Dallas is an invigorating mix of a mostly young populace quick to embrace its passions, and a strong, traditional philanthropic base that fosters artistic visions. Today’s Dallas takes its cue from the statues of the nine larger-than-life mustangs that appear to be running through a stream of water in the nearby town of Las Colinas, one of the first planned communities in the nation. The dreams here are big and the action fast. Nowhere is this more evident than just minutes away in a downtown area, where gentrification has brought a new wave of urban nesters and arts and dining venues. Stetsons and longhorns may still be associated with these streets, but today the look is much more urban than cowboy. The downtown Arts District boasts a new Winspear Opera House and AT&T Performing Arts Center to complement the Meyerson Symphony Center. Young professionals also inhabit the developments, restaurants and clubs of a vibrant Uptown area. From there, the city sprawls out in all directions, offering culinary and cultural landscapes that are full of charming surprises. Shopping alternatives thrive, from Neiman Marcus to boutique hot spots in the West Village.