Tui Cameron: Tui Cameron recently settled in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex after having lived in Italy, Belgium and the Pacific Northwest. She disagrees with the saying, "It's a small world." In her experience, it's actually a great big world with an endless array of places to explore. Having previously written for several European magazines, she looks forward to sharing her adventures in north Texas with you through her iStopOver Magazine articles. You may also follow her on Twitter @mentalmosaic, and at her blog, www.mentalmosaic.com.
Tips for Adventure Travel Down Under
With its exotic animals, dramatic landscapes and thick accents, a trip to Australia can make you feel as though you have stepped into an alternate universe. This is why, even if you travel extensively, a destination as unique as Australia comes with it’s own set of travel guidelines. Here are my top tips for living it up during an adventure trip down under.
Ocean Grove Beach in Victoria Australia
Enjoy the Sun
While a suntan makes a great souvenir, the Australian sun is especially strong. It...
February 21st, 2011 | adventure | Read More
Rev Up Your Romance at Hotel Palomar Dallas
February may be the shortest month of the year, but the Hotel Palomar Dallas is filling each day with romantic opportunities for its guests. This year, the elegant boutique hotel commemorates Cupid’s arrow by offering romantic hotel packages, special menu items, and even a chocolate-themed happy hour.
Hotel Palomar Dallas
According to Andrew Wright, general manager of Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Dallas. “Whether staying ‘in’ for dinner, movie and a glass of bubbly, or enjoying nearby shopping...
January 26th, 2011 | Dallas | Read More
Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein in Dallas
Mel Brooks has successfully given his movie, “Young Frankenstein,” new life as a musical, or as Dr. Frankenstein might have exclaimed, “It’s alive!”
The Monster (Preston Truman Boyd) and Dr. Frankenstein (Christopher Ryan)
I was not sure how well the 1974 comedy classic would translate to stage, but with Brooks at the helm (he wrote the book and the music) the story lives on, and he didn’t have to rob any graves to do so.
“The Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein” opened at...
January 5th, 2011 | Dallas | Read More
Eat Your Way Around the World with Chef Stephan Pyles
One of the great joys of travel comes from sampling local cuisine along the way. Travel books and websites can only take you so far, however; it’s always best to be guided on location by someone who knows the area.
Chef Stephan Pyles in Dallas, Texas
Wouldn’t it be fun to visit exotic locales with a professional chef along to guide you and your taste buds to the the best flavors the area has to offer? Now you can with renowned Chef Stephan Pyles.
Talk about fabulous, foodie fun!
Hailed...
December 29th, 2010 | Dallas | Read More
Grinch Musical Delights in Dallas
The Grinch may have stolen Christmas, but Stefan Karl steals the show with his rendition of the infamous green curmudgeon in How the Grinch Stole Christmas – The Musical. The show opened at the Winspear Opera House last night, with a limited run of 12 performances through this Sunday, December 12, 2010. It is well worth seeing.
In case you have forgotten the premise, the Grinch is a hairy outcast with a grudge against the townsfolk below his mountain lair. Despite claiming to be happy in his...
December 8th, 2010 | Dallas | Read More
Cirque Dreams Boosts Broadway at the Bass
Cube aerialists perform in Cirque Dreams Illumination
Cirque Dreams: Illumination takes vaudeville for a sophisticated spin, with top-notch gymnastics, aerial performances, juggling, balancing acts, and more contortionists than you could shake a Gumby at. Last night’s opening show at Bass Performance Hall (the first of 8 performances) was outstanding.
The show itself has no plot, but consists of a series of circus routines set on a stylized inner-city train platform. These segments are tied...
December 1st, 2010 | Dallas | Read More
Cirque Dreams: Illumination Coming to Fort Worth
If you are looking for something sophisticated and magical to enjoy this holiday season, consider Cirque Dreams: Illumination, an American theatrical group featuring more than two dozen talented circus performers from around the world.
This unique extravaganza is coming to Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, with 8 performances scheduled from November 30th through December 5th, 2010. The show is affordably priced for such a grand production, with tickets running from $22.00 – $49.50.
Cirque...
November 23rd, 2010 | Dallas | Read More
Review: Cirque de la Symphonie in Fort Worth
Normally, it’s rude to applaud while the orchestra is playing, but last night’s show at Bass Performance Hall was different; there was applause aplenty throughout the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra‘s performance, as well as ‘oohs,’ ‘aahs,’ and other utterances of surprise and delight from the audience. We just couldn’t help ourselves. The circus – or rather cirque – is in town.
Aloysia Gavre performing with Cirque de la Symphonie
Cirque de...
November 6th, 2010 | Dallas | Read More
Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science in Fort Worth
Forget all that Hollywood imagery of slaves toiling away in dire conditions to build the great pyramids of Egypt. According to Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science, a new exhibit at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, pyramid construction was a decent gig. Workers not only ate well, and slept in good housing, but also received medical care for their injuries.
Modern technology unravels the secrets of mummies in this display at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
How do...
October 28th, 2010 | Dallas | Read More
Top Tips for Your State Fair of Texas Trip
The State Fair of Texas has been around since 1886 and is still going strong. Each fall, Fair Park in Dallas hosts a tremendous variety of entertainment for the family, everything from livestock shows, carnival rides, demonstrations, specialty foods and much, much more. In fact, more people attend the State Fair of Texas than any other fair in the USA. Here are some tips for making the most of your visit to the State Fair of Texas.
Big Tex is a State Fair of Texas icon.
