In the state of Texas, only Houston is larger than Dallas. However, Dallas serves as the financial, commercial and industrial center of Texas. The Dallas-Ft. Worth Metropolitan Area, known as the Metroplex, goes by the nickname of 'Silicon Prairie', due to the number of high-technology firms located here. Dallas manufactures aerospace and electronic equipment, chemicals, leather goods, and transportation industry parts. Oil refineries are found here, along with meatpacking plants that service Texas' large cattle industry. Dallas has become the banking and insurance center for the entire southwest region of the nation. Two huge commercial airports serve the city: Dallas Love Field and the Dallas-Ft Worth International Airport, as well as several smaller ones, while Interstates 20, 30, 35 and 45 all pass through its borders.
Dallas lies in the beautiful Prairies and Lakes Region of Texas, featuring gentle hills and glistening lakes throughout. The Trinity River runs through the southern portion of downtown Dallas, and its many tributaries are the source of the region's various lakes. White Rock Lake lies within the city limits, and residents enjoy the 66-acre Dallas Arboretum and enchanting Botanical Gardens around the shoreline. Classified as having a humid, sub-tropical climate, Dallas also gets dry, hot winds from the North and the West in the summer. Winters are relatively milder than other regions in North Texas, and often are more like Indian Summers, though rare snowfalls or freezing rain do occur. Spring, though short-lived, brings Dallas alive with bursts of color from the native bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush and other brightly blooming wildflowers.
The people of Dallas, Texas are known for their Western charm as well as their unique cosmopolitan make-up. The enormous economic growth of the city within the past few decades has attracted residents from around the globe. The student population in Dallas speaks 58 different languages in their individual homes, as well as English when at school. Because of the enormously wealthy economy of the City, Dallas residents are said to dine out on an average, four times a week, and the city boasts four times the number of restaurants-per-person than glamorous New York City.
The competitive spirit of Dallas shows in the city's enthusiastic support of its many sports teams. Home to the NFL Dallas Cowboys, NBA Mavericks, and even a hockey team, the Dallas Stars, the city also owns the Arena Football League team, Dallas Desperados, and a soccer team, the Dallas Burn. Festivals and celebrations are a way of life here too. Dallas holds the reputation as being the finest convention center in the nation, and holding parties is not a hardship for this city. Host to the blockbuster Texas State Fair each year, as well as numerous Blues Festivals, Dallas is also the location of the USA Film Festival. Over forty films and TV shows have been shot in Dallas, including 'JFK,' 'Bonnie and Clyde' and of course the long-running drama show 'Dallas.'
Dallas, Texas has an innovative, entrepreneurial spirit and a solid and strong economic base; it is a proud city, with much to be proud about.
Beaumont, Texas has created a unique ambiance with its Lone Star roots and the cultural aspects of the Bayou. As the gateway to the treasures found in the Big Thicket Preserve, Beaumont balances the natural with its ever growing big city amenities.
