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Howdy from Dallas-Fort Worth!
Time for Traditions
Sweater weather has arrived, and we say “hurray”! As the weather cools down, the Dallas-Fort Worth area blossoms with festivals, fairs, and traditions close to the heart.One of our favorite annual company traditions is spending the afternoon at the State Fair of Texas (check us out with Big Tex!) From corny dogs and caramel apples to the Starlight Parade, we look forward to it every year. For some it brings back childhood memories and for others, it’s a new experience, but for all the State Fair of Texas symbolizes our home state, amazing weather, and a free pass to eat freaky fried food such as deep fried Fruit Loops.
With the holidays nearing, which traditions are you most looking forward to? Whatever they may be, we hope that you find peace, comfort and joy in your traditions with family and friends. In our latest newsletter we celebrate some of our favorite traditional (and not so traditional) holiday event ideas, the secrets of our transportation team, and much more!Cheers to a season of celebration!
The UV Team
Laurie Sprouse Receives the 2017 Jill McGregor Award
Kudos to our President, Laurie Sprouse, CITE, CMP, DMCP for being recognized recently at the DMC Network’s annual “Netty” awards gala. Laurie was presented with the Jill McGregor Spirit of Excellence Award for her devoted work as a mentor and trailblazer. The award’s namesake, Jill McGregor, was a dynamic and vivacious business woman and DMC founder. Jill was a role model and leader to her fellow DMC partners, as well as a one-of-a-kind ambassador for the DMC Network brand. The Jill McGregor Spirit of Excellence Award recognizes an individual who epitomizes Jill’s work ethic, upholds the core values of the DMC Network, and has made significant contributions to the organization over the past year.“Laurie is generous to share best practices and help her fellow DMC partners improve both professionally and personally,” said Cynthia Alford, Chairperson of the DMC Network, LLC. “In many ways, Laurie reminds me of Jill, especially when it comes to her leadership qualities, work ethic, and compassion for others. We believe she is very deserving of this honor, and we are grateful for her contributions.”
Laurie, a co-founder of Ultimate Ventures, has been an active member of the DMC Network for 15 years. Her ability to empower her employees, strive for the best, and show compassion and gratitude for everyone she knows makes her an amazing boss, employee, and above all, friend. We couldn’t be more proud of her! Way to go Laurie!
48-hours in Dallas-Fort Worth
The saying is true, everything is bigger in Texas and that includes Dallas-Fort Worth. It’s bursting at the seams with billions of dollars in new development on top of our rich Texas history. Our diverse destination offers a wide variety of first-class experiences. The central U.S. location makes it a stress-free 3.5-hour flight from almost anywhere in the country. Home to two major airports and over 2,200 flights a day, you’ll find plenty of options to fit your travel schedule.
Dallas is the top meeting & event destination in Texas thanks to its mild climate, gracious and hospitable people, easy accessibility, and cultural, recreational, and entertainment activities. In downtown Dallas, office buildings tower and shimmer in the Texas sun, while the whole city radiates bliss with beautiful residential areas, shopping districts, freshly revitalized arts districts, nightlife and inviting outdoor spaces. No matter where you wander, a “Texas cool” attitude prevails with a nod to our expansive western heritage.
Thirty miles west of Dallas, the atmosphere in Fort Worth is distinctly different. Fort Worth is home to a host of corporations and high-tech manufacturers similar to Dallas; however, things move at a more relaxed pace. Founded as an army outpost in 1849 to protect settlers from Indians, Fort Worth has become home to legendary figures, cattle barons, and rough and rugged cowboys. Its location on the Old Chisholm Trail helped establish Fort Worth as a trading and cattle center and earned it the nickname “Cowtown”.While it is impossible to explore everything that our destination has to offer in just 48 hours, we’ve highlighted a Taste of Dallas-Fort Worth that will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Friday
12pm: Southern Hospitality
Upon landing at either DFW International Airport or Dallas Love Field Airport you are greeted in baggage claim by Ultimate Ventures uniformed personnel and given a warm, friendly welcome. The greeter escorts you to your luxurious sedan for a private transfer to your hotel.
