Jonathan Thompson

This city is big in a lot of ways, and the culinary scene is no different — the best restaurants in Dallas offer a range well beyond barbeque. Where to begin? The city’s bright young chefs make their mark throughout downtown with international flavors blended with Texan charm and a splash of good design. On the casual front, hip eaters in Deep Ellum and Lower Greenville munch at rustic day-to-night hangouts that serve some of the best brunches in Dallas, along with lethal cocktails. And certainly, the glamorous housewives — dressed to the nines with champagne in hand — lend undeniable status to chic restaurants uptown and in Turtle Creek, too. Whatever your cravings, it’s an exciting time to sample the city’s culinary delights. No, it’s not just brisket and tortillas here — there’s also plenty of room for menus that sparkle with caviar, schnitzel, baba ganoush, and handmade dumplings. Trust us: you’ll need to loosen that belt because you won’t be leaving anything on your plate. Who’s hungry? Here are the very best restaurants in Dallas to eat at right now. RECOMMENDED: the best bars in Dallas  

We're spoilt for choice when it comes to the best things to do in Dallas, also known as the Big D...with good reason. The ballooning metropolis is filled with an abundance of well, everything. When it comes to sports, tickets to a Dallas Cowboys game at the AT&T Stadium is a must, though the Dallas Mavs (basketball) and Dallas Stars (ice hockey) are too worthy of cheer over a cheesy Frito Pie. The arts scene isn't too shabby either. In fact, Dallas has an entire Arts District downtown, packed with fine art museums, performing arts venues and outdoor sculpture pieces. Arriving on an empty stomach? You've come to the right place. Dallas' restaurant scene encompasses everything from uptown glamor (think: afternoon teas, sexy rooftop bars and elevated Southern kitchens) to sauce-all-over-your-face barbecue and Tex-Mex. Disclaimer: the portions are always bigger than you think, so order accordingly. Whatever your tastes, there's really something for everyone. So roll on over to our feast of the best things to do in Dallas right now. RECOMMENDED: the best things to do with kids in Dallas

As the country’s fourth-largest city by population, Houston already has plenty of bodies to keep occupied. That’s especially good news for travelers rolling through town—when it comes to the best things to do in Houston, there’s something for everyone. Take their cultural access alone, with a mind-boggling collection of over 150 museums that range from NASA's Space Center Houston to a museum focused on the history of funerals (yes, you read that right) and massive art exhibitons. There are sprawling outdoor spaces for nature lovers to explore year-round (even in sticky summers) and a brimming restaurant scene that rivals (and some say, thrashes) Dallas and Austin (particularly when it comes to Asian cuisine and brunch). You could call it an embarrassment of riches if it weren’t so darn entertaining here. Whatever your reason for touching down at IAH, the best things to do in Houston will keep you busy—here’s everything to check off your bucket list.

For such a laid-back destination, the best things to do in San Diego might surprise you. As the country's eighth-largest city, San Diego isn't the sleepy beach town many once thought of as Los Angeles' laidback neighbor—while there's still plenty of surfers and Navy servicemembers to be seen here, the coastal city is an international mega-region stretching from Imperial Beach to Oceanside. Come here for the beaches, sure, but stay for the culture.  Whether it's Comic-Con that brings you to town, San Diego Beer Week, a triathalon or just a beach getaway, take time to enjoy some of San Diego's best attractions while you're here. And if you're toting along kids, you'll be happy to know that San Diego doubles as one of the country’s top family-friendly destinations, with no shortage of delicious, family-friendly restaurants, iconic amusement parks, cuddly pandas, and tons of parks and picnic spots, too. For the 21+ crowd, it’s also a craft brewery and nightlife mecca. While fish tacos may be the most sought-after dish in San Diego, it's the craft beer industry that has solidified the city's nickname as "The Capital of Craft" with its more than 150 craft breweries. Combining the two is highly recommended!  The best part? There's no bad time to visit America's Finest City thanks to its perfect year-round weather.  RECOMMENDED: the best restaurants in San Diego

Yes, they’re still putting a bird on it in Portland. PDX is keeping it weird, and the best things to do in Portland are quirky, cool and definitely unique. Twee boutiques and trend-setting food trucks are definitely at the top of the list (and if you’ve already taken home one of those iconic pink boxes from Voodoo Doughnuts, there’s a whole list of Portland donuts to try), but there’s so much more to see and do in the City of Roses. Portland has many lovely parks and gardens to explore, as well as trendy neighborhoods and districts like the Pearl district and North Mississippi Avenue. You’ll want to explore handmade goods from Portland’s makers at independent shops, bakeries and cafes, and of course sample the beers produced by some of the city’s many breweries. Do like the locals do and bike your way around Portland (and across the many iconic bridges across the Willamette—including the Burnside Bridge for a view of the iconic White Stag sign), then settle in for a meal at the best restaurants in Portland.

