The Dallas Museum of Art

The Dallas Museum of Art developed from a modest beginning in the Public Library. A dedicated group of citizens set about making the space an attractive, well-lit area. Once they had space they began procuring additional art to display. The first two works were My Gondolier’s Kitchen by Herbert Faulkner and September Moonrise by Childe Hassam. These led to other donations and acquisitions, and in 1903 The Dallas Art Association was formed. In 1909 the DAA donated their collection to the City of Dallas.

In 1984 the museum moved downtown and since has expanded and supplemented the original building as need and funds have allowed. Major donations have given them a fabulous decorative art’s collection. Today the museum has more than 23,000 pieces of art from ancient to modern.

We began our visit by having lunch at the Atrium Café. Even the Café is a work of art. The large windows are covered in colorful glass flowers. There is a headphone tour that you may request at the check-in desk.

We fell in love with this museum. We began in the American section and they have done a wonderful job of integrating the art and the decorative arts. I was absolutely floored to find a late 18th-century portrait that had a view of the town hall in my hometown, Middletown Ct. in the background. I have never seen a picture of the town hall from that period before and I am not quite sure if anyone knows that there is one. I was mesmerized by it.

Photography without flash is allowed in the museum so as you can imagine I had a ball. You need to look at your map of the museum because some of the Impressionist Art is a little hard to find. It is shown in room settings and you need to find the rooms. There is something extra special about seeing the art in the rooms as it would have been displayed.

The silver collection is excellent. The Gorham dressing table and stool are like nothing else you have ever seen. Created for the Paris exposition it is breathtaking and just the tip of the iceberg.

Expect to see artwork by John Singleton Copley, Frederick Church, John Singer Sargent, Georgia O'Keefe, Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, Piet Modrian, Henri Matisse, and much more.

For us, however, the standout was the Wendy and Emery Reeves Collection. Consisting of more than 1,400 pieces, it was donated to the Museum in 1984. The Museum opened a 16,500-floor wing to house the collection. It will knock your socks off. The rooms recreate the Villa of La Pausa where the Reeves entertained among others, Winston Churchill and Greta Garbo. This will help explain the small room of Churchill artworks and memorabilia. Add to this, works by Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, Sisley, and Monet among others and you will get a small idea of the magnificence that awaits you.

State parks near Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix proper has a desert climate and yet within just a short drive, you can find yourself in the mountains where you can swim in crystal clear waters, walk among tall green trees of the verdant forests or take advantage of any number of outdoor sports and activities. The desert has its own haunting beauty but in the heat of spring, summer, and fall, people in the city often prefer to escape to the cooler areas nearby. Many state parks of the Phoenix area offer activities for every member of the family.

The Phoenix metro area has many state parks and also some city parks that can provide a more rural atmosphere. Among the city parks are South and North Mountain Parks. If you are looking for state parks, here are a few you should consider visiting.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

If you want to try camping, this park which is located along the Verde River offers sites for those who want a site with amenities and also more rustic ones. The Verde River Greenway offers the opportunity to hike, bike and picnic. It is quite high in the mountains at 3,300 feet and spacious at 423 acres.

Located along the Verde River this State Park offers campsites both with and without electricity, picnic areas, hiking and biking trails and the Verde River Greenway Natural Area. There are 423 developed acres and the elevation of 3,300 feet makes it ideal for all outdoor endeavors.

No matter what your level of fitness, one of the 10 trails will be perfect for you. They vary greatly in distance and in difficulty. The Verde River Greenway has canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming. Many birds make their home in the area and you might see blue herons or black hawks, every season offers different choices.

Lost Dutchman State Park

One of the mysteries of the southwest is that of the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine. Generations of treasure hunters have flocked to the area looking for his lost gold. They miss the real treasure of the park, the desert landscape. Lost Dutchman State Park offers hiking trails, camping, picnic facilities and nature trails. In the summer temperatures can rise above 100 degrees. A visit in the winter will be more comfortable at 60 degrees.

The Superstition Mountains offer a change of altitude and provide a sense of mystery. Is there really a lost Dutchman's Mine, no one knows for sure but what we do know is that many people have died trying to find it. Don't become one of them, respect this area and always have a plan in case you get lost.

Plan to enjoy one or more of the five hiking trails that are available. They vary from less than a mile to over five miles. Always carry plenty of water especially in the summertime.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is an amazing place to visit. It is the oldest and largest of its kind in Arizona. It covers 323 acres and offers guest a chance to become familiar with the outstanding variety of the fauna of Arizona. They offer a variety of special programs and tours throughout the year.
Fort Verde State Historical Park

Some state parks are more about history than hiking and Fort Verde is one of them. Three historic buildings are located within the grounds and provide guests with a good idea of what life would have been like at a 19th-century fort during the Indian Wars.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Tonto Natural Bridge is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world. Nature created this over a period of thousands of years. It can be seen from the top or you can walk below it. This is a very difficult hike. Even though the trails are short their require strength and stamina. The facilities are limited to a gift shop, picnic tables and a portable restroom.

As you can see, the abundant state parks of the Phoenix metro area have a lot to offer. No matter what types of outdoor activities you enjoy, you will find it in one or more of these parks.