Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, which opened in 1974 about 16 miles northwest of downtown Dallas, can be a bit intimidating. It covers nearly 30 square miles and with seven runways, three control towers, 132 gates and four mile-long terminals was ranked sixth busiest airport in the world by the Airports Council International. Once within the airport, there is a tram that ferries passengers from terminal to terminal, and shuttle buses do the same. The airport terminals are semi-circle shaped and laid out on either side of the main road running north to south through the airport. Terminals are accessible only by tram, bus or other motorized vehicle.

Getting downtown — Depending on your destination, SuperShuttle (800-BLUE-VAN) offers rides from $15-$23. Many of the major hotels also have shuttles that make regular airport runs, and taxis are readily available at all airport terminals. Expect to pay about $35 from the airport to downtown. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (972-574-5878.) runs the 202 Express bus hourly between DFW and downtown for a cost of $2. The bus stops at terminals A and E (the airport tram is the best way to hop between terminals) and travels to the West Transfer Center in downtown Dallas.

Travelers with more than one bag should consider renting a car. All major car rental chains are located at the airport or nearby via shuttles. The drive downtown takes 20-30 minutes. To get around Dallas, it's best to not depend on public transportation.

Lake Ray Roberts State Park (800-792-1112, located an hour north of Dallas in rolling Texas ranch country, is one of Texas' newest state parks. The Isle DuBois Unit, which features equestrian campsites for those who ride in on horseback, opened on the south side of the lake in 1993. The Johnson Branch Unit, which features a forested mountain bike trail, opened on the north side in 1996. Activities at the park seem endless, from canoe rental to fishing and splashing in the lake. There are picnic areas and overnight campgrounds with water and electricity.

Granbury is a historic Victorian town situated on the banks of Lake Granbury in the lush Brazos River Valley. About 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth on Highway 377, Granbury is a favorite getaway for North Texans. Its historic town square features antique and gift shops, and excellent restaurants such as the Nutshell Eatery & Bakery (122 E. Pearl St.; 817-279-8989) and Pearl St. Pasta House (101 E. Pearl St.; 817-279-7719). The Granbury Opera House (817-573-9191), originally opened in 1886, is still putting this town on the map. Along with presenting Broadway shows, the opera stages lesser-known musicals that draws crowds from around the state.

You can't help but stop and smell the roses in Tyler, Texas. Located about 90 minutes east of Dallas, Tyler is home to acres and acres of roses. See more than 450 varieties of roses at the Tyler Rose Garden Center, and learn the history of the Texas rose industry at the Tyler Rose Museum (420 S. Rose Park Dr. and Highway 31; 903-531-1212 and 903-597-3130). The city hosts two big events each year: The Azalea Trail, an eight-mile route through gardens and historic homes, is open from late March through early April; and the Rose Festival takes place the third week of October.

Monday Trade Days (903-567-6556) began in Canton in the mid-1800s as an opportunity to trade horses. Today, the town's population swells from 3,000 to 200,000 Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of each month for one of the biggest flea markets in the state. You'll find everything from antiques to jewels to lop-eared bunnies. You won't go hungry. Walk-around fare ranges from chicken on a stick to fried green tomatoes. For sit-down dining in the marketplace area, try Miss Emily's Tea Room, Dickie's Grub and Bar-B-Q, Dodge City Restaurant or Summit Restaurant. Canton is located 70 miles east of Dallas on Texas 64.

The hottest shopping center in Dallas is the West Village (3699 McKinney Ave.). More than 40 high-end shops are located in the complex, which located along the McKinney Avenue Trolley Line about three miles north of downtown.

Chances are the West End Market Place (603 Munger Ave.; 214-748-4801) has the unusual gift you seek. You can find just about anything here, from Texas-shaped corn chips to Dallas Cowboy items to gourmet pet treats. This former cracker factory is located near Dealey Plaza in the West End Historic District, where late 1800s warehouses have been converted into restaurants, bars and shops. The MarketPlace contains more than 50 shops, as well as several eateries (including Planet Hollywood) and a multiplex. Outside you'll run into bands and cart vendors and statues of music legends.

The offerings at West Village, the hottest shopping center in Dallas, include Q Shirtmakers (3699 McKinney Ave.; 214-780-9888), where clients can choose from ready-made, quality shirts or break the bank and have a shirt made from scratch. The store also carries ties and other accessories.

The NorthPark Center (1030 NorthPark Center; 214-361-6345), six miles north of downtown along the Central Expressway (U.S. 75), was the first big mall in the city. It was built in 1965 and houses 160 specialty stores such as Burberry, Tiffany and Bally. Anchor stores are Nordstrom, Dillard's, Foleys and Neiman Marcus.

The first Neiman Marcus (1618 Main St.; 214-741-6911) still bustles in the heart of downtown. The store moved to its current location in 1914 after the original 1907 store on Elm and Murphy streets burned down. Some residents of Dallas wouldn't dream of setting foot in one of the company's mall stores — if it isn't downtown, it isn't Neiman's. Take time to eat in the Zodiac Room and maybe catch a fashion show. It's closed on Sundays.