1pm: Tex Mex Delight
After you check into your room, head to the resort lobby for a private transfer to Fort Worth. Our first stop is lunch at Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, a Fort Worth staple since 1935. Here, sensational Mexican dishes are served on big family-style platters in an authentic Mexican atmosphere. Ask the hostess for a table poolside on the patio, a well-known hot spot in Cowtown. It might not be 5 o’clock in Texas, but it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, so be sure to grab one of their famed Frozen Margaritas with your lunch.
2:30pm: Cowboy Up
Next, explore the sights of the Stockyards Historic District, once the second largest livestock market in the U.S. and today, a major entertainment center. The historic Stockyards exemplifies the days of the Old West with lively western saloons, quaint shops and delicious restaurants. Stop by one of the shops to get outfitted like an authentic Western Cowboy. You’re going to want a fine pair of cowboy boots for later that evening so we suggest a stop at Fincher’s White Front Western Wear, M.L. Leddy’s, or Maverick Fine Western Wear. And, no trip to Fort Worth is complete without experiencing the world’s only twice daily cattle drive. At 4 PM, find a spot on the lawn in front of the Livestock Exchange Building and make sure you have your camera ready! There are many picture-perfect opportunities to be had in the Stockyards.
4:30pm: Lone Star Libations
Next up, it’s time to taste some of our best Texas Spirits. Head to Acre Distillery and Coffeehouse, located in the area that was once known as Fort Worth’s legendary Hell’s Half Acre. More than 100 years ago in the Wild West, you would find the area crawling with gamblers, outlaw gangs and thrill seekers. Acre Distillery pays tribute to the old days with a blend of Fort Worth history and a high-end ambiance. Named one of the Top 9 craft distillery tasting rooms in America by Vinepair.com, you’ll be pleased as punch for the tour and tasting. During the tour, sip on six of their finest distilled spirits at the Distiller’s Table and learn about the distillery process and history of the neighborhood. If you need a little something to perk you up, order up one of their delicious coffee drinks and enjoy it from one of the tables with a front row view of the distillery process.
7pm: Legendary Cuisine
It’s supper time and boy, are you in for a treat! Reata at Sundance Square offers a sophisticated twist on fine cowboy cooking. A blend of Southwestern, Creole, Southern, Mexican and traditional Cowtown flavors, restaurant goers delight at the taste of this legendary cuisine. The restaurant is situated downtown in the heart of Sundance Square, a 35-block development filled with boutiques, restaurants, night spots, and art galleries. The rooftop bar and patio offers one of the best views in town. It’s a must do. Check it out!
9pm: Honky-Tonk Fun
Your Fort Worth day ends back in the Stockyards at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk. It’s time to slip on those cowboy boots you purchased earlier and saddle up for a night of two-stepping and Texas fun. Grab a ticket in the VIP section of the arena for a front row seat to the 9:00 PM bull riding show. Experience the excitement as professional bull riders get their 8 seconds in on an 1,800 – 2,000-pound bull. Now that you’re inspired, head over to the mechanical bull and try it for yourself. Then, hit the dance floor with the locals. We’re real friendly down in Texas so even if you don’t know what you’re doing, we’ll show you!
Saturday
9am: The Star Shines Bright in Frisco
Day 2 starts in Frisco, a booming city just 30 minutes north of Downtown Dallas. No stop to Dallas-Fort Worth is complete without checking out The Dallas Cowboys’ brand new $1.5 Billion World Headquarters and State-of-the-Art Training facility located on the $6 Billion Mile. Experience the place where the Dallas Cowboys train and work 355 days of the year with a VIP Guided Tour of The Star in Frisco and the Ford Center at The Star. Highlights of the tour include: The Ford Center, a 12,000-seat indoor stadium and concert venue; the Cowboys’ War Room where the NFL draft is conducted each year; the Nike Star Walk, a highlight of the 10 most significant milestones; the Super Bowl Memorabilia and Station, a proud exhibition of Super Bowl Trophies, Rings, and Memorabilia; and the Grand Atrium, an eye-catching display of quotes and dancing LED sculpture.
10:30am: Brunch Like a Texan
Just up the road from The Star in Frisco and the $6 Billion Mile, is the $3.2 Billion Mile development, Legacy West Plano. You could spend hours working your way through this high-end shopping center chock-full of delectable restaurants, but for today you are stopping to enjoy an award-winning brunch at Taverna. Brunch in Dallas-Fort Worth is a treasured event on the weekends. Taverna offers a truly Italian experience in a warm and inviting neighborhood atmosphere. Enjoy some of their delicious food on the cozy patio and take in the sights and sounds of the ritzy North Dallas lifestyle. If you couldn’t tell already, ‘round here, it’s all about the patio!