Despite its reputation for rainy days, Seattle is not a place to hole up indoors. There are so many things to do in Seattle that even locals have plenty of opportunities to discover something new. The culture capital of the Pacific Northwest — set on the Puget Sound with the stunning Mt. Rainier visible on clear days — is packed with everything from renowned museums and beautiful parks to buzzy neighborhoods and popular attractions. Seattle is also a jumping-off point for visiting Washington wineries or exploring the dramatic natural beauty of the region (or even traveling to Vancouver). A perfect day in Seattle must start with coffee, of course. It’s the land of Starbucks after all, but also a wealth of amazing smaller and independent coffee shops. After that, choose from typical spots like the Space Needle or Pioneer Square, then explore museums, gardens, markets and more. If you’re feeling adventurous, get on the water for a boat tour or some kayaking. You’ll definitely work up an appetite to dine at the best restaurants in Seattle. Whatever your pleasure, the list of things to do in Seattle has something for you.

What's the deal with Holly?  Tucked away in central east Austin, Holly sits in a perfect pocket between teeming East 7th Street to the north, residential Govalle to the east, and serene Lady Bird Lake to the south. To the west, the bright lights of downtown (particularly ‘Dirty Sixth’ and Rainey streets) are an easy walk or bike ride away, but those in the know don’t bother now – because Holly has some of the best nightlife in Austin. Most of Holly’s streets are wide, treelined and adorned with single-story wooden houses, but don’t let that fool you: this is the coolest spot in Austin right now, with young professionals, creatives and entrepreneurs flocking here to buy homes, as well as let their hair down on a nightly basis. There has been disquiet at the speed with which Holly has gone from being a part of town that many would avoid to Austin’s new hotspot. But if Holly is striding towards a more upscale future, it’s doing it in dirty jeans and battered cowboy boots. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world If you only do one thing... Photograph: Forrest Preece Stroll down to Lady Bird Lake on the Colorado River to soak up the sun and admire the view, while hordes of Austinites stream past you on bikes, skateboards and paddleboards. Soak up the sun The best spot for people-watching is the leafy Edward Rendon Sr. Park on the riverfront, where you’ll also find public BBQ grills for cooking out as well as basketball courts and an open-air swimming

Tots sabem que Orlando ofereix grans oportunitats quan es tracta de parcs temàtics i parcs d'atraccions, però les millors coses que fer a la ciutat inclouen molt més que passar l'estona amb Mickey i recórrer el cel a 150 quilòmetres per hora. La ciutat ofereix aventures increïbles a l'aire lliure per a esperits indòmits: vols lluitar contra un cocodril? Podràs, si és el que vol. I els millors xefs del món també passen per aquí, com el Iron Xef Masaharu Morimoto, que serveix un dels millors sushis dels Estats Units. La nostra llista de les millors coses que fer a Orlando inclou les millors botigues, parcs per fer pícnics i una vibrant escena cultural. I també hi ha moltes coses per fer amb els nens a Orlando... què més es pot demanar? Has fet alguna cosa en aquesta llista i t'ha encantat? Comparteix-ho amb l'etiqueta #TimeOutDoList i etiqueta @TimeOutEverywhere. També pots trobar més informació sobre com Time Out selecciona les millors coses per a fer a tot el món.  

Todos sabemos que Orlando ofrece grandes oportunidades cuando se trata de parques temáticos y parques de atracciones, pero las mejores cosas que hacer en Orlando incluyen mucho más que pasar el rato con Mickey y recorrer el cielo a 150 kilómetros por hora. La ciudad ofrece increíbles aventuras al aire libre para los espíritus indómitos: ¿quieres luchar contra un cocodrilo? Podrás, si es tu deseo. Y los mejores chefs del mundo también se están pasado por aquí, como el Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, que sirve uno de los mejores sushi de Estados Unidos (en Disney Springs, nada menos). Nuestra lista de las mejores cosas que hacer en Orlando incluye las mejores tiendas, parques para hacer picnics y una vibrante escena cultural. Y también hay muchas cosas que hacer con los niños en Orlando. En serio... ¿qué más se puede pedir? ¿Has hecho algo en esta lista y te ha encantado? Compártelo con el hashtag #TimeOutDoList y etiqueta @TimeOutEverywhere. También, descubre cómo selecciona Time Out las mejores cosas para hacer en todo el mundo.

The list of the best things to do in Detroit is exhaustive, in all the best ways. Not only does the Motor City ooze history (hello, Motown Record Corporation and Ford Motor Company), but artists, creatives, chefs and the like are busy opening some of the country’s best coffee shops, bars, restaurants and bohemian stores. Detroit is also home to fab art museums, trendy markets, some of the best pizza in America and heaps more cool stuff. Check out our list below of the 20 best things to do in Detroit and start planning your next trip to Michigan's largest city.  Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.