Admission Discounts ...
October 5th, 2010 | Dallas | Read More
Shrek: The Musical Now Playing in Fair Park
According to Shrek, “Fairytales really ought to be updated,” which is exactly what Shrek: the Musical does by taking the traditional fairy prince and princess formula for a creative spin. The result is true family entertainment, since instead of something glitzy for kids, but mind-numbingly cliche for adults, all ages can enjoy the story.
Shrek (Eric Petersen), Donkey (Alan Mingo, Jr.) and Princess Fiona (Haven Burton)
For those unfamiliar with the plot, Shrek is a swamp-dwelling ogre...
October 1st, 2010 | Dallas | Read More
Blue Man Group Launches Theatrical Tour in Dallas
Blue Man Group combines the energy of a rock concert with high tech visuals, expert musicianship and plenty of humor. The action focuses on a trio known collectively as the Blue Man character. The three main performers wear glistening blue face paint and loose-fitting black clothes. You really can’t tell one Blue Man from the other, nor should you bother. The show is more about their interaction together than their personalities as individuals. Much of the humor arises from moments when one...
September 17th, 2010 | Dallas | Read More
Choices in China: What’s Right for You?
Although China first opened its doors to tourists in 1974, I did not personally know many people who visited there until recently. In the last few years, more and more of my friends and relatives have been exploring China and coming back with rave reviews. In fact, I am reminded of visiting China every day now because I have a photo of my parents standing on the Great Wall of China on the door of my refrigerator. The big smiles on their faces keep urging me to take the plunge myself.
The Great Wall...
August 29th, 2010 | On The Road | Read More
John & Yoko’s New York
Although John Lennon and Yoko Ono met in London, their love truly blossomed in New York. Yoko, who already knew the city from her years studying art at Sarah Lawrence, delighted in taking John on long walks to explore hidden treasures in the city’s squares, side streets and parks. Of this, John has been quoted as saying, “You could say I fell in love with New York on a street corner.”
Strawberry Fields mosaic in Central Park, NYC
The couple lived in the Big Apple from 1971 until John’s...
August 16th, 2010 | Baby Boomers, New York | Read More
History Entertains at Old Red Museum in Dallas
Whether you are interested in politics, archeology, or those intriguing little details which made life so different in the past, the Old Red Museum in downtown Dallas is a fun place to explore. The museum chronicles regional history from ancient times right up to the present day, offering something for all age levels and attention spans. Visitors can learn about everything from the ancient mammoth to the notorious Bonnie and Clyde, through 41 touch screen monitors, 4 theaters and 5 separate display...
August 7th, 2010 | Dallas | Read More
Dallas Chocolate Conference Raises the Bar on Sweets
The goal of DallasChocolate.org is not only simple – it’s tasty. According to their website, created by chocophile, Sander Wolf, they are, “an educational organization with a mission to educate Dallas about chocolate one bar at a time.”
Trio of treats from Sublime Chocolate
To this end, DallasChocolate.org’s Chocolate Conference 2010 takes place Saturday, August 14, 2010 at the Addison Conference Center. The event is sponsored by the Adolphus Hotel, and offers a full...
August 6th, 2010 | Dallas | Read More
Dallas To Do List: Vintage Computers, Elvis and Yoga al Fresco
After a week of triple digit heat here in Dallas, you could probably use some laughs, some nostalgia, and a whole lot of air-conditioning. Read on to learn about Elvis Day, comedian Michael Ian Black, and other hot events taking place in cool spaces this weekend.
Sculpture at the Gaylord Texan Summerfest
Elvis Day Saturday, August 7th, 2010 is Elvis Day at the Grapevine Opry, 701 South Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051 (map). Acclaimed Elvis impersonator, Nathan King, performs a 2:00 p.m. matinee...
August 5th, 2010 | Dallas | Read More
Shop Hungry at the Dallas Farmers Market
Fresh produce at the Dallas Farmers Market.
The next time you need fresh produce, head to the Dallas Farmers Market. The market is open 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and in true Texan form, it is BIG. If locally-grown goods are what you seek, look for the yellow, “certified local” sign (see photo), which means that particular item was grown within a 150 mile radius of Dallas. Vendors supplement locally grown items with fresh out of state produce, as well.
Visiting the Dallas...
August 4th, 2010 | Dallas | Read More
Chic Dallas Hotel Pools Open to Public
The infinity pool at the W Hotel Victory in Dallas.
You don’t have to get a room to enjoy a swim in some of the most luxurious hotel pools Dallas has to offer. This summer, those who want a sophisticated alternative to public pools can enjoy a refreshing dip at the W Hotel Victory, the Hotel Fairmont, and The Joule.
The W Hotel Victory has an infinity edge pool on its 16th floor which provides stunning city views as you cool off. Visitors may relax in chaise lounges and sip cocktails from...
July 30th, 2010 | Dallas | Read More
Dallas To Do List – Sing Alongs, Fingerpainting and Blaxploitation
LakeSide Market's Summer Festival invites you to be an artist for the day.
With July, a.k.a. National Ice Cream Month, winding down, you have only a few days left to justify the hot fudge sundae you ate for dinner as your patriotic duty. Even so, there are plenty of fun things going on this weekend in the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex, everything from a Mamma Mia! sing-along to your chance to fingerpaint a brand new car
Mamma Mia! Sing Along! Did the upbeat musical Mamma Mia! make you...
July 29th, 2010 | Dallas | Read More