12:30pm: Cultural Riches
After brunch, it’s time to head to downtown Dallas for an exceptional cultural experience. There are many exceptional museum options including: the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum on SMU’s campus; The Perot Museum of Nature and Science; and the Sixth Floor Museum chronicling the life of JFK. However, today you’re headed to the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, the largest arts district in the nation. Spend the afternoon taking in the stunning collection of more than 22,000 pieces of art spanning the third millennium BC to present day. You’ll find artists on display including O’Keeffe, Pollock, Rothko, Warhol, Renoir, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Monet and more. If there’s time, pop next door to the Nasher Sculpture Center where you will find one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary sculptures in the world.
7:30pm: Dinner with a view
Catch a ride across the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge to Trinity Groves, a 15-acre restaurant incubator and entertainment destination. With a variety of more than 11 unique restaurants from well-known chefs in Dallas to choose from, your hardest decision is selecting just one. Make sure you have your camera ready; the view of downtown is spectacular! Voted the ‘Best International Skyline’ in 2016 by USA Today readers, the Dallas skyline is a sight to behold, especially at night.
9:00pm: Nightcap in the Stars
After dinner, head to Wolfgang Puck’s award-winning restaurant, Five Sixty, for breathtaking views of the city. The restaurant is aptly named, because it’s 560 feet above the ground atop Reunion Tower. Watch in awe as the restaurant slowly revolves giving a complete 360-degree view of the city while you sip on a night cap. You’ll love your trip to “the ball” and experiencing this iconic building in the Dallas skyline.
Sunday
9am: Relax, Unwind & Reflect
It’s time to take a break to reflect on your Dallas-Fort Worth experience at a local spa or head off to one of the area’s shopping districts for some retail therapy and souvenir shopping.
12pm: Texas Send-off
Meet the Ultimate Ventures personnel in the hotel lobby to be escorted to your departure sedan to head to the airport. We sure hope you have enjoyed your 48-hour experience in Dallas-Fort Worth. Come back soon! We have plenty of more opportunities to delight and impress.
One thing you would never have guessed about Dallas:
Be sure to impress everyone back home with the fact that you sipped on a frozen margarita in its birthplace. That’s right, frozen margaritas were invented in Dallas in 1971!
Making Spirits Bright
It’s the MOST wonderful time of the year, especially when it comes to holiday events! It’s the perfect time to celebrate your team and show them how much you care.UV’s creative team of elves have been working overtime to bring you some favorite event themes for the upcoming season. Let’s take a look!
A Who-bilation for the Ages
Based on the Dr. Seuss classic, this Seussical creation centers around the mythical land of Whoville, at the base of Mount Crumpit. Take pictures with the Grinch and Santa, and then follow the whimsical peppermint signs towards Santaland to play Seussical games and craft holiday cards. If you’re looking for a fun, classic holiday event, this quirky, cartoon inspired experience is guaranteed to have everyone’s heart growing three sizes! (Hint: For catering, top it off with your very own “Roast Beast” Feast!)Night at the North Pole
Ever wondered what the North Pole looks like? Ever contemplated what elves do after a long day at work? Well, wonder no more and instead, be dazzled by this wonderful themed event. Take a walk down the snow lined streets and discover areas of fun, charity, and entertainment. Start with a stuffed bear building station and craft bears just like the elves do. Then, stroll through the Candy Cane Forest to donate the teddy bears to a local Children’s hospital. Dance the night away to rocking holiday favorites and then meander on over to the Elf’s Tavern, where Christmas is the LAST thing on their mind! Trust us; this event is sure to make your team as jolly and jubilant as Mr. Claus himself.Joy to the World
The holidays are the perfect time of the year to help others! A heart-warming idea, a community giveback can be added to any themed holiday event. One of our favorites is recreating Santa’s workshop and teaching your elves how to make hand-crafted floral holiday arrangements. When your creations are done, hand them off to Santa, and he delivers them to a local hospital or nursing home.Ready to book your holiday event? Call us today to get started!
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