two gothic high-rises in the Dallas skyline. Once through the Main Street gold doors, the hotel is much more modern. Art is a primary focus throughout the entire hotel and some rooms even have the perfect view of The Eyeball. The rooms, spa, and restaurants create the perfect experience. If you do not stay at The Joule, enjoy lunch at CBD Provisions, dinner at Americano, or the speakeasy vibe of Midnight Rambler.

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek – Originally built in the 1920s as a private residence, this hotel still carries a sense of exclusive elegance. The rooms, restaurant, spa, and pool are all well maintained but the decor does give the hotel an older feel. The restaurant at the Mansion also made my list of Favorite Restaurants in Dallas.

Hotel Crescent Court – Sophisticated and modern are the perfect words to describe the Crescent. Every detail is perfectly thought out from the amenities in the rooms to the spa and rooftop pool. The space is perfect for hosting an event or wedding. Fine dining and retail stores surround the hotel within walking distance.

W Dallas – Perfect location if you plan to attend a sporting event or concert at the American Airlines Center. The W is a classic high-end hotel with a central location in the Harwood District. The rooms, spa, bars, and rooftop pool are all elegantly modern. The Harwood District is full of restaurants a short Uber or walk away. The W is owned by Marriot if you would like to use Marriot Rewards.

Omni Dallas – The 23-story building is one of the newer light additions to the Dallas skyline. This hotel is great mainly for its location, kid-friendly atmosphere, and ability to accommodate larger groups. The rooms are updated, the rooftop pool is open year-round (heated) and the spa has the perfect view of downtown.

Image via Alex Phillips.

Need more Dallas recommendations? Check out my posts here:

Statler Hotel

Dallas Date Night Ideas

Favorite Coffee Shops in Dallas

Favorite Places to Shop in Dallas

Favorite Restaurants in Dallas

I get asked all the time about my favorite restaurants in Dallas, so I decided to list them all out in one post! Sorry for the long post, but there are just so many great restaurants in Dallas (and the list is constantly growing). I know I am missing some great places, so comment Dallas restaurants I might have missed! xoxo

Beverly’s – Great spot for brunch or date night. Their cold bar and pickled vegetables are my favorite appetizers and I highly recommend the spring pasta when in season. Parking is not easy, so plan to valet.

Bistro 31– This is a great spot for date night, or a happy hour if you go to the upstairs area. We loved the Salmon, Risotto (they change this seasonally), Tagliolini, Crab Cakes, Margarita, and Blueberry Moscow Mule (also seasonal). If the weather is nice, the patio is the perfect spot for people-watching.

City Hall Bistro– We went for a bunch and loved the Avocado Toast and Breakfast Sandwich. We are planning to go back and try the lunch or dinner menu as well. It is a smaller restaurant tucked away in the Adolphus hotel, but it is perfect for a group of 4-8 friends.

DL Mack’s – The best McCarthy salad! Honestly, everything we have tried on their menu is delicious including cocktails. Parking is not always easy and because the dining room is small I recommend having reservations.

Doc B’s– Great spot in uptown, surrounded by windows to watch the busy streets outside. We like the Grilled California Artichokes, Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad, and The Number Six Sandwich.

Dolce Riviera – We discovered this spot during Dallas Restaurant Week, which is a great way to try new places. We enjoyed the Melanzane Alla Parmigiana, Burrata Arrosto, Risotta Funghi, Asiago & Tartufo, Linguine Mare & Monti and Spaghetti Integrali Verdue. This is a great spot for date night or GNO, everything on the menu is amazing and they have a large wine selection. Ask to sit on the patio if the weather is nice.

Drake’s – This is a great spot to grab a drink with friends or all crowd in a circle booth and share pizza. I recommend reservations and if you are ever free on Sunday night they have live jazz music.

Hudson House– There are multiple locations in Dallas, but I prefer the Lovers Lane location. The decor gives off an east coast vibe and during the holidays they really deck the halls! All the seafood is fresh and delicious, some favorites are Oysters, the cheeseburger and Tuna Tower.

il Bracco – This is probably my favorite date spot in Dallas. It is hard to decide between the pasta dishes because they are all fantastic, but be sure to ask about the specials and do not turn down the scallops if they have them.