When it comes to the arts, Nashville isn’t all about the music. Housed in a magnificent Art Deco former post office, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts (919 Broadway, 615-244-3340) showcases everything from photography and sculpture to ancient art. An ambitious exhibitions schedule means new art flows through the museum every six to eight weeks, keeping the installations fresh. All this and not a single guitar or drum kit in sight. 

Started in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry is the world’s longest running radio show—credited with making country music famous and establishing Nashville as its home base. Head to the Grand Ole Opry House to catch a live recording of the famous show every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evening, with at least eight performers on each night’s bill. If you’re a particularly big fan, consider the new pre-show VIP Tour, which ends with you on stage as the big red curtain rises for the first performance. (The season at the Opry House runs February-October. The show moves to the Ryman Auditorium November-January). 

Situated in a gothic Victorian library on the University of Pennsylvania campus, the 2,000-square-foot Arthur Ross Gallery is free and open to the public. Named after the New York investor, philanthropist and Penn graduate who founded it in 1983, the gallery showcases works from Penn’s collection in addition to four major exhibitions each year. The thoughtfully curated shows embrace a variety of cultures and mediums—from photography to painting to sculpture.

Since brothers Eric and Ryan Berley bought 152-year-old Shane Confectionery in 2010, it’s become one of the sweetest stores in town. The siblings have restored the former Victorian candy emporium to its colorful glory, and use the floors above it to create classic treats like buttercreams in a two-ton 1920 machine. Our recommendations? Their honey lavender caramels. And their brandied cherries. Even their dark-chocolate dipped bacon, which shouldn’t work but does, so well. If you’re still craving more, the siblings also own Franklin Fountain, the retro ice cream parlor two doors down.

No, we’re not talking about the only girl James Bond ever loved—in Philadelphia, Vesper is a Prohibition-inspired joint known for great seafood, live music and strong cocktails. Accompany your shaken-not-stirred martini with oysters or the “colossal crab.” And for a 007-style escape, ask the bartender for the password (which changes daily) so you can access the restaurant’s secret speakeasy hidden behind a bookshelf.

The bars on Lower Broadway—aka Honky Tonk Highway—pump out live blues, soul, jazz, rock and country until the early hours every morning. Put on your dancing shoes, roll up your sleeves and join the loud, lively throng, bouncing from venue to venue. Do some route planning in advance by checking visitmusiccity.com, or simply start the traditional way—by squeezing into the infamous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and counting how many customers are already dancing on the bar.

One of the undisputed hotspots of increasingly hip East Nashville, Barista Parlor is situated in a converted auto-repair garage, with a mission statement to “seek the betterment of coffee for all mankind.” Boasting a selection of beans longer than the majority of wine lists, this open, industrial-style coffee shop is decorated with Edison lightbulbs and old motorcycles, with blue bandanas for napkins and a resident DJ. Expect locally sourced cafe-style food (the sausage in buttery biscuit is the stuff of local legend). Do not expect decaf.   

Before Nashville became Music City, it was known as “the Athens of the South:” a nickname thanks in part to the striking full-size replica of the Parthenon at its heart. Originally built for Tennessee's Centennial Exposition in 1897, the Parthenon was reconstructed permanently in 1931. Today, it’s home to the city’s art collection, but the undisputed star of the show remains the gilded 42 foot sculpture of Athena, which dominates the upper hall and remains the tallest indoor statue in the Western hemisphere.  

Music Row, a mile southwest of downtown, is the stuff of recording legend. The star at its heart is the Historic RCA Studio B, Nashville's oldest recording studio and home to hits like Roy Orbison's "Only the Lonely," Dolly Parton's "Jolene" and more than 250 Elvis Presley songs.

Before Nashville became Music City, it was known as "the Athens of the South:" a nickname thanks in part to the striking full-size replica of the Parthenon at its heart. Originally built for Tennessee's Centennial Exposition in 1897, the Parthenon was reconstructed permanently in 1931. Today, it's home to the city's art collection, but the undisputed star of the show remains the gilded 42-foot sculpture of Athena, which dominates the upper hall and remains the tallest indoor statue in the Western hemisphere.

If you fancy a cozy book-lined speakeasy with barmen in period costume who take their time with the ice cubes and ginger syrup, then The Patterson House  is the place for you. A wonderfully relaxed way to finish an evening, kick back here in mellow surrounds with a Reverse Tailspin ($14) or Jungle Bird ($13) as you reflect on another lively night in Music City.

Indulge in a Southern-style meal and enjoy live entertainment aboard one of the largest and most famous paddlewheel riverboats in the country, the General Jackson. The four hour cruise down Nashville’s Cumberland River on the 300 foot-long vessel includes a seated dinner, musical production and hotel pick up/drop off with Nashhville Sightseeing Tours. Be sure to snap some pictures: Nashville’s skyline from the river is Instagram gold.