Javier’s – An upscale Tex Mex spot with a cigar lounge (there is no smoke in the dining section) that is perfect for a date or celebration. We like the Ceviche, Mole Poblano, Shrimp Brochette Cozumel and Carne Asada A La Tampiqueña. It is a Dallas classic!

Mi Cocina– There are multiple locations in Dallas, but my favorites are Highland Park Village and West Village. The Highland Park Village location has a neat little space upstairs perfect for happy hour. My favorite dishes are Mama’s Tacos, and Tortilla Soup and nothing beats their Mambo Taxis.

Mesero– The Prestonwood location has the best patio overlooking a golf course that makes you feel like you’re on vacation. I love the Shrimp Ceviche (which can be a full meal), Queso Mesero, Sopa de Fideo, Salmon a la Plancha (there is a lunch portion), and Cinco Leches Cake.

Montlake Cut – If il Bracco is my favorite date spot, then this is a very close second. The fresh fish rotates daily and is always paired perfectly with the accompanying sauce. If you order a side the shells and cheese are a must and the bartender knows how to make a great vodka martini.

Neighborhood Services– There are a few locations, but I prefer the Preston/Royal location. Everything on their menu is great, I love the Sea Scallops, Waldorf Now, and Crispy Asparagus. The Lovers Lane location is also great and they have a different menu.

Ocean Prime – Formal restaurant with a dress code and is a great spot for celebrations. I really like the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, White Truffle Caviar Deviled Eggs, Oysters on the Half Shell, Sea Scallops, and Baked Alaska for dessert.

Partanope – We love this downtown gem primarily for the delicious authentic Italian dishes. The prosciutto is made in house and sliced when ordered, so naturally I always order a dish that has prosciutto.

Pecan Lodge – Plan to get here early and wait in line (not worth waiting more than an hour). We went before opening on a Saturday, but a weekday would be much easier. All of the meat is delicious, but we really enjoyed the burnt ends and of course fried okra.

Rise – Who doesn’t love a souffle? Always start with the marshmallow soup and always end with the off menu reese’s souffle.

Saint Ann – Great spot in Hardwood (walking distance to American Airlines Center) with the cutest patio. We really like the Ceviche, Charcuterie Board, Pesto Flatbread, Seared Scallops, and Grilled Salmon.

Sixty Vines– We started going to the Plano location a few years ago, but since they have opened another location at the Crescent Court. If you are willing to drive up the toll road a bit, the Plano location is a lot less crowded and parking is not an issue. We love Brussels, Meatballs, Toasts, Rigatoni, and Fig & Prosciutto Pizza. They offer wine on tap and our favorite is the Matchbook Tempranillo.

The Mansion Restaurant – Tucked away inside the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, is this elegant dining room. Everything on the menu is delicious, but favorites are diver scallops, butternut squash agnolotti, and lemon oyster mushrooms.

The Zodiac Room– A Dallas classic on the sixth floor of the Neiman Marcus flagship downtown. Every meal starts with Popovers with strawberry butter and a small cup of Broth. I usually order the Avocado Toast, Shaved Salad, or Roasted Salmon. My grandmother always orders the Orange Soufflé and every meal should end with Neiman Marcus Cookies for dessert.

Toulouse – We usually go to the Knox location, but they recently opened one in Plano at Legacy West too. We like the Knox location because of the great patio right off Katy Trail. For brunch, we like the Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, any of their Salads, and the Belgian Waffle.

Up On Knox– Great spot for happy hour or dinner with friends. When the weather is nice, it opens up to a beautiful patio bringing even more natural light into the dining room. Favorites are Avocado Toast, Lobster Club Sandwich, Grilled Salmon Leeks, Grilled Artichokes, and Veal Piccata Marsala.

Image via Alex Phillips.

Need more Dallas recommendations? Check out my posts here:

Statler Hotel

Dallas Date Night Ideas

Favorite Coffee Shops in Dallas

Favorite Hotels in Dallas

Favorite Places to Shop in Dallas